If you are starting
Priesthorpe, you're probably slightly nervous about it, but you don't
need to be. You may think it's big at first, but once you know your
way around, it gets smaller, and anyway, teachers and pupils will be
more than happy to help you out if you get lost. Have you heard rumours
about the older children flushing your head down the loo? Don't worry,
it doesn't happen. They might put you in the bin, though (only joking!).
The best things that happen during the year are the school trips and
Alternative Education Week. The Year 7 trip last year was to Holly How,
near Coniston in the Lake District. It was the best fun I'd personally
had in years. We did climbing, abseiling, canoeing, hiking and nightline
(a game you play at night, in the pitch black, where you are clipped
onto a wire which runs through several obstacles that you can't see.
Be warned, you get extremely mucky). We did loads of team games in the
grounds of the hostel. We also went on a ghost walk around a big lake
with only the teacher's helmet light to guide us. Even that was eventually
turned off, but our eyes soon got used to the dark. It was really spooky!
Alternative Education Week is a week of fun activities, some related
to subjects. We did all sorts of things, from bowling, to science experiments,
to making boomerangs, to face-painting and loads more. On the first
day we went to either the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester,
or the Earth Centre in Doncaster. I went to the Earth Centre where we
could do zip-wiring, abseiling and climbing, and we were also allowed
to go on a simulator. The simulator showed us the cycle that water goes
through. There was also a museum and a playground. At the Science Museum
they went in the Star Trek Expedition and they were also allowed to
look around and try all the activities to test the different theories
that were displayed around the building.
In the Summer Term, Miss Liaqat arranged an I.C.T. residential for a
small group of Year 7 pupils who had shown particular ability in the
subject throughout the year. We set off on Friday lunchtime and stayed
over the weekend. There were a lot of I.C.T. masterclasses where we
learnt lots of new skills. We made a film using a stuffed toy furry
animal and a web camera, creating our own music and changing coloured
backgrounds. In the Robolab we used computers to control a miniature
Lego fairground ride. The physical challenges included 'Laser Quest',
which is where we had laser guns to shoot each other with, (don't worry,
nobody got hurt!). We also did climbing, abseiling, quad-biking and
team-building exercises. It was a great weekend but exhausting, physically
and mentally. It isn't just out of school that you get to do good things.
There are a lot of lessons where the activities you do are fun as well
as educational. For example, in P.E. we did a range of activities from
netball to football and from hockey to dance. Extra clubs were available
at lunchtimes and after school.
In I.C.T. we learned how to do simple drawing on the computer and how
to control a cyber-pet called 'Logo'.
In Drama we did loads of things related to storytelling. We looked at
stories from different cultures, stories told through poems, and miming
and acting skills which you can use to tell a story to an audience.
Some of the highlights in English were exploring the history of the
English language and writing songs that were then played on a guitar.
In Maths we learnt several methods for doing equations, how to use a
calculator and did lots of fun things too.
In Textiles we made clocks and waistcoats, which taught us how to use
several different techniques.
In Food Technology we made chocolates, fruit salad, potato bake and
a visitor came in to make a dish from a different culture for us.
In Woodwork we made a chocolate mould, candle men and handheld ball
bearing games. We were also taught how to do technical drawings and
how to use several tools, pillar drills and sanders, for example.
In Geography we studied settlements, did research on Woodhall Hills,
made treasure maps and lots more.
In R.E. we learnt a lot about other cultures and religions, particularly
ceremonies which are held on different occasions.
In P.S.H.C.E we looked at how other people live their lives coping with
different types of problems, for example, alcoholics and drug-addicts.
We also prepared a small scene that was filmed to put a message across
about what is happening to people around our country.
In Music, we were each allocated a brass instrument that we were taught
how to play during the course of the year. Towards the end of the year,
the form that had played the best tune in the year had to play their
instruments in the Year Group assembly. The form that was chosen last
year was 7W. They played brilliantly.
In Art we drew still-lifes of bottles and plants. We did aboriginal
art pictures that had to look as though they were cave paintings. They
were great fun to do. As you can tell, Year 7 is very busy. There isn't
time to be nervous for long. You get involved in all the different things
that are going on and before you know it, a whole year has flown past
and you're in Year 8. If you are coming to Priesthorpe, please don't
worry too much; I know you'll enjoy it when you get here!
Sally O'Callaghan, on behalf of Year 7
(Year 8, 2002 ~ 2003)
To find out what the 
new
Year 7 pupils think, go to their comments
page.