Year 7

{insert photo of Year 7 students}

A new school!

The first days at a new school can be full on. For our students there are loads of unfamiliar faces (from more than nine primary schools across the shire), the large CSC campus to navigate, a timetable to comprehend, and introductions to some completely new subjects. Some students may have come from very small primary schools and now have to deal with more staff members than there were students at their old school. We know this shift can be daunting so we have a few measures to help students settle in.

Transition Program

Most of our incoming Year 7 students will have taken part in the Grade 6 Transition Program and so will be somewhat familiar with the our environment.

Mentor group

Each student is assigned to a Mentor group with a maximum of 16 students. They meet with their Mentor teacher every morning and this ensures our students have a daily connection with a staff member. Also, parents and carers have an initial single point of contact for any queries or concerns about their child or CSC.

Learning

All students in Victorian public schools learn the Victorian Curriculum. Our Year 7 students will study the core subjects of English, Maths, Science, Humanities, Languages and Sport. They’re also introduced many Technology and Art subjects: Visual Communication, Drama, Music, Textiles, Woodwork, Metals, and Food Technology. This broad range allows students to explore ideas and processes they may not have been exposed to before. They might discover a talent and passion previously unknown. CSC also requires each Year 7 student to study a language: Indonesian or French.

Co-curricular activities

We encourage every student to take part in one of the co-curricular activities we offer such as Book Clubs, Music Ensemble, Drama Production, Sport, Chess, Snow Day, Diversity Club and Meeting Place activities. These allow students to gain new skills and experiences in a more relaxed environment without the curriculum framework defining how, when and what is explored.

Wellbeing

The Mentor system is the cornerstone of our Wellbeing program for all CSC students. We encourage every student to develop a supportive relationship with their Mentor teacher who then becomes their guide, confidante and ally at CSC. The Wellbeing program offers a range of incursions designed to give students the skills they need to better their interpersonal skills and a greater understanding of the world around them.

Camp

All students have the opportunity to attend a camp in Term one. In the past this has been to Mt Evelyn in the Dandenongs. This is an adventure camp and gives students the chance to go abseiling, canoeing, mountain biking and use the flying fox. These activities enable students to develop physical skills, better communication through teamwork, and of course have fun.
{insert photo of Year 7 camp photo}

Berry Street Education Model

CSC has adopted the Berry Street Education Model to help students adjust and cope with secondary school life. We offer nurturing guidance to enable our students to develop the confidence and skills needed to reach their full potential.

“Students encounter daily challenges that can impact their success at school … from ongoing stress and a lack of family support to a specific traumatic event. Despite best efforts and intentions, schools often require specialised strategies to address student needs for healing, growth and achievement. The (Berry Street) model is unique because it educates schools to reinforce and sustain cognitive and behavioural change, thereby re-engaging young people in learning and progressing their academic achievement.” From the Berry Street website.