This begins with a carefully supported introduction to secondary school life.
She will find her place with us
A thoughtful transition, from the very beginning
Starting secondary school is carefully supported at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College, with a clear focus on relationships, structure and a strong sense of belonging.
A calm beginning
A steady, structured introduction to secondary school that begins in Year 6
Known from the start
Staff get to know each girl as an individual
Clear routines
Girls quickly learn how the day works
Connected with families
We work in partnership with you from the very beginning
It’s a program, not just a day
Our purposefully designed Year 7 Transition Program helps girls navigate new spaces with confidence, build meaningful connections, and step into learning with curiosity and purpose before day one.
- Step 1 | Year 6, Term 3
Welcome to OLSH College, transition morning on campus - Step 2 | Year 6 Term 3
We visit her at primary school with current OLSH College Year 7 girls - Step 3 | Year 6 Term 4
Experience OLSH College, teaching and learning transition morning on campus - Step 4 | Year 6 Term 4
Family welcome to OLSH College, one evening on campus - Step 5 | Orientation Week
Her first week of Year 7 at OLSH College is a tailored program to build essential tools and skills for high school before easing into her first lessons – she is officially an OLSHie!
We encourage families to finalise enrolment 18-24 months prior to commencement. This allows each student to participate fully in the program, supporting a smooth and settled transition to secondary school.
Starting strong at OLSH College
In her Own Words
Her wellbeing at the centre
Student wellbeing underpins everything we do.
“Our priority is ensuring every student feels safe, connected and supported. When girls feel they belong, they are empowered to thrive in all areas of their learning and life.”
Mohammad Jafari – Assistant Principal, Student Wellbeing
Learning in Year 7 and 8
In Years 7 and 8, students are introduced to a broad and engaging curriculum that builds strong foundations for future learning.
Our approach balances structure and curiosity. Students develop key skills in literacy, numeracy, critical thinking and collaboration while exploring subjects within a wide range of learning areas.
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Religious Education
- Languages
- The Arts
- Health and Physical Education
- Design and Technologies
Teachers provide clear guidance and explicit teaching within consistent classroom routines, helping students build confidence, organisation and independence as learners.
Grounded in cognitive science and evidence-based practice, this approach supports knowledge retention, reduces uncertainty and contributes to narrowing the achievement gap through high expectations and consistency for all students.
As students move into Year 8, they deepen their understanding, take greater ownership of their learning and begin to explore their interests more fully.
KNOWING EVERY LEARNER
Research-Informed Practice
At OLSH College, we believe student success begins with knowing each learner well. Assessment information, including NAPLAN, helps us understand how she is progressing, while our research-informed teaching practices support the development of confidence, organisation, resilience and independence.
For parents: Looking for ways to support your daughter’s learning journey? Explore the practical resources and expert advice available through ReachOut Parents.
The Strength of an All-Girls Education
At OLSH College, our all-girls environment allows every student to thrive.
Girls are encouraged to take risks, be heard and pursue their interests without limitation. They are supported to grow in confidence, build strong friendships and become capable, compassionate young women.
Discover more at The International Coalition of Girls Schools (ICGS)
FAQs – Year 7 and 8 at OLSH College
Why is OLSH College the right school for my daughter?
OLSH College is the perfect size. We are big enough to offer a rich range of learning opportunities, co-curricular experiences and pathways, while remaining small enough to know every student by name. Your daughter won’t get lost in the crowd. Instead, she will be known, supported and encouraged to explore her strengths, build confidence and thrive as an individual.
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College is a welcoming, inclusive community where every girl is supported to achieve her potential.
If you want your daughter to:
- Feel a strong sense of belonging
- Be known and supported as an individual
- Grow in confidence and independence
- Access a broad range of opportunities and experiences
- Learn in a community where she won’t get lost in the crowd
OLSH College, Enfield South Australia, is the right place to begin her high school journey.
How do you support student wellbeing in Years 7 and 8?
We know that girls thrive when they are known, supported and connected. At OLSH College, wellbeing is not separate from learning—it is the foundation for it.
The transition to secondary school is an important time, and our dedicated wellbeing structures are designed to ensure every girl feels confident, connected and supported from her first days.
Students are supported through:
- A dedicated Year 7 and 8 Wellbeing Coordinator
- Daily connection and support through Home Room
- A House structure that fosters belonging, friendship and participation
- Strong relationships with teachers who know each student as an individual
- Age-appropriate wellbeing programs that build confidence, resilience and self-awareness
Because OLSH College is the perfect size, girls are never lost in the crowd.
We know our students, we know their strengths and challenges, and we take the time to understand their individual stories. This enables us to provide personalised support and ensure every girl feels seen, valued and connected within our community.
Through our Years 7 and 8 wellbeing focus, students develop:
- The confidence to participate fully in College life and learning opportunities
- Age-appropriate self-confidence and independence
- Positive relationships and a sense of belonging
- Resilience and emotional wellbeing
- Skills for navigating challenges and change
What is included in the all-inclusive school fees at OLSH College?
OLSH College all-inclusive fee structure is designed to provide clarity, simplicity and value for families.
Fees include:
- Tuition and learning programs
- A personal laptop for each student
- Curriculum-related activities and resources
This approach means students are fully equipped from day one, while families can plan with confidence knowing there are no unexpected costs.
When should I enrol my daughter for Year 7 at OLSH College in Adelaide?
We recommend submitting an enrolment application 18–24 months before Year 7 commencement.
Enrolling early gives families peace of mind and ensures girls can make the most of our transition experiences, orientation and connection opportunities. These experiences are designed to help girls feel confident, supported and ready for secondary school before their first day.
Ready to become an OLSHie in Adelaide, South Australia? Application for Admission
What is the Year 7 Transition Program at OLSH College?
Our Year 7 Transition Program is designed to support students as they move from primary to secondary school.
The program includes:
- Transition and orientation experiences
- Opportunities to meet staff and students
- A structured start to build confidence and belonging
At OLSH College, every girl is supported to feel connected, confident and ready to thrive before her first day.
How do I apply for Year 7 enrolment at OLSH College in Adelaide?
Applying for Year 7 at OLSH College is simple. Families can begin by submitting an online Application for Admission.
Before applying, we encourage families to:
- Attend a student-led College Tour to experience the OLSH College community firsthand
- Request a Prospectus to learn more about our learning programs, wellbeing approach and opportunities
- Connect with our Registrar to discuss your daughter’s needs and interests
Many families choose to start with a College Tour, which offers an authentic insight into College life, as students share what makes Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College feel like their place.
Next steps
- Book a College Tour or request a Prospectus
- Explore our enrolment process
- Submit your online Application for Admission
We encourage families to finalise enrolment 18-24 months prior to commencement of Year 7 to ensure they have plenty of time to participate in transition experiences and plan with confidence.
Will my daughter have to choose subjects in Year 7 and 8?
We believe informed decisions come from meaningful experiences. That’s why students in Years 7 and 8 experience a broad and balanced curriculum before making subject choices in later years.
Students explore a wide range of learning areas, discover new interests and develop confidence in their strengths and abilities. This foundation helps girls make informed subject choices based on experience, not assumptions.
Through Years 7 and 8, girls:
- Experience a broad range of subjects and learning opportunities
- Discover interests, strengths and talents
- Develop confidence, curiosity and independence
- Build skills in communication, creativity, critical thinking and problem solving
- Gain the knowledge needed to make informed subject choices in later years.
By the time students begin selecting subjects in Years 9 and 10, they have a deeper understanding of their interests, strengths and aspirations, helping them make confident decisions about their future learning pathways.
How do you help girls build confidence?
At OLSH College, we believe confidence is built through experience. Girls don’t need confidence before they try something new, confidence grows because they are supported to have a go.
In Years 7 and 8, students are encouraged to participate, contribute and embrace new experiences across learning, wellbeing, co-curricular activities, service opportunities and College life. Every time a student tries something unfamiliar, overcomes a challenge or achieves something she didn’t think was possible, her confidence grows.
As an all-girls school, OLSH College provides an environment where girls are supported to take up space, contribute ideas, pursue their interests and challenge themselves without limitation. Students are encouraged to engage fully in every aspect of College life, developing confidence in their abilities, their decisions and their capacity to make a meaningful contribution.
Because Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College is the perfect size, girls are never lost in the crowd. We know our students and their stories, which means we can recognise their strengths, support them through challenges and encourage them to take the next step when they are ready.
As students grow in confidence, they become increasingly willing to take on responsibility, contribute to their community and lead others. Leadership at OLSH College is not reserved for a few students; it develops through participation, service, teamwork and the confidence to step forward when opportunities arise.
Ready to learn more?
The best way to experience OLSH College is to visit us.
Through student-led College tours, families are invited to explore the campus, meet staff, and hear directly from students about what makes OLSH College feel like their place.