Junior Secondary Philosophy
To provide a safe and supportive learning environment for young adolescents,
characterised by high quality teaching informed by data, and a focus on student
engagement and wellbeing. Our Junior Secondary students are encouraged to be
responsible, strive for excellence in all areas of their schooling, accepting the rights of
others and to be active and thoughtful learners.
Distinct Identity
Balmoral State High School
students are supported to
develop their own group
identity within the broader
school community, and
have a strong sense of
belonging through
ownership of their school
and their learning.
Students achieve their
individual potential,
incorporating the school
values of Responsibility,
Excellence, Acceptance and
Learning.
Quality Teaching
The learning and
achievement of Junior
Secondary students is
supported by highly skilled
teachers with pedagogical
knowledge, practice and
breadth of curriculum
experiences appropriate
for this age group.
Leadership
Leadership opportunities
for staff and students are
delivered through strong
school leadership and a
focus on support for Junior
Secondary students.
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Junior Secondary Precinct and Uniform.
Refurbished classrooms and flexible learning area.
Distinct pastoral care program and support.
Opportunities for students to settle in and develop
relationships with peers, staff and senior student
representatives.
A strong focus on the development of group identity whilst
fostering a sense of belonging and connectedness to the
whole school.
Mentoring and team-building activities.
Teachers use the Art and Science of Teaching as a teaching
and learning framework utilising a common language and
consistent quality practices.
Seamless curriculum delivered by core teachers.
Specialist teachers for LOTE, Arts (Music, Dance, Art and
Drama), Health and Physical Education, Technology
(Industrial Design & Technology, Home Economics).
Support teacher – Literacy and Numeracy.
Access to specialist laboratories, workshops, kitchens and
creative arts spaces.
Inclusive education and support for all learners.
Junior Secondary leadership opportunities:
 Junior Secondary School Captains
 Heads of House
 Student Forum for student voice
Senior leaders mentor these students in their roles.
Teacher leadership, collaborative planning and positions of
responsibility in curriculum and student welfare.
Student
Wellbeing
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Student wellbeing builds a
foundation of success by
embedding social and
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personal competencies
across all facets of school
life; incorporating a healthy
lifestyle of good nutrition
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and exercise.
Connecting to our
Community
A strong reciprocal
partnership is built upon
our core school values.
There is a range of
opportunities for parents
and community to shape
the Junior Secondary
model.
Local Decision
Making
Local school communities
influence the shape of the
Junior Secondary model in
each school, reflecting
local needs.
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A smooth transition from primary school to promote:
 improved academic performance;
 increased student participation in school activities
 students experiencing success
 enjoyment at high school.
This will be achieved by:
 seamless curriculum opportunities
 building a community of learners
 Orientation days before entering high school
 leadership and mentoring
Student support includes:
 daily contact with a pastoral care teacher and core
teachers who will monitor student progress and
wellbeing
 distinct Pastoral Care Program
 Senior staff support eg Deputy Principal, Head of
Junior Secondary & Year level co-ordinator;
 Student Support Services, eg Chaplain, Nurse,
Guidance counsellor
Parents and Citizen’ Association
School Council
Parent Support Groups – Instrumental music,uniform
regular cluster meetings with the primary principals will
ensure that partnerships promote teaching and learning
and reflection.
build on existing primary-secondary experiences through
the delivery of LOTE, Instrumental Music, Science, Maths
and Sport Development programs.
Parent consultation:
 celebrations
 community forums and events
 P&C meetings
 email and website updates, Facebook
Explicit Improvement Agenda
Data used to measure progress towards targets and
regularly communicated to parents, teachers and
community
Feedback for continuous improvement
For further information please contact:
Balmoral State High School
Thynne Road, Morningside QLD 4170
Phone: 3823 8588 Email: info@balmoralshs.eq.edu.au
CRISCOS # 00608A