Our fabulous group of 200 Year Sevens launched their High School journey with a three-day Transition Programme designed to build relationships and positively engage with learning. Making sure we spent time getting organised, find our way around the school and meeting our library and student services staff – set the tone for a great start to the school year.
At Thornlie Senior High School, we have developed a ‘Community Model’ which is tailored to suit the developmental needs of our new arrivals. Our four core subject areas- Maths and Science, English and HASS – are taught in a cross-curricular fashion to ease the transition into high school. Our students also benefit from having just two teachers from our Year Seven team, presenting their four core subjects. This has enabled our Year Sevens to develop a strong rapport with their main subject teachers, allowing us to closely monitor both their social and emotional development and academic progress.
Half way through Term One students take a break from their regular studies to participate in a Wellbeing Day that involves presentations from Class Act Theatre: Cyberbusters and Bullybusters. After each show, the classes meet with our Year 12 peer supporters to discuss how to build positive relationships and keep ourselves safe online.
Our year seven students enjoy a number of extra-curricular activities such as music, rugby, and STEM club, and are rewarded for Good Standing through our Student of the Month program, and our Year Seven Superstar awards. On top of that, we take part in an incursion from Water Corp, and SECUL’s ecosystem in our cross-curricular study.
Each year we are impressed with the enthusiasm and determination of our Year Sevens as they transition to the rhythms of high school in a mature fashion. As a staff we look forward to continuing our work in supporting students in their foundational year of high school!
Mr Jason Turner
