Junior Secondary - Performance and Pathways
At Pine Rivers State High School, the Junior Secondary phase is designed to foster the social, emotional, and academic growth of our students. Our philosophy is built on positive relationships, high expectations, and a curriculum that is engaging, innovative, and aligned with the Australian Curriculum. We are committed to providing a supportive and challenging learning environment that nurtures curiosity, encourages self-belief, and inspires a love of learning. Through quality teaching and a strong focus on student success, we aim to expand opportunities, strengthen skills, and ensure all Year 7, 8, and 9 students are well-prepared for their senior years and future pathways.
Our Approach
Our Junior Secondary curriculum is built on the belief that every student has the potential for success. We focus on creating strong foundations for lifelong learning, ensuring students develop both academic skills and personal confidence. Critical and creative thinking are central to our approach, preparing students to navigate an ever-changing world. We also prioritise literacy and numeracy, with targeted support available to help all students progress and achieve their personal best.
Key features of our approach include:
- Building Strong Foundations for Success: Junior Secondary teachers at Pine Rivers work closely with students and their families to support the development of both academic skills and personal resilience. This strong partnership helps set the stage for future success.
- High Expectations for All: Our teachers maintain high standards, encouraging students to challenge themselves and achieve their best in all areas of learning.
- Focus on Literacy and Numeracy: We provide targeted support to strengthen literacy and numeracy skills, ensuring students have the essential skills for learning. Intervention programs are available for students requiring additional support.
- Collaborative and Engaging Curriculum: Students access a diverse range of subjects designed to develop essential 21st-century skills, including critical and creative thinking, communication, collaboration, digital literacy, and personal and social capability. These skills are embedded across the curriculum and align with the Australian Curriculum General Capabilities. Specialist teachers and access to industry-standard facilities further support student learning, fostering engagement, innovation, and real-world application of skills.
- School-wide Pedagogical Approach: Our teachers implement evidence-based, high-quality teaching practices that ensure consistency and excellence across all subjects.
Supporting Year 7s and Boosting Wellbeing
We recognise that the transition to high school is a significant milestone for both students and their families. To ensure a smooth and positive start, we offer a range of initiatives designed to help Year 7 students feel welcomed, supported, and confident as they begin their journey at Pine Rivers State High School.
- Year 7-only Lunch Area: To ensure Year 7 students feel safe and have a space to socialise, we provide a dedicated lunch area just for them. This helps build confidence and fosters positive relationships within their peer group.
- Form Teacher as Pastoral Care Teacher: Each Year 7 student has a Form Teacher who also serves as their Pastoral Care teacher, providing a consistent point of contact for students and their families. This relationship helps build trust and ensures students' social and emotional needs are met.
- Year 7 Welcome BBQ: To celebrate the start of high school, Year 7 students are invited to a Welcome BBQ, fostering a sense of community and allowing students to form connections with peers and teachers.
- Year 7 Camp: An integral part of the transition process, the Year 7 Camp provides opportunities for students to build teamwork, develop friendships, and participate in activities that promote personal growth.
- QIP Program (Queensland Inter-Year Program): Senior students are paired with Year 7 students as mentors or buddies. This program helps Year 7 students adjust to high school life with the support of older students who support and guide them through the challenges of their first year.
- Junior Secondary Leadership: Our Junior Secondary Captains and Student Representative Council (SRC) Leaders play a key role in supporting the wellbeing and engagement of all students. They work with staff to promote student voice and ensure all students have the opportunity to contribute to school life.
- PBL Values Program: We place a strong emphasis on our school values of Perseverance, Integrity, Nurturing, and Excellence. The Positive Behaviours for Learning (PBL) program explicitly teaches these values and supports students in demonstrating them both inside and outside the classroom.
- Pine Positives: Our school-wide rewards system, Pine Positives, acknowledges and celebrates students who consistently demonstrate our PBL values. This system promotes positive behaviours and motivates students to engage in their learning and contribute to our school community.
Curriculum and Learning Opportunities
Our Junior Secondary curriculum is designed to offer both depth and breadth in learning, with a focus on equipping students with the skills they need to excel in the Senior Secondary phase.
Key areas of focus include:
- Academic Learning and Differentiated Instruction: Teachers at Pine Rivers tailor their teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of all students, ensuring that each student is supported and challenged at their individual level. By using differentiated strategies, we aim to foster academic growth and help students reach their full potential.
- Focus on Literacy and Numeracy: A strong focus is placed on literacy and numeracy, providing students with the foundation they need to succeed academically. Targeted programs and support are in place for students needing additional help to improve in these key areas.
- Inclusive Education: Our Inclusive Education department is committed to supporting the diverse learning needs of all students. For those requiring additional assistance, our team offers individualised learning plans, case management, and in-class support from co-teachers and teacher aides to help students actively engage in their learning and reach their potential.
- Personal and Career Development: Our proactive and responsive approach to personal and career development supports students' social, emotional, and academic growth. During Character and Citizenship Monday (CCM) time, Form classes engage in a range of programs to build resilience, develop positive relationships, and strengthen personal and social skills. These experiences help students gain confidence and make informed decisions about their future academic and career pathways.
Parent and Community Involvement
At Pine Rivers State High School, we value the partnership between families and the school in supporting student success. We encourage parents and carers to stay actively engaged in their child's learning throughout the Junior Secondary years and beyond.
There are many ways for families to get involved, including:
- Attending school events and functions – Where possible, parents are encouraged to accompany their child to key events, performances, and celebrations of learning.
- Participating in twilight sessions, such as Parent/Student/Teacher evenings – These informative sessions provide opportunities for families to engage with the school, gain insights into their child's education, and connect with teachers.
- Supporting learning at home – Encouraging positive study habits, discussing school experiences, and providing guidance with schoolwork all contribute to student success.
- Joining the Parents and Citizens Association (P&C) – Our P&C plays a vital role in shaping the school community. Parents and carers are invited to get involved, whether by attending meetings, volunteering, or supporting fundraising initiatives.
By working together, we can create a supportive and enriching environment that helps every student thrive. We welcome and appreciate the involvement of our school community in making Pine Rivers State High School a place of excellence in learning and personal growth.
Connecting with Senior Secondary Learning
The Junior Secondary phase at Pine Rivers serves as the foundation for future success in the Senior Secondary phase. We work closely with the Senior Secondary team to ensure a smooth transition from Year 9 into Year 10 and beyond. This includes guidance on subject selection, career pathways, and the skills needed to thrive in senior years.
As students progress into the Senior Secondary phase, they will continue to build on the critical thinking, literacy, numeracy, and personal development skills they've cultivated in Junior Secondary, while accessing a wide range of opportunities designed to prepare them for life after school.