Forms 7 & 8 at Aldro

The Best Years!

By its very name, preparatory school prepares children for senior school. We see that journey really accelerating in Year 7 and 8 and at Aldro we provide children with the ingredients to flourish. Forms 7 and 8 at Aldro can be the best days of your prep school life. There are so many exciting opportunities available in Forms 7 and 8 and many are truly unique to Aldro!

Becoming Senior School Ready

Our role is to ensure that pupils are stretched and challenged academically in Forms 7 and 8, promoting attitudes to learning that last. We encourage reduced teacher dependency and help pupils develop skills that increase self and peer-led solutions – our Aldro Bacc programme is a great example of this. Pupils are taught how to revise, prepare for interviews, and approach exams well-prepared and with confidence – skills that can be readily applied again at their senior schools for GCSEs. Our Form 7 and 8 enrichment programme gives pupils a deeper understanding on topics such as global perspectives, inspirational career talks and exploring the safe and responsible use of AI to broaden their general knowledge.

Our scholarship stream also enables our most able pupils to be challenged with higher level thinking, to study in greater depth and at a faster pace. In addition to this, our scholarship programme incorporates additional challenges, advanced reading and discussion, problem-solving, public debating, trips, interview preparation, and cross-curricular thinking.

For those who may be moving on to a boarding school, our part-time boarding option gives many the opportunity to try boarding in a small, familiar, school community.

 

Big Responsibilities Come early

Pupils can take on roles of responsibility such as Heads of School, Prefects, Squad captains, or Sports Captains, giving them the opportunity to be a real role model to the younger pupils and to step up and flex their leadership skills. There are opportunities uniquely available to children in years 7 and 8 at the top of their prep school.

My favourite memory has been, as Squad Leader, when the Form 3's were allocated to our squad”

Charlie, Form 8

Skills for the future

The Aldro Independent Project is a unique and very special part of the Form 8 curriculum. The AIP is largely a self-directed project that provides the pupils with an amazing opportunity to develop their creativity, curiosity, critical thinking, research skills, IT skills, and project management skills. Each pupil chooses a mentor and the focus of their project. At the end of the course, each pupil submits a project report and presents their findings to a select audience with a brief Q&A session afterwards. The AIP enables pupils to develop skills that will prove fundamental to their senior school experience.

More time to discover who they are

Years 7 and 8 can be a pivotal stage in a young person’s development. As pupils navigate the emotional and social challenges of adolescence, it is vital that they do so from a position of confidence, security and strong support. Remaining in a prep school environment during these years allows pupils to grow in self-awareness and resilience before transitioning to senior school at a point when their sense of self is more established and they are better equipped to manage external influences.

Being at the top of the school, rather than the bottom, encourages pupils to step up as role models and leaders. This fosters maturity, independence and quiet confidence, while still offering the safety net of an environment where mistakes are seen as part of learning. Pupils are known well, supported personally and encouraged to thrive at their own pace.

As a phone free school, we also protect the space for children to be children. Pupils enjoy friendships, fun and freedom without the pressures of constant connectivity, allowing them to develop socially in a healthy, balanced and carefree way.

Top of the school perks!

It’s all about saving the best until last and Years 7 and 8 is a perfect example. Not only do Year 8 get their own common room but there are many other privileges to look forward to – creating silk ties to wear to the Leavers Dinner, backstage lighting and sound roles for school productions, Chapel Choir tours, Bebras challenges and ESports competitions! 

One unique and very Aldro Form 8 privilege is our History Table. Since 1988, at lunchtime on a Friday, Form 8s are transported back to life in and around Shackleford during the English Civil War. Teachers are dressed in period costume and the Drawing Room is decorated with props of the era. Tables are dressed for lunch using authentic crockery and the children eat traditional fayre of the time. This re-enactment of life during the English Civil war is a unique way to bring to life the military and social history of the time.

Exploring opportunities

Forms 7 and 8 are also offered the opportunity to enhance their learning and build their independence through a plethora of new trips and activities. 

“My favourite trip has been The French trip because it was so fun to explore France and I loved spending time with my friends.”

Martha, Form 8

The Form 7 trip to Normandy in France is a highlight of the Christmas term and kick starts the children’s Form 7 journey together. There are also opportunities to enhance Classics learning with a trip to Rome, to understand the geological significance of Iceland and to hit the slopes with their friends on the annual Aldro ski trip!

“My favourite trip has been the Rome Trip, because it was amazing to see all these incredible places from ancient times that have been here since early times and the food was incredible.”

Oscar, Form 8
 
 
Closer to home, the curriculum is boosted with trips including the Imperial War Museum, Battle Abbey, Brookwood Cemetery and the Natural History Museum. 

After the high intensity of exams in the final Summer term, the Aldro Leavers’ Programme provides our Form 8 pupils with an opportunity to open their minds to passionate guest speakers on a selection of insightful topics and to put themselves through their paces on a range of trips and activities from museums and theme parks to outward bounds in the Brecon Beacons. 

 
 
In Years 7 and 8 pupils also get the opportunity to take part in the more prestigious sporting competitions such as Rosslyn Park Sevens, a cricket tour to Kent, National Schools rugby 7s, IAPS and international sports tours.

“My favourite memory was the Oakwood Rugby Tournament - we won, and it was an amazing experience!”

Joshua, Form 8

It's not too late!

As an independent school we can offer impartial advice on where is best for your child, so they will continue to thrive. We have experience of helping parents secure a senior school place for their child as late as Form 8, so it's never too late to get in touch!

 

If you are interested in how your child can 'learn, lead and flourish' in Forms 7 and 8 or are interested in applying for a Music, Sport or Academic scholarship then please get in touch with our Admissions team on 01483 813535 or email: admissions@aldro.org.

For further information about our Form 7 and 8 scholarship opportunities, please visit our Admissions Process page:

Form 7 & 8 Scholarship