This episode offers insights, ideas and approaches for teaching year 7 classes effectively – including practical ways of preventing the infamous year 7 dip.

Our expert panel of three experienced teachers discuss strategies for the year 7 classroom and consider the differences between excellent teaching in year 7 compared with older year groups.

Specifically, we consider tips for how to handle the first half-term with your year 7 classes, including how to help pupils settle in well and the learning habits and routines that we need to establish early-on.

We talk about how to develop independent learning skills, literacy and reading, oracy, self-regulation and more. We also discuss how to strike the balance between nurturing these young pupils while also maintaining high-expectations and challenge in the classroom.

The panel touches upon how we can ensure a broad and balanced curriculum for our youngest pupils, how we can identify the core knowledge and skills needed for pupils at this stage, and the role of extra-curricular work.

We consider how teachers can support a smooth transition from primary school – both academically and socially – including tips for the classroom, effective use of tutor time, pastoral support, and advice about what schools often get wrong more generally. We also discuss how to work with the parents of year 7 children.