In 2015, Year 7 was established as the first year of high school in all Queensland state and non-state schools.
As part of these reforms, from 2013 Queensland state schools recognised Years 8 and 9 as Junior secondary, with Year 7 included in 2015.
The community has been extensively involved in the formulation of our Junior secondary agenda and we have held ongoing information sessions for prospective parents at our local feeder primary schools.
Purpose
The Junior Secondary Philosophy identifies the five principles which underpin Ferny Grove State High School’s planning and consideration of Junior secondary. The five principles of Junior secondary build on existing good practice and provide our school community with an agenda to guide the review and evaluation of current practices.
The five principles are: distinct identity, quality teaching, student wellbeing, connecting our community and leadership.
Here at Ferny Grove State High School, we have used these five principles of Junior secondary to develop our whole-school approach to implementing and strengthening our Junior secondary practices.
The elements of each principle are regularly considered as we review our thinking practices, processes and organisation to provide the optimum learning environment for our Junior secondary students.
Alignment
The principles of the Junior Secondary Philosophy are aligned to the Department’s P–12 Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting framework, Teaching and Learning audits, Learning and Wellbeing framework and School Community Partnership framework.
It also aligns with Education Queensland’s improvement agenda 'United in our Pursuit of Excellence' which details the strategies that are being implemented across our system to ensure that every day, in every classroom, every state school student is learning and achieving within a safe, supportive, inclusive and disciplined learning environment. This is also central to Junior secondary.
Trademark values of Junior secondary at Ferny Grove State High School:
Clear philosophy relevant to context.
Comprehensive range of signature practices to engage young adolescents in relevant, meaningful and challenging learning, along with organisational initiatives to facilitate their implementation.
Evidence-based approach with clearly articulated outcomes.
For further information, or to be placed on our mailing list to receive updates relating to Junior secondary and our newsletters, please email Murray Belkin, Head of Department, Junior secondary.