Grade 8, ’25-26

11 September 2026Ms Kim Waugh

The Grade 8 students enjoyed a remarkable first year at Brentwood, embracing the school’s opportunities and expectations from the moment they arrived. Whether mastering a wet exit, tackling classroom challenges, or performing on stage, these twenty-six young people are fully committed to being young Bretonians. Immersed in the tripartite program since September, they have already begun cultivating the resilience, adaptability, and habits that will serve them well in the years ahead.

One of the year’s highlights was the Grade 8 Musical. Students brought Beetlejuice to life. For many, stepping on stage was well outside their comfort zone, but their dedication to the process was evident. Throughout the year, they explored and strengthened their artistic voice through visual art, guitar, and ukulele.

In January, students participated in an overnight Winterlude trip to Mount Washington. On the first day, they chose their own adventure: downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing. The second day was a shared class experience: snowshoeing through the alpine landscape, participating in introductory avalanche training, and finishing with a spirited game of Capture the Flag in the snow. The trip was a perfect blend of outdoor education, personal choice, and community connection.

The Grade 8 program provides diverse opportunities for students to challenge themselves physically while gaining essential life skills. Beyond mastering rowing and rock climbing in PE, students engaged in hands-on academic pursuits ranging from science labs and coding to practical arts like sewing, cooking, and jam making. These experiential lessons extended into the outdoors, where they also learned vital survival techniques such as shelter-building and fire-starting.

There were, of course, difficult moments: assignments to complete, deadlines to meet, and social dynamics to navigate. But those moments were just as formative as the highlights. This group steadily took on the challenge of developing the mindset, work ethic, and self-awareness that define a Brentwood education.

The year concluded with outdoor rock climbing, Wildplay, camping and a biking trip that served as a fitting celebration of all they had accomplished. With backpacks on and bikes ready, students ventured into the outdoors once more – laughing, learning, and making memories to carry forward.

Congratulations to the ‘25–’26 Grade 8 cohort as they take the next step in their Brentwood journey.

Ms Kim Waugh

Where Students Choose To Be