Senior Years 7- 8

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Years 7 & 8 are the senior years at St Michael’s, and our senior pupils assume leadership and mentor roles. As House leaders, servers and readers in chapel and assemblies, and buddies the playground, they are aware of their responsibilities as good citizens and role models. 

In the classroom, the timetable is clearly defined as several teachers deliver the senior programme. Pupils continue to build on their foundations in English and Mathematics, with increasing expectations in Science, History & Geography, Art, Music and RE. 

Unique to St Michael’s, Parare – the Years 7 & 8 Programme – was established in 2019. Parare combines elements of PE, Sport & Outdoor Education; Art & Technology; Financial Literacy; Civics & Citizenship; and Leadership to develop skills in organisation, independence, tolerance, resilience, communication and leadership. The programme regularly takes advantage of facilities within our city centre and sometimes further afield. Timetable flexibility creates both weekly lesson times and longer adventure periods.

The underlying focus in the senior years is preparation for secondary school. Adapting to different teachers’ teaching styles, understanding subject demands and expectations, managing and meeting homework deadlines are all learned in a safe and supported environment. School exams and external competitions such as the Otago Problem Challenge and Australian Maths offer invaluable practice ahead of secondary school placement tests. 

St Michael’s teachers are highly experienced in preparing pupils for secondary school entrance tests and scholarship exams. Moreover, with their collective knowledge of the city’s schools, our staff can offer invaluable advice to parents and pupils considering secondary school options.

Many pupils in Years 7 & 8 continue with their itinerant Music or Speech & Drama lessons, and some pick up a second instrument, as their time permits. The senior musicians take important leadership and organisational roles in the choirs and instrumental groups.