Lockers Park School
Guide to Year 7 & 8








Guide to Year 7 & 8
Lockers Park has a proud history in preparing boys for the challenges of life after prep school. We see Year 7 and 8 as a critical time where foundations developed in previous years are strengthened and built on. This means each boy is fully prepared for a strong onward educational journey that is right for him.
A Lockers Park education is designed to develop six key learning attributes, that provide life-long skills; these form our Lockers Learner Profile:
Inquisitive
Aspirational
Collaborative
Resilient
Creative Global Citizens
As a leading Prep School we believe that Year 7 and 8 are two years in which these attributes are honed; setting boys on the route to success in the next stage of their education.
By making these attributes explicit in the day-to-day life of the school, boys recognise their strengths and reflect on how they can work on areas that they want to develop.
Boys build up a learning profile through our skills assessment days in Year 6. This is taken into Year 7 & 8 culminating in their Leavers Programme which is designed to give the boys opportunities to develop these skills, giving them a valuable start before senior school.
Gavin Taylor Headmaster
Our strong belief is that problem solving and reasoning skills should not be the preserve of standardised tests, but things boys use in their day-to-day learning.
The focus of Year 7 and 8 curriculum is to have two main aims. Academic rigour is prioritised (through Common Entrance and Scholarship) to ensure that boys arrive in Year 9 as “academically fit” as possible. Year 7 and 8 is also a key time to build on the learning habits developed in Year 6, focusing on thinking skills, self-regulation and the development of effective learning habits. This is achieved through a consistent approach in lessons and in Learning Science lessons where the boys learn how the brain works and how best to use it to their advantage.
Finally, close monitoring of the boy’s wellbeing help us ensure that they are in the best frame of mind for success. Happy boys learn best.
Our strong belief is that problem solving and reasoning skills should not be the preserve of standardised tests, but things boys use in their day-today learning.
A C A D E M I C R I G O U R L E A R N I N G H A B I T S W E L L B E I N G
YEAR 7 & 8 SUCCESS
By Year 7 & 8 we expect our boys to have gained a sense of independence and resilience. They will need to organise themselves, ensure they keep on top of their work and be in the right place at the right time. There are opportunities for independent work such as in prep, revision tasks and holiday work. The aim is to ensure a smooth transition into their senior school after they leave Lockers.
Boys are expected to set an example to younger year groups through their behaviour and are encouraged to show respect to others, their property and the school.
Code of Conduct:
·Listen - We listen to everyone.
·Organised - We are on time and organised.
·Challenge - We always push ourselves to try new things.
·Kind - We are honest and helpful.
·Effort - We always try our best.
·Respect - We look after our things and other people.
·Support - We assist and look out for others.
This is displayed around the school and forms a framework for children to follow with regards their behaviour
The Learner Profile highlights the key attributes that we aim to instill in all Lockers Park pupils. This is achieved through:
·The rewards system
·Skills development days
·Residential trips
·Assemblies
·Displays
·In-class activities
Our aim is to provide as many opportunities as possible to develop these skills in day-to-day school life.
Our key attributes are displayed below:
Our provision for wellbeing in Lockers Park is something which sets us apart from other prep schools. It is all encompassing, ever evolving and integrated into everything we do. Academics and wellbeing do not stand apart. Nestled within our ‘Habits of Mind’ framework, you will find core elements of wellbeing driving their academic success. Many elements come together to make this provision. These are;
Form Tutors –
We provide dedicated time with form tutors, which allows special relationships to be created which ensure the boys have a layer of support beyond the classroom teacher. Our Form Tutors spend time reviewing the day, setting targets, discussing rewards and setting the tutee up for success.
Student Listeners – a band of boys from across Years 7 and 8, who have been trained in mental health awareness, listening with purpose and safeguarding. Student Listeners are easily identified by their bright yellow badge. They can be found around the school grounds in break and in the library. A meeting with them can be impromptu or available upon request.
Student and Mini Councils – Representatives from each form group are elected each September. They meet bi-termly, reporting requests from their peers to the relevant staff member. They inspire change and are a student voice amongst the community.
Quiet Room -- School is exciting, but sometimes we need ‘down time’. When life becomes too much, boys can make their way to our quiet room to desensitize, centre and prepare themselves for the rest of the day. In this room, you will find sensory items to help each individual. It is a comfortable space, which feels a little less ‘school’ and a little more ‘home’.
Breaktime clubs -- Whilst 23 acres and lots of shrubs are a tremendous asset, not every boy wants to play outside every day. For this reason, there is a breaktime plan in place whereby the boys have access to a more ‘chilled’ zone in which they can pass their break in a relaxing manner
Activities -- As a school catering for energetic young men, we alter our termly activities timetable to match their needs. Activities happen after lesson time, with some focused on competition and engaging in certain leagues, whilst others are for pure fun and enjoyment. Boys are very much involved in the creation of this facility. Boys offer suggestions for new club via their council representative, whilst Prefects run their own clubs with the permission and oversight for senior staff members.
Counsellor -- Whilst we offer a tremendous amount of internal supports, there are times in life when we need to reach out for help to someone who can provide us with a uniquely unbiased view. One such provision is our Student Counsellor. On site weekly and available to a select number of boys, our Student Counsellor listens and provides supports for these boys so they can move forward with independence and an understanding of their own needs.
Sensory Garden -- At Lockers, we strongly believe in providing for the
Allotment -- Understanding where our food comes from is important to us at Lockers. From Reception to Year 2 (soon to be 8), each year group has their own gardening space. They choose their own produce to plant and develop the skills to grow what they need – and hopefully enjoy a nice snack from them at harvest time! (Photos)
Forest School -- Utilising our 23 acres, and embracing the understanding that children learn better through practice and using a more tactile approach, our boys from Reception to Year 6 have weekly ‘Shrub School’ lessons in which they learn all about nature and not only how it can be utilised for our needs, but also how we can attribute positively to our surroundings. It is through the development of this educational approach that we have proudly earned The Woodland Trust Platinum Award.
PSHE -- Understanding the world today, and our part within it, can be tricky. Through weekly PSHE lessons we adapt our teaching to the boys’ needs. Having a better understanding of their mental health, creating an open forum where the boys can ask any questions, and offering that ‘safe space ’ where boys can discuss anything troubling them means that we
Our ‘Sport for All’ approach means that there is something for everyone. Whilst those most popular sports of cricket, football and rugby still hold the spotlight for many boys, we also offer the opportunity to take part in sports such as table tennis, badminton, swimming, fencing, ju-jitsu, squash, amongst many more. Maintaining a sport provision which evolves with our boys is of upmost importance to our sports department. Happy boys learn, and it is through such a provision that we maintain their interest, passion and happiness.
Charity is a key focus of our entire community, with a charity committee comprising boys from across the school and key charities of focus, we ensure our fundraising efforts benefit substantially. Fundraising isn’t where charity ends however, making connections with our community ensures our boys understand the importance of their own impact whilst allowing our community to grow beyond our walls. Initiatives such as afternoon teas with the local care home, connecting with our local schools to provide sporting facilities and tournaments, and inviting schools in for STEAM, DT and science events mean that we not only contribute to our community, but ultimately, we benefit from these fantastic opportunities in terms of learning, wellbeing and growth.
Learning is a science, but it is also an evolution. One curriculum does not provide for all, keeping this in mind, we develop our own curriculum of learning in which the school unites to address topics we see of benefit to the boys and our community. Preparing them for future years, we have developed cross curricular topics such as; BLM, neurodiversity, the natural world and the art of invention. ALL subjects address this area of the curriculum for at least one week per term, creating pieces of work
A real ‘jewel in our crown ’ , the wellbeing survey is a custom created survey system which offers a rather unique support system to the boys. It is through this survey that boys assess their own wellbeing, report issues they are worried about, and can request to speak with a Student Listener, teacher or raise questions they may be reluctant to ask in form time. This has proven to be an invaluable tool, in which we can identify friendship, safeguarding and mental health issues before they become problems, and of course offers us an insight into what we are doing well. This data is tracked across the year group and school, which means we can identify when a year group as a whole needs intervention, or when an individual needs more support in their day-to-day lives.
Starting with a hot breakfast every day, an option of hot meal or salad at lunch and a hot supper, we are confident that our boys are eating a health, balanced meal everyday – with some sweet treats along the way. If happy boys learn, then well-fed and satisfied boys are certainly happier. With sports every day and an enthusiasm for active play and shrub school, our boys need a complete diet which will keep their energy levels up. The calorie intake of boys is carefully managed to ensure they receive their daily quota of every food group. With most boys staying for all three meals in the day, we have a complete oversight of their daily intake and ensure we are listening to their requirements and requests. Lockers is a diverse community, and we provide for the needs of every child to the best of our ability, offering meat, halal, vegan and vegetarian options with every meal. Adaptations are made for boys on a daily basis – ensuring our boys enter the dining hall knowing there will always be an option for them.
Our weeks are busy, with events and matches happening regularly. Match tea is certainly something we are famed for and keep the visitors coming back for every sport available. Boys love the special events, such as The Feast, Christmas Dinner, Set Supper, Headmaster’s Tea and themed meals to match our curriculum
In contrast to many pupils who leave to go to Senior School at the end of Year 6, our Year 7 and 8 boys have a huge opportunity to develop their leadership skills in their two final years.
All Year 8 boys can apply for Prefect positions. This process includes an interview with a member of the Senior Leadership team and a covering letter.
There is a strong emphasis on service to others and being a link between the staff and boys. In addition to this, The Set (House) system provides a myriad of opportunities for boys in both Year 7 and 8 to show their strengths in leadership across the school. These include:
Organising entries for sports days and swimming galas
Selecting and captaining teams in Academic competitions such as Set Science and Maths
Leading the Set debating team
Having a voice at Set meetings and working collaboratively with the Teacher in charge of the Set
Driving charitable initiatives
An important part of both the Year 7 and 8 curriculum is the Independent Project Qualification (IPQ).
This initiative has been set up by the Independent Schools Examination Board to develop research skills and give pupils an opportunity to delve deeper into a particular topic or question.
At Lockers we also use this as an opportunity to pull together key learning habits and skills, whilst also gaining valuable experience in higher level questioning. Both Year groups complete a project and have the opportunity to present their ideas to the Senior Leadership. The key focus of the assessment of the project is on the process of putting it together, not the final outcome.
Examples of projects
Is pleasure boating sustainable?
How has equipment changed golf since 1874?
Lego – the World’s best toy?
Is Shakespeare still relevant to today’s society?
What is the importance of bees in today's environment? Is television harming live sport?
Boarding is a thriving area of the school and on most nights through the week you will find a large number of boys staying in the House. Year 7 and 8 boys very much form the core of the community and they are expected and encouraged to take a lead in buying into the values that are instilled in our boarders. It also provides an opportunity for boys to develop resilience and independence. This could be as simple as changing their own beds, looking after their personal spaces or making effective use of the boarder’s revision slots on an evening. Each term a Head of Boarding is appointed from Year 8 who joins the prefect body and is very much a key person in helping the house run smoothly.
We have also found that having a positive boarding experience, has encouraged parents to look further afield when it comes to senior school choice. Having some experience in boarding (even if it is for one or two nights a week) opens up the possibility of entrance to some of the finest schools in the country.
Most of all boarding is great fun. There are over 60 events throughout the year. The favourites include:
·Dark Tower
·The Feast
·Halloween Havoc
·Film Nights
·The Pancake Games
·Boarders BBQ
.Boarding Bonanza
Music has always been a huge part of Lockers Park and we are rightly proud of our Musical tradition. Year 7 and 8 have numerous opportunities for Musical excellence, not least our chapel choir who take a lead role in Chapel services and concerts. Set competitions, give those Year 7 and 8 boys with a musical background a chance to both perform and lead the Set in practice sessions.
Drama forms a key part of the curriculum, the two highlights being the Junior and Senior plays that all pupils are encouraged to audition for and take an active role in.
In addition to this, for those who possess an exceptional talent and passion for the stage, specialist preparation is given to help them prepare for senior school Drama scholarships, a number of which have been awarded in recent years. These often form a great place to exhibit skills and disciplines honed in the LAMDA program which the school provides
Our Saturday workshops provide opportunities for boys to receive a little extra academic help at the end of the week. For those boys taking senior school entrance tests, some sessions will focus on preparation.
For others it could be a chance to work on their creative writing or develop their deeper thing skills via Philosophy and Ethic sessions. Scholars have their own group to help them with preparation. The workshops are optional although are extremely popular.
For those who have English as an additional language, we have a EAL comprehensive program. Boys are assessed on entry which guide the amount of extra provision needed for them. We also run evening classes with an English teacher to help develop literacy skills and English exam technique. The boarding house also provides opportunities for boys to work on their English via an online programme (Flash Academy).
As our boys move on to senior school, they will be faced with different challenges and situations that comes with larger schools, co-educational settings, social media and increased independence.
Our Leavers Programme is designed to help make this transition as smooth as possible whilst also being a fun and enjoyable end to their time with us.
Key features of the programme include:
RSE workshops
Talks with senior school staff on settling into senior school life
“Question time”, in partnership with a local Girls school, presenting to a local MP on a topical issue and have the opportunity to ask them relevant questions.
Magistrate talk on how the law works, with a mock trial to gain insight into the process.
Drugs awareness course
Bushcraft wilderness camp – focusing on teamwork and resilience, whilst also being a chance to unwind after a busy exam period
French Cinema trip – giving a different perspective on MFL
RAF Hendon trip
The Ashridge Challenge orienteering competition
Zorbing and go-carting!
Scholarships, Exhibitions and Awards
Scholarship and the pursuit of excellence are hugely valued at Lockers Park.
The academic rigour and strong co-curricular offer is particularly good at preparing those individuals who show excellence in a particular field for senior school awards.
Each year a number of boys receive Scholarships, Exhibitions and Awards for Academic excellence, The Arts, Technology, and Sport.
2024: 4 scholarships
Harrow, Gordonstoun, St Albans School, St Columbus
2023: 8 scholarships
Harrow, Oundle School, Berkhamsted School, Rugby, St Albans School
2022: 5 scholarships
Berkhamsted School, Aldenham, St Albans School
2020: 4 scholarships
Aldenham, St Albans School, Milton Abbey
2019: 4 scholarships
Repton School, Bedford School, Haileybury School, Oundle School
Due to its relatively small size, Lockers Park is able to prepare to pupils to a wide range of senior schools. Its strong boarding department allows boys a taste of boarding school life and as such, many go on to the well-known Public schools.
This is a great option for many families, given the extremely high level of competition for places locally. That said, we also send a number of children to local day schools, such as St. Albans, Berkhamsted and Merchant Taylors.