Transition 

The transition from primary school to Years 7 and 8 is a crucial time. To ensure our students "hit the ground running" we have an extensive transition program leading up to the start of Year 7 to ensure all students are ready to make the leap into Senior School. 

Our transition program is designed so that students arrive on their first day at Ivanhoe Girls' with a clear sense of belonging. 

Transition begins mid-way through Year 6. Our "Solo Flyers" (students who are the only child starting at Ivanhoe Girls' from their primary school), are welcomed on a special day to help them make connections before the official transition program begins. "A Day in Year 7" is held in August and is an opportunity to explore the School and experience a wide variety of subjects. This is followed by an Orientation Day in December where students meet their Tutor and classmates. On their first day of the School year, the Year 7s are the only students at school, which allows them orientate themselves around the School buildings and grounds. 

Starting from Year 7, a unique feature of the Wellbeing Framework at Ivanhoe Girls' are our small Tutorial groups. These groups of around 15 students led by a Tutor with whom they meet daily, which ensures a sense of connection and belonging is quickly established. 

Each Tutorial group is assigned several Peer Support Leaders. These Year 10 students are specifically tasked with helping Year 7 students adjust to life at Ivanhoe Girls'. These "big sister buddies" are on hand to answer questions, give advice and help guide Year 7 students through the early days of Senior School.

Early in Term 1, students head off on an Outdoor Education camp, which focuses on building friendships and connections within their peers, and explores a range of team activities and personal challenges which help students gain confidence and develop resilience. 

By Year 8, the focus shifts from "finding your feet" to "stretching your wings". Students are encouraged to take on new co-curricular challenges, find new interests and develop friendships across the Year Level. A wide array of Clubs and Groups, lunchtime activities, Drama and Music opportunities and sporting activities offer students the opportunity to explore new interests and discover what drives them. 

Learning

The Middle Years are a significant time for brain development, so it is important for students to gain skills in all learning areas. Across Years 7 and 8, we provide a broad and balanced education that builds essential knowledge, skills and understandings across learning areas, developing literacy, numeracy, critical and creative thinking, and personal and social capability, while deepening learning and supporting readiness for future subject pathways.

With this in mind, all Year 7 and 8 students study a core curriculum in a broad range of subjects. 

Learning Enhancement classes cater for the diverse needs of individual students. Depending on need, students are offered opportunities for enrichment and extension, interventions and organisational support as needed.