Starting Strong Together
The transition from primary school to secondary school is an exciting time for students and their families, filled with many new experiences. We are committed to making this process as smooth and welcoming as possible so that students feel safe, connected and confident as they begin their learning journey at Loreto College.
Loreto College Ballarat Year 7 Transition Program
The transition program for incoming Year 7 students begins in the year preceding their entry to Loreto College and extends well into their first year at the College. Our experienced, dedicated Year 7 Transition Team heads the transition process which is based on the principles of middle school best practice.
We value the involvement of parents and carers in the education of their child. Understanding that the transition experience is new to families too, a Parent Information Night is held early in November. At this introductory session, parents are provided with a snapshot of Year 7 at Loreto College, covering information about getting started along with our pastoral care, curriculum and co-curricular programs.
This is a structured introduction to the secondary school experience at Loreto College. All enrolled students are invited to attend this day in early December.
Recognising that the transition to secondary school is a critically important stage, further transition activities are planned after students have started Year 7 as we strive to make this time welcoming and informative for new students and their families. These include the annual Year 7 Camp and Year 7 Twilight Parent Picnic.
We offer a range of programs to support the diverse literacy and numeracy needs of our students.
Before the start of Year 7, we gather information about each student’s learning strengths and challenges from primary schools and parents. If needed, additional assessments are conducted to ensure we can offer tailored support to meet individual students’ needs. For students identified as having additional needs, a Personal Learning Plan is developed to ensure they can access the curriculum appropriate to their needs. A variety of additional extension activities and support structures within classrooms are also provided, and selected students are invited to join small group intensive instruction programs.
