Overview

Transition programs need to include preparing students for the challenges and demands of secondary school.

Kingswood High School recognises the special needs of students in Year 6 with regards to transition from primary to secondary school, and the concerns of their parents.  The school supports the active participation of both students and parents in their choice of school to ensure an effective, successful secondary placement.

Communication, cooperation and strong links between the schools, parents, teachers and students lessen apprehension and promote a smooth, progression from primary to secondary school.

Aims

At Kingswood High School we aim to make the transition from year 6 to year 7 as smooth as possible as beginning High school is an important step for our students.

Our goals are to:

• Allay student apprehension in starting a new school,
• To dispel myths about high school (head down toilet, getting lost),
• To familiarise students, staff and parents with the new environment, eg. building layout,
• To inform students, parents, staff about the differences between Primary and Secondary school,
• To develop relationships with students from primary school and secondary schools,
• To identify the support that is available to students and how they can access it,
• To outline expectations, duties, rights and responsibilities of students,
• To develop positive relationships and contacts with primary staff and parents.

Timeline / Length

•  Term 4 each year

Coordinators

• Liz O’Keefe
• Frances Cass

This group of students needs special attention. To this end there are a number of programs aimed specifically at making their transition easier.

• Local Primary schools are visited by Kingswood High school teachers explaining the programs and facilities offered at their respective schools. This teacher will be the year advisor to assist studnets to move through their high school years.
• A Parent Information Evening is held for parents of prospective years 6 and 7 in term 2. Representatives from each of the Administrative Teams and from the Curriculum Areas are available at this evening to answer questions about the School.  While the evening is aimed mainly at giving parents an introduction to the school's facilities and programs, prospective students are most welcome to accompany their parents.Parents of year 6 students are invited to participate in a guided tour of the school at the parent information night. 
• During Term 1 & 2, the Head Teacher Special Education is avaivlabe to meet with prospective year 7 stduents and their parents. Appointments are essential and can be made by contacting the school.
• Year 6 students are involved in 'Getting to Know School' tours led by Year 7 - 9 Support students.
• Year 7- 12 students talk with Year 6 students about their experiences in the Support Unit at Kingswood High.
• Head Teacher Special Education and a senior Support teacher will liaises with all schools from which our students come, getting to know them and their capabilities prior to the start of year 7.  The staff meet with prospective students and with current teachers to facilitate appropriate placement and appropriate programs/support for individual students.The advising teachers will then assist with student placement and will brief class teachers.
• In term 4 prospective year 7 students are invited to two Orientation Days at Kingswood High School.  One with their mainstream peers and one with the Support Unit. Orientation days for year 6 students provide students with opportunities to sample hands-on learning in high school while also allowing them to see around the school.