Students and Families
Welcome to Year 7 at Shireland Collegiate Academy
Welcome from Head of Year
Dear Students and Families,
A very warm welcome to Shireland Collegiate Academy! We’re so pleased that you’ll be joining our school community and we hope you’re looking forward to the wide range of opportunities that await you here.
We understand that moving from primary to secondary school can feel like a big step, and it’s perfectly normal to have lots of questions. If there’s anything you’re unsure about after exploring this page, don’t worry- your form tutor will be happy to help during our Induction Days or when you join us for Summer School.
We can’t wait to welcome you in person very soon!
Mrs Bradley
Head of Year 7
Key information for families
Induction days: Wednesday 1st July- Thursday 2nd July
Induction Evening: Thursday 2nd July
A chance for families to visit the school after your child’s first day in the school. You will receive a talk from the Principal, find out more about the school’s unique curriculum and can meet your child’s new form tutor and have your questions answered.
- Forms 7B1, 7B2, 7C1, 7C2 – Families to arrive at 5pm.
- Forms 7F1, 7F2, 7K1, 7K2, 7T1 – Families to arrive at 6pm
SUmmer School: Monday 20th, Tuesday 21st and Wednesday 22nd July
Your children can spend three days at Shireland Collegiate Academy, getting to know their surroundings, peers and staff so that they can start the academic year with confidence. The days are filled with exciting and engaging activities with external visitors and specialist staff delivering the programme.
- Form groups 7B1, 7B2, 7C1, 7C2 need to be collected by 2:30pm.
- Form groups 7F1, 7F2, 7K1, 7K2, 7T1 need to be collected by 2:45pm.
Curriculum and Learning
Literacy for Life
What is Literacy for Life?
Literacy for Life (L4L) is our unique curriculum for Key Stage 3 at Shireland Collegiate Academy. It blends subjects such as English, History, Geography, and PSHE into exciting themes that help students make meaningful connections across their learning.
Instead of switching classrooms every hour, students in Year 7 spend much of their week with one dedicated L4L teacher. This approach helps build strong relationships and eases the transition from primary to secondary school.
Each theme is guided by a Driving Question—for example, “Are fairy tales relevant today?”—which encourages curiosity, discussion, and independent thinking. Through these themes, students not only develop their literacy and academic skills, but also their confidence, creativity and character.
We also assess students using a competency-based system that celebrates progress and personal growth, rather than just test scores.
