Year 9
The Transition School curriculum aims to build on the solid foundation from Junior School and extend students prior to their entry into Senior School. Students now get some choice of their elective studies but continue with a core of subjects (English, Maths, Science, Humanities). In Year 9 all students must study Physical Education but can try out for our Academy Subjects (Baseball, Basketball and Touch Football). Japanese is now also an elective, and whilst Humanities is compulsory, students continue studying specialist areas of History, Geography, Civics and Business. Students in Year 9 choose two electives in Year 9 from the Arts and Technology strands.
Students will no longer have a ‘Key Teacher’ as they did in the Junior School but will move around to specialist areas for their subjects. Their Home Class Teacher becomes a key point of contact for parents and students alike. In the Transition School we take a very strong ‘case management’ approach to a student’s education. The Officer of Wellbeing and Learning (OWL), Head of Department (HOD) and Year Level Deputy Principal (DP) monitor students’ progress closely to ensure they continue on a successful pathway.
In Year 9, students have an opportunity to attend a camp. Research has demonstrated that camps can help alleviate anxiety, foster stronger connections to school, enhance relationships with peers, and improve self-efficacy—key indicators of positive mental health. Camps and outdoor education programs incorporate physical activity, collaborative work in small, guided groups, and interaction with the natural environment, all of which have been proven to significantly enhance both physical and mental wellbeing. We encourage all of our Year 9 students to attend school camp.
Year 10
In Year 10 students consolidate their focus on career goals and continue with their individualised Senior Education Transition Plans (SET Plans). Career planning in Grade 10 is crucial as it helps students start thinking about their future goals and the pathways required to achieve them. At this stage, students begin to explore their interests, strengths, and values, which are key to making informed decisions about future study or career options. Early career planning allows students to understand the importance of subject choices, vocational opportunities, and potential job markets. It also provides a foundation for setting realistic goals, developing essential skills, and fostering a sense of responsibility and direction, ensuring a smoother transition from school to further education or the workforce.
Parent interviews are conducted as part of the Runcorn SHS PL Day process, to assist students in making effective subject choices for Years 11 and 12. This phase is crucial in developing a senior pathway to ensure success in Grades 11 & 12. Parent Information Evenings are held to pass on information about the Senior Phase of Learning and we encourage all parents to attend these nights.
