Years 7 and 8

Year 7

Before the students start in Year 7 we take into account all the information we have available - SATS, primary school information etc. We will place students into tutor groups (D, S, T, C & G).

In addition to the information we gain from their SAT results, students will also sit a nationally recognised CAT4 assessment. This is to ensure that we have certainty and rigour regarding their attainment, and therefore we can ensure that all students are challenged.

In Year 7, students will be taught in tutor groups other than English and Maths which are taught in ability sets. 7D is the 'grammar' stream. 7S, 7T, 7C & 7G are all mixed ability groups.

We teach a broad and balanced curriculum which ensures every student is able to develop their potential. Every student studies English, Maths, Science, Design Technology (Food, Textiles and Resistant Materials), Computing, Dance, RE, Geography, History, ICE (Individual Character Education), Art, PE and either French or Spanish.

Across the curriculum a variety of teaching and learning strategies will be employed so that all students are provided with opportunities to be motivated and stretched according to their aptitude and ability. Regular and varied assessment tasks will be set, the results of which are shared with parents each term.

A Year 7 parents evening is organised to keep you informed of your daughters progress and any next steps needed. We also have a set program of trips and visits throughout the year to further enhance their learning experience.

The RSL (Raising Standards Leader) and Deputy RSL are available to answer any issues you may have whether academic or pastoral and their role is to help your daughter progress and develop their potential so that they excel in all endeavours.

A high standard of personal appearance is expected. The checking of general appearance is the responsibility of all teachers in the first instance, however all staff are to check that students are wearing the correct uniform in lessons and around the College.

Year 8

As your daughter enters Year 8 the lessons will stay the same however the rigour and challenge will continue and increase. Like Year 7, progress is continually monitored. Where students are not making expected progress then interventions will be put in place.

A Year 8 parents evening is arranged to discuss progression and next steps.

In Year 8 we start to look ahead at options and will start to introduce careers provision so students are equipped to make well-informed choices.

Year 7 & 8 Grade Sheet Information

The Grade Sheet is split into sections:

Working At Grade

This consists of a number followed by a letter, the number corresponds to the level of attainment specific to each subject, the letter corresponds to the descriptors below:

Level	Description
D	Developing. Student has achieved all the knowledge and skills of the previous level and has begun to achieve some of the knowledge and skills at the current level.
S	Secure. Student has achieved at least half of the knowledge and skills required at the current level.
M	Mastered. Students are close to achieving all the knowledge and skills at the current level and will soon be working towards the next level.

Engagement in Learning

The Engagement in Learning score is a measure of how hard your daughter is trying in her subjects. Please see table below.

Grade	Description
1	Students at this level work exceptionally well both in lessons and at home. They are highly motivated and consistently produce classwork and homework of a high standard. Students proactively act upon feedback from teachers to improve their learning. Students frequently challenge themselves in lessons to improve.
2	Students at this level work consistently well both in lessons and at home. They are motivated and produce work of a good standard.Students are confident to use feedback from teachers to improve their learning, sometimes with guidance/prompting. Students may challenge themselves in lessons, although this may be more evident in areas they are more confident.
3	Students at this level generally work well, however there may be inconsistencies between lesson and homework. Students can lack motivation and may need redirecting back to tasks by the teacher. Homework may be completed, but not necessarily to the best of their ability, given in on time or occasionally missed. Students produce some work of a good standard but this can be inconsistent. Feedback from teachers is available, however students may not make full use of it in their next learning task.
4	Students at this level are often off task and require monitoring by the teacher to ensure concentration and completion of work. Tasks are rarely completed to an acceptable standard. Homework is usually a concern. This is a cause for concern.