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We understand that the transition from primary school to high school can be overwhelming for students. That's why at St Bernard's College, we have implemented several initiatives to ensure that our Year 7 students have a smooth and successful transition.
We start with a testing day prior to commencement, which helps us understand each student's learning level. This enables our teachers to tailor their teaching to meet individual needs and provide targeted support where necessary. By identifying any gaps in students' knowledge early on, we can help them feel more confident in their abilities.
We also have an orientation day before the commencement of the school year, which provides an excellent opportunity for students to get a feel for the school, meet key staff, and familiarise themselves with the layout of the school. This helps to reduce any anxiety they may have about starting at a new school and enables them to feel more comfortable in their surroundings.
In addition to that, we have found that our early-year camp with their core groups is a great opportunity for students to make new friends, build positive relationships with their peers and teachers, and bond over shared experiences and interests. This helps to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students feel valued and accepted.
We also offer individual check-ins with a member of the well-being team to see how students are doing with the transition and let them know what services are available to them. This helps to ensure that any issues or concerns are identified early on and addressed in a timely manner.
At St Bernard's College, we believe that these initiatives will help our Year 7 students feel supported, confident, and excited about their journey ahead. By providing a range of support and opportunities, we aim to make the transition to high school as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
In recognising that education goes beyond textbooks and classroom walls and encompasses real-world experiences and personal growth, the College organises a 3-day, 2-night camp for our Year 7 students early in the academic year. This adventure sets the tone for camaraderie, resilience, and exploration, and it's an opportunity for our students to create unforgettable moments.
During the camp, our students stay at the College's Santa Monica Campus, located along the breathtaking Great Ocean Road. This iconic coastal stretch offers a picturesque backdrop for our students' escapade, with pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, and lush forests waiting to be explored.
Our students get to experience the world of surfing under the guidance of expert instructors who teach them the basics of paddling, catching waves, and maintaining balance. The salty breeze, crashing waves, and the thrill of conquering the surf create lasting memories for our students.
Apart from surfing, our students also embark on bicycle rides along scenic trails and bushwalks amidst eucalyptus forests. These walks provide opportunities for our students to encounter native wildlife and develop a deeper connection with nature.
The camp helps our students create connections that go beyond the classroom, and these bonds become a support system throughout their secondary school journey. The Year 7 camp is not just an excursion; it's an opportunity for growth, resilience, and self-discovery.
Year 7 students at St Bernard’s College have a comprehensive study program, covering all core subject areas including Eddie & Bernier (Religious Education), English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, and both the languages of Japanese and Italian. The time allocation for a Year 7 student can be seen below:
Year 7 | Periods | Minutes per fortnight |
English | 8 | 400 |
Mathematics | 8 | 400 |
Eddie & Bernie (RE) | 6 | 300 |
Humanities | 6 | 300 |
Science | 6 | 300 |
HPE | 5 | 250 |
Italian/Japanese* | 5 | 250 |
Art/Music* | 5 | 250 |
Food/Digital Technology* | 5 | 250 |
ACC Sport | 4 | 200 |
SEL | 1 | 50 |
Pastoral Care | 1 | 50 |
*denotes that students complete one semester of each subject.
Health and Physical Education are an important component of a comprehensive curriculum. Fitness, coordination skills, teamwork and sportsmanship are developed through the College Physical Education program. Students also get the opportunity to participate in sport one afternoon per week.
At St Bernard’s College we believe that learning a language opens doors to new opportunities, fosters cultural understanding, and promotes global citizenship. Our dynamic language program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. At St Bernard’s College we offer both an Asian and European language: Japanese and Italian. Students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in these rich cultures from Year 7 all the way through to VCE.
As well as the core subjects above, Year 7 students will undertake studies in the Arts, where they will experience Design Education, Food studies, Digital Technology and Music and also have the opportunity to join a College Band.
Religious Education at St Bernard’s centres on five Learning Domains of the Curriculum Framework with Year 7 – 9 exploring content under the following domains:
• Scripture and Jesus
• Church and Community
• God, Religion and Life
• Prayer, Liturgy and Sacrament
• Morality and Justice.
In addition, Year 7 RE now incorporates an introductory course in Term One called Eddie and Bernie Program which aims to support students transitioning to our College from primary school.
It comprises a variety of activities to support their fresh start including:
• How to use technology, manage homework and be organised
• What does it mean to be a Bernard’s Boy
• A reflection of themselves as learners – My Ideal Self
• An understanding of what it means to be at an EREA school learning about the nature of an Edmund Rice Education, and the Four Touchstones that underpin our charism and charter.
