Families and caregivers are being given the chance to register interest for their children to enter John Pirie Secondary School in Port Pirie from Year 7 under a State Government pilot program.

“Three South Australian schools have been selected for the pilot transition of year 7 onto high school, including John Pirie Secondary School,” Member for Frome Geoff Brock MP said.

The other two schools participating in the trial are Mitcham Girls High School and Wirreanda Secondary School in Morphett Vale.

“Broad consultation has been started with families and local primary schools, aiming to give families the opportunity to register interest for their child to enter a government high school as a Year 7 in 2020.”

State Minister for Education John Gardner MP said it was anticipated these three schools would offer insights into the Year 7 transition process from distinctly different school contexts.

“John Pirie is a large regional school with a strong middle school focus and the school is enthusiastic about having Year 7s joining their community next year,” Mr Brock said.

“Participation in the pilot program is voluntary and enrolment processes will continue at all schools for current Year 7s enrolling as Year 8s next year, with the aim of informing planning for the statewide system move in 2022.

“The National Curriculum is designed for Year 7 students to be taught by subject specialist teachers in the specialist facilities available in a high school setting, which is what makes this transition so valuable.

“I encourage parents and caregivers of year 6 students who are eligible to explore the benefits of undertaking Year 7 in high school,” Mr Brock said.

Families will be able to submit a registration of interest up until Friday 24 May and further information is available on each school’s website.