How does Elderslie High School support your child's transition from Primary to High School?
Elderslie High School is committed to ensuring a smooth and supportive transition for every student entering high school. The school offers a range of programs and initiatives to help students adjust to their new environment, including orientation days, taster days and dedicated transition staff.
These activities are designed to build confidence, foster friendships, and help students become familiar with the school’s routines and expectations. Elderslie High School also works closely with local primary schools to share important information and address individual needs, ensuring that each student feels welcome and supported from day one.
Supporting your child's transition
Starting high school is an exciting time for students, bringing important social, emotional, cultural, and educational changes. As your child moves from primary school to high school, they will experience a broader range of subjects and new teaching styles. We understand that a smooth transition is essential for your child’s ongoing wellbeing, confidence, and academic success.
At Elderslie High School, we believe that a strong, supportive, and well planned transition to high school is essential for setting students on a path to success. Our transition programs are comprehensive and inclusive, developed in collaboration with our partner primary schools to ensure that student academic, social, and wellbeing needs are thoughtfully addressed. We offer targeted support and tailored activities that help students build confidence, develop key skills, and connect with the Elderslie High School community. By fostering positive relationships and a welcoming environment from the very start, we aim to empower our students to thrive throughout their high school journey and beyond, in line with NSW Department of Education best practices for enhancing student transitions.
We focus on three key elements to ensure a positive transition: learning, wellbeing, and engagement.
Continuity of Learning
We work closely with our partner primary schools to create continuity in curriculum and teaching approaches. This collaboration includes sharing important student information and using detailed data to tailor learning experiences that meet each student’s needs. We also maintain open and effective communication with parents, carers, and school communities to support personalised learning adjustments.
Wellbeing and Engagement
Your child’s wellbeing and engagement are at the heart of our whole-school approach. We consider the physical, emotional, cultural, and social aspects of every student’s life to create a safe and welcoming school environment. Our staff participate in ongoing professional learning based on proven strategies to support student wellbeing and success.
To further support your child, we offer a range of targeted programs including the ‘Thrive’ program, wellbeing activities, cultural events, and year group-specific wellbeing initiatives. These programs are designed to help students feel valued, connected, and empowered as they begin their high school journey.
Find out more in the Getting ready for High School guide
Taster Days
Our strong partnerships with Cobbitty, Elderslie, Mawarra, and Spring Farm Public Schools has enabled us to deliver engaging and highly anticipated Taster Days. These special days immerse primary students in the high school experience through hands on taster lessons and essential organisational skills, including navigating the school campus and experiencing different learning spaces. This immersive approach helps build confidence and excitement, promoting a smooth and positive transition into high school life at Elderslie.
Stage 2 HPGE Program
Designed specifically for Stage 2 students, this engaging program fosters creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration through a variety of hands on activities and challenges tailored to talented young minds. Students explore advanced topics, across different key learning areas, engaging in stimulating discussions, and work on projects that ignite their passion for learning.
Creative and Performing Arts
Our CAPA (Creative and Performing Arts) faculty offers an exciting range of workshops throughout the year designed specifically for Year 6 into 7 students. These workshops provide a fantastic opportunity for students to explore and develop their skills in visual arts, drama, music, and dance, fostering creativity and confidence as they transition into high school. Highlights include the vibrant Dance Spectacular, where students showcase their talents in an energetic performance; the Dance Transition program, aimed at easing students into the dance curriculum with tailored sessions; and our eagerly anticipated Musical! The CAPA faculty is committed to nurturing artistic growth and creating memorable experiences that inspire lifelong appreciation of the arts.
Science Fair
The annual Science Fair provides an engaging platform where students from local schools can showcase their science and STEM projects. This exciting event not only celebrates student curiosity and inquiry but also fosters connections between primary and high school students and staff, easing the move from one stage of education to the next. With special guests from CSIRO and the local council, alongside captivating science exhibitions and demonstrations, the fair inspires continued interest in science and creates a supportive community network. By participating, students gain confidence, motivation, and a sense of belonging within the broader educational journey.
Extended Transition
For students identified by their primary school as needing extra help with the transition to high school, Elderslie High School provides a well regarded and effective extended transition program. This program aims to ease the move to high school and lower any anxiety by providing several visits to high school. It includes a session for parents, meet and greet, a school tour, wellbeing activities and taster lessons.
Support Unit Transition
For students in our Support Unit, we provide a tailored transition program in addition to the whole school orientation. These sessions are designed to reduce anxiety and ease the move to high school through: - Small group sessions focused on literacy, numeracy and life skills - Hands on activities in familiar spaces such as the Support classrooms and library - Structured social interactions with current Year 7 students - Teacher observations to help guide future planning and adjustments This program is facilitated by Support Unit teachers and School Learning Support Officers and is designed to build confidence and familiarity with the school environment.
Orientation Day
As part of the state-wide Orientation Day, all Year 6 students enrolled at Elderslie High School visit the school for a full day of activities. The day includes a parent information session, uniform sales, peer support, and further demonstration lessons across key learning areas.
First Week of Year 7
During the first week of Year 7, students will participate in targeted lessons designed to help them understand important school processes and develop strong organisational skills. They will also meet their teachers, who will each lead wellbeing lessons focused on building resilience, personal strengths, and overall wellbeing. These activities help students settle into high school and foster a positive and confident start to their learning journey. Importantly, wellbeing lessons, known as ‘Thrive’, continue beyond the first week, with regular sessions embedded into the weekly timetable to ensure ongoing support and development for all students.
Ready to enrol?
We’re excited to welcome your family to our school community! To begin your journey, simply complete our online application form.
Download our enrolment form
If you don’t want to enrol online, you can download and fill out the enrolment form. Then hand it in at our school's front office.