Year 7 transition program

2008-2009 Transition Information Booklet

At Vermont the Year 7 Co-ordinators and teachers are committed to ensuring the transition from primary to secondary school is a positive experience for students and parents. Consequently we encourage parents to make contact with the school whenever perceived problems arise.

Given that many students are entering into a Year 7 group that has the same population size as their total primary schools, it can be a little daunting for some students in the initial stages. However, we are very conscious of this, and take a great deal of care with the placement of students. With the support of the Integrated Studies teachers and Year 7 teachers in general we aim to provide a transition program that ensures a happy and smooth movement into their secondary school education.

There are many components to the Vermont Secondary College program:

1. In early May the Year 7 Transition Team visit the major feeder primary schools to explain the school program and to deal with questions and concerns of prospective students.
2. Throughout the year the Grade 6 students are invited to visit the Secondary College. They receive a guided tour, may attend the College production, and participate in some classroom activities with VSC students.
3. In late May the prospective Parent Information Evening is held in conjunction with the Open Curriculum Evening
4. The Year 7 Co-ordinators or Student Welfare Coordinator visit primary schools in November and discuss student progress with Grade 6 teachers and Co-ordinators. Student placement is also discussed with the Grade 6 teachers. Visits by teachers in different curriculum areas, (Maths, LOTE etc) may also occur at this time.
5. A Parent Information Evening is held prior to the Orientation Day so that parents can be introduced to key personnel at VSC, find out about the curriculum and organisational structures of the school, and ask questions about School policies and procedures.
6. Students from 'non-feeder' schools are invited to attend VSC for a day prior to Orientation Day to familiarise themselves with the College and meet other students from smaller schools.
7. In early December Orientation Day is held. Students are placed in their forms and work with their Integrated Studies teachers. Voluntary levies are also collected on this day. Current Year 7 Form Captains and senior students selected from the Peer Leader and Student Support groups spend the day with the new students.
8. A Transition Education Package for all new enrolments is sent to all students through their primary schools in November each year. It contains:
   • A Year 7 Booklist and uniform details
   • A Year 7 Students & Parents Handbook
   • A Confidential Student Enrolment Form
   • Parent Information Evening details and other relevant literature
   • Orientation Day details
   • Year 7 Transition Camp details
9. Integrated Studies (English, History and Geography) is a major part of the Year 7 program. This enables students to identify with one teacher for a large part of the week; similar to their primary school experience.