Transition to high school
Starting high school is an exciting milestone for students and families. Moving from Year 6 to Year 7 can feel like a big change. We help every child feel confident and supported during the transition to high school.
Find out more in the Getting ready for high school guide.
What to expect in high school
High school brings new experiences and routines, including:
- a larger school with more subjects, teachers and classrooms
- a timetable with different lessons each day
- moving between classrooms and carrying books and equipment
- more independence and responsibility for homework and study
- new friendships and opportunities to join activities and clubs.
Before your child starts Year 7
Enrolment interview
Before your child begins, families may be asked to meet with our principal. This is a time to share:
- medical conditions or allergies
- family circumstances that may affect your child’s start
- any learning or wellbeing needs.
We will also explain the supports our school provides, such as:
- support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through personalised learning pathways
- extra support for students learning English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D)
- support for students with disability or other learning needs through inclusive education programs.
Learn more about additional learning support and enrolment requirements at our school.
Our transition program
We work closely with local primary schools to help students feel ready. Our transition to high school programs help Year 6 students get ready for Year 7. Activities may include:
- orientation days and school tours
- parent information sessions and meet the teacher events
- subject tasters and classroom visits
- peer support activities with older students.
Students, parents and carers can join these sessions to learn about daily schedules, uniforms, lunches and communication. If you need an interpreter, let us know.
Contact us to learn more.
Applying to our High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) programs
The HPGE Extension Class is Terrigal High School’s High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) program designed for students with high potential in the intellectual and creative domains. Through project-based learning, students engage in authentic, future-focused challenges that encourage critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and problem-solving. Students work on real-world issues connected to their community, develop innovative solutions, and present their learning to authentic audiences. The program provides rich opportunities for students to extend their talents, build leadership capacity and thrive in an engaging and supportive learning environment.
Who can apply? What are the requirements?
- Current or incoming students at Terrigal High School.
- This class is offered to students in Years 7 & 8.
- Out of area students are welcome to apply
- Students who demonstrate high potential in the intellectual and/or creative domains
- Strong curiosity, creativity and willingness to think deeply about problems
- Positive attitude towards learning and collaboration
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Consistent effort and engagement in classroom learning
- Willingness to participate in project-based and inquiry learning experiences
- Commitment to upholding Terrigal High School’s core values: Respect, Responsibility, Excellence and Integrity
When and how to apply?
- Complete the online application form, soon to be posted on this website, and emailed to carers/parents at the start of Term 3
- Applications are due Friday 21st August
- Sit our HPGE Extension Class Placement Test on Friday 4th September, 9am to 11:30am, here at school
This program is embedded into the framework and curriculum of Terrigal and it is open to students enrolled at the school in Years 7, 8, 9 & 10.
Five team sports are currently offered - Netball, Rugby League, Touch Football, Football (Soccer) and Basketball. In 2027 we are offering Individual Sports for those students who excel in sports such as swimming, athletics, kayaking and Surf Lifesaving.
Students in the Year 7 & 8 Targeted Sports Program participate in TSP training every Wednesday morning between 9.10am-11.10am. Each sport has developed a term by term program that aims to build up individual’s skills through cross training techniques as well as sport specific sessions.
Who can apply? What are the requirements?
- Current or incoming students at Terrigal High School.
- Out of area students are welcome to apply
- Students who demonstrate high potential in the physical domain
- Demonstrate competence at the mandatory TSP Trial date
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Consistent effort and engagement in classroom learning
- It is compulsory that TSP students attend and compete to the best of their ability at our school Athletics, Cross Country and Swimming carnivals.
- Commitment to upholding Terrigal High School’s core values: Respect, Responsibility, Excellence and Integrity
When and how to apply?
- Complete the online application form, soon to be posted on this website, and emailed to carers/parents at the start of Term 3
- Applications are due Friday 21st August
- Attend the TSP Trial Day on Wednesday 2nd September, 9am to 11am, Venue TBC
When and how to apply?
- Complete the online application form, soon to be posted on this website, and emailed to carers/parents at the start of Term 3
- Applications are due Friday 21st August
- Auditions run in Term 4 via a video submission of an individual or combination of: Music performance, Dance performance, Drama monologue, Photo portfolio of Visual Arts works
- The CAPA Dance Auditions are on Wednesday 2nd September, 1pm to 3pm, in our school hall
Getting ready at home
You can help your child prepare by:
- talking positively about starting high school
- buying uniforms, shoes, stationery and school supplies
- checking if a laptop or device is needed
- practising their travel route to school
- making sure they know your phone number and emergency contacts
- encouraging routines such as packing their school bag
- encouraging them to check their timetable and school bell times the night before day 1 of Term 1.
For more advice, see the Getting ready for high school guide.