Introduction to Grade 7

We are excited to welcome your child to Launceston Grammar’s Senior Campus in 2025.

Some have joined us from the Junior Campus, while others join us from primary schools across Tasmania, interstate and internationally.

Today we launch our Grade 7 2025 Welcome Series – A video series aimed at providing you and your family with helpful information about transitioning into Grade 7 at Launceston Grammar.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will the Grade 7 classes be structured?

Grade 7 will comprise of four core classes, each accommodating up to 25 students. Your child will be assigned to one of these core classes. This is determined through a comprehensive evaluation process, taking into account various factors, including: 

  • Student information sheets completed on Orientation Day
  • Balance between gender and previous primary school
  • School reports and NAPLAN results received
  • Anecdotal information from parents, carers and teachers

Students will find out their class on the first day of Grade 7. 

What is the typical schedule during the initial weeks of Grade 7?

During the first week of Grade 7, your child will be engaged in a range of activities to help them begin to acclimatise to school life at the Senior Campus. They will meet their class teacher, receive laptops, and learn some basic operating skills designed to set them up for success. The initial week will also focus on establishing positive relationships with peers and teachers, learning about routines and navigating the new campus. There will also be swimming, academic testing, and preparation for Hanleth Camp in Week Two. Term One for Grade 7 students will start on Monday 3 February 2025, with families gathering at The Log Cabin on the first day. 

We also hold a Welcome Morning Tea for parents, that is held on the first day of term. This will be a great opportunity to connect with other parents in your child’s cohort. We also have a Parent Grade Representative for each year level who is responsible for providing guidance to their chosen grade about upcoming events and general parent help enquiries, along with social opportunities outside of school for parents to attend. Further information about this will be made available closer to the beginning of the school year. 

What do we do to facilitate the transition of your child, especially those coming from other primary schools?

About half of the students starting are new to our school, joining us from around 20 different primary schools. Recognising the unique cultures and student development approaches at each primary school, we take proactive steps to help them acclimatise to their new environment. 

We work with your child to support their organisation, teach them how to use Microsoft Suite (Excel, Word, Email, OneDrive), tasks new to students such as reading a timetable and managing commitments (e.g. Sport, Homework, Life).  

One of the key initiatives is the Hanleth Camp, which takes place in the second week of
Term 1, giving your child the opportunity to bond with their peers. We also invest significant time in understanding the needs of our new students, based on conversations during orientation days in the previous year, and close assessments of their individual needs. This allows us to place them in classes with peers that prioritise their wellbeing. 

What subjects will my child study?

Your child’s timetable will comprise of a variety of subjects designed to maximise their learning potential. Their timetable will contain the following subjects: 

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • HASS
  • LOTE
  • Christian Studies
  • Health / PE
  • Music
  • Art
  • Drama
  • Technology
  • Food Technology/Textiles
  • Personalised Learning Time

The timetable is structured fortnightly as Week A and Week B.  

What facilities will my child have access to whilst attending the Senior Campus?

Your child will have access to a wide range of state-of-the-art facilities designed to enhance their educational experience and overall wellbeing.  

These include: 

  • Performance Centre (Gymnasium)
  • Grammar Pool
  • Aviation Centre
  • Rowing Club
  • Chapel
  • Poimena Art Gallery
  • Dance and Drama Centre
  • Fairthorne Sports Centre
  • Stannard Clark Technology Centre
  • Henrietta Cooper Music Centre
  • Gordon Rolf Pavilion
  • Café 1846
  • Faulkner Park Sporting Ground
  • Mountain Bike Track
What is ‘The Log Cabin,’ and why is it crucial for my child?

‘The Log Cabin’ serves as a dedicated space exclusively for our Grade 7 students, providing them with a supportive environment where they can build strong connections with their core teachers. 

It plays a pivotal role in helping your child smoothly transition from a primary to a secondary school environment. This offers the valuable opportunity to experience life at the Senior Campus while benefiting from a robust pastoral care program specifically designed to achieve a seamless transition.  

How will I keep up-to-date with school communications throughout the year?

myGrammar is the main source of communication between the school, students and parents and can be accessed via an app or website. As a parent, you will have access to the Grade 7 Hub where the Head of Grade 7 will provide regular updates throughout the year. It is also the place to see student timetables, due work, report absences and access the school calendar. If you are new to our school, you will be issued with login credentials, and further instructions for use before your child starts school. Your child will learn how to access myGrammar on their first day.

What support structures are implemented to assist Grade 7 students in managing their workload effectively?

We provide your child with support to help them manage their workload effectively. Class teachers will spend time with your child every day to ensure they gain confidence with reading their timetable, organising their days and time and helping them navigate myGrammar. Teachers will post information about learning in their myGrammar class pages, along with any due work. The due dates will also appear on their calendar, and this can also be accessed by you. Your child will interact with this portal daily, with initial practice and guidance from their class teachers. 

Will we be required to provide a laptop or tablet for our child to use at school?

No, you will not be required to provide a laptop or tablet for your child to use at school. As part of our comprehensive learning program, your child will be provided with a dedicated laptop, to be used at school and home. Importantly, the school manages and supports these devices, ensuring that they have the necessary technology to support their academic journey. Your child will receive their laptops on the first day, ensuring a seamless start to their educational experience.


Outdoor Education

Outdoor Education plays a significant and important part of your child’s education and personal development. At Launceston Grammar, your child will take part in compulsory Outdoor Education camps from Grades 7-10.

Through learning experiences in natural settings, Outdoor Education camps aim to build students’ character attributes of resilience, independence, interdependence, integrity, initiative, and empathy. The Outdoor Education program includes activities such as bushwalking, kayaking, and rock climbing, and provides students with the opportunity to challenge themselves physically and mentally in a supportive environment. Our Outdoor Education camps take place in various natural Tasmanian locations and are all tent-based. This allows for a more authentic connection with nature and encourages self-sufficiency. 

Grade 7 2025 Hanleth Gear List

Grade 7 2025 Gear Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

How many camps will my child go on in Grade 7, where will they go and when?

In Grade 7, students go on two camps throughout the school year. 

Camp One: Hanleth 

How long: 4 Days 

When: 11 – 14 February 2025 

 

Camp Two: Maria Island 

How long: 7 days 

When: 24 – 30 October 2025

What if my child is new to Launceston Grammar and doesn’t know anyone yet?

It’s completely normal for students who are new to Launceston Grammar to have concerns about not knowing anyone. Approximately 50% of Grade 7 students in 2025 are new to the school. In the second week of Term One, all Grade 7 students attend Hanleth camp, which plays a crucial role in bringing everyone together on a level playing field. 

During the camp, the entire Grade 7 class is divided into 5-6 groups, intentionally mixing students who may not know each other. This deliberate arrangement aims to foster new connections and friendships among students. This experience helps them build relationships, making it easier for them to socialise when they return to school. It’s a fantastic opportunity for both students and their teachers to get to know one another better and create a more welcoming school environment. 

What are the sleeping arrangements throughout each camp?

During each camp, the sleeping arrangements typically involve tents designed for 2-3 people. We take care of organising the tent groups before we depart for the camp to ensure a smooth and efficient setup. 

Do I need to pack food for my child?

A packed lunch needs to be provided from home for the first day. All other food for the duration of the camp, including snacks is provided by the school. Part of your child’s learning whilst on camp, is to prepare and cook their own meals. We provide students with all of the ingredients, equipment and instructions for every meal. This is a highly supervised activity, where each student will be well supported by our Outdoor Education staff, no matter their level of competency.  

As part of our risk management, we do our best to eliminate certain types of food from camp. This helps to ensure that students who are highly allergic to certain food items do not come into contact with them. This can be compromised when students bring items such as nuts, muesli bars or sandwiches containing nut spreads for their lunch and snacks on the first day. We take this opportunity to remind parents that there is no need to pack extra snacks for the entire week, and indeed may place other students in danger, as all meals and snacks will be catered for. 

What if my child has dietary requirements?

We cater for a wide range of students and their dietary requirements, making adjustments to meal plans where necessary. In order to ensure your child is catered for correctly, please include all dietary information within their medical form (including vegetarian/vegan). Once we have this information, our Outdoor Education department will contact you to discuss alternatives.  

What gear will my child be required to bring for camp?

Students are welcome to bring their own gear from home for each camp, however for those that do not own the correct gear, we have a wide range of items available to hire from our Outdoor Education department. For those that are wanting to purchase equipment, a gear guide, outlining what will be expected/what to look for when purchasing can be found at the end of this document. Please note that a discount may be available to parents that purchase their gear from specific stores. Please refer to the gear guide for more information.  

In preparation for your students first camp to Hanleth, please see the gear list and gear guide here. A full gear list for Maria Island will be provided closer to the camp.  

 

How does my child hire gear for camp?

The Outdoor Education department runs a store of equipment and clothing which may be hired and charged to your school account. Students will have the opportunity to hire gear during school hours before the camp. Gear doesn’t need to be booked, we just ask that students come to the gear hire session knowing what they need to hire. Students will be notified of their gear hire session at school in Week 1, during their camp meeting. It is essential for the students safety and comfort that the clothing and equipment list is adhered to. 

What do I need to do regarding my child’s medical information?

The start of a new school year can be a busy time. One way to ensure the new year gets off to a good start, is to ensure your child’s medical information is up to date before Term One commences. This information is not just for school camps, but is essential to help us look after your child at school. It is important to ensure that this information is correct and updated, including any medical updates your child may receive throughout the year.  

You will be prompted to update these details a few weeks before Term One commences. This includes any medical conditions that your child has and any medications they require.  

What if my child has medical conditions?

If your child suffers from any conditions that require a management plan (i.e. but not limited to: asthma, anaphylaxis, severe allergies, diabetes, epilepsy) a copy of this plan must be provided to the Health Centre before your child starts the school year. For such plans to be accepted by our school, they must be reviewed and signed by a doctor and must indicate the period that the plan is current for. You will need to ensure these plans are updated prior to their expiry. If any changes occur during the period specified on the plan it is your responsibility to ensure that a new management plan is provided to the school. 

The Health Centre will contact you to discuss further arrangements (e.g. the school holds a child’s EpiPen in Reception, and the child will have their own in their school bag) 

It is important to understand that we take the management of medications very seriously. As such, if your child requires prescription or over the counter medications, there are specific requirements around the packaging of these medications. All medication will need to be provided to the school with a completed ‘Permission for Administration of prescription and non-prescription medication’ form. This form needs to be completed and signed by you and a pharmacist/ doctor. 

 

What if my child requires prescription or non-prescription medication on a regular schedule?

If your child is required to take any prescription and regular medications during the camp, their medical information must be updated to reflect this. The medications are to be provided in a Webster package, packed by a pharmacist into the required days, dosage and timings. This must be accompanied by the schools’ ‘Permission for Administration of prescription and non-prescription medication’ form. 

Please note that pillboxes are not an acceptable way to manage medications. We appreciate your assistance providing the best safety around medications on camp.  

 

What if my child requires occasional non-prescription medication?

Over the counter medications such as antihistamines, paracetamol etc, that may be required by your child on occasion, must be provided in its original packaging with a pharmacy label showing the student name, dosage and timings. This must be accompanied by a completed and signed ‘Permission for Administration of prescription and non-prescription medication’ form. 

Your child’s medical information must be updated through Parent Lounge to reflect this. 

When will I be provided with more information about the Hanleth camp?

A news item on myGrammar will be sent to all Grade 7, 2025 parents the week before school commences.  

This email will contain a letter with all of the information both you and your child will need to know, in preparation for Hanleth camp. Within this email, you will find an Agreement and Indemnity form that will need to be filled out, signed and returned. 

 

What if my child is apprehensive about attending camp? What can I do to prepare them?

Outdoor Education at Launceston Grammar is an integral part of the students’ learning journey, and therefore, attendance is mandatory for all students. We acknowledge that this requirement may elicit diverse reactions from students and parents alike. Nevertheless, our aim is to provide parents with the necessary resources to support their children in feeling self-assured and prepared for the camp experience.  

Here is a list of things you can do and conversations you can have with your child, to ensure that they are feeling ready for camp: 

  • Try to sleepover at a friend or relatives’ home before camp. 
  • Practice sleeping in a tent in your backyard. 
  • If your child does not already assist with meal preparation at home, try to include them in this, even if it is as simple as cutting vegetables.  
  • Talk with them about their worries and concerns before they go. Sometimes we can let our fears overtake our rational thinking, so talking with someone such as a parent or counsellor can help them see the situation differently and more positively.  
  • Talk with older students that may have been on the camp before. This will allow them to gain a better understanding of what to expect, from a student perspective.  
  • Make the preparation of camp a fun experience. Involve them in either purchasing or hiring the gear, create lists with them, involve them in packing their bags etc.  
  • Write a letter for your child to take on camp, emphasising how proud you are of them. Ensure the letter is framed in a positive manner. 
  • Plan a special meal or event for when your child returns home, so that you can celebrate their achievements together and they can look forward to this while they are away.  
  • Our Outdoor Education department has a Flickr page, containing photos from previous school camps. Spend some time with your child, going through the photos of both Hanleth and Maria Island, allowing them to familiarise themselves with what they can expect. You can find the Flickr page at https://www.flickr.com/people/lcgsoe/ 
  • Don’t let your fears as a parent or carer transfer to your child. If you would like to talk through your concerns, please contact our Head of Outdoor Education, as we can guarantee that you are not the first parent to feel apprehensive about camp. 
  • If there are any further concerns you may have about your child attending camp, please get in touch with our Outdoor Education department to discuss the additional support we can offer your child. It’s much easier for our staff that attend camp, to be aware of these concerns prior to camp, so that they can ensure the necessary supports are in place. 

Sport and Music

We offer a world of possibilities to our students in both Sport and Music, offering your child the chance to dive into exciting new experiences or refine their skills in areas of interest they’ve already begun to explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is participation in sports compulsory?

Yes, the expectation at Launceston Grammar is that students are actively involved in co-curricular programs, and sports play a significant role in this. The level of commitment varies depending on the sport. For more prominent sports, your child may have one to two training sessions per week in addition to games. For some less intensive sports, your child might participate in two throughout the year, often with just one training session per week leading up to major competitions later in the year.

Why is sport an important part of being a student at Launceston Grammar?

Sports hold a central role in the Launceston Grammar experience, fostering a culture of inclusivity and positivity. The majority of our school community actively participates and supports their fellow classmates in sporting endeavors. Beyond the classroom, sports play a pivotal role in building relationships with both peers and staff, creating a strong sense of belonging and maximising opportunities. Ultimately, sports are a powerful avenue for students to be resilient, team-orientated members of the Grammar community, contributing to a vibrant and cohesive school culture.

What if I’m not very good at sport?

Launceston Grammar offers a diverse selection of over 25 sports throughout the year, and we are continuously working to ensure our sports offerings cater to a wide range of interests and abilities. Even if you don’t consider yourself particularly skilled in sports, our extensive variety of options provides every student with the opportunity to discover a sport they may have never considered before. Our aim is to ensure that there is something for everyone, allowing students to explore and enjoy physical activities that align with their individual preferences and strengths.

What should I do if I participate in sports at a club level?

Many of our students engage in club-level sports, and we aim to accommodate their commitments as best as possible. It’s important to note that school sports take precedence over club sports. Therefore, any student involved in a sport at club level must also represent the school in that same sport. To minimise scheduling conflicts for SATIS and Northern High Schools competitions, we often coordinate our training and competition schedules based on club competition timings.

Are all sporting events scheduled on weekends?

No, many sporting activities have transitioned to weekdays. While some sports like Cricket, Football, and Rowing still require weekend commitments, a significant portion of our sports schedules, from junior to senior levels, now take place on weeknights. The specific nights may vary, depending on whether it’s a school competition, part of the Northern High Schools, SATIS Independent School Competition, or club competitions we are involved in.

What sports can my child participate in?

Sports at Grammar are divided into blue, black and white.
The difference between these are;

Blue Sports: Significant training and competition season.

Black Sports: Reduced training load with a shorter competition season.

White Sports: Offered in addition to Blue & Black Sports. Training only/with Inter school competition.

Is participation in music compulsory?

Music is available for students from Grades 7-12. In Grade 7, students are exposed to one semester each, alternating between music and art. This provides your child with a valuable chance to explore music as a subject and try their hand at playing an instrument they might not have had the opportunity to experience previously. Then, starting from Grade 8, music becomes an elective subject.

What does the Grade 7 music curriculum include?

Grade 7 music offers your child a well-rounded introduction to various aspects of music, allowing them to sample a wide range of musical opportunities. They have the chance to receive small-group lessons on orchestral and contemporary instruments or voice. Students also get to explore music technology and audio design, enhancing their listening and composition skills. As they progress to Grade 8 and beyond, they can then choose to specialise in their preferred area of musical study.

What types of music groups are available for students to join?

Launceston Grammar offers a diverse range of music ensembles designed to cater to various skill levels. These ensembles rehearse outside of class time, with our goal to ensure that students find ensembles that align with their passions.

Some of the available ensembles include:

  • Concert Band
  • Chamber Orchestra
  • Jazz Band
  • Intonata (Girls vocal group 7-9)
  • Lads (Boys vocal group 7-9)
Can students book private music lessons through the school, and what instruments are available to learn?

Launceston Grammar provides access to a diverse range of highly qualified private music tutors. Private music lessons are available for a wide range of instruments, including guitar, piano, voice, and orchestral instruments. Our goal is to support your child in pursuing their musical interests, including contemporary and classical styles. Lessons are scheduled during school hours, to minimise disruptions to core subjects. This year alone, we’ve facilitated over 160 private music lessons each week, underscoring the vibrant and thriving music department at Launceston Grammar.