Senior Prep – Years 7 and 8
Students develop in maturity at the ‘top’ of the school, grow in confidence through opportunities for leadership and responsibility, and are academically challenged in small class sizes.
For many, Senior Prep means that they leave us at 13 better equipped to deal with senior school life and with especially fond memories of their final years with close a cohort.
In the early adolescent years, when children begin dealing with changing emotions, hormones and new pressures, two extra years in a safe and known environment can be of real benefit as they start to understand themselves and develop ideas of who they want to be. There is a particular focus on character development in the Senior Prep, and we continue to explore key themes such as mental wellbeing, resilience and friendships in small and familiar groups. Over the course of the year, we host a series of workshops with external experts, covering topics such as online safety and navigating the digital world; drug, alcohol and substance abuse; financial awareness and mental health.
LEARNING
Academically, we start to move towards GCSE preparation and the academic rigour required, developing a maturity in their learning habits and study skills.
Smaller classes (probably the best teaching ratios you will ever get!) naturally allow for a more flexible approach towards the curriculum and give opportunity for closer academic monitoring and dedicated, tailored support.
Expanding the curriculum, our Senior students enjoy exploring moral and ethical ‘big questions’ as they discuss the complex ideas posed in Philosophy and Ethics introduced as part of the expanded Religious Studies curriculum. Languages continue to play a significant role in the curriculum and Spanish is taught from Year 8 in addition to French and Latin.
Students participate in numerous National competitions in Maths, Drama, Music and Public Speaking, often with great success. The Townsend-Warner History Prize was started 139 years ago and is one of the oldest institutions in the preparatory school world. Yearly participation provokes interest and delight in historical reading, facts and analysis.
Personal Development Programme (PDP)
Within our bespoke Personal Development Programme (PDP) we help develop our senior pupils as global citizens. Pupils learn entrepreneurship and how to give back to the community while building competency in teamwork, flexibility, collaboration, effective communication, organisational skills and critical thinking.
Sport in Senior Prep
Senior pupils (in combined Year 7 and 8 year groups) will have a minimum of three hours of timetabled Sport per week delivered by our dedicated sports coaches.
Competitive fixtures will take place during Games lessons midweek and at the weekend against local rivals. In addition, Newland House seniors take part in a number of Tournaments throughout the year in Football, Rugby and Cricket.
Each term, sports colours are awarded to recognise outstanding contribution and we elect a Senior Sports Captain per sport.
Arts in Senior Prep
Across the Arts, boys perform in annual Drama productions and public speaking competitions, as well as having the opportunity to participate in the Senior Boys Choir, continue learning an instrument and take part in many concerts.
Outside of timetabled Art lessons, the opportunities to build on artistic skills in Scholarship Art Club are plentiful.
Leadership and Responsibility
We see our Year 7 and 8 as the culmination of a student’s journey with us. They become role models and mentors and get opportunities that they would not normally get in Years 7 and 8 of a senior school.
Pupil Voice
Senior students meet with Mr Skelton in his regular ‘Chat with the Head’, and they are offered opportunities in Form Time and assembly to discuss areas where they feel they can help improve School life.
Senior Common Room
Being at the top of the School, the Senior students benefit from their own dedicated area where they can relax and play pool in break times.
During the second half of the Summer term, Year 8 pupils enjoy a leavers’ programme of activities which is a true celebration of their time at Newland House and helps prepare them for the transition to Year 9 of senior school.
For parents, the relationship with your child’s senior schools is quite different and there are many benefits for children and parents alike of two more years of being more fully involved in school life.
