Lower School (Y7 and Y8)
Making the Change
Starting life in a new secondary school is an exciting time and at Birkdale we put a heavy emphasis on trying to ensure that the transition period from Junior School to Senior School is as smooth as possible for everyone.
S1 (Y7) and S2 (Y8), are known as the Lower School, and are based in the Johnson building, under the care of Senior Mistress, Mrs Victoria Stolz. There are specific pastoral structures designed to help the boys to settle quickly, to grow in confidence and to feel at home within their new school environment.
The new intake is divided into three forms each with a tutor responsible for the pupils in his or her care. We strive to develop a Lower School community where boys feel secure and happy.
The Johnson building and grounds are for the sole use of the Lower School pupils outside lesson times, and here they have their own Common Room and table tennis area, cloakrooms, toilets and lockers.
Building the Team
A major aim of the Lower School is to aid and support the ‘growing up’ of boys in a secure environment, allowing them to develop as individuals, working and playing together as part of a community.
Even at this early stage, boys are encouraged to develop as leaders and to take on responsibilities in a range of areas. Hence a number of pupils in the second year of the Lower School are selected for duties as Prefects and Monitors. There is also a Head Boy and a Deputy Head Boy specifically for the Lower School. This is an important part in the education of the whole pupil and we seek to provide further opportunities for character development and leadership training outside the classroom.
In the second year of the Lower School (Y8), all the boys participate on an expedition held at the Thornbridge Outdoor Activity Centre within the glorious environment of the Derbyshire Peak District. The activities they are involved in foster important life skills such as communication, teamwork and leadership - personal attributes which are essential for young people today if they are to play a significant and responsible role in society.
The emphasis being on an education for life, not just academic success.
