Welcome to Year 7

	7B-Miss Holden 7C- Mrs Silcock 7F- Mrs Rogers 7L Mrs Astin-Kilgallon 7M-Mr Laemmer 7O- Miss Gill 7S- Mr Smith 7W- Mrs Woodhouse
Head of Year - Mrs. J Rutter

Forms

Year 7 forms have groups of pupils from our different partner primary schools. They are mixed ability groups of boys and girls who meet with their form teacher for registration each morning. Our Form Teachers are responsible for the well-being of pupils in their forms. Pupils will stay in the same form group throughout their time at St. Augustine’s.

Mentors and Buddies

Around 70 Year 7 pupils have a Year 11 Peer-Mentor. Meetings are arranged during break or lunchtimes so that positive discussions between the pupils can be an extra help with the process of moving up into High School. Often a Year 7 pupil will take a friend along to a meeting, and talk about any worries or concerns they may have. It is a good opportunity for Year 7 to get to know some of the older pupils and build up their confidence, especially during those first few weeks when they may need a little extra support, or reassurance. Responsible, caring and reliable pupils are invited to apply to be trained as Peer-mentors towards the end of Year 10, in readiness for the new intake in September. If you do not have a Peer Mentor and would like one please see Mrs Rutter.
Additionally selected Year 7 pupils will have the opportunity to have a Science Buddy from Year 10. These pupils also offer support to Year 7, but this time it is in helping them to improve their Science skills and knowledge. Again, meetings are arranged during lunchtimes.

Retreat Day

On Thursday 27^th September all Year 7 pupils will take part in a retreat day. The aim of this day to: build friendship and help them to get to know the other children in their forms. For one day lessons are put aside so that Form Teachers can organise a range of fun activities with their pupils, including name games, creating a special form box and taking part in a school trail where pupils explore the different areas of the building. During retreat day all pupils visit the school chapel and take part in special liturgies with the theme of friendship.

Extra-Curricular

There are many extra-curricular activities to take part in at lunchtimes and after school. All pupils are strongly encouraged to get involved by trying some of the activities on offer. A list of the daily activities throughout the two week cycle is displayed on form notice-boards and in pupil messages during morning registration. All are welcome to join at any time of the year.
During the second half of the autumn term a group of Year 9 volunteers meet with Year 7 pupils for paired reading activities. Certificates are awarded at Christmas to all pupils who take part and there are prizes for those who make the most progress.

In the spring term Year 7 pupils are invited to join Handwriting Club which is organised by our Learning Support Department. (Contact Mrs Jameson for details).
The Year 7 Pupil Council elections take place in the spring term. Three boys and three girls will be voted into the council by Year 7 to represent the views of the year group. All pupils can get involved by speaking to their pupil representatives.

Monitoring and Awards

In December staff meet to discuss the progress of each pupil and decide if it would be of benefit to move any pupils up or down in their sets. An assessment for each child based on behaviour, effort and Home learning is sent home just before the end of term. Year 7 Parents’ evening is on Thursday 31^st January 2013 and gives parents an opportunity to discuss this assessment.
Throughout the year pupils are given certificates and prizes for good work, effort and for winning competitions. There are weekly TESA Awards (That Extra Something Award) given after the first half term. Pupils will also receive subject certificates each week. All KS3 pupils will be aiming to complete their Lower school targets/skills found in their school diary, earning extra reward stamps in the process.

Charity

The Year 7 charities are the HCPT Pilgrimage Trust and LEPRA. CAFOD is also fully supported throughout the year in various whole school projects.
Thank you very much to everyone who has supported the Sponsored Walk this year. Please ensure that all sponsor money is collected in, as this helps us to maintain our School minibuses and supports a range of worthwhile activities which benefit all our pupils.