Current y7

[hmyh23]

Anyone else finding large numbers of the current y7s 'hard work'? In our school we are really struggling with lack of focus and learning skills, listening and not shouting out in particular. Impulse control is poor and lots of examples of unkind behaviour and some bullying of others in the year group. Just wondering whether we have a particularly interesting mix this year or whether others are noticing the same issues and it's all lockdown related.

Yes!
Many absolutely lovely ones of course!

However, large numbers where they are constantly telling tales/being unkind to each other/unable to focus.

I think it's the impacts of covid still.

God yes, telling tales! My pet hate.

Ours are lovely....

Last year's Y7 were really tricky, this year's seem a bit better BUT I have moved schools so not a fair comparison perhaps. I do think you can still see the impact of lockdown a bit, though.

Yep! Ours are exactly the same, listening skills are non existent, handwriting is shocking. Some lovely ones as well though.

Ours seem lovely, very sweet in fact but quite high maintenance. Definitely less mature than previous years. Lots of questions about everything usually the thing you've just said but they didn't hear because they were too busy waving their hands at me.

Yes but they have missed out on a lot due to COVID. I find they need a lot more effort/input for sure. We have a pretty decent behaviour policy so just sticking to that very firmly. I went through a PowerPoint I designed myself about what is and isn’t acceptable and the consequences they would get if they didn’t stick to what I said.

You then just need to be strict and the key is always tackling the low level stuff really well with these kids. They blurt something out then that’s a behaviour point instantly on our policy and tell them that. Would everyone apply that at our school? Yes and no. The ones that don’t I find generally struggle with the current year 7. I was sent a teacher to watch my lessons who is struggling a lot with her year 7 classes. Her classes have improved a lot just by punishing the small things really well.

I have now got to a stage with my year 7 where they are accustomed to the rules and have good focus and behaviour but it has definitely been more work that the norm.

As others have said there are still the amazing kids who are so lovely!