Admission Process

Parents attend a school tour to gain a sense of Rossbourne, and clarity about what the school can offer through our unique educational program. Parents complete an expression of interest form, which puts a prospective student on the waitlist.

For Year 7 enrolment, parents will be contacted via email when the perspective student is in Year 5, this will normally be in Term 4, requesting confirmation that you are still seeking a place at Rossbourne.

The admission process commences during Term 1, when the student is in Year 6. We currently offer 24 places in Year 7.

A letter will be sent to the first 24 families on the confirmed waitlist inviting them to participate in the Admission Process. We will only start working with a family when we have a place available to offer the student. We will work through the waitlist until all places are filled.

If a vacancy occurs at any year level during the academic year, admissions will fill this place as soon as possible. The waitlist is accessed, and parents will be notified of the opportunity available.

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Admission Process

1

Submit Diagnostic Reports

Families will be asked to supply copies of the student's diagnostic assessments. A Cognitive Assessment (WISC V) is mandatory and reports from Paediatricians, Occupational Therapists or Speech Therapist are also helpful.

2

Consult Current Teacher

We will seek permission from parents to undertake an interview with the student's current classroom teacher. This is to gain insight into their learning strengths and engagement in school life.

3

Parent Interview & Student Tour

Parents and their student will be invited to Rossbourne, Parents will have an interview with our Principal, giving them the opportunity to raise any concerns or seek further information. While this meeting takes place the student will be taken on a tour of the school with the Year 7/8 Section Leader.

4

2-Day Trial Experience

Students may then be offered the opportunity to attend a two-day trial, where they will join with our current Year 7/8’s and participate in our typical school program. Some basic academic testing will occur as well as observations across a selection of subject areas and programs. This gives the student an opportunity to get a feel for Rossbourne and contemplate their secondary education with us.

5

Post-Trial Feedback Meeting

A meeting is held with parents and the Principal to provide feedback following trial days. If appropriate, an offer of enrolment will be made. If enrolment is not offered, the Principal will explain why and give recommendations as to options for further consideration.

An orientation afternoon is held for new students in the November prior to commencement and another information morning for parents and students is held the day before the school year commences.

Enrolment Process

1

School Tour & Waitlist Registration

Parents are required to join a school tour to gain a sense of Rossbourne School and clarity about what our school can offer and who benefits most from our unique educational program. Parents can register an expression of interest for enrolment, which automatically puts a prospective student on our waitlist.

2

Year 7 Enrolment Confirmation

For those students seeking Year 7 enrolment, parents will be contacted by admissions when a prospective student is in Year 5 (usually October/November) to ascertain if a Year 7 place at Rossbourne is still wanted.

3

Diagnostic Assessment Request

If families confirm that they are seeking a Year 7 place for their child, when the admission process starts in February/March we will send a request to the first 24 families for any diagnostic assessments that have been completed by appropriately qualified health professionals. A cognitive assessment (IQ test) is required for the selection process to continue. Other assessments may include Speech Pathology/ language assessments, autism, paediatric reports, etc.

4

Teacher & Professional Consultation

We will then seek your permission for one of our teachers to have a discussion with a nominated teacher from your child’s current school. We may also ask to speak with any professionals/therapists working with your child.

5

Formal Interview & Student Tour

Admissions will arrange a time for a formal interview with parents, prospective students and the school’s Principal, giving the family an opportunity to raise any concerns and seek further information. Our Year 7/8 school section leader will meet the prospective student and offer the student a tour of the school during which they will be able to answer any questions the prospective student may have.

6

2-Day Trial & Observations

After the interview and tour, the student may be offered a 2-day trial at Rossbourne School. During the trial, students will follow our student timetable. This will give them hands on experience of daily school life. Some academic testing will occur in the areas of Literacy and Maths. After the trial days, a report is produced based on the observations of teachers who have taught the prospective student over the 2-day trial.

7

Enrolment Decision Panel

Taking all the information provided into account and the 2-day trial observations, a panel meets to determine if, in our professional opinion, Rossbourne School is the best school for the prospective student’s secondary education. If we believe Rossbourne will offer the best educational pathway, an offer of enrolment will be made to the family.