Years 7 & 8
The first years of secondary education are a pivotal stage, where pupils should feel both challenged and supported in an environment that nurtures respect and ambition. At the top of St Michael’s, we provide exactly that. Each year, a number of new pupils join us in Year 7, integrating seamlessly with our existing pupils to complete the challenges that lie ahead in Years 7 & 8. Our academic curriculum is designed to stretch and inspire, preparing pupils for entrance examinations, scholarships and the next step in their education.
Beyond the classroom, pupils are encouraged to take on responsibility and leadership roles. As ambassadors of the school, our Year 8s play an important part in daily life, encouraging them to embrace creativity, rise to challenges and make meaningful contributions to their community.
Years 7 and 8 are a time of significant physical and emotional development. In our small, caring classes, every teacher knows each child as an individual, ensuring they feel supported throughout these formative years. By working closely with parents and tailoring support to each child’s needs, we help ensure that their chosen senior school is the right setting for them to thrive both academically and personally. Our aim is that pupils leave St Michael’s as confident, responsible young people who value teamwork, embrace friendship and recognise their role in the community. The achievements of our former students are testament to this success.
Academics
We are committed to providing a curriculum that recognises each pupil as an individual, offering a broad range of subjects taught by subject specialist teachers, the majority of whom are secondary trained. The academic depth of Common Entrance in the core subjects, enriched by our own bespoke syllabuses in the humanities and an Extended Project Qualification in Theology, Philosophy and Ethics, is further enhanced by small class sizes and ability setting, ensuring that teaching is carefully tailored to every child’s needs.
Learning is enriched through workshops and field trips, allowing pupils to deepen their understanding and see their studies come to life. For scholarship candidates or for those that wish to be extended, progress is closely monitored to ensure they are sufficiently challenged both inside and outside the classroom. This challenge may take the form of extended subject content but, more importantly, it lies in the encouragement of higher-order thinking skills, helping pupils to question, analyse and think creatively.
Leadership and Responsibility
Leadership and responsibility is a significant part of life in Years 7 and 8. Year 7 is a training ground for pupils to learn the importance of becoming leaders of the school and learning the importance of teamwork. Their academic year kicks off with a teambuilding day that helps cement friendships and allows new pupils to quickly become part of the year group. All Year 8s are awarded their ties as prefects. Their ties reflect their responsibilities. As our ambassadors, they make announcements, are involved in Pupil Voice, tour prospective parents have active roles in differing areas of the school and the House system. School duties include helping the teachers of our younger pupils in the Juniors and Pre Prep, helping out with listening to pupils read and initiating games in the playground. These important relationships between our older and younger pupils are special in that they are based on trust and responsibility. For those that want more there is the opportunity to apply to be Senior Prefects, which comes with greater levels of responsibility.
Sport
We strive to instil independence, teamwork, and tolerance in our pupils. Guided by our “Sport for All” ethos, we ensure that every child in Years 7 and 8 has the opportunity to represent the school and take pride in being part of a team. We believe that sport plays a vital role in building character, resilience and a strong sense of community. Our pupils’ dedication and enthusiasm are reflected in our impressive levels of participation, results and sports scholarship awards to senior schools.
With a strong fixture list on the island and with Jersey being a popular touring destination for UK schools, we are fortunate to have developed lasting links with a number of visiting schools. These relationships have helped us broaden and enrich our sporting calendar. Touring is also a highlight for our Year 7 and 8 teams, whether travelling to Guernsey, Dorset or taking part in various IAPS events.
Music and Drama
Our pupils enjoy numerous opportunities to shine on stage in productions created especially for them. Each year, our Year 7 and 8 pupils perform at the Jersey Arts Centre, bringing to life everything from Shakespeare to musicals – ensuring there is something to suit every taste and talent.
Our annual St Michael’s Rocks concert is another highlight of the calendar, celebrating the wealth of musical ability within the school. With choir, band, orchestra and music tours, opportunities are in abundance, every pupil has the chance to perform and grow in confidence. We also nurture our most gifted musicians and performers, providing guidance and support as they prepare for music scholarships to their senior schools.
Extra Curricular
Every pupil faces challenges and we equip them with the confidence and resilience to overcome anxieties and meet those challenges head-on. We offer countless opportunities for pupils to take part in a vibrant and varied programme designed to build self-awareness and confidence from art, drama and music to sport, activities, debates, subject extension sessions and competitions. In a supportive environment, our dedicated teachers help each child to discover their strengths, explore their interests and develop a genuine sense of purpose.
In addition to our wide range of after-school activities, sports tours, and ski trips, pupils enjoy Activity Weeks that have taken them beyond the island to destinations such as Dorset, London, Barcelona and France. Following Common Entrance in June, a varied programme of enrichment activities takes place, including STEM days, PSHE workshops, career talks and a range of outdoor pursuits such as scuba diving and surfing.
These experiences give pupils the chance to learn more about themselves while having fun and celebrating the friendships, skills, and memories they have built during their time at St Michael’s.
Friendship
Pupils experience significant physical and social changes during Years 7 and 8. Within a supportive and familiar environment where every individual matters, they gain the confidence to face these challenges with resilience and assurance.
Our pastoral team – well known to many of the pupils – remains at the heart of school life, ensuring that every child feels seen, valued and supported. Community is central to all we do and with Year 8 and Shell pupils acting as role models, our pupils benefit from an environment where childhood can be enjoyed to the fullest, free from the pressures that often come with starting at the bottom of a new school.
Years 7 and 8 are a time to deepen friendships and celebrate the bonds that make school life so special. Through shared experiences in the classroom, on the sports field and beyond, pupils learn the value of consideration, empathy and teamwork. Forming friendships that often last well beyond their time at St Michael’s.