JUNIOR SECONDARY
At Bundaberg North SHS our aim in Junior Secondary is to provide high-quality schooling for every student, with a focus on transition and wellbeing. Teachers and staff recognise the importance of 'belonging' in the junior years and work to build positive relationships with all students. Across years 7 – 9 there are many extra curricula and extension activities (LEAP) for students to join. We recognise the diverse needs of students and differentiate curriculum to suit students' individual needs.
Students in year 7, 8 and 9 study core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Social Science (HASS) all year. They also complete at least one semester of Health and Physical Education (HPE). All students complete one semester of LOTE (Japanese) across year 7 and 8. Please note: our Japanese teachers are on leave this year.
Across year 7 and 8, all students complete one term of electives each term. These electives include: Design and Technologies, Visual Art, Drama, Music, Media Arts, Digital Technologies, Food Specialisations, Economics and Business.
At the end of year 8, students select electives for year 9. These include: Design and Technologies, Visual Art, Drama, Music, Media Arts, Digital Technologies, Food Studies, Economics and Business, Materials and Technologies Specialisation.
Our teachers have attended Professional Development on the new Version 9 Australian Curriculum and we are beginning to implement and trial the new curriculum. This allows time for changes before full implementation is required in 2026.
Junior Certificate of Education
At Bundaberg North SHS a Junior Certificate of Education (JCE) is awarded to year 9 students at the end of year 9, who have demonstrated a strong commitment to their learning throughout years 8 and 9. To earn a JCE, a student must achieve a C range academic result in English, Mathematics and Science across two consecutive semesters between semester 2 year 8 and semester 2 year 9. The student's term 3, year 9 result can be considered for the semester 2, year 9 result. Students are presented with their JCE at a presentation ceremony towards the end of term 4.
Transition Program
We offer an extensive transition program for year 6 students. An overview of the program:
Term 2: our key staff visit local primary schools.
Term 3: Transition Day 1: students attend a full day getting to know staff, other students and attending 'mini' lessons.
Term 3: enrolment and information sessions for parents/carers and students.
Term 4: Transition Day 2: students attend a full day getting to know staff, other students and attending 'mini' lessons. On this day students are assigned to their classes for the following year and complete activities to get to know their class.
We also offer an extra transition program of three half day visits for students with disabilities or who suffer from anxiety. The HOSES runs this program following discussions with primary schools.
Term 1 of year 7: Orientation Day – full day of activities off campus to build positive relationships within the cohort.
Term 1 of year 8: Orientation Day – full day of activities off campus to build positive relationships within the cohort.
Interactions with local primary schools
At various occasions throughout each year our school engages with local primary schools. This includes our science students running activities for Science Week, our senior Sport and Recreation students running sports activities and our First Nations students and staff sharing dance, art and stories.