Years 7 and 8

The pupils are now launched into an exciting and demanding curriculum.  The Common Entrance syllabus is thoroughly covered and the students are also challenged with certain topics taken up to GCSE level.  The teaching is innovative and stimulating and even the fundamentals of Grammar in the languages taught are made as palatable as possible. Those pupils who do not display a penchant for Latin receive two lessons in Study Skills where they have the opportunity to revise any areas which are proving troublesome.

We have four experienced tutors with responsibility for students in the Upper School. Senior subject specialists also stage additional learning sessions after school in half hour blocks throughout the year to help those wishing to hone their skills, build up their Common Entrance subject knowledge and to stretch potential academic scholars.

As pupils move through the school they are given opportunities to take on new responsibilities which help prepare them for their move into secondary school.  Year 8 pupils can be elected as School Prefects, who represent the school and have a wide range of duties which help develop their confidence and enable them to practise a new range of skills.  Other posts include House Captain, School Council Representative, Charity Committee member and Table Monitor.

There is a full range of sports available to pupils: Netball; Soccer; Rugby; Hockey; Cross Country; Swimming; Rounders; Cricket; Stoolball and Athletics. The U13 and U12 teams are selected from these classes. We have an extensive sports fixture list which includes matches against other schools so that all pupils are catered for – every pupil has a chance to represent Skippers.  We have an excellent scholarship record in Sport but all are encouraged to partake.  Read about our recent sport achievements here.

Other activities include Choir; Music Ensembles; Pottery; Conversational French; Drama; Model Making and Art Club. 

Experiences and trips continue to play an important part in pupils’ development as they progress through the school. These include visits to theatres, historic sites and museums, as well as a variety of visiting workshops and performances.  One of the highlights is the annual Year 7 and 8 trip to the beautiful island of Jersey.  All the children spend five days away from home on tour.  They join a number of other English schools and play matches and tournaments against the island schools.  We occupy a hotel in St. Helier and being with over 250 English children on tour is an experience they never forget. The Year 8 residential trip to Dorset following the ISEB Common Entrance is also particularly popular amongst the pupils and provides an ideal way for them to relax and have fun after the rigours of the exams.

The choice of Senior school is taken very seriously by Skippers Hill and, in addition to holding an annual Options Evening, Mr Lewis will meet with parents personally to discuss this important next step, considering all aspects of potential schools from academic achievement to size, location and culture.

We are proud to have achieved a 100% success rate in the Common Entrance exams over the past 20 years, with every pupil gaining a place at the school of their choice.  Dedicated staff, motivated, self-disciplined, talented students and supportive parents are the ingredients in our recipe for achievement.