Years 7 and 8 involve adjusting to new class timetables, homework, tests, thinking about electives (for Years 9 and 10), and shifting relationships.
Years 7 and 8 are often referred to as Stage 4. Our Stage 4 Information Booklet (PDF 3495KB) has details on subjects, key personnel, extra-curricular activities and many other aspects of Stage 4 school life.
Year 7
At Muirfield, we begin a transition program during Term 4 of Year 6. Make sure you attend our Orientation Day. It will make Year 7 easier if you know what to expect, how the school works and who to talk to about issues.
For parents, staying in touch with your child's progress is harder than primary school as they will have a different teacher for each subject. Getting to know the staff is important.
You will find the answers to the following questions in our Stage 4 Information Booklet:
- Is there a parent or student portal with details of timetables, assessment tasks, excursions and so on? How do you access it?
- Who is the year adviser for Year 7 and how do you contact them?
- How are classes formed?
Homework and study
In high school, students need to do both homework and study.
All students receive a school homework and study planner that has information about Muirfield. Parents can help by making sure their child is using it. Check it weekly. If they aren't using it, find out why. Some will prefer scheduling homework and setting reminders on their iPad or phone, but you still need to check they are keeping up with their homework and study each week.
During Term 1, assessment schedules are published on our website. This helps students plan their study time.
Your child will do NAPLAN this year, assessing their literacy and numeracy skills.
Year 8
Your child should be settling into high school by now. Attending parent-teacher and subject selection evenings will make it easier to communicate with the school if there are issues. The Stage 4 Information Booklet may help you understand what is required of your child at school.
Homework and study
If your child seems to be struggling with the difficulty of the work or getting organised to get it done, contact the year adviser.
Remind your child to write any due dates for assessments or exams on their term assessment planner as soon as possible. Use the study timetable to schedule enough time in the weeks and days before assessments, tests and exams. This is a vital habit for students to learn now. In Year 8, students sit VALID tests, assessing their knowledge and skills in science.
Electives
From Term 3, we will ask Year 8 students to select electives for Year 9. Subject selection evening will provide information so you can discuss elective choices with your child. Encourage them to choose subjects they enjoy and expect to do well in. Year 9 electives are about following interests, not setting up career paths.
Wellbeing
Year 8 is a time of shifting relationships for many. Your child may experiment with friendships, push boundaries and want to spend more time away from the family. Balance is important. Know who they're hanging out with in person and online. Know how much screen time your child is having – it can interfere with important sleep, exercise and study time.
If bullying becomes an issue, always contact the school.
The NSW anti-bullying website also provides resources and information for students, teachers, parents and carers.
