Transition to high school

A strong start to high school

Choosing a high school is one of the most important decisions families make. We understand how significant this step is, and we place exceptional focus on ensuring every student’s start to high school is confident, supported and successful.

From the very first day, every student is known, valued and cared for.

Dedicated Year 7 Support

Our Year 7 students are supported by a highly coordinated team who work together to ensure a smooth and positive transition to secondary school.

The Year 7 Support Team includes:

• Deputy Principal – Stage 4
• Deputy Principal Inclusion and Support
• Year 7 Advisor
• Homeroom Teachers
• Transition Officer
• Head Teacher Wellbeing
• Learning Support Coordinator
• Aboriginal Education Officer
• Student Support Officers
• School Counsellors

This team provides coordinated academic, wellbeing and pastoral care so that every student feels safe, supported and ready to learn.

Year 7 Homeroom Program

Our Year 7 Homeroom Program bridges the gap between primary and high school.

Students are placed in a Homeroom class with a dedicated teacher and classroom for up to three subjects. This structure allows teachers to build strong relationships, understand each student’s learning needs and provide consistent support.

The result? Students settle quickly, build confidence and feel a strong sense of belonging from the very beginning.

Year 7 Scholarships and Motivated Learners Class

Year 7 Scholarships

We offer Student Leadership and Academic Excellence Scholarships for incoming Year 7 students.

Recipients receive:

• School fees covered
• Book pack
• Uniform vouchers
• Excursions
• Scholarship Recognition Certificate
• Opportunities such as joining the SRC or placement in the Motivated Learners Class

Click here for more information about our Year 7 Scholarships

Applications open in Term 1. Click here to apply for a Year 7 Scholarship

Motivated Learners Class

For students who demonstrate a strong work ethic and commitment to achieving their best, we offer a Motivated Learners Class in Year 7. Students learn alongside like-minded peers in a focused and supportive environment that encourages collaboration, leadership and academic growth. Click here for more information about our Motivated Learners Class

Year 6 students may self-nominate in Term 1. Click here to apply for the Motivated Learners Class

Learning Support Class

We are committed to ensuring every learner thrives.

Our Learning Support Class offers smaller class sizes (typically 16–18 students), a skilled Homeroom teacher and additional support from Student Learning Support Officers. This allows for personalised learning, targeted skill development and increased confidence.

Strengthening Literacy and Numeracy

7Up! Literacy Program

All Year 7 students participate in 7Up! Literacy across four periods per fortnight. Lessons are structured, engaging and interactive, helping students read with understanding, write with purpose and communicate confidently across all subjects.

Strong literacy foundations are essential for success in the HSC and beyond.

Renaissance Reading

Year 7 students participate in daily reading through Renaissance Reading. This online platform tracks progress, builds comprehension and recommends books matched to each student’s level and interests. Achievement is recognised through class merits and rewards.

Small Group Tuition

Targeted small-group literacy and numeracy support is available alongside classroom teaching.

Literacy support includes MacqLit, an explicit reading intervention program. Numeracy support is delivered through the Level Up! program to strengthen foundational maths skills and confidence.

These short-term interventions help close skill gaps, build confidence and support academic growth.

Our Transition Program

At Oak Flats High School, we know that a confident start to high school sets the foundation for success. That’s why our transition journey begins early — in  Year 4  — and continues right through to the first day of Year 7.

We work closely with our local primary schools to ensure every student feels prepared, supported and ready to thrive.

Building Confidence Early

Our transition process includes:

• Curriculum-based programs for Years 4 and 5, delivered by our passionate teachers in specialist high school facilities, linking directly to student learning.
• Transition team visits to Year 6 students in early Term 1 to share information and answer questions about starting high school.
• Our annual  Oak Flats High School Expo  (mid-Term 1), featuring an information session with school leaders and support staff, a community BBQ and guided school tours.
• Year 7 Scholarship and Motivated Learners Class applications (Term 1, Weeks 6–9).
• Year 6 transition data sharing in early Term 3, where we collaborate closely with primary teachers to learn about and plan for each incoming student.
• Individual Year 6 student interviews in late Term 3, supporting personalised class placements and planning for a smooth transition.

Targeted Transition Support

Additional specialised programs run throughout Terms 3 and 4 to ensure every student feels known and supported:

• Non-feeder primary students participate in dedicated sessions to build friendships and familiarity with our school.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students engage in culturally responsive transition experiences that strengthen connection to culture, identity and belonging, in partnership with our Aboriginal Education Officer.
• Steps to Success Program (Term 4) supports students requiring additional assistance, including those experiencing anxiety or significant learning and wellbeing needs. Small-group support builds confidence in the lead-up to Orientation Day.

Contact us to learn more.

Year 7 Day One

On Year 7 Day One, we begin with a Welcome Breakfast for students and families —a relaxed and celebratory start to high school. Throughout the day, staff provide guided support to help students follow timetables, navigate the playground and confidently access transport home.

Before your child starts Year 7

Enrolment interview

Before your child begins, Year 6 Student Interviews are conducted at feeder Primary Schools. The Transition Team from Oak Flats High School interview all Year 6 students during Weeks 7 to 10 in Term 3. This is an opportunity to share:

• Medical conditions or allergies
• Family circumstances that may affect your child’s start
• Learning or wellbeing needs

We will also explain the supports available at our school, including:

• Personalised learning pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
• Support for students learning English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D)
• Inclusive education programs for students with disability or additional learning needs

Learn more about additional learning support and enrolment requirements at our school.

What to Expect in High School

High school brings exciting new experiences and opportunities, including:

• A larger school with more subjects and specialist teachers
• A timetable with different lessons each day
• Moving between classrooms
• Greater independence and responsibility for homework and study
• New friendships, activities and leadership opportunities

While high school is different from primary school, our structured support ensures students adjust confidently and successfully.

Getting Ready at Home

Families can help students prepare by:

• Talking positively about high school

• Buying uniforms, shoes, stationery and school supplies
• Checking our BYOD - bring your own device requirements
• Practising their travel route to school
• Making sure they know your phone number and emergency contacts
• Encouraging routines such as packing their school bag and charging laptops the night before
• Checking timetable and school bell times before their first day of school

For more advice, see the NSW Department of Education Getting ready for high school guide.

Have a question for us?

We welcome enquiries from prospective families at any time. Please contact the school office for more information or to arrange a visit.

Contact us