Settling in at 7+ (Lower First Year)
7+ boys enjoying the adventure playground
Throughout the Lower First Year, the focus is to support the boys in working independently and to prepare them for transition to the First Year. We are keen to ensure that they become competent readers and enjoy their reading. Each Lower First classroom has its own fiction library and a range of reference books. We have the benefit of a classroom assistant who is able to take small groups for special tasks and to help with PE activities.
Curriculum
Timetable
On Monday there are eight teaching periods and the Lower First boys finish at 4.00 pm with the rest of the school. On Tuesday to Friday there are seven teaching periods and the boys finish at the earlier time of 3.30 pm. Every evening they are given one piece of homework which takes approximately fifteen minutes. This is in addition to reading for pleasure which boys are expected to do at home on a daily basis.
Settling in
Throughout the Lower First year, the boys' teachers help them settle into the routines of their new school. Many of the lessons are 'home based' in the classrooms in Colet House. The Lower First year teachers exchange some classes so that the boys have a greater variety in their school day and get used to moving around the campus. They go to the Music School for class music lessons as well as for individual tuition, they are taught science in the laboratories, ICT in the computer suite and drama in the Drama Studio.
Any difficulties that may arise are dealt with promptly
Most pupils adapt quickly and happily to the Colet Court routine; any difficulties that may arise are dealt with promptly through regular contact with parents. Lunch times are supervised and all pupils are able to choose from a wide selection of meals. Boys are encouraged to bring water to drink throughout the day and a small, healthy snack for playtime. Milk is available on request.
Communication with parents is a priority. Every half term parents receive a grade sheet indicating their son's overall effort and achievement. There are parents' meetings with Form Tutors in the Autumn and Spring Terms and full written reports are sent home in December and June. Interim meetings can also be arranged, should the need arise.
The pace of the day at Colet Court is lively and demanding, but there is also time for play and for socialising with friends, with the added opportunity of using the adventure playground and the Lower First garden. The boys also enjoy lunchtime activities, such as Chess, Aikido, K'nex as well as Puzzle and Games Club, which are available over the course of the year. Our aim is for the Lower First boys to feel entirely at home by the end of their first year so that they can look forward to new challenges and to making friends with the 8+ intake in the First Year forms.
