Junior Secondary Overview
The Junior Secondary phase of learning is a pivotal stage in a student's educational journey, bridging the transition between primary and senior schooling while establishing the foundations for future academic, social, and emotional success. This phase is specifically designed to meet the unique developmental needs of young adolescents, fostering a strong sense of belonging, engagement, and achievement. At Bundamba State Secondary College, our Junior Secondary approach is guided by the Department of Education's Junior Secondary Engagement Conceptual Framework, which aims to enhance student engagement, learning, and wellbeing as students transition into and progress through these important years. The framework is built on four key principles:
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Connection and Belonging
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Student Voice and Agency
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Positive and Confident Transitions
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Innovative and Responsive Learning Environments
These principles underpin our commitment to providing a supportive, engaging, and responsive learning environment where every student is empowered to thrive, achieve success, and realise their full potential.
High Expectations for Learning Success
Bundamba State Secondary College promotes a culture of high expectations, where all students are challenged to achieve their personal best. We work in partnership with students and families to support academic success, set meaningful goals, monitor progress, and maintain high standards of attendance, engagement, and achievement.
Junior Secondary students are expected to:
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Attend school regularly, maintaining at least 92% attendance.
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Be punctual and prepared for all lessons and school activities.
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Wear the school uniform correctly and with pride.
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Demonstrate a positive, self-motivated approach to learning.
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Develop effective study habits and increasing independence.
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Take pride in their work and strive to achieve their personal best.
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Contribute positively to the learning culture of their class and year level.
Through a shared commitment between students, families, and staff, we create a supportive learning environment where every student is encouraged to succeed
Bundamba Care Class Program
All students are part of a Bundamba Care Class (BCC) which meet every morning for roll marking and positive connection before starting formal lessons. Students also participate in a weekly BCC lesson during which they engage in a social and emotional learning program including topics such as building positive peer relationships, developing resilience, exploring future career pathways, and promoting online safety and responsible digital citizenship.
The BCC class prioritises connection and belonging by creating a supportive environment where students develop positive relationships, feel connected to the school community, and build confidence as learners.
Student Leadership
Junior Secondary students can nominate for the Student Representative Council (SRC), which meets regularly to discuss student issues, contribute ideas, and lead projects that promote student wellbeing and enhance the school community. Beyond formal leadership roles, all Junior Secondary students are encouraged to demonstrate leadership by upholding the school values, contributing positively to school culture, and acting as responsible and respectful members of the community.
JCE - Junior Secondary Certificate of Achievement
Bundamba State Secondary College is committed to providing a range of opportunities that enable Junior Secondary students to achieve their potential and build a strong foundation for success in the senior years. Students in Years 7–9 work towards achieving the Junior Certificate of Education (JCE), which recognises academic achievement, effort, and positive engagement in school life.
Students who meet the required standards each year will be awarded a Junior Star Badge:
Year 7: Bronze Star Badge
Year 8: Silver Star Badge
Year 9: Gold Star Badge and Junior Certificate of Education
Student progress is monitored throughout the year, with academic data reviewed after each reporting period. Students requiring additional support are identified and provided with targeted intervention strategies to support their learning and achievement.
To be awarded a Gold Star Badge, students must:
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Graduate Year 9 with 10 credit points.
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Earn 6 points across the core subjects of English, Mathematics, and Science.
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Earn 4 points from two elective subjects.
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Successfully pass five subjects (worth 2 points each).
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Consistently demonstrate the expectations and values of a Bundamba SUPERRSTAR.
Ensure their behaviour supports a positive learning environment for all students.
Complete homework, assignments, and assessment tasks by the required deadlines.
Transitions
Our college recognises successful transitions are critical to student engagement, wellbeing, and achievement. The move from primary school into Junior Secondary, and later from Junior Secondary into the senior years, represents significant milestones in a young person’s educational journey. Effective transition processes help students develop confidence, build positive relationships, establish a sense of belonging, and successfully adapt to new academic and social expectations.
At Bundamba State Secondary College, we are committed to supporting students through each stage of their schooling. Through strong partnerships with local primary schools, comprehensive orientation and transition programs, targeted wellbeing and academic support, and ongoing monitoring of student progress including our whole school academic coaching process, we ensure students are well prepared for the next phase of learning. By providing continuity, guidance, and personalised support, we aim to foster positive and confident transitions that enable every student to thrive and achieve success.
Junior Curriculum
In Junior Secondary, all students study the core learning areas of English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, and Health and Physical Education (HPE). Students also have opportunities to explore their interests and strengths through elective subjects in The Arts, Technologies, and Languages. Beyond the classroom, students can participate in a range of enriching co-curricular experiences, including Instrumental Music, school sport, and the WIN (What I Need) program, which provides one lesson each week for students to engage in creative, practical, and interest-based learning opportunities that support their individual needs and development.
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) for Reading
Literacy is the foundation of student success in learning and future engagement in education, employment, and community life. Developing the ability to read and comprehend increasingly complex texts is essential for achievement across all learning areas. As a result, the teaching of reading is a whole-school priority and is embedded across the curriculum.
At Bundamba State Secondary College, we adopt a MTSS for Reading to ensure all students receive the level of reading instruction and intervention they need to achieve success. Through a tiered approach, high-quality evidence-based reading instruction is provided to all students in the classroom (Tier 1), while targeted small-group interventions are delivered to students requiring additional support (Tier 2). For students with significant reading difficulties, intensive and individualised interventions are implemented (Tier 3). Ongoing assessment and data analysis are used to identify student needs, monitor progress, and inform teaching practices. By providing timely and responsive support, MTSS aims to improve reading outcomes, promote equity, and ensure every student develops the literacy skills necessary to access the curriculum and become confident, successful learners.
$tar Dollars – Positive Rewards
Students in Junior Secondary are awarded points for displaying exemplary behaviour and effort during class or in the playground. Students are then able to redeem their points for prizes at different points throughout the school term from the college $tar Dollar Store.