Finding your place in something bigger
WELCOME TO HOUSE
EUMARELLA BUSH CAMP
HOUSE MUSIC
More independence should never mean less support
As students move into a broader environment, the people around them continue to know them as individuals.
Mentors, Year Level Coordinators, House and classroom teachers provide different points of connection across a student’s day.
They notice what interests them, where confidence is growing, when encouragement may be needed and when a student is ready for greater challenge.
At ELTHAM, increasing independence doesn’t mean navigating school alone.
Known, supported and connected
“At ELTHAM, we want every student to feel known, supported and confident to be themselves. Year 7 is about building those connections, discovering new interests and knowing there’s always someone there to encourage you along the way.”
Independence grows over time
STRUCTURE
GUIDANCE
RESPONSIBILITY
CONFIDENCE
INDEPENDENCE
Taking increasing ownership of their learning and journey
Explore Year 7 LearningYear 7 gives students room to explore.
A broad range of academic, creative, practical, physical and co-curricular experiences allows students to try different things, discover emerging interests and begin recognising strengths they may not have seen in themselves before.
LEARNING & DISCOVERY
LEARNING & DISCOVERY
Think deeply, ask questions, explore new subjects and discover emerging interests.
CREATIVE & PERFORMING ARTS
CREATIVE & PERFORMING ARTS
Create, perform, collaborate and express ideas.
SPORT, HEALTH & WELLBEING
SPORT, HEALTH & WELLBEING
Participate, contribute to a team, challenge yourself and build confidence through movement and wellbeing experiences.
LEADERSHIP & CONTRIBUTION
LEADERSHIP & CONTRIBUTION
Develop a voice, take responsibility and contribute to the College community.
Participation and growth
Participation gives students opportunities to explore interests, connect with others and discover what they enjoy.
Whether through sport, music, creative activities, clubs, leadership or experiences beyond the classroom, students can try something new, develop skills and contribute to the wider College community.
Some experiences build on an existing interest. Others begin with trying something unfamiliar. Either way, students learn something about what they can do.
What does Year 7 actually feel like?
The best way to understand Year 7 at ELTHAM is through the students experiencing it.
Meet Isobel
Every student experiences Year 7 differently.
Through Isobel, we see how a student can explore new opportunities, discover emerging interests, grow in confidence and increasingly make the ELTHAM experience their own.
Her story offers one authentic perspective on how the ELTHAM journey can broaden over time, while reinforcing that there is no single path that possibility needs to take.
Year 7 through our students’ eyes
“One of the best things about Year 7 at ELTHAM is how many different opportunities you get to try. I’ve discovered new interests, made great friendships and become much more confident in myself. There’s always something new to get involved in, and you really feel like you belong.”
Year 7 is the beginning of a much bigger journey
YEAR 7
MIDDLE YEARS
BEYOND ELTHAM
Questions about Year 7?
Every family’s decision is different. Here are some of the questions families commonly have when considering Year 7 at ELTHAM.
How will ELTHAM support my child's transition into Year 7?
We know that starting Senior School is an important milestone, and we place great care in helping every student feel confident, connected and ready for this next chapter.
Our carefully considered Transition Journey begins in Term 2 of the year before students commence Year 7, with a personal meeting between each student, their family and our Year 7 Coordinator. This gives us the opportunity to get to know each student, understand their individual needs and explore how we can best support their transition.
In Term 3 of the year before they commence, our Connect Program brings the entire incoming Year 7 cohort together, including students progressing from ELTHAM Junior School and those joining from other schools. Through a series of after school sessions, students begin building friendships, meeting staff and becoming familiar with their new learning environment. At the same time, parents have opportunities to meet and connect with other families.
The journey continues through our Family Information Evening and Orientation Day, followed by a dedicated Orientation Week, Year 7 Camp and House activities once the school year begins.
Each stage is thoughtfully designed to build familiarity, confidence and a sense of belonging, ensuring students feel supported as they settle into Senior School and begin making the most of the opportunities ahead.
How do mentor groups and Houses work?
Every Senior School student is supported by a dedicated mentor, providing a regular point of connection, guidance and support throughout the year.
Each school day begins with dedicated mentor time, giving students regular opportunities to check in, seek guidance and build a strong relationship with an adult who knows them as an individual.
Students also belong to one of ELTHAM’s four Houses: Bell, Evelyn, Nillumbik or Ross. House experiences create opportunities to connect with students across the College, participate in shared activities and develop a strong sense of community.
What will my child study in Year 7?
Year 7 students build strong foundations across English and Mathematics, alongside Languages, Science, Humanities, Physical Education and Sport.
Their experience also extends beyond core subjects through specialist, creative, practical and experiential learning, giving students opportunities to explore different ways of thinking, creating, collaborating and learning.
How do students manage different teachers, subjects and classrooms?
Independence develops progressively at ELTHAM. Students are supported as they become familiar with moving between different subjects, teachers and learning environments and begin taking greater responsibility for their organisation and learning.
Mentors, Year Level Coordinators and classroom teachers provide different points of guidance and connection, so greater independence does not mean students are expected to navigate Senior School on their own.
What opportunities can Year 7 students get involved in?
Year 7 students can explore opportunities across sport and physical activity, music and performing arts, STEM and innovation, clubs and social groups, leadership, outdoor experiences and other co-curricular activities.
The emphasis is on giving students opportunities to try different things, build on existing interests and discover new ones as they become part of the wider ELTHAM community.
How are families kept informed and connected?
Strong communication between school and home is an important part of supporting students through Senior School.
Mentors provide a consistent connection for students and play an important role in communication with families, helping create a connected support network around each student.
Come and experience Year 7
Book a TourChoosing a school is about more than understanding what it offers.
It is about seeing the environment, meeting the people and imagining your child within it.
Come and experience how Year 7 at ELTHAM opens up a broader world of learning, interests and opportunity, with the relationships and structure that allow students to find their place and increasingly make that experience their own.
BOOK A TOUR
BOOK A TOUR
See ELTHAM in action and experience the Year 7 environment firsthand.
ATTEND AN EVENT
ATTEND AN EVENT
Meet our people and experience more of the ELTHAM community.
ENQUIRE
ENQUIRE
Speak with our Admissions team about Year 7 and your family’s next steps.
APPLY
APPLY
Ready to begin your ELTHAM journey?