Transition to Year 7
Year 7 is a transitional stage in a student’s learning journey. Students move from the integrated approach of primary school to the more diverse subject-orientated approach of secondary school. To assist students in their adjustment to secondary school, Doncaster Secondary College has a well-developed Transition Program.
Click on the red drop-down headings to see how our College will engage with our newest students at each stage of their transition journey.
Primary School visitations
Our Junior School teachers and students regularly visit local primary schools to speak to prospective students about secondary school life. This is also an opportunity for primary school students to ask lots of questions about high school.
Regularly, our College will host classroom-based events and activities for our local Grade 5 and Grade 6 students so that they can become familiar with a high school environment.
Following confirmation of a student’s enrolment, our staff will meet with their primary school teacher to discuss a student’s academic and social development, and how we can best assist their transition to secondary school.
Exploration Afternoons
Our College hosts a series of Exploration Afternoons throughout terms 3 and 4 of the year prior to a student’s commencement. Students will be given an informal tour around our College and its facilities to help them get familiar with our spaces. Attendance is optional and students can visit as often as they need.
Year 7 Information Evening
Held in the College Performance Centre early in term 4, new families are invited to an evening presentation by our Junior School leaders. Important information such as booklists, Compass access, and student expectations will be discussed.
The Learning Partnership
The Junior School Positive Climate and Community Engagement Leaders will host an online webinar that introduces the Learning Partnership. Families will be shown different ways they can partner with the College to increase their connectedness to their child’s education.
Open Afternoon & Music Tryouts
An expo-style showcase with information booths and stalls for families to gather information, chat with teachers, ask questions of current students, and explore the Junior School building.
Our Instrumental Music department will be open. Students are invited to try all the music instruments on offer and to discuss music as an extra-curricular option.
Year 7 Orientation Day
All Grade 6 students who are enrolled in a government secondary school for Year 7 will attend a full day at their new school. This date is set by the Victorian Department of Education and it occurs in term 4.
At Doncaster Secondary College, the Year 7 Orientation Day will consist of fun activities designed to familiarize students with their new school and to meet their new classmates.
Year 7 Transition Program
For the first three days of Term 1 at Doncaster Secondary College, students will take part in the Year 7 Transition program. The program is purposefully designed to be fun and to build a student’s connectedness to the school. Our Year 9 Peer Leaders will introduce themselves and their explain role in helping our new students settle into high school. Students will also learn about College procedures and classroom expectations.
