Years 7 and 8 involve adjusting to new class timetables, homework, tests, thinking about electives (for Years 9 and 10), and shifting relationships.
Year 7
Many schools begin a transition program during Semester 2 of Year 6. Make sure you attend any orientation or ‘meet the teacher' events offered by your school. It will make Year 7 easier if you know what to expect, how the school works and who to talk to about issues. Staying in touch with your child's progress is harder than primary school as they may have a different teacher for each subject. Getting to know the staff is important.
Some questions to ask at information sessions:
- Is there a parent or student portal with details of timetables, assessment tasks, excursions and so on? How do you access it?
- Who is the year adviser for Year 7 and how do you contact them?
- How do you contact individual teachers with any concerns?
Homework and study
In high school, students need to do both homework and study.
Does your child have a homework and study planner or diary? Are they using it? Check it weekly. If they aren't using it, find out why. Some will prefer scheduling homework and setting reminders on their iPad or phone, but you still need to check they are keeping up with their homework and study each week. Add all assessment task and exam dates to our term assessment planner (DOCX 53.57KB) – print a copy to keep it on the fridge as a reminder. A study timetable (DOCX 52.96KB) will help students plan some time each week to revise their work.
Wellbeing
Monitor your child's technology use. Are they on Facebook when trying to do their homework? Are they receiving or making texts or calls late at night? Sleep requirements start to change this year and sleep deprivation is a big problem for many students. Midnight texts from friends will only make this worse. Learn more about keeping your child safe online from the Office of the eSafety Commissioner – eSafety information.
If bullying becomes an issue, always contact the school.
The NSW anti-bullying website also provides resources and information for students, teachers, parents and carers.
Starting high school is a time of new experiences as your child adjusts to a new school, makes new friends and gets used to having different teachers and classrooms for each subject.
These resources can help with the transition to high school
- Starting high school and How to have a great year at high school View videos of Year 7 students introducing primary students to high school life, plus great tips on making friends and getting organised.
- Ready for high school checklist (PDF 1,047)
New experiences
New teachers, new subjects and new friends require a different approach for students.
Getting involved
There are great opportunities for students to participate in extra-curricular activities. These include competitions, exhibitions, sport, performances and special events. Student leadership programs provide many activities that broaden your child's experience at school.
National test
Your child will do NAPLAN this year, assessing their literacy and numeracy skills.
Year 7 students sit the National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) test in May. There are five tests covering numeracy, reading, writing, spelling, punctuation and grammar. Year 7 is the first time students use a calculator in one of the numeracy tests.
The results of the NAPLAN test can help teachers and parents meet the individual literacy and numeracy needs of students. You will receive a report of your child's achievement in the NAPLAN test.