At DBSHS, our Junior Secondary program supports students in Years 7, 8, and 9 as they transition from primary to secondary school.
Our approach ensures a safe, strong, and consistent bridge for all students, focusing on their academic, social, and emotional development. Guided by the Queensland Department of Education's Junior Secondary Engagement Conceptual Framework, we are committed to engaging our young adolescent learners and supporting them to achieve their full potential.
Below, we detail how DBSHS aligns with the framework's four guiding principles.
Connection and Belonging
We prioritise creating a distinct identity for Junior Secondary students, fostering their sense of belonging within the wider high school community.
Key initiatives include:
- Designated Spaces: Dedicated teaching blocks and play areas exclusively for Junior Secondary students.
- Junior Secondary Assemblies: Year-level parades and assemblies to celebrate achievements and build community spirit.
- Pastoral Care: A strong focus on understanding each student's primary school journey and supporting their successful transition into high school.
- Positive Relationships: Embedded within the Junior Secondary curriculum, Positive Education equips students with the skills to build resilience and navigate the challenges of adolescence.
- Cultural Inclusion: Through partnerships with our Pasifika Liaison Officer, Indigenous Community Education Officer, and programs like Artie and Beyond the Broncos, we ensure cultural knowledge and perspectives are foundational to engagement.
Positive and Confident Transitions
Supporting students through their transition into Junior Secondary is a key priority at DBSHS. To achieve this, we:
- Welcome Parents and Families: Host a Junior Secondary Expo Evening, Year 7 Meet and Greet events, and other parent-focused gatherings to strengthen the home-school partnership.
- Engage Students in Leadership: Create various leadership opportunities for students in Years 7, 8, and 9, including Junior Secondary Leaders, Student Representative Council, and roles as Transition Day helpers.
- Transition Support Programs: Provide enrichment opportunities such as the Y-Lead program, ABCN partnership programs, and the Big Day Out camp to support students' personal and social development.
- Targeted Support Services: Offer access to dedicated support staff, including chaplains, guidance officers, and specialist roles, to ensure every student feels supported.
Junior Secondary Learners
We are committed to creating innovative, safe, and responsive learning environments that meet the diverse needs of young adolescent learners. At DBSHS, we:
- POD Teaching Model: Implement a POD teaching structure where teachers collaborate to analyse class data and develop tailored behaviour plans, seating arrangements, and learning goals.
- Learning for Life Program: Deliver a curriculum centred on social and emotional learning, literacy, and numeracy to equip students with essential skills for success.
- Specialised Teaching Staff: Our Junior Secondary team includes primary school-trained teachers and subject specialists with advanced qualifications and a wealth of experience.
- Inclusive Learning Opportunities: Provide a variety of programs, including differentiated learning and an immersion program overseen by the Diversity Head of Department.
Innovative and Responsive Learning Environments
We aim to inspire and challenge every student by fostering a culture of high expectations and cognitive engagement. Our strategies include:
- Pedagogical Practices for Learning: Implementing evidence-based practices from the DBSHS Teacher Toolkit, such as REBOOT, Positive Education, and High Impact Strategies.
- Technology Integration: Utilising iPads, Laptops, Internet, and classroom technology to create engaging, tech-enabled learning experiences.
- Extracurricular Enrichment: Offering performing arts evenings, hospitality events, and other co-curricular activities to nurture students’ talents and interests.
- Parent and Community Engagement: Encouraging parents to attend assemblies, award ceremonies, and leadership presentations, and stay connected through newsletters, emails, and the QParents app.
Where to From Here?
At DBSHS, we are proud to provide an environment where Junior Secondary students feel connected, supported, and inspired to achieve their best.
For more information, contact us via email at enrolments@deceptionbayshs.eq.edu.au or phone (07) 3897 2222.
Together, we can create a bright future for your child.