Years 7 & 8
As students move into Year 7, they are beginning a new stage in their educational journey. It is natural for the beginning of this journey to present numerous challenges, as students adjust to an educational experience, and expectations, that are different to those provided in the Junior School. However, the rewards and joys of this adjustment are great, as students meet new friends and teachers, learn the new routines and participate in a wide range of teaching and learning activities.
At The Hills Grammar School we provide a curriculum designed to help students make the transition from Year 6 to Year 7 as quickly and smoothly as possible, and then go on to consolidate and extend their skills and knowledge in Year 8. The curriculum is based on a mandatory group of subjects which construct a solid academic foundation for successful study in future years. Each student's growth and adjustment to change is supported by a well-established Wellbeing system and a broad Co-curricular program.
The Academic Program
Students in Years 7 and 8 follow a curriculum which includes English, Mathematics, Science, Australian History and Geography, Personal Development, Health & Physical Education, a language (French, German (Year 8 only) or Japanese), Technology (Mandatory), Music, Drama and Visual Arts.
Year groups are divided into three or four classes for each subject. Practical subjects such as Technology (Mandatory) and Visual Arts generally have smaller classes than those in other subjects. During the course of a day, students will move to specialist classrooms to undertake specific studies. The timetable is organised around a ten day cycle. Students get their personalised timetable at the beginning of each year.
Each teacher in the Senior School is a specialist in their subject area and teaches students from Years 7 through to Year 12. Subject teachers design lessons and assessment tasks with the aim of improving each student’s understanding of curriculum content. At the end of each semester, teachers write a report on each student’s achievement and application during the semester.
For further information regarding the curriculum, please download the Stage 4 Handbook
> Read about the academic Honours Program
Academic, Music and All-Rounder Scholarships are available to students commencing in Years 7, 9 & 11.
Highly able students are catered for through the provision of a comprehensive and flexible suite of Academic Honours Programs, commencing in Year 7. These programs enrich and extend the learning of intellectually curious and ambitious students, and provide learning experiences above and beyond the standard curriculum.
The Student Wellbeing Program
The Hills Grammar School provides a safe and supportive co-educational environment in which each student is encouraged to strive for excellence in scholarship, personal development and citizenship. Students are better able to achieve these outcomes when they are connected to a healthy, happy and safe community.
Our School's response to the educational, personal and social needs of its students acknowledges the need for a comprehensive whole school approach to student wellbeing and aims to:
- enhance the development of a school environment where children and young people feel safe, valued, engaged and purposeful
- deliver curriculum which provides students with opportunity to acquire knowledge and develop positive values, attitudes and behaviours
- provide access to structures designed to identify and support all students, in particular those students dealing with learning, social, emotional or wellbeing needs
- establish partnerships with parents and wellbeing specialists to ensure appropriate assessment and intervention is available to those who need it most
For further information, please view our Student Wellbeing brochure
The Co-curricular Program
The Co-curricular program at The Hills Grammar School is an integral part of the whole school curriculum. There are wonderful opportunities for students to develop their skills and interests across a broad range of activities including Sport, Creative and Spoken Arts, Music, Leadership and Service. These activities take place before school, during lunch and after school with further weekend commitments in some areas.
The central aim of the program is to broaden the development and interests of each student through the provision of a wide range of purposeful activities in Music, Sport, Leadership & Service and the Creative and Spoken Arts.
Aims of the program are:
- to foster and develop student leadership
- to encourage and develop co-operation, responsibility and ‘team’ work
- to develop a sense of belonging and school spirit
- to foster good rapport between staff, students and parents
- to inspire students to strive for excellence in all areas of endeavour
- to provide opportunities for parents, ex–parents and ex-students to contribute to the School
- to establish links with the wider community and develop relations with various groups
- to provide opportunities for students to achieve success in a diverse mix of interests.
