Transitioning to High School

WWHS Testing Day: A time to share information

A lot of time and effort goes into ensuring your child is ready to hit the ground running when they start high school. Throughout their final year with us, our Stage 3 team, led by Mr. Graham, works closely with the staff at Wagga Wagga High School to share important information about each student. This includes details such as positive friendships, learning preferences, wellbeing considerations, and any other relevant points. These conversations usually take place over the phone, providing an opportunity for understanding and open communication. In addition, for all students enroled at Wagga Wagga High School, our team prepares a detailed written profile. By the time your child arrives on their first day of high school, their new teachers already know them well. This thoughtful exchange of information helps us set our students up for success from day one.

Equally important is giving our students the chance to become familiar with their new teachers, peers, and environment. This happens on Testing Day, when students visit the high school, spend time with their new classmates, and complete some subject-specific testing. While the testing may not be everyone’s favourite part, for others it’s an exciting glimpse into high school life. Along with the insights from these tests, the information shared by Mr. Graham and your child's current teachers ensures your child is placed in classes that best suit their learning needs right from the start.

WWHS Taster Days

Another exciting opportunity for our students to experience high school life is the Wagga High Taster Days. On these special days, students have the chance to dive into every part of high school. They get involved in hands on activities, try out different subjects the school offers, and meet new teachers. Students move from classroom to classroom after each lesson, just like they will in high school, which helps them get comfortable with the changing routines.

Our students also meet the principal, staff members, and student leaders, and enjoy using the oval or visiting the canteen. Your child's current classmates and Year 6 teachers are there to support them, meaning that their is always a friendly face around.. This makes the experience feel comfortable and welcoming and provides a gentle introduction to high school life.

Additional Transition Days

If your child requires additional support to be successful at school, including extra learning or social and emotional needs, Wagga Wagga High School offers additional transition days. These days are always discussed with parents first and are designed to give your child extra reassurance and confidence as they prepare for the upcoming transition to high school.

If you think your child may benefit from these additional transition days, please feel free to reach out to your child’s teacher. We are here to support every student and ensure they feel comfortable and ready for this important step.

Year 5 High Potential Gifted Education

Wagga Wagga High School are experts in delivering High Potential and Gifted Education to students who have been identified as suitable candidates for this program. While your child is in Year 5, there may be an opportunity for them to participate in the Year 5 HPGE program. Through this program, students spend a day at Wagga Wagga High School, enjoying the exciting opportunities that high school offers. They also have the chance to develop their skills, knowledge, and confidence in their chosen subject.

Year 4 visits to the High School Small Opportunities to build the relationship

A new initiative from our partnership with Wagga Wagga High School our Year 4 excursion. On this day, our Year 4 students visit the high school and get the opportunity to experience a day in the life of a highschooler. This early introduction to high school life helps our students start building connections with their future school.

By getting to know the school and some of its staff and students early, we hope to make the eventual transition to high school feel much more comfortable and welcoming. This program is designed to help reduce any nerves or uncertainty, so when it is time to move to high school, our students feel confident and well prepared.

Small opportunities to strengthen the relationship

Throughout the year, our students have the opportunity to take part in a variety of experiences that help strengthen their connection with Wagga Wagga High School. These activities are tailored to suit the needs of both our school community and the high school, and may include attending Wagga Wagga High School performances, participating in NAIDOC Day presentations led by the WWHS First Nations group, and having WWHS students support us at our sporting carnivals or sharing their excellent sporting facilities.

We also enjoy welcoming some of our school alumni back for work experience, which is always a wonderful time. It gives them the chance to reconnect with old friends and share their high school experiences, inspiring our current students as they look ahead to their own journey.

Collaboration between our teachers

At our school, we are proud to maintain a strong and collaborative partnership with the staff at Wagga Wagga High School. Our teachers work closely with their high school colleagues to ensure that your child’s transition from primary to high school is as smooth and supportive as possible. Together, we focus on teaching the skills your child will need for success in high school, using consistent language and shared approaches.

Our Year 6 teachers regularly visit Wagga Wagga High School to observe and learn from their teaching practices, while high school teachers also spend time with us. This ongoing exchange ensures consistency and alignment between our schools, creating a seamless learning journey for your child. Ultimately, this collaboration helps set every student up for success as they move into the next stage of their education.

Supporting your child to be independent and responsible

At Wagga Wagga Public School, our behaviour education program helps students prepare for the transition to high school. We teach the PITW philosophy, which focuses on students finding reward within themselves rather than from outside sources like certificates or prizes. This is called intrinsic motivation, where students do the right thing because it feels right and aligns with their values. Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, is when actions are guided by receiving rewards or recognition.

Many parents have shared that this philosophy, and the habits students build at WWPS, help set them up for success in high school, where greater responsibility and independence are expected. We are proud of the way that our team at Wagga Wagga Public School, sets our students up for success, by allowing them a safe place to develop these important life skills.