For many Year 6 students, the progress from Primary School to High School is a mix of excitement and apprehension. While many commercial programs exist to help students navigate this, St Augustine’s College is proud to offer a tailored, in-house, Year 6 High School Readiness Program that utilises our existing High School resources. Here’s how our program sets students up for a successful start to Year 7.
A Unique Program Tailored to St Augustine’s College
St Augustine’s College has created its own bespoke high school readiness program, which aims to help students build familiarity and confidence. We leverage our unique resources, facilities, and the expertise of our high school teachers to give Year 6 students a strong foundation before they step into Year 7.
There are also advantages and strengths our boys have already gained at Primary School, in preparation for starting High School:
- Understanding of SEQTA: Our students already have a solid understanding of SEQTA, the College’s Learning Management System. This gives them a head start with organising assignments, accessing resources, and managing their new schedules.
- Campus Familiarity: Students are well acquainted with the classrooms, high school buildings and key spaces, which should help them feel more comfortable in their new environment.
- A Network of Support: Year 6 students are already acquainted with 112 other students, along with the specialist High School teachers who have been teaching them over the previous two years.
- Core Values: Our Year 6 boys are familiar with the College’s core values and pastoral care system, which will serve them well throughout their High School journey. They are also adept at following timetables and routines.
Developing Independence Through Routines and Expectations
One of the key objectives of our program is to help students on their path to becoming more independent and responsible. Over their last term of Primary School, the boys will be guided through the daily routines and expectations of Year 7:
- Meetings with Key High School Figures: Students meet with their Year 7 Head of Year, Head of Wellbeing and college counsellor, and college psychologist. This allows them to learn more about the routines and expectations of High School, with Q&A sessions where students can voice any questions or concerns.
- Insights from Student Leaders: The Year 6 boys meet with the Year 7 SRC members, who will share experiences of their own start in high school including their stories of successes and challenges. A lot of the Year 7 students will be familiar to them, having shared our Primary School spaces together the year prior and through our Year 5/6 Buddy Program.
- Advice from Senior Students: During Thursday Tutor times, senior students join Year 6 classes to offer tips on study habits, stress management, and effective homework strategies. These mentoring sessions help prepare the Year 6 boys to tackle high school challenges with resilience and self-confidence, and foster mateship across year levels.
Practical Skills for the High School Environment
Moving from one classroom to another and carrying materials between classes requires a new level of organisation. Teachers have introduced activities to help students:
- Navigate Class Changes and Carry Supplies: Unlike in Primary School, where materials are often stored under desks or in the classroom, students will be responsible for carrying their books and supplies between classes.
- Experience High School Lessons Firsthand: To foster a sense of familiarity, Year 6 students attend sessions in high school classrooms.
Handy Tips for Parents
From organising materials to developing effective study habits, there are many ways parents can help ease the change for their son. Here are some tried and true strategies:
- Organisational Tools: Try colour-coded folders for different subjects and consider a laptop bag that can also store books and stationery for organisation and easy transport.
- Holiday Reading: If possible, read the upcoming class novel with your son over the summer break. This early exposure will boost their reading comprehension and provide a head start on class discussions.
- Regular Times Table Practice: Knowing the times tables by heart can boost confidence in maths, laying the foundations for more complex concepts. It can help to practise multiplication, division, fractions, decimals and integers…. just as a start!
- Share Positive Experiences: Talking about your own positive high school experiences can have a significant impact on the way your son approaches the years ahead.
Encouragement for the Term Ahead
In the words of Saint Augustine, "Teach that students may become their own teacher. Let us feed our pupils with the right food so that time will come when they will be able to provide their own food." (Serm.155,3,3)
By fostering independence and confidence through our bespoke Year 6 program, we aim to ensure that each student feels ready to thrive in high school.
Final Thoughts
Progressing to high school is a pivotal time in a student’s life. St Augustine’s College Year 6 High School Readiness Program provides a supportive and gradual introduction to high school life, helping students move forward with confidence, friendships, and the skills needed for a positive start.
