The Enrichment Programme and House System in Years 7 and 8 at Clifton College

In Years 7 and 8, around 15 Saturdays of the year are spent following an enrichment programme. This is made up of approximately 15 different activities, and all children try all the different activities at least once throughout the year, including: Forest School, Rackets, Fencing, outdoor cookery, Scriptwriting and more. This programme begins to give opportunities for the pupils to engage with Upper School activities and areas which will be options for them when they reach Year 9.

On other Saturdays they may have study skills training, visits from authors, speakers, journalists, sportspeople, musicians – in other words these are not normal lessons – they are an opportunity to access all of these activities whilst still protecting the academic rigour of a normal Monday to Friday education.

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Another popular event that takes place on the first Saturday of every term is the Parent Inset Day. This provides a chance for parents to come together and gain a first-hand insight into what happens inside the school. There is often a visiting speaker covering various pastoral topics such as internet safety, mobile phone usage, parenting teenagers, and teachers are available throughout the event to answer any questions parents may have.

The House System

All pupils are allocated to a House when they join the Prep School. In Years 7 and 8 these consist of one Upper-Prep Boys House, one Upper-Prep Girls House and one Upper-Prep co-educational day and boarding house. These function as a safe, communal, social space, with freedom of movement available between houses during break times, a place where they can play table tennis with their friends or catch up over a quick snack.

Although the nature of these houses are quite fluid, pupils tend to become extremely loyal to their dedicated house, competing in house competitions and cheering on their peers.

The house system provides a really strong pastoral network. Alongside the Housemaster/mistress, Matron and Tutor they see every Thursday, there are also five members of teaching staff allocated to each house, meaning that there is always someone to speak to. The combination of forming friendships, establishing rapport with House staff and becoming familiar with the house routine makes for brilliant preparation for Upper School.

However, being in Year 7 and being in Year 8, is about really enjoying being in Year 7 and being in Year 8. It is about enjoying being 12 and 13, it is not solely about preparing to be a 14 year old. What is most important is that pupils are having a good day today, and that is the key focus that comes right the way through from Reception.