Year 7

Embracing new social and academic opportunities

The transition to Senior School is an exciting moment for your daughter. Our focus is on supporting her to establish strong foundations in her education and in the friendships she forms.

Our Year 7 curriculum focuses on developing skills, concepts, critical thinking and problem-solving. We help our Year 7 students understand how they learn and how to develop the skills required to work independently. Students are encouraged to think critically, explore ideas in depth, work collaboratively, and take ownership of their learning. Information and communication technology skills are integrated throughout all subject areas.

At Perth College, we place heavy focus on the importance of students’ first years of Senior School because they shape the habits students carry forward into Years 9, 10, 11 and 12. Students are encouraged to become more self-aware, more adaptable, and more prepared to engage fully. Academic excellence is supported, so students can reach their full educational potential.

A Broad Academic Foundation

In Year 7, students participate in a wide range of specialist subjects in addition to the core subjects of Maths, English, Science, Humanities, Beliefs and Values, Health, Physical Education, and Digital Technologies. This broad curriculum enables students to discover their strengths and interests. Throughout the year, students complete a taster elective program studying design technology (focused on STEaM), performing arts, and visual arts. Students will also get to choose to study either French or Chinese as a second language.

Our year 7 students are encouraged to develop consistent study routines early. Homework is supported and encouraged as part of that process. Formal assessments also allow students to demonstrate how confidently they can apply their understanding independently and to develop their organisational strategies and study skills. We help to foster lifelong learning habits and develop the self-discipline that forms the foundation of successful learning.

Core Subjects Include:

— Mathematics

Our Year 7 mathematics programs are designed to challenge and support students as they transition into secondary learning.

— English

Year 7 students will develop language, communication and comprehension skills by listening, reading, viewing, interpreting, evaluating, and creating.

— Science

Science learning in Year 7 spans biological sciences, chemistry, earth and space sciences, and physics. Students investigate ecosystems, forces, mixtures, laboratory practices, Earth’s resources, and scientific models through practical experimentation and inquiry.

— Humanities and Social Sciences

Students explore democracy, citizenship, Australia’s legal system, economics, business, geography, and ancient world history. Year 7 students receive a foundational understanding of social concepts.

— Beliefs and Values

Students explore philosophy, religion, spirituality, Biblical studies, stewardship, and social justice through discussions that encourage reflection and curiosity about the world around them.

— Physical Education and Sports

Students participate in athletics, basketball, softball, swimming, volleyball, and fitness challenges throughout the year.
The Sports Development and Performance Program further extends these opportunities as well. The program supports athletic growth. Students develop technical skills, confidence in competition, and a stronger understanding of health and performance in a supportive school environment.

Elective Programs include:

Design and Technologies

These electives teach real design processes while developing critical problem-solving skills.
— Materials and Technologies: Students work with wood, plastics and basic hand tools to design and build functional pieces, gaining practical knowledge of natural and fabricated materials through the process.
— Textiles and Fashion: develop sewing techniques alongside creative design thinking and decorative processes.
— Food Specialisation: focuses on cooking and nutrition, food preparation methods, and practical cooking experiences centred around healthy breakfast meals
— Digital Technologies: introduces coding through Python programming and interactive storytelling projects where students create their own digital adventures

Visual Arts and Performing Arts

Through these electives, we encourage creativity, collaboration, and confidence in self-expression.
— Visual Arts: allows students to explore painting, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, jewellery, graphic design, textiles, and digital media.
— Dance: develops dancing ability, physical and creative awareness, choreography skills, and collaborative performance practices.
— Drama: students engage in theatrical collaborative workshops to build the fundamental skills of performance, explore the processes of devising drama, and discover ways to navigate rehearsing and performing their own works.
— Music: courses strengthen musicianship, listening skills, creativity, and performance confidence through practical and theory-based learning.

Student Wellbeing and Support in Year 7

We believe that for students to succeed academically, their emotional well-being and the support they receive at school is critical. At Perth College, we guarantee that wellbeing cohesively intersects with all aspects of our school system.

Sparc is a Perth College initiative, designed to prepare our students with the knowledge, skills, attributes and values that will see them flourish now and into the future. It is based on experiences that: Spark passion, grow attributes and build relationships to contribute to the world. Our students will explore the theme for Year 7: “Making Connections” and work through experiences to help them feel more prepared for challenges they may encounter.

Our InsideOut and Pastoral Care program teaches students the tools to enhance their social and emotional intelligence.

They are tailored to meet the needs of the students, considering their age and peer group dynamics. For our Year 7 students, focus on nurturing a sense of belonging, helping them understand who they are so they can make connections in their new environment.

Year 7 Camp Experience

This learning is extended outside the classroom during the Year 7 camp that occurs in Term One. The Year 7 camp forms an important part of the transition into Senior School. Away from the regular school routine, students can build on their friendships and learn how to work together in unfamiliar situations.

The camp experience teaches students about working together and bonding as a year group, understanding friendships and discovering what it means to be a Perth College student.

Year 7 Enrolments

Year 7 is a key intake year for admissions. If you are considering enrolment for your daughter, we encourage you to attend an Open Morning, book a Senior School campus tour, or submit an enrolment application to secure her place. Visit the campus, speak with staff, and experience the day-to-day environment of our beautiful school.