What is Junior Secondary?
Junior Secondary is a phase of education in state secondary schools for Years 7 & 8 which helps to ensure the bridge between primary and secondary school is safe, strong and consistent for all students.
Philosophy
Distinct identity
Junior Secondary students will be encouraged and supported to develop their own group identity within the wider high school. This involves dedicated school areas and events. See our Junior Secondary Zone.
Quality teaching
Teachers working with students in the Junior Secondary years are using the quality teaching skills they have gained through additional professional development, so they can support young teens through these crucial early high school years. Our school uses many researched based practices such as the "Art and Science of Teaching", differentiation and inclusivity strategies, and Essential Skills in Classroom Management.
Student wellbeing
We will meet the social and emotional needs of Junior Secondary students with a strong focus on pastoral care. For example, we will provide a home room for core subjects to support students as they adjust to new routines and greater academic demands in Year 8.
Parent and community involvement
We want parents to stay connected with their students' learning when they enter high school. Parent involvement in special events, award ceremonies and leadership presentations will be welcomed. Our school communicates regularly with parents about learning with a weekly email update focused on curriculum and school activities.
Leadership
We strongly encourage students to nominate for leadership roles in Years 7 & 8. Dedicated teachers experienced with teaching young adolescents will lead Junior Secondary supported by the Principal, Deputy Principal, Head of Department, Heads of Year and our administration team.
Local decision-making
Our school will accommodate the special needs of the community, and this will influence how Junior Secondary looks and feels at Sunshine Beach High. For example, our school is part of the Noosa Biosphere.
Junior Secondary Schooling Goal
Sunshine Beach High has high expectations that every junior secondary student will:
- Attend school regularly
- Focus on performance (improve or maintain satisfactory academic grades)
- Behave positively and have a go
- Contribute to community events or represent the school
- Develop life-long literacy skills
Attendance
Everyday counts. Students are expected to be at school every day. Our school expects students to have an attendance rate of 95% or greater.
Performance
Performance = success. Students are expected to either improve academic grades or maintain academic grades that are already very high. This is not about every student receiving A's on their report card - it is about moving forward and not moving backwards.
Behaviour
High behaviour standards are expected of all students. Students are measured on their behaviour and effort and the expectation is of B or greater.
Community
Contributing to the school and community is important in the development of junior secondary students. Students are expected to either represent their school through academic, cultural or sporting teams and/or contribute to a community event in the local area.
Literacy
Regular reading can improve reading comprehension, writing skills, vocabulary and general knowledge. Sunshine Reading Program, Literacy Groups and activities in all class such as Activate Vocab, Reading Place Mats and writing on demand are all strategies our school uses improve literacy for all students.