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.
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
Enrolment interview
Before your child begins, families may be asked to meet with our principal. This is a time to share:
- medical conditions or allergies
- family circumstances that may affect your child’s start
- any learning or wellbeing needs.
We will also explain the supports our school provides, such as:
- support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through personalised learning pathways
- extra support for students learning English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D)
- support for students with disability or other learning needs through inclusive education programs.
Learn more about additional learning support and enrolment requirements at our school.
Our transition program
We work closely with local primary schools to help students feel ready. Our transition to high school programs help Year 6 students get ready for Year 7. Activities may include:
- orientation days and boarding school tours
- parent information sessions and meet the teacher events
- future boarder camps
- peer support activities with older students.
Students, parents and carers can join these sessions to learn about daily schedules, uniforms, lunches and communication. If you need an interpreter, let us know.
Contact us to learn more.
Year 7 Parent Information Sessions
Starting high school is a significant milestone for both students and families. Our Year 7 Parent Information Sessions provide an overview of how students can succeed and thrive at Hurlstone Agricultural High School.
The sessions below outline key expectations for learning, attendance and wellbeing, and introduces the systems, routines and supports that help students successfully settle into Year 7. Parents and carers are also provided with practical advice on how to partner with the school to support organisation, engagement and positive learning habits.
The materials from the session are available below for families who were unable to attend, or who would like to revisit the information during the early stages of the transition to high school.
Information Session 1 - Hurlstone Honours
Information Session 2 - Attendance, Assessments and Wellbeing
Transition Points Newsletters
Transition points are pivotal moments in a student’s learning journey. At Hurlstone Agricultural High School, we recognise that Years 7, 9 and 11 are not simply “another year level”. They are stages of adjustment, acceleration, and renewed expectation. The archive brings together our Newsletters for the Week Ahead, designed to support students and families through these critical phases.
Year 7 Orientation Day
Future students are invited to join us for Orientation Day.
2026 dates will be finalised prior to Term 4. Check back soon to begin your planning.
Contact us for more information.
Getting ready at home
You can help your child prepare by:
- talking positively about starting high school
- buying uniforms, shoes, stationery and school supplies
- checking if a laptop or device is needed
- practising their travel route to school
- making sure they know your phone number and emergency contacts
- encouraging routines such as packing their school bag
- encouraging them to check their timetable and school bell times the night before day 1 of Term 1.
For more advice, see the Getting ready for high school guide.