The pupils of Year 7 have launched themselves wholeheartedly into the start of their senior school life since joining in September. First-day nerves soon dissipated, and with the support of their form teachers and the Head of Year 7, assisted by Sixth Form mentors, the senior school’s newest recruits are embracing the world of new opportunities on offer.
A busy first half of term included one of the highlights of the year, the Outdoor Pursuits trip to the Lake District, where they took part in such activities as ghyll scrambling, hill walking, climbing, abseiling, and canoeing. Since the half-term holiday, pupils have immersed themselves in enrichment activities that develop skills beyond the taught curriculum. The children have been introduced to the Year 7 Challenge, an opportunity to earn bronze, silver and gold awards by participating in clubs, House activities, subject challenges, and by visiting museums, lectures or performances. Cultivating oracy skills is a key part of the extra-curricular programme, and as part of the Challenge, pupils create and deliver presentations on any topic of their choice.
The activity was an excellent preparation for the Y7 Balloon Debate, a highlight in the calendar, where the pupils take on the persona of a famous person (living or dead) and persuasively argue why they should be saved from a rapidly falling hot air balloon. After preparing speeches, the pupils took part in in-class heats with speeches delivered to classmates who voted for the finalists.
The competition culminated in a grand final that took place in the Beardwood theatre, judged by Headmaster Dan Gabriele and English teacher and Debating Co-ordinator Miranda Solley. The fiercely contested final saw Ursula – speaking as herself – crowned as winner. Toby, representing rollercoaster designer Patrick Speildeiner, and Akhira, speaking for television host RuPaul Charles, were awarded runners-up, while Harry received a special mention for his speech as Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty.
Pupils have also embarked on the Tougher Minds course, a special programme unique to Colfe’s that spans academic, pastoral, social and personal wellbeing to build skills that will last throughout their time at school and beyond. Delivered by consultant Andy Foster, the programme develops study skills, focus and organisation to help pupils set goals, maintain motivation and take control of their academic and social development.
Head of Year 7, Jason Osei-Tutu, said: “It has been wonderful to see our new cohort throw themselves into life in senior school and rise to the challenge with vigour and maturity. Building the right foundations for our new Year 7s is so important, both in and outside the classroom. From the moment they join the senior school, we encourage them to find their academic and extra-curricular passions, and give them an opportunity to extend their knowledge outside of the classroom. The Challenge and Balloon Debate activities give our new pupils fantastic experience of public speaking, building confidence and presentation skills, and we cultivate best practice in lifelong study skills through our Tougher Minds programme.”
