Starting Year 7 in 2027

Starting high school is an exciting milestone for students and families. Moving from Year 6 to Year 7 can feel like a big change. We help every child feel confident and supported during the transition to high school.

Find out more in the Getting ready for high school guide.

What to expect in high school

High school brings new experiences and routines, including:

• a larger school with more subjects, teachers and classrooms
• a timetable with different lessons each day
• moving between classrooms and carrying books and equipment
• more independence and responsibility for homework and study
• new friendships and opportunities to join activities and clubs.

Before your child starts Year 7

Enrolment interview

Before your child begins, families may be asked to meet with our principal. This is a time to share:

• medical conditions or allergies
• family circumstances that may affect your child’s start
• any learning or wellbeing needs.

We will also explain the supports our school provides, such as:

• support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through personalised learning pathways
• extra support for students learning English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D)
• support for students with disability or other learning needs through inclusive education programs.

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

Our transition program

We work closely with local primary schools to help students feel ready. Our transition to high school programs help Year 6 students get ready for Year 7.  Activities may include:

• orientation days and school tours
• parent information sessions and meet the teacher events
• subject tasters and classroom visits
• peer support activities with older students.

Students, parents and carers can join these sessions to learn about daily schedules, uniforms, lunches and communication. If you need an interpreter, let us know.

Inclusion and Support transition program

Students enrolling in Inclusion and Support Secondary Classes will attend mainstream Year 7 transition days later in the year. An additional program for these students will also occur weekly on Wednesdays, commencing on Wednesday 26 August, Week 6 of Term 3 and will continue until Week 9 of Term 4. Students will spend time in both the Gold and Silver Support Classes and will participate in Support Sport on Wednesday afternoons.

Student Requirements for Transition

Students are required to wear the uniform of their current school for the duration of the transition program. Enrolment packages and information regarding Merriwa Central School uniforms will be distributed at the Year 7 Transition Evening.

If your child requires medication to be administered during school hours, a parent or carer must attend the Secondary Campus front office before the transition program begins to complete the relevant medication administration paperwork. Medication must also be supplied to the school clearly labelled and in its original packaging or a Webster pack.

Contact us to learn more.

Getting ready at home

You can help your child prepare by:

• talking positively about starting high school
• buying uniforms, shoes, stationery and school supplies
• checking if a laptop or device is needed
• practising their travel route to school
• making sure they know your phone number and emergency contacts
• encouraging routines such as packing their school bag
• encouraging them to check their timetable and school bell times the night before day 1 of Term 1.

For more advice, see the Getting ready for high school guide.

Have a question for us?

Our friendly office team can help.

Contact us