Bundoora Secondary College - Junior Transition Program

Junior Transition Program

Transition from Primary to Secondary School

The Bundoora Secondary College Transition Program emphasizes the need for Year 7 students to feel comfortable and supported through this challenging time. Transition to secondary school is a rite of passage in every child’s life journey. We adopt a whole school approach to transition and we work to provide a strong sense of belonging and to make each student feel welcomed into this new and vibrant community as soon as they enter the College. The process begins at the start of Year 6 when the Transition Leader or Junior School Team Leaders visit the primary schools in our area. This is an important step in the transition process and gives students the opportunity to talk informally with College staff to ask questions, to articulate any concerns and to look at photographs of school activities and watch a short program produced by current students. It also provides contact between the College and the Primary school staff. This allows students’ strengths to be identified, special needs to be outlined and Year 7 class placement to be considered. An open night is held in March where families are welcomed into the College. This is an opportunity for students and their parents to get a feel for the College expectations and the programs on offer. These include a range of subjects and links for senior students with RMIT, LaTrobe and Australian Catholic Universities. Smaller college tours are also available via appointment. After families have chosen to send their child to Bundoora Secondary College a Parent Information Evening is held. Parents and students are provided with the opportunity to meet key staff at the College and are provided with information to ensure a successful transition. The Year 7 Orientation Day is held state wide in December and allows students to meet their Team Leaders, classmates and their teachers. On Orientation Day the students bring a completed passport, outlining information about themselves. Assisting the transition program is the Year 10 Peer Support Program. Year 10 leaders provide a vital and regular link with Year 7s throughout first semester and beyond. The Year 7 transition camp is another highlight for many of the students. This provides the students with further opportunities to get to know their peers, the staff and vice-versa. Bundoora Secondary College is committed to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable transition into life at secondary school for every individual.