Starting in Year 5 – What Our Girls Say Now
How an early start builds confidence, friendships and future-ready habits
When it comes to starting school at Santa Maria College, many families ask, “Why start in Year 5 rather than Year 7?” It is a great question, and one we enjoy answering, because the benefits are significant, long-lasting and meaningful.
In this first blog in our Inside Year 5 series, we explore why starting early provides our girls with a head start in friendships, leadership and learning. We also hear from some of the students who know it best. With strong demand for places in Year 5, now is the ideal time for families to explore what an early start at Santa Maria can offer.
Confidently Transitioning to High School
"Starting in Year 5 helped me develop strong organisation skills that made managing both schoolwork and my personal life much easier. By the time I reached Year 7, I already felt confident, connected, and ready. I was comfortable in the school environment, which made the transition smooth and far less overwhelming."
Moving to high school can be a significant change for any child, emotionally, socially and academically. By starting in Year 5, our girls develop confidence and familiarity with the College environment at an earlier stage. They know the buildings, the staff, and the routines. That means when they walk into Year 7, they are not uncertain; they are prepared.
Importantly, they also begin to encounter light academic expectations that reflect what lies ahead. By gradually building responsibility and time management skills in Years 5 and 6, students enter high school already used to managing their own work, understanding deadlines and using feedback to improve. These routines ease the adjustment to Year 7, when academic expectations rise.
Students begin learning how to manage their time and responsibilities by practising with planners, completing assignments independently and preparing for assessments. They are also introduced to subject-specific teaching and digital tools in an age-appropriate way. The result? Confident, capable learners who can handle a greater workload with clarity and calm.
Our Year 5 girls often become the first to help new students, welcome campus tours and step into early leadership roles. They arrive in Year 7 not as newcomers, but as students who already feel at home.
Real Friendships That Last
"I was nervous at first, but everyone was so welcoming. I’ve made lots of new friends and feel really comfortable here."
"There are so many music opportunities and fun classes. Everyone includes each other, and our teachers help us feel part of everything."
One of the biggest focuses in Year 5 is on developing friendships and cultivating a strong sense of belonging. With four Year 5 classes of approximately 24 students each, there is the ideal balance of closeness and variety. Girls quickly build meaningful friendships within their class and across the wider year level through shared electives, House activities and co-curricular activities.
These early connections are intentionally nurtured through friendship programs and inclusive learning environments, ensuring every student feels seen, supported and connected. This sense of belonging is a strong foundation for wellbeing and personal growth. Many of our senior students are still close friends with girls they met on the very first day of Year 5.
Big School Resources, Primary School Heart
"Starting in Year 5 has given me a taste of high school early, but in a fun and supportive way. There are so many co-curriculars, and the music and drama areas are always buzzing."
Santa Maria’s Year 5 girls enjoy the best of both worlds. They experience the nurturing atmosphere of a primary school, combined with the outstanding facilities and staff of a leading secondary College.
From their first day, they have access to:
The Superlab for hands-on science experiments
Specialist art, music and drama spaces
The College pool, gymnasium and sports fields
Junior-focused pastoral care and friendship programs
Co-curricular opportunities such as Mini Vinnies and Mini Mad Scientists
Most importantly, they are taught by specialist teachers who bring expertise and passion in their subject areas. This means our girls are not only developing a strong academic foundation, but are also being inspired by teachers who live and breathe their subject. It is an opportunity rarely found in primary schools, and one that allows students to discover new passions early on.
The Year 5 classrooms are spacious in comparison to many primary learning environments. This generous space allows every student to have their own desk while still comfortably sitting at the front of the room for focused learning. These larger rooms support a range of teaching styles and collaborative setups, helping students become comfortable with the physical classroom expectations they will encounter in Year 7.
It Is More Than Just School
At this age, girls are ready to explore their world and their identity. We support them through early adolescence with tailored academic programs, a dedicated social-emotional curriculum and a strong foundation in Mercy values.
From the beginning, they are supported by a dedicated Dean of Years 5 and 6, specialist teachers and a caring community that understands their needs.
“The decision to have our three daughters start in Year 5 was absolutely the best choice for them and for our family. Even the transition into high school, was smooth, thanks to the school’s inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. We’ve watched our daughters blossom into more self-assured and independent young women who approach challenges with resilience and a genuine love of learning. The school’s supportive environment and diverse opportunities have nurtured their individual strengths and fostered a deep sense of belonging within the Santa Maria community.”
A Beginning That Shapes the Journey
Starting in Year 5 is not just about getting a head start; it is about growing up with confidence, curiosity and connection. These early years at Santa Maria lay a strong foundation not just for academic success but also for lasting friendships, a sense of belonging, and the resilience to thrive through every stage of school life. For many of our girls, it is the beginning of a journey that shapes who they become, not just as students but as young women of courage and compassion.
- CatholicEducationPerth, Featured, FriendshipsinSchool, FuturerReadyLearning, GirlsLeadership, PrimarytoHighSchool, SantaMariaCollege, studentwellbeing, Year5Transition
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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