Transition STEP program
We recognise that the move from primary to secondary school can be a big change for both students and families.
Specially tailored programs begin on the first day a child arrives at St John’s, so all of our year 7 students are involved in a comprehensive Transition Program that provides a firm foundation for secondary education.
STEP (Secondary Transition Education Program)
STEP is the integrated approach to learning applied to the teaching of English, Humanities (History, Geography, Commerce and Civics and Citizenship) and Religious Education at the Year 7 level.
The STEP program at St John’s Regional College incorporates a cross-faculty program which assists with a smooth transition to secondary school. Students are taught by one teacher, which means that they have the one teacher for a third of their learning time in Year 7. This ensures students have a secure base at secondary school with the STEP teacher, one class of students and a ‘home’ classroom. This program fosters connectedness to school, and promotes the development of a unique identity, enabling students to view themselves as a member of the St John’s community. By combining explicit teaching with inquiry based learning across the learning areas, students are encouraged to be independent and motivated learners.
Skills & Interests Relevant to STEP
Year 7 students are engaged in learning across three key learning areas in an integrated approach. Incorporated into learning is the use of ICT technology, enabling students to perform independent research. Students can then create and produce their own work in a variety of forms using various applications. Assessment will be ongoing and both formal and informal. Students will be provided with opportunities to enhance their independent learning skills as well as having the opportunity to work with their peers in groups.
Whilst instruction and assessment is integrated, subject specific learning is outlined below.
Religious Education: Students experience a wide variety of rich learning opportunities as they explore areas such as Our Catholic Story; Prayer; College Founders and Connections; Expression of Belief and the Gift of Creation.
English: The skills being enhanced in STEP are primarily in the areas of reading, writing and speaking and listening. Study of written and visual texts is undertaken and students produce their own pieces of writing in a variety of forms. Creativity is enhanced through the use of a variety of ICT applications .
Humanities: History Geography, Economics and Civics and Citizenship: Students gain knowledge of the history and geography of ancient civilisations. They are also engaged with material focusing on active citizenship and budgeting.
