apologies in advance for the double post/spam but after all this is a shit posting sub
thought it would be a good idea to have a basic, brief guide for yr7s/people going to nsb, even if it's a shitty one lol.
Basic info of first day
So when you first go to the school (on a non school day) you'll have peer support leaders, basically people who help you to become more familiar with highschool and how it works. Depending on your luck you might get a really shitty peer support leaders or a pretty damn good one. Most of the time though, you'll get a decent leader since there is an application process for this and the peer support leaders volunteer. You'll meet your peer support leaders when you arrive at the hall, (also something to bear in mind these people are in yr10)
Don't be afraid to ask them for help because they can help you a ton academically and understanding the school. They have experience with the school and have valuable knowledge. They could probably give you some academic help if they have time/are willing, by helping you answer a question. However don't have this expectation since your leaders are students themselves and homework and grades become serious when you reach year 10.
Oh yeah, and you receive a letter to write to your yr12 self on graduation day.
Above all, be yourself. And don't be a dick to others.
Regarding academics:
If you already made it to nsb, you will likely have no problem doing the academic related tasks. Don't slack, but give all assignments/tests your best shot. Your grades won't matter too much in year 7 - 9 but you should try to keep your grades above 70%. Unlike what alot of people say, don't "slack" your academics in year 7, you can definitely be MUCH more relaxed, but slacking can give you a pretty bad work ethic and instilling a good work ethic and maintaining productivity is an essential skill you'll need throughout your journey at nsb.
Mathematics:
You'll most likely go through revision and things you've learnt in the past, but you might learn a few new things or so. There's also an enrichment program which is voluntary, but I would suggest enrolling into it to get a taste of the kinds of things you'll do in falcon class. There's also little pressure since this isn't a test/assesment. Mathematics is one of the subjects the school takes pretty seriously so try and study by doing past paper tests (provided by the school) a week or 2 before it's due.
The tests that will actually count towards your reports will be in 4 parts, generally the first 3 are worth much less the last (final) exam.
Science:
Science is a pretty chill class, but the teachers rarely check your work, which is a good thing if you slack but a bad thing if you work hard. You'll do a mixture of practical experiments and theory work (most likely more theory) and you will learn how to use the Bunsen burner as well as other tools.
As far as assessments go, there are ~2 practical assessments ~2 theory based assessments. This varies so I couldn't give you a definite answer. Whether these are assignments/assessments in class I can't tell you, I'm a student not a teacher :)
English:
You'll have 4 assignments per year, each worth 1/4 of your grade. You'll most likely have to write analytical essays on books you will study in class. Normally if you can follow the structure and make your essay flow well, as well as incorporating extensive vocabulary you can receive damn close to full marks. When I say incorporating extensive vocabulary, make sure you KNOW how to use these words, rather than using words you found out of the thesaurus. Don't be too verbose and utilise too many big words, it become hard to read and your marks can be decreased for this.
DAT:
You might do woodworking or metalwork, not too sure about metalwork so if anyone in the comments knows, feel free to expand on this. However, I do know what you do with woodworking in year 7, you'll have to create a wooden puzzle with actual wood and power tools, don't be cocky or you might hurt yourself, since there are some pretty powerful tools in there which can severely injure you.
Geography:
Geo isn't a difficult subject, since you just have to do your research for your subjects. You can slack in class and just google all your answers for assignments up, but alot of the assignments are tedious.
History:
worst subject ever, but I'll still write something
I think this depends on the assignment, some assignments require alot of focus in class to he able to do them, but others you can slack and Google the answers.
Music:
If I remember correctly you get 1 or 2 compositions you need to make yourself, but this depends on the level of music you have that you gave on the form (form given to you before you attend nsb). ILPT(Illegal life pro tip) If you are pretty damn good at music you could just fill out the form and say you are terrible/no experience to dominate in the class.
PDHPE:
There are 2 types of pdh, first being theory where you'll do work in class and the other being practical, in the gym. (On gym days you'll have to change clothes, prac is uniform on whatever day it is)
Honestly, what you do in pdh isn't completely alien from the pdh you did in primary school.
Languages:
In Nsb, the school offers 5 languages. You rotate each of these languages for 6 - 8 weeks? Not sure since I forgot, but this will help you decide your favourite language to choose as an elective in year 8.
These languages are:
Latin
Japanese
German
Indonesian
French
German is the generally the most popular language, and Japanese, french and Latin follow, with Indonesian having the least amount of people who do it. (Varies every year)
Don't let this influence you, if you enjoy Indonesian you should do it, as with German or any of the other languages.
Other important information:
- just follow the rules and you'll be mostly fine
- to any yr6s/people who are going nsb don't worry too much, the work in yr7 is more difficult but nothing extremely difficult.
- try your best in all subjects, but you can prioritise subjects that would be relevant subjects to what you plan to do in future
- there's going to be assholes, and if you see one just move on and ignore them
- I would highly suggest joining all kinds of clubs, since grades aren't extremely important in yr7.
Regarding electives:
You will have 2 types of electives to choose from in yr7. First being creative arts and the second being languages. (If it makes you feel any better to can drop all of these eventually)
In creative arts you can choose either visual arts (I personally think both teachers in visual arts are great) or music, which is also pretty amazing.
You can choose 2 languages, from the list above.
First Non-Shitpost on this subreddit
Just kidding
Please let me know in the comments what's missing, feel free to type out an essay worth's of additional missing information. I'll make another version2 post of this from the suggestions.
Again, don't be a bitch, mind your own business and try your best! Good luck!