Our formal transition programs occur for our students prior to beginning Prep, and for our Grades 5 and 6 students prior to beginning their secondary education. We believe transition is an ongoing process for all student s as they make their way through their Primary Education years, and this is always an important consideration. Our staff support students across all year levels to transition smoothly and successfully from year to year.
Before beginning Prep, students are encouraged to participate in a transition program (usually during early term 4) where they have the opportunity to meet with their new classmates and teachers. We offer whole group and small group sessions that are designed to not overwhelm students, and help them become comfortable and familiar with their new educational environment. During these sessions, parents are invited to congregate in our school hall for morning tea, to meet and chat with other prospective (and sometimes nervous) parents, and to also meet with parents of children currently attending Southmoor. This allows for any questions to be answered in an informal, relaxed setting. An Information Night is also held for prospective parents during the transition program at which an overview of the Prep year at Southmoor is presented and specific questions can be addressed by the current Prep staff. A second Information Night is held at the beginning of the Prep year at which a more detailed explanation of the coming year is provided.
The first day of the school year for our Prep students is a half-day session (usually held in the morning), with a relaxed feel focusing on meeting classmates and teachers, and familiarizing themselves with their classroom and the school grounds. During Term 1, Preps are gently eased into full-time attendance. Wednesdays are set aside as ‘rest and assessment’ days, and Preps do not attend. Instead, each student participates in a one-on-one entry assessment with their classroom teacher. This allows the teacher to gain valuable insights into where the student is academically, and they can get to know each other better through individual bonding.
During Grades 5 and 6, our students have the valuable opportunity to attend several transition sessions at nearby Cheltenham Secondary College. The students have a chance to meet staff, look around the school and participate in several activities just as if they were in their first year of Secondary School. It gives the students an insight into what to expect, and is an exciting and enriching experience.
During Term 4, our Grade 6s also participate in Orientation Sessions at their individually nominated Secondary Schools, supported by the liaising of our senior staff with the year 7 staff and coordinators.