Year 7 Transition

During Term 4, the orientation process begins. For some students, additional transition experiences are specifically planned. The Transition Team at Loreto College recognises that some students will benefit from attending Making Connections Day held during November each year. On this occasion, selected students, including those coming from rural or distant primary schools are given the opportunity to spend an introductory day meeting students coming from similar circumstances prior to the day when all new Year 7 students attend.

All enrolled students are invited to attend Orientation Day; a carefully planned and structured introduction to the secondary experience conducted in early December.

Loreto College values the involvement of families in the education of their students. As the transition experience is new to all, a Parent Information Night is held early in November. At this introductory session, parents are provided with a snapshot of the Loreto Year 7 education, including information about getting started at Loreto, the pastoral care system, the curriculum and the co-curricular program offered at the College.

Once the students have excitedly begun Year 7, further transition activities are planned during the first semester, these include the Year 7 Camp and a Year 7 Parent Picnic in the evening.

The staff at Loreto College recognise that transition to the next stage of education is a vitally important experience and they endeavour to make this time welcoming and informative for both students and their families.

To further cater for the diverse literacy and numeracy needs of students, support programs have been developed.

Anecdotal information about each student’s learning strengths and challenges is sought from both parents and primary schools during the year prior to enrolment (Grade 6). Where necessary, additional assessments will be conducted for selected students. Personal Learning Plans are written and implemented for students identified. Modifications and adjustments will be made to assist all students to access curriculum appropriate to their needs. A variety of additional support structures within classrooms are provided and some students are invited to join small group intensive instruction programs.

Teachers also develop extension activities for students and are supported by the Academic Extension Teacher in developing programs tailored to the needs of students in Year 7.