year 7 bridge program
A strong start to
senior school
Starting secondary school is a big step.
The Year 7 Bridge Program at Kinross Wolaroi School gives students a more connected and supported start, creating a smaller learning community within our larger school.
With dedicated Core Teachers, a strong focus on wellbeing and belonging, and learning designed specifically for Year 7, students are supported to build confidence, develop independence and establish strong academic foundations.
Known. Supported. Challenged.
confidence from the very beginning
The move from primary to secondary school brings new subjects, teachers, routines and expectations.
Our Year 7 Bridge Program is designed to help students navigate this transition with confidence.
Students benefit from a smaller, supportive learning community while still enjoying the opportunities, facilities and experiences of the wider Kinross Wolaroi School.
At the heart of the program is the Core Teacher — a teacher who knows students well, teaches key subjects and provides an important point of connection for students and families.
one teacher. deeper relationships.
Our Core Teachers play a central role in the Year 7 experience.
They:
- Teach key subjects
- Know each student's strengths, needs and progress
- Support students' wellbeing and pastoral needs
- Help develop organisation and learning habits
- Provide a consistent point of contact for families
Core Teachers teach English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities (History and Geography) and Compass (wellbeing), providing continuity across key learning areas and a deeper understanding of each student's progress.
This continuity helps students feel known, supported and ready to take on new challenges.
MEET THE YEAR 7 BRIDGE PROGRAM TEAM
The Year 7 Bridge Program is led by Year 7 Coordinator Will Waterson and Year 7 Curriculum Coordinator Erin Gibson, who work closely with the Year 7 Core Teacher team to support each student's transition to Senior School. Together, the team collaborates in planning, assessment, reporting, wellbeing support and communication with families to provide a connected and consistent Year 7 experience.
learning designed for year 7
The program combines academic growth, wellbeing and pastoral care to support the whole student.
Students develop strong foundations in:
Literacy
Building the reading, writing and communication skills needed across the curriculum.
Numeracy
Developing mathematical confidence, fluency and problem-solving skills.
Scientific thinking
Encouraging curiosity, investigation and evidence-based thinking.
Learning habits
Building organisation, resilience, independence, critical thinking, problem-solving and effective study skills to prepare students for future academic success.
A bespoke timetable and dedicated Year 7 learning precinct are designed to support a smooth transition into secondary school. Students spend much of their day in a familiar classroom, with teachers coming to them for many lessons, while continuing to access specialist facilities for PDHPE, Art and Music.
Extended learning periods create opportunities for inquiry-based projects, cross-curricular learning and deeper engagement.
the benefits for your child
Feel connected
Belong to a smaller learning community while becoming part of the wider Kinross Wolaroi community.
Build confidence
Develop the skills and resilience to navigate the challenges of secondary school.
Learn with purpose
Establish strong academic foundations and effective learning habits.
Grow in independence
Gradually take greater responsibility for learning, organisation and
decision-making.
Be known
Build strong relationships with teachers who understand and support your child.
the benefits for families
Starting secondary school is a transition for families too.
The Year 7 Bridge Program provides:
- A dedicated Core Teacher as a consistent point of contact.
- Strong communication between home and school.
- Teachers who understand your child's strengths, learning needs and progress.
- Connected support for academic achievement and wellbeing throughout Year 7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Core Teacher?
A dedicated Year 7 teacher who teaches key subjects and provides consistent academic and pastoral support to students and families.
What subjects will students study with their Core Teacher?
Students will study English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities (History and Geography) and Compass (wellbeing) with their Core Teacher. They will also access specialist facilities for subjects including PDHPE, Art and Music.
How does the timetable support learning?
The bespoke Year 7 timetable minimises unnecessary movement between classrooms, provides greater continuity in learning and allows for extended learning periods, inquiry-based projects and opportunities to strengthen literacy and numeracy skills.
Who is the program for?
All students entering Year 7 at Kinross Wolaroi School, including students progressing from the Junior School and those joining us from other primary schools.
Will students still experience the wider School?
Absolutely. The program creates a smaller learning community within the wider Kinross Wolaroi School, with students continuing to access our full range of academic, sporting, cultural and co-curricular opportunities.
How does the program support wellbeing?
Wellbeing is integrated throughout the Year 7 experience, with students supported to develop confidence, resilience, positive relationships and a strong sense of belonging.
give your child a better start to secondary school
Discover how your child can thrive at Kinross Wolaroi.
