Anglican Church Grammar School ensures that boys transition from Year 7 to high school successfully, providing a strong start to high school life.
Starting at secondary school can be a daunting experience. However, for students at Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie), in Brisbane, the transition to secondary school is nurtured with support and facilities designed especially for Year 7.
Year 7 – the transition year
Year 7 at Churchie is a nurturing experience, with the core focus of settling boys into their first year of high school and laying the foundation for their future success. To foster new friendships, Year 7 boys are grouped into form classes, with dedicated form teachers overseeing their care and guidance during this important transition year.
Churchie’s academic program in Year 7 has been specifically designed to support students to develop the skills and confidence needed to thrive. There is a key focus on developing independence, with Churchie’s world-leading study skills program, A Learner’s Toolkit, laying the best foundation for future success.
Important life skills such as resilience, responsibility and relationship building are developed through weekly pastoral learning classes, a wealth of cocurricular activities, community service and the outdoor education program.
Alongside all of this, Churchie’s dedicated staff provide personal, emotional and spiritual support during their Year 7 transition year, led by a head of year and supported by the school psychologist, school chaplain, tutor teachers and peer support networks.
Nurturing boarding experience
For Churchie’s Year 7 boarders experiencing life away from home for the first time, a special program helps both the boys and parents prepare for the new experience. Sleepovers at the school starting a year out help familiarise boys with the boarding school environment and begin to develop friendships with their future boarding mates.
Year 7 boarders have a purposefully designed residence, which allows them to settle into boarding and provides time to bond with the other new boys who will become mates for life. A buddy assigned from Year 12 also provides a friendly face who can answer their questions about boarding and school life.
Boarders are strongly encouraged to become involved and take advantage of the many sports, music and other cocurricular activities on offer at Churchie. It is a great way for them to make friends both within the boarding community and with the day students at the school.
Words of wisdom
The best advice is from those who have lived it. New boys receive an abundance of knowledge from boys who have gone through the same experience. Shadowing days, where new boys join current Year 7s for a day, are helpful in so many ways. Year 7 boys are also asked at the end of their first year to share their ‘top tip’ for boys about to start high school. Here are some words of wisdom:
“Make lots of new friends through cocurricular activities.”– Astyn
“Expect to be a little overwhelmed at first, but know you’ll figure it out.”– Hudson
“Embrace the new routines and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”– Charles
“Create effective study strategies from the beginning.”– Tom
“Use your diary to plan everything you do.”– Flynn
“Make the most of your school community and get involved in music, service and sports as soon as possible.”– Ned
