A Week in the Life of Year 7 @ Engadine High

Our Experience of Year 7 at Engadine High School

We remember being just like you this time last year, in Year six, not knowing what high school would be like, which high school is best for us, and if we wanted to go to the same high school as our friends. Also, we were feeling a little scared, just like you probably are.  Well, high school isn’t frightening, daunting, terrifying or scary!  Let us ‘bust’ some common myths and provide helpful hints about Engadine High.

Myth: I will get lost at Engadine High – it looks like a big school.

Answer: False

There is no reason to be afraid of getting lost.  The school has four blocks A, B, C and D (as well as the Library.) All the rooms are numbered using an easy system.  The bottom floor in A block is the tens the top floor is the teens.  The bottom floor in B block is the twenties and the top floor is the thirties and so on for C and D blocks.  This system works very well and anyway after a couple of weeks you’ll memorise where each classroom is for all of your subjects.

Myth: Using a diary and timetable is difficult.

Answer: False

This wasn’t a problem as we were told to colour-code our timetables and this made them much clearer.  In the first week a teacher told us how to read our timetables.  The diaries are really helpful.  They help you to organise important times such as when homework and assignments are due and when we have tests.  It was easy to get into the habit of using them every lesson.  Also the diaries have plenty of information about the school and helpful homework hints.

Myth: No-one will help me if I have a problem.

Answer: False

This was not a problem because the teachers are approachable and we were told which teachers had special roles such as the Deputies, Year Adviser, School Counsellor, Welfare Co-ordinator and Head Teachers.

Myth: There will so much schoolwork that I won’t be able to do anything else.

Answer: False

There has been regular homework and assignments but there is still plenty of time to be involved in other activities at school and at home.  The trick is to be organised and plan ahead.

Myth: Engadine High will pick my sport for me.

Answer: False

There are many sports to choose from in winter and summer.  You choose a different sport each term.  There are choices to suit boys and girls with different likes and dislikes.  Some of the choices are: tenpin bowling, dance, aqua aerobics, indoor sports, school sport, skateboarding, squash, surf survival and spin. 

Myth: It is hard to make new friends.

Answer: False

Although there are many more children in High School you are still in a class that has less than thirty people so it is easy to get to know the people you see each lesson.  Once you have become comfortable with some of the people in your class you get to know the other students that they already know.

Myth: I will get bored at high school.

Answer: False

You can’t get bored at high school since you change lessons, teachers and classrooms six times each day!

Myth: The teachers are strict and the older kids will be mean.

Answer: False

We have found that the teachers are friendly and the rules are clear and easy to follow.  The older kids are also very friendly and you can ask them anything.

Myth: There are too many subjects.

Answer: False

There are many subjects but not too many.  Even if you find one subject difficult there are bound to be others that you will enjoy such as, DT (metalwork, woodwork, cooking, sewing), Music, ICT (computers), Maths, English, Science, Language, History, Visual Arts and PDHPE (sport and health).

Myth: There are no opportunities for me at high school.

Answer: False

There are many opportunities for everyone.  These include band, E-team, Tech team, debating and public speaking, dance and SRC.  There are also many other activities such as Year 7 camp, excursions and the band tour.

Myth: I won’t know where to sit at recess and lunch.

Answer: False

There are many places to sit in the playground and you will soon find an area that suits you.  There is a ‘girls only’ area at the front of A block, on the basketball courts there is an area for year sevens and eights and there areas designated area for years eleven and twelve.  The library is open at lunch if you want to reads or use the computers.

Myth: I will get bullied at high school.

Answer: False

Just like everywhere else sometimes problems may occur, however these can be easily fixed by many helpful teachers, the deputies and your year adviser.  You just need to let them know if you are having a problem.

We hope this has answered some of your questions and helped to make you feel comfortable about coming to Engadine High.  We are very glad that we did!

Alexandra, Hayden and Laura - Year 7