Starting Year 7 at WWHS

Confident. Connected. Ready.

Starting high school is an exciting milestone for students and their families. It can also bring questions about new routines, friendships, teachers, subjects and finding the way around a larger school.

At Wagga Wagga High School, transition is not limited to a single orientation day. We begin building familiarity and connection early, helping students feel confident, supported and ready to begin their journey at the High School on the Hill.

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A journey that begins before Year 7

For many students, the journey to Wagga Wagga High School begins through our connected Community of Schools.

Students from our Partner Primary Schools visit our campus throughout their primary years for shared learning experiences, performances, sporting activities, enrichment programs and community events. These experiences allow students to become familiar with our school grounds, facilities, staff and students well before they begin Year 7.

As students move through Year 6, transition activities become more focused. We work closely with Partner Primary School teachers and families to understand each student’s strengths, interests, friendships, learning needs and wellbeing.

This helps us prepare to welcome each child as an individual.

Discover our Community of Schools

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Our Year 6 to Year 7 transition program

Throughout Year 6, students are given opportunities to experience life at Wagga Wagga High School and to prepare for the changes that come with secondary school.

Transition activities may include:

visits and guided tours of the school
opportunities to explore specialist classrooms and facilities
high school subject experiences
shared learning and enrichment activities
sporting, creative and performing arts experiences
opportunities to meet teachers, student leaders and future classmates
parent and carer information sessions
Year 7 Orientation Day
information about routines, expectations, transport, uniform and technology.

These experiences help students understand what to expect, ask questions and begin forming positive connections before their first day.

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Additional transition support

We recognise that some students benefit from extra time and support when preparing for high school.

In consultation with families and primary school staff, additional transition opportunities can be provided for students who may feel anxious, require adjustments or benefit from becoming more familiar with particular people, places and routines.

This may include:

smaller-group visits
additional tours of the school
meeting key staff before commencing
practising important routines
identifying safe and supportive spaces
becoming familiar with daily movement around the campus
transition planning for students with disability or additional learning needs
sharing information through personalised learning and support processes.

Our goal is to reduce uncertainty and ensure that appropriate support is in place from the beginning.

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What students can expect in Year 7

Year 7 introduces students to new subjects, teachers, friendships and opportunities.

Students will experience:

learning with specialist subject teachers
practical lessons in purpose-built learning spaces
new creative, technological and sporting experiences
opportunities to join clubs, teams, ensembles and leadership activities
greater independence and responsibility
support to develop organisational, study and time-management skills
a diverse community of students with different interests and experiences.

Year 7 students study a broad curriculum designed to build strong foundations and help them begin discovering their interests and strengths.

As students progress through high school, they have increasing choice, including access to our extensive elective program beginning in Year 8.

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Support during the school day

Students are supported by a network of staff who work together to help them feel safe, connected and engaged.

This includes:

classroom and subject teachers
the Year 7 Adviser
Head Teacher Wellbeing
Deputy Principal
Student Support Officer
School Counsellors
Learning and Support staff
Aboriginal Education staff
EAL/D and Intensive English Centre staff
Inclusive Education staff
School Learning Support Officers
senior student leaders.

Students are encouraged to speak with a trusted adult whenever they need advice, reassurance or support.

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Connection through TLC20

Year 7 students participate in our daily TLC20 program, providing a consistent point of connection within the school day.

Students meet regularly with the same teacher and group of peers while participating in activities that support reading, literacy, numeracy, wellbeing and resilience.

TLC20 helps students:

establish regular routines
connect with a consistent teacher
build relationships with peers
develop skills that support learning
participate in wellbeing and resilience education
receive important school information.

This regular connection is an important part of helping students feel known and supported within a large school.

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Finding friends and becoming involved

It is normal for students to wonder whether they will make friends or find people who share their interests.

Year 7 students have many opportunities to connect through:

classes and TLC20 groups
sporting teams and carnivals
clubs and interest groups
dance, drama and music
leadership and student voice
cultural activities
academic enrichment
lunchtime activities
school events and traditions.

Students may arrive with friends from primary school, meet students from other schools or develop new friendships through shared interests and experiences.

Belonging can look different for every student. Our role is to help each young person find the people, activities and places that help them feel part of the school.

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Developing independence

High school brings greater independence, but students are not expected to manage everything on their own from the first day.

During Year 7, students are supported to learn how to:

read and follow a timetable
move between classrooms
organise equipment and learning materials
use digital learning platforms
manage homework and assessment tasks
ask questions and seek assistance
communicate with teachers
balance learning, activities and wellbeing.

These skills are taught and reinforced as students become increasingly confident and responsible.

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Working in partnership with families

Families remain an important part of their child’s education throughout high school.

We encourage parents and carers to:

attend transition and information events
share relevant information before their child begins
contact the school when questions or concerns arise
become familiar with school communication platforms
encourage regular attendance and positive routines
celebrate their child’s progress and growing independence.

Open communication between home and school allows us to respond early and work together to support each student.

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Preparing for the first day

Before beginning Year 7, families will receive practical information about:

the first day of school
school uniform and footwear
stationery and equipment
BYOD and device requirements
transport and bus travel
attendance and absences
bell times and daily routines
school communication and parent portals
key contacts for Year 7.

Students do not need to know everything before they arrive. Staff and student leaders will be available to guide them, answer questions and help them settle into their new routines.

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Year 7 Orientation Day

Orientation Day provides students with an important opportunity to experience the school as an incoming Year 7 student.

Students can:

meet teachers and future classmates
explore the campus
experience high school learning activities
learn about routines and expectations
identify important locations and support staff
ask questions
build confidence before their first day.

Details about Orientation Day and other transition activities are shared directly with families and Partner Primary Schools.

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Visit the High School on the Hill

Families are invited to visit our school and experience what makes Wagga Wagga High School such a vibrant and welcoming learning community. Each year, families can attend our Dance Night in Term 2 and our Showcase and Open Day in Term 4, which provide opportunities to see our students, staff, facilities, and programs in action.

Discover our Community of Schools

Explore why families choose Wagga Wagga High School

Enrol now

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Frequently asked questions

Will my child be with friends from primary school?

Where possible, information from families and primary schools is considered when classes and support structures are planned. Students will also meet young people from across our Community of Schools and develop new friendships through classes, TLC20 and extracurricular activities.

What happens if my child becomes lost?

Staff and student leaders understand that the campus is new to Year 7 students. Students are given opportunities to learn the layout during transition and Orientation Day, and support is readily available during their first weeks.

Who should my child speak to if they are worried?

Students can approach their classroom teacher, TLC20 teacher, Year Adviser, wellbeing staff, Deputy Principal or another trusted adult. Families can also contact the school when concerns arise.

What if my child requires additional learning or wellbeing support?

Families are encouraged to share relevant information during enrolment and transition. Our staff work with primary schools, families and specialist services to plan appropriate adjustments and support.

How will we receive information from the school?

Families receive information through the school’s communication platforms, email, website, social media and direct communication from relevant staff. Details are provided during the transition process.

Can we visit the school before enrolling?

Yes. Families are encouraged to attend open events or arrange a school tour to see the school in operation and discuss their child’s needs and interests.

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