Year 7

Upcoming Events

Week 4B (Assessment – Music)

Week 5A (Assessment block – schedule below)

  • Mon 9 Nov – English and Science Yearly Examinations
  • Tue 10 Nov – Mathematics Yearly Examination
  • Sat 14 Nov – Rowing Regatta and Redlands Sailing Cup

Week 6B (No assessments)

  • Mon 16 Nov – Thu 19 Nov – Surf Lifesaving program 10:30-1:30pm
    (Note: Regular classes continue in Periods 1&2, 5&6)
  • Tue 17 Nov – Thu 19 Nov: RDA End of Year rehearsals
  • Tue 17 Nov – 6-7:30pm Music Scholars Concert

*(Please be advised that any events listed as RPFA are organised and coordinated by parent representatives – all queries are to be directed to the relevant organiser.)

Week 4B in Review

In the lead-up to Year 7’s first formal examination block next week, a lot of time has been given to revision and to guidance on how to study. In subject lessons and during tutor time, students have been shown how to write summary notes and mind-maps, and how to design a study schedule built around specific learning activities. This will have helped many students, but some will need more time to take these lessons on board. Some students will “think” they have studied hard and long without having really done the “right” thing. By right, I mean using their time productively, using techniques that embed knowledge deeply, and making use of the resources we have provided. These are the extra lessons students learn as they prepare for exams, and for some, unfortunately, they take longer to learn properly.

After the exams, our main focus will be reflection: looking back at each task, at how students prepared, and at what did or didn’t work. I often tell my students that the learning doesn’t really happen until you’ve reflected on the process and then put those changes into practice. It’s a bit like breaking your opponent’s serve in tennis. It counts for little on the scoreboard unless you go on to hold your own serve in the next game.

As a reminder, the schedule for next Monday and Tuesday is included below. Students with examination provisions will be emailed individually about where to go for each exam. For any sessions marked “Study”, all students will be seated in Redlands Hall.

During our Stage 4 assembly on Tuesday Year 7 were the first students in the senior school to experience an assembly led by the new student leadership team. They were so authentic and energetic, both the leaders and Year 7.

We also want to do a special shout-out to Pearl Hanly Atmore who recently represented Redlands in the InterSchools Horse Extravanganza in Tamworth. This is an annual competition that attracted over 500 competitors from schools across the east coast. Pearl did really well on her horse Midnight Hawk Elvis, winning 6th place overall in her showjumping and 7th place overall in her Dressage for the combined years 7-9 age group. 

Spotlight – Sport and Cocurricular – the numbers at a glance

This year, as we look back on some of the co-curricular and sport data, the numbers tell us a fantastic story of the breadth and depth of our Year 7 2026 cohort. Each student took part in 5.4 activities on average, chosen from more than 50 programs, and 103 students did five or more.

Note: Percentages are all calculated using the initial 182 total, however those numbers have shifted across the year, mostly due to overseas relocations.

Summer sport

Summer was a busy season for Year 7, with 95% of the cohort playing across Terms 1 and 4. Basketball was the clear favourite for our boys, making up almost a third of their sport places, with tennis close behind. Our girls spread their energy widely: touch football, rowing and AFL were all popular, as were non-representative options such as rock climbing. Rowing was a highlight of Term 4, drawing boys and girls in almost equal numbers.

Winter sport

Winter brought out nearly the whole year group, with 93% of Year 7 taking the field. Football dominated for the boys, accounting for almost half of their winter places. Netball was the top choice for our girls, and many also played football or tennis. Non-representative options such as rock climbing, martial arts, yoga and strength & conditioning gave students another way to stay active through the cooler months.

Other sports and carnivals

Beyond the seasonal programs, almost half of Year 7 also took part in carnivals and year-round programs. Athletics was the most popular with both boys and girls, from early-morning training squads to the ISA carnival team. Cross country, the Snowsports Program and the Fitness Centre also attracted strong numbers, showing just how many ways our students found to get involved.

Co-curricular

Almost three in four Year 7 students joined at least one co-curricular activity this year. Music was the most popular area for our boys, closely followed by academic extension (HPL) activities such as Da Vinci Decathlon and Academic competitions. Our girls were especially drawn to clubs, drama and theatre, and music. From Chess Club and Beekeeping to debating and the musical, Year 7 have embraced the full breadth of life at Redlands. Perhaps this is why I am just loving this year group!

Cowper Christmas Drive

This Christmas, our school community is coming together to support Matthew Talbot Hostel, our Cowper House Partner, through our 2026 Christmas Donation Drive.

In Tutor Groups, students will be collecting donations to help create Christmas hampers for the men supported by Matthew Talbot Hostel. Last year, Cowper alone collected enough donations to create 50 Christmas hampers. This year, we are delighted to extend the initiative across all Houses, with the ambitious goal of helping create 100 Christmas hampers.

We were fortunate to launch the initiative with a special guest speaker, Mike from Matthew Talbot Hostel, who spoke with Cowper students about the important work of the hostel, the people it supports and the impact our contributions can have. Mike shared insights into the many and often complex circumstances that can lead to homelessness, reminding students that there is rarely one single reason someone finds themselves without a safe place to call home.

Mike also spoke about how particularly challenging Christmas can be for people experiencing homelessness, a time when many others are surrounded by family, friends and the comforts of home. He highlighted how seemingly small acts of kindness can have a significant impact, helping people feel seen, remembered and supported during a difficult time. Our Christmas Drive is one way our community can reach out and wrap these men in care and generosity when they need it most.

Throughout the donation period, Tutor Groups will work together to coordinate their contributions, ensuring a thoughtful variety of practical essentials. Donation boxes will be placed in Tutor Rooms, with students encouraged to pledge items, track their contributions and work collaboratively to fill their boxes. For every full box collected, the relevant House will earn a bauble for its House Christmas Tree, with the winning House announced at the Christmas Carols!

At the heart of this initiative is the opportunity for students to put compassion into action. By supporting Matthew Talbot Hostel, our students are learning about the importance of community connection, generosity and empathy.

We are grateful to our students, staff and families for supporting this initiative. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps us work towards our goal and make Christmas a little brighter for members of our wider community.

Mr Doug Vass
Year 7 Advisor 
dvass@redlands.nsw.edu.au