The Linkages program at Engadine High School has been in place for over twelve years and has been recognised on two occasions with a Director-General’s Award. We work closely with Engadine, Engadine West, Loftus, Marton and Yarrawarrah Public Schools to implement the explicit teaching of literacy, numeracy in addition to programs in creative, science, performing arts and sport.
Linkages Days "One day in high school"
Students from Year 6 visit Engadine High to attend and participatie in demonstration lessons which are taught by high school staff. They also experience our wonderful canteen which is always a treat!. It is a great opportunity for students from across our five main local schools to mingle with each other.
Enrichment Program
Identified Year 5 and/or 6 Gifted and Talented students participate in a weekly series of workshops at Engadine High School during Term 2 every Wednesday. The program caters for gifted children by providing challenging activities which will broaden their perspective on learning.
Each Wednesday, these young students participate in a series of workshops that will enable them to be immersed in particular topics and mini-projects including science, archaeology, literature and the humanities.
Targeted Writers’ Group
Identified Year 5 and/or 6 writing enthusiasts attend a talented writers’ workshop which is run by Mr Craig MacDonald from the English faculty. Time is spent further developing their skills as writers. Students love spending time in small group sessions with staff to explore literature and challenge themselves.
Targeted Numeracy Group
This session focusses on challenging students in Years 5 and/or 6 in the realm of numbers and patterns. A targeted group will delve deep into inquiry activities to develop reasoning and problem solving skills. Students have the opportunity to express their creativity that draws out the beauty of numbers.
Band Linkages
This program is extremely popular with Year 6 students. During Term 4, Year 6 students who are attending Engadine High in the following year, attend rehearsals before school with high school band members. They then perform with the Engadine High School Concert Band at an official Performing Arts Night.
Dance Linkages
During Term 3, Dance workshops are offered to students from Year 6. These practical workshops are run by our staff and supported by students from Years 9 and 10.
Year 6 students enjoy the opportunity to develop their skills in contemporary dance whilst making social connections with current students by attending rehearsals before school during Term 4. They will have the opportunity to attend a Dance workshop at the end of Term 4.
They then perform at the Engadine High Dance Showcase Evening at the end of the year.
Drama Linkages
Year 6 students love to indulge in Drama and our Drama teachers enjoy running workshops with them in Term 4 each year. Our Drama staff visit each local primary school on request and run sessions which can be later used by primary teachers. They also offer a drama workshop in Term 4. Students are introduced to the basics of drama and theatre so they can apply their skills to theatre sports games and scenarios.
PDHPE Linkages
Expressions of interest from local primary schools are used to choose appropriate Year 6 students to attend one hour sessions with a PDHPE teacher with expertise in coaching and gifted students of sport.
Science Week
This week is usually around the month of August every year. Ms Marianne Lavidis conducts practical experiences in the Science Faculty either on site or by request, she can attend each Primary school. Students experience the practical aspect of executing experiments in this particular field. This is a lot of fun.
Transition Day
This is an important occasion where all Year 6 students who will be attending Engadine High in the following year, come together for the first time. They participate in some on-line testing which helps to inform the two selective classes followed by activities and lessons with high school staff and students.
Orientation Day
This is a state-wide event where all Year 6 students visit the high school that they will be attending the following year. We take this opportunity to sell school uniforms; run a parent information session; run peer support groups; and, once again students participate in demonstration lessons, and activities throughout the day.