From the Leadership Team

Matt Brinson, Head of Senior School

The importance of inter-year level connections

At Kilvington, we place emphasis on fostering a strong sense of community. One of the key ways we do this is by encouraging connections between students across different year levels. 

While academic achievement is certainly a priority, the benefits of inter-year level interaction extend far beyond the classroom, contributing significantly to the overall growth and development of our students. 

BUILDS A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY

When students interact with peers from different year levels, it creates a more inclusive and supportive school environment. Younger students often look up to older ones as role models, while older students have the opportunity to develop leadership skills by guiding and mentoring their younger counterparts. This dynamic helps to break down barriers, reducing the likelihood of cliques forming based solely on age or year level.

One such example is our HouseMates program, where twice a term, Year 10 House Mentor Groups plan activities and games for their Year 7 counterparts. This initiative fosters connections, giving students new to Senior School some friendly faces in older peers.

ENHANCES SOCIAL SKILLS 

Inter-year level connections provide a platform for students to develop essential social skills. By engaging with peers who are at different stages of their educational journey, students learn to communicate effectively, empathise with others and navigate social situations with greater confidence. 

These experiences contribute to the development of emotional intelligence, which is crucial for personal and professional success later in life. Our Mentor Mix-ups, held once a term, further support this development by having older House Mentor Groups plan activities for younger groups. 

ENCOURAGES COLLABORATION AND TEAMWORK

The ability to collaborate with individuals of varying ages, backgrounds and experiences is a vital skill beyond school. By encouraging our students to work together across year levels, we are preparing them for this reality. 

Whether through group projects, school events or extracurricular activities, these interactions teach students the value of diverse perspectives and the importance of teamwork. 

Science Club is a wonderful example of this, where our amazing Year 11 Science Leaders regularly run engaging science activities with Junior School students to promote and spark their interest in science, while also nurturing their sense of connection to the School.

FOSTERS BELONGING 

A strong sense of belonging is vital for student wellbeing. When students feel connected to their peers, they are more likely to be engaged in their learning and less likely to experience feelings of isolation. 

Inter-year level connections help to create a school culture where every student feels valued and included, regardless of their age or year level. 

For instance, Year 11 Psychology students recently ran a conservation activity with Year 4 students, fostering communication and teamwork skills.  Some of these younger students now wave hello to their older peers as they pass in the yard.

PROMOTES POSITIVE SCHOOL CULTURE

Kilvington encourages inter-year level connections where respect, kindness and mutual support are the norm. These positive interactions contribute to a school culture where students feel safe, respected and motivated to do their best. 

Over time, this culture of positivity becomes self-sustaining, benefitting not just individual students, but the entire school community. Our recent Annual Concert, where students from Years 3 to 12 performed together in a wide variety of numbers, beautifully showcased the spirit of inter-year level participation at Kilvington.

At Kilvington, inter-year level connections are essential to creating a vibrant, inclusive and supportive community. In doing this, we are helping our students to develop the social, emotional and collaborative skills they need to thrive both at school and beyond. 

We encourage all students to take advantage of the opportunities available to connect with their peers across year levels, knowing that these relationships will enrich their school experience and contribute to their growth as individuals.