Making the transition: Grade 6 to Year 7 information

Year 7 Sports Challenge
Early in Term 1, all Year 7 students participate in an all-day Sports Challenge to represent their House. The students chose to play one of six sports on offer, which were Basketball, Volleyball, T-ball, Indoor Soccer, Indoor Cricket and Table Tennis. On the day the students work as a House team and play each House following a Round Robin format. Winning teams are acknowledged and the Sports Challenge Trophy is presented at a Year Level assembly.

Year 7 Camp
The Year 7 Camp provides a fantastic opportunity for students of Year 7 to come together as a group, across Houses within the school. Students can build relationships with each other and with staff in an environment outside of the classroom. Students engage in activities that promote problem solving, communication, teamwork and confidence building that are critical skills in lifelong learners. Grevillea House, as part of their work around the transition of students within the school, is proud to organise and oversee the successful running of this camp, currently operating at the Phillip Island Adventure Resort.

Discover Dandenong Days
All students in Grade 6 from our four feeder Primary Schools are invited to attend Dandenong High School early in Term 1. Accompanied by their teachers, the students experience life as a student at Dandenong High School. Students prepare for their visit by completing introductory activities. During the day, students experience classes in the learning spaces in each of the Houses with many of our Year 7 teachers.

Open Night
In March each year we hold our ‘Discovery Night’ (Open Night). This provides an opportunity for parents and students to observe and experience how the school operates. During the Tours and Information Sessions, parents and students are encouraged to ask questions of our students and teachers.

Orientation Information Evening for parents of new Year 7 students
All Parents/Guardians of Grade 6 students are invited to a Year 7 Information evening towards the end of Term 3 each year. During the evening, information is given regarding the school’s Laptop Program, the innovative curriculum and the collaborative teaching and learning approach used at Dandenong High School, in addition to the support and personalised pathway options provided to every student at the school. The details regarding Course Confirmation is provided and both Parents and students are encouraged to discuss any transition issues that they may have. There will also be an opportunity to observe some lessons, which involve students learning with teaching teams in purposefully designed learning spaces in the Houses.

Orientation Day
In early December each year, every Grade 6 student attends their future secondary college. At Dandenong High School students will be placed in their House groups and will participate in various classes throughout the day. Current Year 7 students will be on hand to act as guides and helpers for the day. Students are given all the information they require so that they feel comfortable, informed and excited about starting at Dandenong High School the following year.