Year 8 2025-2026

Questions and Answers

The questions below are frequently asked by new Year 8 pupils and we hope we have answered any question you may also have thought of yourself.

What clubs are there?

There is a very wide range of extra curricular clubs open to all pupils in Bangor Academy and we are confident that there will be something that will be of interest to everyone. We encourage all pupils to get involved in something they are either already interested or involved in and/or to join a club that is completely new to them. Getting involved in clubs is such a brilliant way to meet new friends, develop new skills and have fun outside the classroom.

Will you be in a class with friends?

We always try our best to make sure you are in a class with someone from your Primary School however you will develop great friendships with people you have never met yet.

What are the teachers like?

The teachers are brilliant!!! All teachers in Bangor Academy want to make sure you feel welcome and that you settle in really well. They are always available to help and support you with anything you may need. Teachers in Bangor Academy want you to achieve your full potential and will encourage you to work hard and enjoy school.

Can you stay inside at break?

Yes you can although when the weather is good we would encourage you to take time to enjoy some fresh air outside before returning to class. Year 8 pupils are able to spend breaktime in the canteen on the groundfloor and are there with Year 9 pupils only. There is also an outside courtyard for Year 8 pupils only and this is a lovely area for you to relax and chat with your friends at break and lunchtimes.

Are homeworks hard?

Homework is set to enable you to extend your learning and a wide range of tasks will be set across all subjects. You may find some homework tasks straightforward and very enjoyable however there may be some you will find more challenging. As long as you try your best and complete homework to the best of your ability, teachers will support you in using homework to progress your learning. We encourage you to take pride in the work you produce and completing homework to the best of your ability is a great way to develop self-discipline, research skills and will help you to develop good routines. You will have homework timetable to follow and each task will be made very clear.

Are you allowed to use phones?

In Bangor Academy we encourage pupils to use phones responsibly and to develop a mature attitude to using mobile phones in school.

Mobile phones will be placed in a box at the start of each lesson.

There will be times when it is appropriate to use your phone as guided by your teacher however, phones should not be used in class without permission and they should never be used to film or record without permission. Pupils are allowed to use their phones during break and lunchtimes.

Is it hard to find your way around?

Although we have a big building, it is easy to find your way around. You will use your map until you are confident and you will always be with other pupils and friends. If you ever do get a little lost, you can ask any member of staff or older pupil to help you.

Is the food nice?

The school canteen serves a wide range of snacks and meals and it will be possible to choose something you like. It is also a good time to make different choices and try something new. The canteen will produce a menu for you to choose from.

Is there a whole school library?

Yes – the school library is very well resourced with a wide range of books, journals, magazines and newspapers. There is also internet access available and iPads to use. Every week, one of your timetabled English lessons is normally delivered in the library and you will be involved in the Accelerated Reader programme. The Library is also available at lunchtimes and after school for individual work and completion of homework tasks.

What languages do you learn?

You will have the opportunity to learn French, Spanish and Mandarin

How many lessons in a day?

The school day is divided into 8 periods each lasting 40 minutes. Some subjects, mostly practical subjects such as Art, Home Economics, Technology and PE, will have a double period on the timetable each week.

How long is break and lunch and where do you go to eat?

Break-time lasts for 15 minutes and lunchtime for 40 minutes. Extra time is given to pupils in Year 8 during the first term as you get used to the new routines. Both break and lunch is eaten in the Junior (ground-floor canteen). This canteen is for Year 8 and 9 pupils only while the Senior canteen on the first floor is for pupils in Years 10 – 12. Sixth form pupils have their own separate area.

Are there school trips?

There are many opportunities to take part in school trips including local day trips, sports trips, residential trips, trips to a range of European cities eg Barcelona, Berlin, Paris and a ski trip.

How do you group classes?

Many factors are considered when placing pupils in classes. It is important that you are in a class where you will be able to reach your full potential academically and socially. We use information we get from your Primary School to help us as they know you very well. We also take into consideration any extra information we may receive from you and your family.

Is the school work hard?

You may find some of the work you are asked to do will seem harder than what you have been used to however you will be supported and encouraged by your teachers to do your best. Through working hard and being determined, you will achieve success and will develop excellent skills. Remember – if you are finding work difficult or if you don’t fully understand something you should ask your teacher for help.

How many children are there?

Bangor Academy has 1600+ pupils in total however you will be in a class of approximately 18 – 25 pupils.

What time do you start/ finish?

The school day starts with registration at 8.45am and ends at 3.10pm. Year 8 pupils finish at 3.00pm.

What do you do if you feel unwell?

If you feel unwell at any stage in the school day you must let a member of staff know. They will then advise you if you need to attend the Medical Room to be assessed by the school nurse. She will then take a decision, treat you appropriately and if needed, will contact your parent/guardian. If you feel unwell during break or lunchtime you can report to reception.

What do you do if you feel worried or unhappy about something?

If you feel worried or unhappy you should tell your form tutor, class teacher, Head of Year or Senior Teacher. They will be able to help you and can direct you to other support if necessary.

What do I do if I need to get out of school early for an appointment?

If you need to get out of school early you must bring a signed letter from a parent or guardian and give this to your form tutor. Your form tutor will sign it, record the time and reason on SIMS and give the letter back to you. When it gets to the time you are due to leave, show your signed letter to the class teacher you are with and they will release you from class. Leave school through reception and hand your letter to the receptionist. If you are returning to school after for example, an appointment, report to reception to get marked back in.

Are you allowed out of school during the day?

You are not allowed to leave the building during the school day unless you have permission from a parent/ guardian and teacher.

What is a form tutor’s role?

Your form tutor is the teacher you will see every day, first thing in the morning. They will monitor your attendance, track your progress, help you with all queries and be the first person you should talk to or contact with any concerns or questions.

What do I need to bring to school every day?

You should study your timetable and pack your things the night before for the subjects you have the following day. You cannot carry all of your books around every day.

Everyday equipment needed:

pencil, rubber, ruler
Blue & black pen
highlighter
calculator
colouring pencils and pens
small notebook may be handy-we use Google classroom instead of homework diaries

We recommend a pencil case rather than blazer pocket so you don't forget equipment on PE kit days!

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