Years 7 and 8 are such pivotal, formative years for children. Fostering a secure and supportive environment for every child requires close management and care, while at the same time offering plentiful opportunities for challenge and personal growth.
Benefits of Year 7 & 8 at Moulsford
- Personal development and growth in confidence at the top of the school
- Leadership opportunities as figureheads within the community
- Enhanced Enrichment and Extracurricular opportunities
- Academic growth
- Skills-based learning throughout the curriculum, preparing children for senior school and adult life
- Development of soft skills and human skills, relevant to all aspects of future life
- Exam based experience through Common Entrance and Scholarship preparation, gaining significant advantage over those not experiencing exams in Year 8
- Tackling the challenging transition to teenage years from a position of strength and security, whilst being allowed to enjoy what remains of childhood in a safe, familiar, but stretching environment
We view the character and confidence of our Year 8 leavers as being vital benchmarks for all that they gain in the senior part of the school. It is always so exciting to see so many former pupils as Heads of Senior Schools in Year 13, with Old Moles being elected as Heads of School at Abingdon, Wellington, Marlborough, Pangbourne and Eton in recent years.
What our Old Moles say
"Year 7 and 8 at Moulsford really gives you an opportunity to find out who you are."
2024 Leaver
"The final two years at Moulsford set you up socially. You might not recognise it now, but it gives you a confidence and skills for later life. You leave happy with yourself and self-assured."
2024 Leaver
"Years 7 and 8 are the years when you can learn how to be a mentor and a role model, skills that are so useful as you get older."
2024 Leaver
"There was never a 'normal' week in Years 7 and 8 as the timetable and curriculum allowed you time to try new things. That time really enriched my education. Whether that was the Year 8 Humanities project, Dragon's Den or some of the things in the leavers' programme, I felt there was a focus on skills-based learning."
2024 Leaver
"The final two years at Moulsford were where I really laid the foundations ready for Senior School. I learnt time management and developed my work ethic in a way that has really benefited me at senior school."
2024 Leaver
"It's just great to finally be at the top of the school and take on the responsibilities of being the oldest."
2024 Leaver
What our Pupils say
"The Year 8 leavers' programme looks brilliant. Once the exams are over we will have the chance to do loads of activities like the Forest School campout, trip to Devon and of course the Common Entrance run with your tie on your head and waterslide on Prize Day. I can't wait!"
Year 7 Pupil
"The South Africa rugby tour is full of sporting opportunities and learning opportunities and is always something people look forward to in Year 7 and 8."
Year 7 Pupil
"The Year 7 French trip and Year 8 leaver's trip to Devon are the perfect way to celebrate the achievements of the past year."
Year 7 Pupil
"Being at the top of the school provides you with the chance to take on different roles and responsibilities like Head Boy or House Captain and I am really looking forward to being a role model for the younger pupils."
Year 7 Pupil
What Parents say
"My son changed so much during Years 7 & 8 but I felt that Moulsford provided a safe space for him to figure out who he was and who he wanted to be. The invaluable preparation he was given before heading into a much bigger senior school filled him with confidence and he left with skills that provided a foundation for later life."
Parent of 2022 leaver
"For us, keeping them at Prep School for longer allowed them to stay young and mature at the right pace for them, developing in a familiar environment. All of our boys loved having the opportunity to be role models for the younger children and this also allowed them to gradually take on more responsibilities at school and beyond. This created independence without being overwhelming. They always felt safe, knowing they could fail and get things wrong in a safe environment. They were proud to be at the top end of the school."
Parents of 2020, 2022 and 2023 leavers.