Year 7 Transition Program
This new program addresses the "Transition and Student Success" recommendations by Dr Tracy Worthington (June 2018) that HGHS should "spend more time building a community of practice at the beginning of the year so that more students feel welcome and supported... help students feel recognised... minimise anxiety about high school." The program helps reduce the "culture shock" of the move to high school, nurturing self-esteem, social connectedness and academic self-concept from the very beginning of high school. The program will form an important part of our Positive Education program for Year 7.
Student connection and fun are privileged boosting students' "relational capacity".
21st Century skills of collaboration and critical and creative thinking are prioritised: "Critical and Creative Thinking are integral activities that require students to think broadly and deeply using skills, behaviours and dispositions such as reason, logic, resourcefulness, imagination and innovation" (The Australian Curriculum).
PBL as a G&T strategy: students engage in solving a real-world problem or answering a complex question. They demonstrate their knowledge and skills by developing a public product or presentation for a real audience... By presenting students with a mix of choice & responsibility, cognitive concepts & practical activities, within an environment of real-world authenticity, projects engage students in deep long-lasting learning (Buck Institute).
Year 7 Orientation
The Year 7 orientation program covers a number of activities to help Year 6 students make a smooth transition to High School. The Open Day and Year 6/7 Orientation Day provide girls and parents with an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the school and to meet their Peer Support Leaders. Tours of the school and small group activities are conducted in a friendly and warm environment.
On their first day of high school Year 7 students are again welcomed by their Peer Support leaders and parents are able to attend to any enrolment matters.
The SRC hosts a welcome BBQ for Year 7 students during the first weeks of school.
Peer Support Program
This program is held weekly over Term 1 to ensure that Year 7 feels a sense of connection and belonging to their new school. It is another opportunity for girls to develop friendships, not only within their own year group but also with their Year 10 Peer Support Leaders. For Year 10 students it provides a great opportunity for the development of effective leadership and communication skills.
Year 7 Camp
This Camp is held in the first few weeks of school to enable students to make friendships within their year. Many of our students are the only girls from their primary school and the camp, through its interactive group activities, ensures that girls mix and meet each other on a personal level. The camp enhances student self –esteem through its outdoor challenge program and through workshops that encourage girls to focus on their individual, personal strengths. The camp is really about having fun and trying something new!
Friendship and Tolerance
This workshop is held for Year 7 in Term 1 and provides an opportunity for the school to discuss the issues of bullying and safety, especially internet safety. The theatrical performance Verbal Combat by Brainstorm productions provides and engaging stimulus for discussion.