Year 7 - Upcoming
This page provides information and advice for upcoming Year 7 students enrolling next year.
Your Transition to High School
Moving into year 7 can be an exciting time in a student's education. New friends, new teachers, a larger school, and more subject choices are just a few of the changes. It can also be a daunting time for some students.
It is important that students find their feet quickly when attending high school, making new friends, settling into class and a routine helps alleviate any nerves that students may feel when starting.
We have a great transition program to help you get prepared, make connections, build confidence, and get off to a great start at Maitland High School.
Information Downloads
2026 Transition Information Booklet
Year 7 2026 Transition Information (PDF 846KB)
Stationary, Shoe and Equipment Advice
SSU Equipment list and Shoe advice 2026 (PDF 398KB)
Year 7 Equipment list and Shoe advice 2026 (PDF 601KB)
Year 7 Student Handbook
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
As part of our strong and ongoing commitment to 21st century teaching and learning excellence, Maitland High School has a bring your own device (BYOD) program across Years 7-12. Students are encouraged to bring a laptop to school which can connect to the school's wireless network and support their learning.
All students of the Department of Education NSW have free access to download Microsoft Office and Adobe CC (Including titles like Photoshop and more used in the classroom) onto their BYOD device. To access this, visit Academic Software Download Centre.
Student BYOD Recommendations
Student BYOD Recommendations (PDF 98KB)
Windows 10/11 Network Connection Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we buy the uniforms, or do you give us uniforms?
Please see the uniform page of our website for more details.
How many people are there going to be?
We usually have between 150 and 200 students in Year 7. Across our school, there are approximately 1000 students.
How many students per class?
Approximately 25-30 students in our mainstream classes.
Is the homework hard, and may I have a little extra support on some subjects?
Our teachers work hard to get to know all their students so they can tailor the work (including homework) to where you are at in your learning.
If you are struggling or have concerns about any aspect of your schoolwork (including homework) we encourage you to talk to your teachers about your concerns as soon as you can. Tell them what you find challenging and what support you need.
Our school also has a Learning and Wellbeing team available to support students experiencing learning or wellbeing difficulties. Your family can discuss with your teachers if they think you need this additional support.
On our first day do you show us our classes and teachers?
To help Year 7 get off to a great start, during the first two weeks of the school year, our teachers meet Year 7 in the Year 7 quad before each lesson and walk them to their classroom. They are then walked back to the Year 7 quad with their teacher, ready to meet their teacher for their next lesson.
On Day 1, please meet in the Hall at 9:00am so we can welcome you, mark the rolls and get you ready for your first day at high school.
How many classes will we attend in a day?
There will be 5 classes in a day.
Can we pick one friend to be in our class?
The Transition team at Maitland High School work really hard to make sure your classes provide opportunities for old and new friendships to develop. We liaise closely with your Year 6 teachers to decide on the best class placements for all students.
Do Year 7 get to participate in athletics and swimming carnivals?
Yes! Year 7 are encouraged to participate in our athletics, swimming and cross-country carnivals.
How long is each period and what times do we get breaks?
Lessons are approximately 60 minutes in length.
On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday we have a 40-minute break at 11:10 am and a 20-minute break at 1:50 pm.
On Wednesday, this changes as we have assembly and Year 9 and Year 10 have sport scheduled at the end of the day. We have a 20-minute break at 10:30 am and a 40-minute break at 12:50 pm.
What sports teams are available to try out for?
There are loads of different opportunities if you enjoy sport. You can try out for our rugby league, soccer, netball (girls), basketball, cricket (boys), touch, dance and more. Year 7 also participates in Swimming, Athletics and Cross Country Days.
Will Year 7 go on a school camp or excursion?
Yes! Our year 7 students will go to the Great Aussie Bush Camp during Term 2.
More information will be provided to you at the Parent Information Evening in Term 4.
How many different teachers will I have in Year 7?
We are still working on the timetabling, but most Year 7 students will have around 5 core teachers (1 teacher for English, HSIE, Mathematics, PDHPE and Science). You will also have different teachers for Mandatory Technology and Applied Science (TAS), Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) and French (2026).
Where do I go if I need help?
Your first stop is likely to be your class teacher and then your Year Advisor, Head Teacher Wellbeing or Year 7 Deputy Principal. We have a tight support network and encourage you to call us early if you are worried about anything!
What subjects will we have to do?
In 2026, Year 7 Stage 4, you will study English, Mathematics, Science, PDHPE, French, Human Society and its Environment (History and Geography), Creative and Performing Arts (Music and Visual Arts), and Technology and Applied Science (TAS). In addition, Year 7 will participate in integrated Sports lessons throughout the week.
When will we be able to look at what teachers we will have next year for 2026?
You will receive your timetable and find out your teachers for next year on your first day of Year 7.
What language are we going to learn in Year 7?
All Year 7 students will study French in 2026.
High Potential & Gifted Education (HPGE) - High Achiever's Program
Interested in applying for our HPGE program for 2026? Visit our HPGE program page for information and application details.
Register your interest via the link: https://forms.gle/aBBQxKirELRQHPHB9
Transition Dates
Year 7 2027 Parent Information Evening
- Maitland High School MPC
- 5:30 pm-6:30 pm
- Direct access to MPC via Pierce St
Enrolment Expression of Interest (EOI) window OPENS
Parents and carers to go to the ‘Moving to High School’ section of their school's website to complete an EOI or PNR online.
Enrolment Expression of Interest (EOI) window CLOSED
Parents/carers can no longer submit EOIs online AFTER this date. If the EOI window has been missed, parent/carers will be required to submit an enrolment application directly to the Maitland High School in Term 2.
HPGE Portfolio Submission DUE
Portfolio requirements will be sent directly to registered families after the EOI closing date (Thursday 2 April)
Term 3 2026
Weeks 3 & 4
PAT Testing window
MHS staff to attend local primary schools to conduct literacy and numeracy PAT testing to assist with class placements in 2027.
Term 3 2026
Weeks 8 & 9
Learning Support Team Meetings window
MHS staff to attend local primary schools to conduct meetings with Primary School staff and parents/carers.
- Primary School teachers will organise the meetings for the identified students and invite the parent/carers to the meeting.
- If you feel your child would benefit from a Learning Support Team meeting, please discuss this with your primary school teacher.
Year 7 2027 ‘Launching into MHS’ Transition Day (All Students)
- Maitland High School, MPC
- 10:00am - 2:00pm
- Direct access to MPC via Pierce Street
Transition and PLP BBQ Afternoon for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students
- Our Aboriginal Learning and Education Centre (ALEC) Staff invite our Aboriginal families to an afternoon to connect with the school and local community.
Tuesday 27 October 2026
&
Tuesday 3 November 2026
Jump Start Program
For identified students with additional support needs (e.g. anxiety diagnosis, Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis).
- Teachers at our local primary schools will nominate students to be involved in this program. If you would like your child to be considered, please contact your primary school teacher
- Interested parents of non-local Primary Schools are encouraged to contact Sarah Gambrill to discuss the appropriateness of this program for their child.
- Details regarding the specific time and drop-off location will be sent to identified students closer to the event.
Year 7 2027 Parent Information Evening
- Maitland High School MPC
- 6:00pm - 7:30pm
- Direct access to MPC via Pierce Street
‘Making Connections’ Transition Day
An additional transition event for:
- Students attending from non-partner Primary Schools where fewer than 5 students are attending MHS from their Primary School.
- Small partner primary schools where fewer than 5 students are attending MHS from their Primary School.
- Details regarding specific time and drop-off location will be sent out to identified students closer to the event.
‘Cultural Connections’ Transition Day
- Our Aboriginal Learning and Education Centre (ALEC) Staff invite our Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students to an additional transition day to engage in cultural activities and build relationships with our Aboriginal Education staff.
- Details regarding specific time and drop-off location will be sent out to identified students closer to the event.
Year 7 2027 Orientation Day at Maitland High School (All Students)
- 10:00am - 2:00pm
- Direct access to MPC via Pierce Street
- A permission note will be sent to all students closer to the event
Quick Links
Bell times
Find information about our school bell times. Learn about our start and finish times, breaks and activities.
Parent portal
Stay connected through our parent portal apps. Use them to make a payment, for attendance matters or to book a parent-teacher interview.
Canteen
Explore our school canteen. View our menu, canteen opening times and learn how to order.
Uniform
View our uniform policy and available options.
Please note: Information regarding the additional transition days in Term 4 for students enrolling in our Specialist Support Unit (SSU) will be provided directly to the relevant families. Enrolment to SSU is via an Access Request process, which will be completed by your primary school, in consultation with the parent/carer. The submission of an Access Request does not guarantee a placement at Maitland High School.