They collaborated with their Pastoral Care groups and competed against one another in a series of games as part of this term's Pastoral Care unit, 'Playing the Game'. Throughout the term, Year 7 has continued their examination into 'building capacity' for life in a secondary college by considering who is on their 'team' in life, and how they can draw on their life experiences and resources to create meaningful, satisfying, and beneficial relationships with those around them.
Students have been learning to recognise that many meaningful human experiences involve activities with other people, and that these people influence not only beliefs, but everyday actions and emotions. The unit of work, centered around the belief that sports teams act as a rich metaphor to talk about difficult life experiences, has encouraged the students to reflect on their lives in ways and in a language that they understand. The time together provided a fantastic opportunity to participate in some high-octane team building activities and have a little competition as well, for edible prizes (of course).
The students completed four activities in their Pastoral Care classes, and at the end of the challenges, one male and one female from each class was selected to participate in the Champions Round (see photos). From human noughts and crosses to reflex-based activities, the event was a fantastic opportunity for the teachers to examine the interactions and developing friendships among students of Year 7, as well as creating an environment in which the students were encouraged to celebrate team victories together.
Furthermore, it was another unique opportunity for the students of Year 7 to engage with one another in a way that they are not always able to do in the classroom, as they learned to work together and communicate effectively as a team to solve problems and achieve goals.
As well as thanking Year 7 for their fantastic attitude on the day, we would like to personally thank the Pastoral Care teachers for their enthusiasm and support not only for the activities on the day, but for their daily commitment to the wellbeing, nurturing, and development of the students of Year Seven.
Until next time, we would like to encourage the students and families of Year 7 to continue 'Playing the Game' at the College, in the home, and in their local communities.
Matthew Driscoll and Fiona Byrne
Year 7 Advisors
