Starting secondary school is a significant milestone for both students and their families. At Yarra Valley Grammar, our Year 7 program is designed to ensure every student feels supported, connected and confident as they make this important transition.
We welcome students from over 78 different primary schools each year, and place strong emphasis on helping them quickly feel part of our community. Our experienced Year 7 team provides the guidance and care needed to support a smooth and positive start.

In the early weeks, we focus on building strong relationships, establishing a sense of belonging and helping students become familiar with school life. We believe students learn best when they feel happy, supported and connected, and we work closely with families to ensure each child is known and valued.
Year 7 at Yarra Valley Grammar is a time of exploration and growth. Students are encouraged to try new activities, develop independence and build the confidence to embrace new opportunities.
We look forward to partnering with families to support each student as they begin their secondary school journey and grow into confident, capable young people.
The Sport program is divided into two major seasons:
– Summer (Term 4 and Term 1)
– Winter (Term 2 and part of Term 3).
Each student is given the opportunity to select a summer and winter sport. All students are required to participate in at least one season of saturday sport, which equates to about 9 saturdays a season.
Year 7 students will also have the opportunity to compete for their School House at Athletics and Swimming days each year.
Sport Handbook
In Year 7, all students take part in the classroom Instrumental Music program for one semester where specialist tuition and instruments are provided culminating in a performance night. Students then have the opportunity to join the School Instrumental Music program.
Music BrochureSstudents participate in a carefully designed program of camps and experiences that support personal growth, independence and connection. These shared experiences are an important part of life at Yarra and help students develop confidence, resilience and lasting friendships.
In Year 7 the students attend the Camp Manyung Orientation camp, which helps builds connections and establishes friendships with two nights getting to know each other in Mt Eliza. In Term 4, students then undertake a two night/three-day ‘Journey’, camping and canoeing their way along the Murray River.
What makes Year 7 at Yarra Valley Grammar different is the balance between support and opportunity. Students are welcomed into a caring and connected community where they are known by their teachers, supported by their peers and encouraged to step outside their comfort zone. Whether in the classroom, on the sporting field, on stage, through music or in cocurricular activities, students are given the confidence to try new things, discover their strengths and develop a genuine sense of belonging from their very first year of secondary school.
We have students attending Yarra from over 78 different primary schools. To help students settle in we have a strong transition program to ensure the students feel settled and comfortable by the time the commence.
Students will attend the following events the year prior to their enrolment.
Fellowship Morning
This morning offers a range of activities for students conducted by Yarra Valley Grammar students and staff. The students meet all the children attending in their Year 7 cohort.
Entry Assessment Morning
Once offers have been made, the School brings all the students entering into this cohort in for testing, to more effectively assess the current achievement levels of your child in major areas and assist in meeting individual needs. This is not a test for entry. This will not affect your child's enrolment at Yarra Valley Grammar.
Orientation Day
This day is designed for students to meet other students in the same tutorial group and their tutor for their entry year.
Launch2Learn
This session provides an opportunity for students to manage their transition to Year 7 in a secure and settled manner, prior to other year levels commencing.
Year 7 Parent information Session
This evening is for parents only and will provide you with information on Year 7, together with meeting your child’s tutor.
Students will particiapte in a variety of key learning areas and will attend fice one hour classes each day.
School commences every day at 8:35am and concludes at 3:25pm.
| Period 1 | 8.35am – 9.35am |
| Period 2 | 9.40am – 10.40am |
| Tutorial | 10.45am – 10.55am |
| Recess | 10.55am – 11.20am |
| Period 3 | 11.25am – 12.25pm |
| Period 4 | 12.30pm – 1.30pm |
| Lunch | 1.30pm – 2.20pm |
| Period 5 | 2.25pm – 3.25pm |
At Yarra Valley Grammar, helping Year 7 students feel confident, connected and supported is a key priority. Students meet daily with their tutor teacher, who serves as a consistent point of contact and provides guidance with organisation, communication and the transition to secondary school. Tutorial groups help students build friendships and a sense of belonging through a range of fun and collaborative activities, encouraging students to work together and connect with their peers. Supported by a dedicated wellbeing team, comprehensive transition programs and strong partnerships with families, students are known, valued and cared for as they settle into school life. Our Year 7 Precinct provides students with a welcoming home base, helping them develop confidence, independence and a strong sense of community from their very first day.
Year 7 students at Yarra Valley Grammar are encouraged to explore a wide range of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. Alongside a challenging and engaging academic program, students can participate in sport, performing arts, music ensembles, drama productions, debating, media, e-sports and community service activities through the School’s extensive Cocurricular program. Students also take part in camps and other experiential learning opportunities designed to build resilience, independence and teamwork. As they settle into secondary school, Year 7 students are encouraged to discover new interests, develop their talents and build confidence through active involvement in school life, laying the foundation for future leadership and personal growth.
Yarra Valley Grammar is a co-educational school where every student is encouraged to develop their talents, pursue their interests and feel a strong sense of belonging. Families value the School's commitment to wellbeing, academic growth and personal development, as well as the breadth of opportunities available across sport, music, performing arts, leadership and service. Students are known as individuals and supported to grow into confident, capable and compassionate young people.
Our School is well served by a network of private charter buses.
You can view the routes on our website here