High school transition made easier

Vasse Primary School has taken an innovative approach to preparing its students for high school.

Two cohorts will leave the school at the end of this year, prompting the staff to change their teaching methods to make the transition easier.

Principal Brian Devereux said they had implemented a “middle school model” for the Year 6 and 7 students.

“In the morning, our kids move to an English teacher, then go to maths, then history, then follow-up with fluencies, ” he said.

“In the afternoon, they return to their home teachers, which is the primary school, pastoral care, looking after the kids component.

“We find that’s going to prepare kids much better for high school. It’s a bit more rigorous because teachers get 50 minutes to deliver a subject.”

Mr Devereaux said they had received a good response to the program and would consider continuing it beyond this year.

Vasse Primary is set to lose 112 Year 6 and 7 students when they move to high school.

However, the school did not expect any cuts in staff due to growth.