A partnership between six Narrabri Shire schools that aims to smooth the transition from primary to high school has earned an accolade at the New England education awards.
It wasn’t the only local initiative to be recognised, with Narrabri Public awarded for sporting excellence.
Under the Narrabri Community of Schools Transition Program, Year 6 students from Bellata, Fairfax, Narrabri and Narrabri West Public schools, and St Francis Xavier’s Primary School, are invited to attend a range of familiarisation and information events at Narrabri High.
These events enable students from different schools to get to know each other before they start Year 7, and develop teamwork and social interaction skills.
Information evenings have been held for parents to explain the high school’s expectations and familiarise parents with the school facilities.
Research proved the program a success, with participants settling in easier when they finally started Year 7.
They were more confident, eased into routines and mixed well with their peers.
Staff members from each partner school have also been involved, giving them greater insight into how students learn at different stages of their growth and how to best prepare them for the future.
The program earned the Excellence in Student Wellbeing award.
Narrabri Public was awarded for targeted programs that provide variety and boost skills and participation in sport.
The school aims to develop fundamental movement skills that students can apply to all sorts of sports, and their progress is tracked as they pass through the grades.
Students with disabilities are also catered for, with programs developed for them in consultation with health experts.
A whole-school swimming scheme has lifted water confidence and improved swimming techniques.
The school also participates in a range of PSSA knockout competitions, exposing students to high competition levels and offering additional tuition to refine their techniques.
Narrabri Public also has strong community connections through its sporting programs.
The awards were presented in Gunnedah last week.