Hills Connect Transition Program
Connected all the way
The Hills Connect Transition Program is our college-wide initiative designed to support every stage of your child’s journey. We have identified four key transition points and developed purposeful strategies to help students connect their learning and experiences throughout their time at Hills.
Prep
Building Foundations
The Hills Connect Program supports a smooth transition to school. In Term 4, future Prep students are invited to attend one‑hour sessions, offering opportunities to connect with staff and peers while becoming familiar with classroom routines.
All Prep students are paired with a Year 6 buddy through Hills’ Better Buddy Program, fostering connection, confidence and social development. Students engage in regular shared activities, including inquiry, reading and play, while Year 6 mentors provide support during breaks and model the College L.A.W.S.
Year 6
Forming Connections
The Hills Connect phase, Forming Connections, focuses on the transition from Year 6 to Year 7. It is designed to support students as they move into secondary schooling, fostering a sense of continuity and connectedness. As a Prep–12 campus, we provide both formal and informal opportunities for Year 6 students to engage with Secondary students and staff, strengthening familiarity and confidence.
We recognise that the transition to Secondary school can feel daunting. Through a gradual progression across Semester 1 and 2, we support students and families by providing clear information, building understanding, and easing the transition, helping maintain our shared goal of Building Futures Together.
Years 9 & 10
Reaching Out
Between Years 9 and 10, students begin the transition into young adulthood, with increasing independence and engagement beyond the College. This phase supports students through guided opportunities to connect with the wider community in meaningful and participatory ways.
Students are encouraged to contribute to community organisations, taking on roles as assistants, junior committee members or participants in affiliated groups, such as Rotary’s Interact program. Through these experiences, students develop confidence, responsibility and independence as they prepare to become College Leaders in their senior years.
Years 11 & 12
Global Experiences
The Hills Connect phase, Global Experiences, supports students in Years 11 and 12 as they prepare for life beyond school. Through authentic ‘real-world’ experiences, the program fosters student agency, independence and informed decision-making.
This phase focuses on developing essential personal, interpersonal and citizenship skills required for the transition to tertiary education or employment. Students engage in targeted learning and experiences that build confidence in areas such as legal responsibilities, risk awareness, wellbeing and future pathways, including university and vocational options.
Primary and Secondary Schools | Hills Language College | International Baccalaureate World School