Year 8

It is important to us that this transition is managed successfully so that each pupil can enjoy and profit from their time at Inst. Furthermore, at RBAI we offer an innovative induction programme which assimilates the Year 8, from a wide range of primary schools, to a grammar school education and the unique ethos of the school.

“We believe that the initiatives, which form the Induction Programme at RBAI, assist and support our new pupils and their parents in helping them settle into school life as easily as possible. We strive to ensure that any difficulties are resolved and that the boys in Year 8 quickly begin to feel that special Inst ethos and identity.”

Mrs M. Finlay – Year 8 Induction Coordinator

As part of the induction process, we have a number of events which we hope will assist each boy with settling into school life at RBAI as quickly and as easily as possible. The Induction Meeting for new pupils and their parents in June is the first event in the programme. This event provides an opportunity for pupils and their parents to meet staff as well as the other new families entering the school community.

For their first day at RBAI, Year 8 boys are invited into school the day before the start of the official school year. This provides Year 8 pupils with the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the campus, meet the other members of their tutor group and carry out a number of tasks in a setting that is entirely focused on them.

The Year 8 Residential is without doubt the highlight of the academic year for the Year 8. The residential provides Year 8 pupils with the opportunity to engage in a number of adventurous activities through which they can develop new friendships, apply skills in team work and communication, and experience an environment in which they can identify their own strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, the confidence and self-esteem of each pupil is raised through the personal challenges they encounter while participating in the activities and friendships are developed through shared experiences.

The Year 8 Parents’ Coffee Afternoon is held prior to the half-term break during the first term. This occasion provides the boys with an opportunity to tell parents about their residential trip and provides parents with an informal occasion where they can chat to staff and other parents. We hope that parents feel that they can raise any concerns they may have at this time and any questions can be answered.

Towards the end of their first term at RBAI, Year 8 boys have the opportunity to join their tutors and the Year 14 Mentors for Christmas dinner in the school Dining Hall. This event is thoroughly enjoyed by all and is a celebration of completing the first term and a successful beginning to each boy’s time at RBAI.

At regular intervals throughout the first term, the Year 8 meet for their own assembly. This gives the boys an opportunity to meet as a year group, and the assemblies focus on issues that are particularly relevant to them. Topics include making friends, school support, getting involved in the extra-curricular life of the school and charity.

The Year 14 Mentor Scheme is a form of peer support offered by Year 14 pupils. Put simply, peer support is about making pupils feel safe and supported by other pupils within the school. The mentors work hard throughout the school year by providing a friendly face and some much needed support for the Year 8 whilst they adjust to life at RBAI.