Catholic Education SA has made a decision to implement a phased transition of Year 7s from a primary to a secondary setting over the next 5 years. This means that in the majority of schools Year 6 will become the final year of primary schooling. Year 7 will become the first year of secondary schooling.
This phased transition will occur in 2019 - 20 for the majority of Catholic schools. There will, however, be some exceptions including:
• Country primary schools where there is no Catholic secondary school nearby
• Catholic schools where middle schooling structures already exist or are planned
• Catholic schools that are co-located with other schools offering Year 7 in a primary context
• Other local and exceptional circumstances.
Why move Year 7 to secondary?
This decision is primarily about best meeting the learning and social and emotional needs of young people. Placing Year 7 in a secondary setting, with greater access to specialist teachers and facilities, will better position students to benefit from the learning experiences, intellectual challenges and age-appropriate support that adolescents need during this important time in their lives.
There are also benefits for students in aligning with other states and territories. With Queensland and Western Australia recently making the move, SA is the only Australian jurisdiction where Year 7 remains in primary.
Even within SA, 48% of Catholic school Year 7 students are already in middle schools or colleges. Other non-government schools have already placed Year 7 in secondary or have plans to do so. The experience of parents and students in other schools who have recently made this move has been overwhelmingly positive.
To find out more please see the FACT SHEET: Year 7 to Secondary
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