Transition to high school
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.
At Umina Beach Public School, we understand that moving from Year 6 to high school is an exciting and sometimes emotional time for students and families. In partnership with our local secondary schools and the NSW Department of Education, we work to make this transition as smooth, supportive and positive as possible.
Our transition program helps students feel confident and ready for the next stage of their learning. Strategies include:
- Orientation experiences such as visits to high school campuses, taster lessons and Q&A sessions with teachers and students.
- Collaborative planning between Year 6 and Year 7 teachers to share information about each child’s learning needs, strengths and wellbeing.
- Student wellbeing supports, including small group sessions, leadership and resilience programs, and targeted assistance for students who may need extra help.
- Family engagement, with information sessions and regular communication to help parents and carers understand the changes and support their child at home.
We take pride in preparing our students to step into high school with a strong sense of belonging, independence and optimism for the future.
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
Sharing information to support your child’s transition to high school
As your child prepares for the move from primary to high school, our Year 6 teaching team works in partnership with families to ensure every student has a confident and successful start. Parents and carers play an important role by sharing information that helps us understand your child’s needs, strengths, and any specific supports that will assist their transition.
Information that may be helpful to the 6-7 transition team includes:
- Learning strengths and challenges
Any areas where your child excels or may need extra support, including adjustments currently in place. - Health or wellbeing considerations
Relevant medical information, mental health needs, or strategies that help your child feel safe and settled. - Social factors
Friendship dynamics, worries about peer groups, or supports that help with social confidence. - Organisational or behavioural needs
Routines, communication strategies, or systems that help your child manage changes and stay engaged. - Any external supports
Information about psychologists, therapists, or support agencies involved in your child’s learning or wellbeing.
Providing this information early helps the Year 6 team work closely with high schools to plan for a smooth, well-supported transition.
When should parents book a transition interview?
Parents and carers are encouraged to make a time with the transition team if:
- Your child has additional learning or behavioural needs, or currently receives adjustments at school.
- There are health or safety considerations that the high school will need to be aware of.
- Your child experiences anxiety or difficulty with change, or would benefit from a personalised transition plan.
- You have questions, concerns, or specific requests about the transition process.
- You simply feel that a conversation would help your child feel more comfortable.
If you think your child would benefit from individualised planning—or you just want to talk through what to expect—please contact the school office to arrange a meeting. Our transition team is here to listen, support, and work with you to ensure your child begins high school with confidence and success.
Learn more about additional learning support and enrolment requirements at our school.
Supporting a smooth transition to high school
The move from primary to high school is an exciting milestone for students and families. At UBPS, we work closely with our local secondary schools to make this transition as calm, positive, and successful as possible.
For parents and carers, there are many simple ways to support your child as they prepare for this next step:
• Talk positively about high school
Share stories, discuss what to expect, and reassure your child that it’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves.
• Build independence gradually
Encourage your child to practise skills such as organising their belongings, managing a timetable, preparing their bag the night before, and using a diary or calendar.
• Establish routines early
Consistent sleep, homework, and morning routines help students feel settled and ready for learning.
• Visit the new school environment
Attend orientation days, walk around the school grounds together, and practise the route to and from school.
• Stay connected with your child
Check in regularly about how they’re feeling and let them know you’re there to listen. Seek further support from us, if required.
• Work in partnership with the school
If your child has additional needs or would benefit from extra support, please contact us so we can ensure a personalised and confident start to high school.
By preparing early and staying connected, you can help your child begin their secondary journey with confidence, curiosity, and resilience.
For more advice, see the Getting ready for high school guide.
