Grade 8 Program Report

4 July 2021Mr Daryl Stevens

What a joy these amazing Grade 8 students are! Whether playing a whole-class frisbee game on Campbell Common, singing together in music class, or competing in an intraclass World Cup of Rugby tournament for PE, the inclusive and positive energy of these 8s is infectious. These twenty-seven exceptional young people came to Brentwood this year, embraced each other and the tripartite philosophy, and thrived in the classroom, on the sports floors and fields, and on the stage.

Who can forget the wonderful presentation of Madagascar Jr.?! The energy of that presentation fed a school hungry for something normal and received praise from parents, staff, and all eight Brentwood houses. Laughter and raucous student applause in the T. Gil Bunch Theatre is food for the soul. Such artistry was also produced later in the year as students played guitars and ukuleles together and made visual arts creations such as pinch pots and plein air tiles.

Experiential learning is the heart of the Grade 8 Program. As well as those artistic endeavours, students experienced a wide range of sports through their PE program and participated in hands-on science labs, cooking and gardening lessons, and the construction of bat houses thanks to senior wood-working students. These awesome 8s took their smiles and enthusiasm for experiential learning outdoors, too. A three-day Camp Pringle adventure to start the year established supportive relationships that nourished us for the entire year, and three final days of outdoor pursuits in June left us exhausted and thankful for a wonderful year of in-person time together.

Yes, there were assignments and essays and tests and homework. There were long days, sports injuries, and the challenges that come with friendships and adolescence. Mostly, though, there were twenty-seven exceptional young people living our Grade 8 Program values: be kind, be inclusive, and work hard. Congratulations to the 2020-2021 Grade 8 Program cohort for an exceptional year of learning!

Mr Daryl Stevens

Where Students Choose To Be