Transition+and+Pathways+2009

=This page contains information gathered during 2009 by the previous Transition and Pathways Focus Group= What is transition – what does it mean to you? In education transition means a change from one type of learning to another It usually means a higher level of education and learning The Education Department can make these changes comfortable and smooth Maturation changes Supported and smooth movement through schooling years Understanding varying needs of different students and families Supporting students and allaying fears Supporting parents and ensuring their knowledge and understanding of steps involved Passing on of student achievement needs between staff and schools Building relationships between different settings; Kinder \ primary \ secondary \ tertiary. Building relationships through significant areas of each setting eg. Grades 2-3, 4-5/6. Develop shared vision between settings Movement \ journey Different physical environment \ pedagogy Moving from one stage of development or schooling to the next stage Transition implies “moving” with support of those around you Transition also implies co-ordination Sign of changes along a journey Movement between physical environments Movement between maturation milestones Adapting to a pedagogy as it changes Expectations- own and society Relationship building Opportunity to move through schooling being prepared for what is ahead Development of skills to enable success as moving through stages Teachers as well An opportunity for students to familiarise themselves with routines, expectations, to have a picture of the people who will be supporting them at school To facilitate a positive experience that will help alleviate anxieties and change for our students Involvement of stakeholders through the transition process Movement of children from one setting to another, sometimes very different Creating smooth, seamless movement Providing a supportive environment for optimal learning to occur

Things to support transition 2 main teachers with groups for lower secondary years Significant teacher Pastoral care teacher – same teacher for approx ½ of the week teaching a number of subjects May remain the same for year 8 Strong links with primary school Yr 7 staff sitting with yr 6 staff talking Morning tours when school is operational Open nights Breakfast at start of year – first day – for students and parents ( great success ) Activity days across the year Sharing of resources, primary students visit to use maths ICT etc. Student tours – back to primary Students returning on Yr 6 graduation night

Kinder to Prep

Transition events – excursions into the school, Teddy Bear’s picnic Meet the Principal- morning tea, tour, answer questions, look at school results Slide shows – Prep to Gr 6 journey for parents DVD’s – tour of school, day in the life of a prep student Meet the teacher prior to starting in Jan – Feb Provide information, show bag, take home pack Survey parents on the effectiveness of the process Curriculum information Kinder visits Leap Frog Program – future enrolments Understanding of teachers Kinder to Prep – more aligned, play based learning Buddy system, someone close to their age and another year level Kinder kids presented with a special T Shirt Week 10 term 4, whole school in new classroom June, Parent information evening Prep teachers to visit kinders Highlight the idea that parens and students need to feel relaxed and that school is a positive place to be Series of school visits so teachers already know to students, students meet their buddies, parents given information sessions for each of the curriculum areas run by co-ordinators Transitioning families into school prior year via assemblies, special events etc. Showbag for new preps – badge, coloured pencils, story book, counting chart, photo of class teacher Early BBQ family fun night early in the new year

Grade 2-3

Comprehension skills needs a focus CAR and STARS in year 2 Learning to read, reading to learn Grade swap day to visit new grade 2-3 activities mixed grades and rotational activities to see who mixed well Series of 6 week transition working with different teachers and students from the level they are moving to

Grade 4-5

Information meeting for parents Transition program Grade 4 -5 go to schools, look at facilities, science class

Grade 6 – 7

Statewide transition day Secondary teachers visiting primary schools to inform yr 6 students of their programs Survey yr 6 – ask them what they would like Survey yr 7 - what went well and what can change.