Catholic Education SA reconfirms move of Year 7s into high school in 2019
CATHOLIC Education SA has reconfirmed its decision to shift Year 7s from primary to secondary settings in most of their schools from 2019.
CATHOLIC Education SA has reconfirmed its decision to shift Year 7s from primary to secondary settings in most of their schools from 2019.
The Advertiser first revealed the move in March last year.
The SA Commission for Catholic Schools formally backed the plan last November following an extensive consultation period.
Half of all Catholic students already do Year 7 in a middle or secondary school.
This week all parents have been sent information about how their school will be impacted by the changes.
“This decision is primarily about meeting the learning, social and emotional needs of young people across all Catholic schools. It is also about strengthening pathways from primary to secondary schools across Catholic Education,” CESA director Helen O’Brien said.
“With one in five South Australian schoolchildren in a Catholic school, the move will be a significant one. We encourage parents to talk to their local principal if they have any questions or concerns.”
High school fees are generally much higher than those for primary schools, but information sent to parents says the cost of Year 7 “will be as close to existing fees as possible”.
It says high schools do not offer out of hours care but many “offer alternatives such as the ability to study after school in the school library”.
Transition dates for each school will be finalised by the end of the year.
A small number of exceptions include country primary schools where there is no Catholic secondary option nearby; Catholic schools where middle schooling structures are already in place or are planned; and Catholic schools that are co-located with other schools offering Year 7 in a primary setting.
Gleeson College at Golden Grove is making the move early in 2018.
“We know that this will have positive outcomes for the learning and education of young people. Moving Year 7 into a secondary setting will align South Australia with the rest of the country,” principal Andrew Baker said.
The SA public education system is the only remaining one in Australia keeping Year 7s in primary schools.
Growing numbers of independent schools are shifting Year 7s into middle schooling.