Years 7 & 8
Years 7 and 8
Years of pivotal growth
Years 7 and 8 mark the beginning of Senior School, a time of exciting change, deeper learning and emerging independence. At Korowa, we see these years as a pivotal stage in your daughter’s development. It is here that her confidence grows, her voice strengthens, and she begins to understand who she is and what she cares about.
Our program ensures every student is seen, known and supported, with strong pastoral care, purposeful teaching and a community where she feels she belongs. This is a place where she can explore new subjects, build friendships, challenge herself and discover her unique strengths.
Academic, emotional & social empowerment
During Years 7 and 8, our mission is to provide a learning environment in which young people feel empowered - academically, emotionally and socially. We want every girl to develop:
- Confidence in her abilities
- A strong sense of self
- Healthy, respectful relationships
- The courage to express her ideas
- Resilience in the face of challenges
Our values of courage, curiosity and integrity guide daily interactions. They support students as they encounter new experiences and navigate the growing independence that characterises early adolescence.
Parents tell us that what makes Korowa special is the way we truly know each student. Our Middle Years teachers, mentors and wellbeing leaders work closely with families to ensure each girl feels connected, safe and supported, every step of the way.
Curriculum overview
Korowa’s Years 7–8 curriculum is designed to support the transition to secondary learning, combining academic challenge with opportunities for exploration and growth.
Click any subject heading to learn more about Korowa's approach in Years 7 and 8.
English
Through novels, media, poetry and multimodal texts, students explore how stories help us understand ourselves and our world. They develop:
- Analytical thinking
- The ability to consider multiple perspectives
- Creative, persuasive and reflective writing
- Confident communication and presentation skills
Mathematics
Mathematics in Years 7 and 8 supports and challenges every learner, through:
- Rigorous, mixed-ability classes
- Real-world problem-solving
- Extension activities
- Higher-order thinking and analysis
Students build confidence as mathematicians who can think logically, creatively and independently.
Languages
Korowa offers Chinese, French, German and Japanese. Students select two languages, building strong foundations in:
- Speaking and listening
- Reading and viewing
- Writing
- Intercultural understanding
Learning another language helps students become global citizens who appreciate diversity and connect meaningfully with the world around them.
Science
Year 7 introduces foundational concept in biology, chemistry and physics through hands-on investigations. Year 8 deepens this knowledge with more quantitative experiments, encouraging students to:
- Think abstractly
- Evaluate accuracy and precision
- Solve real-world problems using scientific methods
Humanities (History)
Students explore ancient worlds, global civilisations and the beginnings of the modern era. Skills developed include:
- Research
- Perspective-taking
- Argumentation and writing
- Understanding global cultures
Humanities (Geography)
Through units such as water scarcity, landforms, population change and urbanisation, students learn:
- Environmental and global awareness
- Mapping and spacial skills
- Inquiry and data analysis
- How humans shape, and are shaped by, place
Visual Arts
Across Years 7 and 8, students explore:
- Drawing, painting and design
- Ceramics and printmaking
- Art inspired by nature and contemporary culture
- Digital and traditional technologies
They learn to communicate ideas visually and appreciate the work of professional artists.
Health, PE & Food Studies
Building healthy habits early supports lifelong wellbeing. In Years 7 and 8, all students participate in Health, Physical Education (PE) and Food Studies, developing practical skills, knowledge and confidence to make positive choices about their health and lifestyle.
Through Physical Education, students:
- Develop movement skills and physical fitness
- Build teamwork, leadership and communication skills
- Participate in a range of activities including athletics, swimming, invasion games, striking and fielding, and creative games
In Health, students explore:
- Puberty, identity and respectful relationships
- Mental health, resilience and positive coping strategies
- Nutrition, safety and informed decision-making
- Risk-taking behaviours and personal wellbeing
Food Studies extends this learning through practical kitchen experiences:
Year 7: Foundations of safe and efficient kitchen practice, using a range of equipment and cookery methods to prepare nutritious meals while building collaboration and time management skills.
Year 8: Healthy eating and balanced diets, analysing food information and designing nutritious menu options while continuing to develop teamwork, organisation and sensory awareness.
Together, these subjects help students establish healthy routines, strengthen resilience and develop the practical life skills needed for balanced living.
Music
Music fosters creativity, confidence and collaboration Students engage in:
- Classroom music
- Composition
- Ensemble participation
- Performance opportunities
Each girl degvgelops musicianship at her own level, supported by expert guidance and rich musical experiences.
Drama
Drama encourages expressive communication and empathy. Students explore:
- Melodrama, physical theatre and scripted performance
- Devising original works
- Collaboration and creativity
- Performance festivals and class productions
Year 8 includes a Shakespeare unit, in which students take on both acting and production roles.
Dance
In Dance, students explore movement as a form of communication and community building. They learn:
- Technique and safe dance practice
- Choreography and creative intent
- Dance styles from around the world
- Collaboration through group works
Workshops with industry professionals enrich the experience.
Beyond the classroom
Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
Wellbeing is at the heart of Years 7 and 8. Our approach includes:
- A dedicated mentor for each student
- Wellbeing lessons tailored to early adolescence
- Digital safety and responsible technology use
- Support with organisation, friendships and transitions
- Strong parent–school communication
We believe that when girls feel safe and supported they thrive, both academically and personally.
Co-curricular Opportunities
Students in Years 7 and 8 can participate in a wide range of co-curricular activities, including:
- Sport teams and competitions
- Music ensembles and choir
- Drama productions
- Dance companies
- Debating and public speaking
- STEM clubs
- Visual arts and design clubs
- Social justice and service groups
- Leadership roles
These experiences enrich learning and build confidence.
Where identity takes shape
Years 7 and 8 are a unique phase in your daughter’s Senior School journey. These are the years where she starts to explore her identity, build lifelong habits, and discover how she can contribute to her world.
Program focus
Program focus
Our program focuses on:
- Belonging: building strong friendships and community
- Communication: developing voice, confidence and clarity
- Collaboration: working effectively in diverse teams
- Critical thinking: analysing, questioning and problem-solving
- Creativity: expressing ideas through art, drama, movement and design
- Wellbeing: fostering resilience, balance and healthy habits
With a rich curriculum and opportunities across arts, sciences, languages, sport and leadership, Years 7 and 8 are designed for exploration before pathways become more specialised.
Year 7
Year 7:
transition to high school
The transition into Senior School is one of the most important moments in a young person’s education. Our Year 7 program provides an inspiring, supportive start where girls feel welcomed and prepared. The Year 7 experience includes:
- A dedicated transition program helping students settle in socially and academically
- A strong mentor system that supports wellbeing and relationships
- Specialist teachers across all learning areas
- Opportunities to try a broad range of subjects before choosing future pathways
- Community-building experiences, camps and House activities
- Guidance in organisation, study skills and digital responsibility
Year 7 builds the foundations for confidence, independence and connection, ensuring every girl feels she belongs.
Year 8
Year 8:
Exploring identity & strengths
By Year 8, students begin to step forward with greater independence. They are ready to challenge themselves, explore their interests more deeply and express their ideas with maturity and confidence. Year 8 focuses on:
- Developing voice and leadership
- Engaging with ethical and global issues
- Building resilience and personal responsibility
- Strengthening friendships and navigating social change
- Applying skills creatively across disciplines
- Preparing for the expanded opportunities of Year 9
It is a year where girls gain clarity about who they are becoming, and the contributions they want to make.
Outcomes
Parents choose Korowa for their girls because our program delivers:
Strong academic foundations
Specialist teaching, opportunities for challenge and enrichment, and a broad range of subject choices sets your daughter up for academic success.
Exceptional wellbeing support
All students at Korowa benefit from highly personalised pastoral care. They learn in a community where each girl is known; and receive professional support throughout adolescence and periods of educational transition.
A values-led culture
Korowa is an environment where kindness, respect and responsibility are embedded in every aspect of her experience. Leadership opportunities are available for every girl.
Future-ready skills
A Kororwa education prioritises communication, collaboration and creativity, all of which will set your daughter up for success in the future. She will learn digital and scientific literacy; and global awareness is a priority of her education.
A seamless journey to senior years
Girls enter the later years of Senior School confident, capable and ready to thrive.
Her journey starts here
Join Korowa
Frequently asked questions
How is learning personalised?
Teachers track progress closely and tailor learning through differentiation, targeted instruction and enrichment opportunities. Korowa's learning support, as well as our enrichment and extension program, ensure that each student receives tailored education and support.
What wellbeing is provided?
Wellbeing is integrated into every aspect of the school, across every age-group. Every student is part of a mentor group with structured wellbeing programs, transition support and dedicated pastoral care staff. Learn more about Korowa's Wellbeing Program here.
How many subjects do students take?
Students study a rich program across English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Languages, Arts, Health, PE and specialist subjects.
How does language selection work?
Students choose two languages in Year 7 and continue them through Year 8.
What co-curricular opportunities are available?
Korowa has a vibrant community and a rich and diverse range of co-curricular activities and clubs for students. These include sports, music ensembles, drama and dance, debating, clubs, service programs, visual arts, competitions, leadership roles and more.
Book a tour today to see our vibrant learning community in action and discover why Korowa is the right choice for your daughter's education.
