YEAR six students from around the region had a taste of high school life last week by trying some of the subjects they will study next year.
The Showcase Day took place at Tea Gardens Public School with secondary teachers from Bulahdelah Central School on hand to show the young students that learning can be fun.
Getting lost in a zoo creating etymological animals, rolling up to test mathematical skills in a game of Greedy Pig and finding out how cool science can be by making elephant toothpaste were just a few of the many lessons on offer.
The Showcase Day is an initiative of the Myall Learning Community and helps to make the big step to high school a little easier for the students.
Bulahdelah Central School Year 10 student Luke Rochester has assisted at the Showcase event for the past four years.
As a former Tea Gardens Public School student, Luke said he enjoys returning each year to reassure the students that high school isn’t as daunting as they may think.
“It’s good being able to get to know the primary students and show them some of the great things we do at school,” Luke said.
“There are more specialised subjects offered and being a smaller school, you get to know everyone very quickly.”
The students participating in the day came from Booral, Coolongolook, Bulahdelah, Bungwahl and Tea Gardens Primary Schools with most students planning to start high school together in Bulahdelah next year.
Tea Gardens Principal Mr Mark Clemson said the Showcase provided the students with an understanding of the new environment they will be entering.
“It breaks down the unknown and reduces the anxiety and fear some of the students are feeling,” he said.
“It also provides an opportunity for students from different schools to get to know one another.”
Mr Clemson said an additional benefit of the day was that it allowed the secondary staff to build connections with the students before they start their high school journey.
“It will be these types of positive connections that will support stronger levels of student engagement in the future,” Mr Clemson said.
The Showcase Day is one of many transition activities held throughout the year.
By Daniel SAHYOUN
