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Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
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From year 6 nerves to high school ready

high school students sitting on the floor in their classroom

With a huge milestone rushing closer, excitement was building – but so was the tension.

When Year 6 students gathered together to talk about high school, many said they were happy, but also nervous.

It’s no wonder anxiety was creeping in. Starting high school is a major transition, made even

harder for students dealing with the added pressures of living with poverty.

It’s a critical milestone and the right support can truly set a child up for future success.

That’s what our high-school preparation program, Passport, is all about. Busting myths about what going to high school is like, developing study routines, and building confidence, helping children start high-school feeling ready and motivated.

Passport is one of the life-changing learning support programs available through sponsorship, thanks to generosity like yours. Held in primary schools each Term 4, it gives Year 6 students a safe space to discuss their worries and ask questions about this next big step.

Over six interactive sessions, students find out what to expect and learn valuable skills, like how to do independent research and manage their time.

two pieces of paper that say passport and the smith family on them

A confident start sets kids up for success throughout high school.

Jody

Best of all, they learn about high school from other students

“The myth-busting session where students can ask high-school students questions is always a favourite,” says Passport facilitator Jody. “Itshows that high school isn’t such a scary place and shows students all the fun things and opportunities ahead.”

The school’s deputy principal, who sat in on the Passport sessions, said the students’ transformation was amazing to see:

“Students who face challenges in their lives tend to have fewer opportunities to develop the confidence they need for a successful move to high school. Passport motivated them to be ready to learn and see high school as a stepping stone to further education and a world of opportunities.”