Year Sevens are outgrowing Primary school, are ready to learn more in depth concepts and accept more responsibility for themselves and the world around them.

The year begins with the election of Student Councillors to lead in diverse areas as Learning, Ministry, Arts and Sports and the five College Houses for the Primary school. Many students nominate and are prepared to give a speech prior to the voting process. The underlying theme is that “you don’t need to wear a badge to be a leader” and regardless of the results, all students are challenged to lead by example.

Literacy development continues to be important, but now it takes the form of lengthier, more complex creations, including many types of poetry, and more in depth analysis of the composition of others.

The need to care for the poor, whether poor from war, injustice, disability or age, famine or natural disaster, is an important developing understanding which appeals to students’ growing sense of social justice. Students engage in many different activities throughout the year to develop an awareness of and to raise money for the poor.

Following lessons with visiting dance specialists, both boys and girls have much fun preparing to present their newly acquired skills at school assemblies and at the Catholic Performing Arts Festival. A musical drama, such as “Dear Edwina”, may require students to act, sing, dance and learn about stage props and makeup.