Y7 Cognitive Abilities Test (CATs)
The CATs are designed to measure a child's abilities in four key areas:
Verbal Reasoning: This area assesses a child's ability to understand and use language.
Non-Verbal Reasoning: This area assesses a child's ability to think logically and solve problems using shapes and patterns.
Quantitative Reasoning: This area assesses a child's ability to understand and use numbers.
Spatial Reasoning: This area assesses a child's ability to visualize and manipulate objects in space.
The CATs are used primarily by CCF to establish target grades and to track our pupils’ progress over time. The results of the CATs are also used to help plan our curriculum and to identify potential high attaining pupils.
All Year 7 pupils will be taking CATs over the coming weeks. Pupils will take the tests in one of our ICT rooms with the rest of their form group. The timetable is as follows ➡️
The best way to prepare is to make sure that your child is reading regularly and that they are comfortable with basic mathematical concepts. You can also help your child by practising problem-solving skills and by encouraging them to think creatively.
I want to assure you that the CATs are not a test of your child's intelligence or worth. They are simply a tool that schools use to get a better understanding of your child's abilities. If you have any questions about the CATs, please do not hesitate to contact me via the school office info@ccfplus.com .
Mr Nielsen
Deputy Headteacher
MCAS
My Child At School (MCAS) is the platform the school uses to share information with parents regarding attendance, behaviour, attainment and school reports. MCAS can be accessed via the web or the MCAS App.
All parents should have an MCAS account to ensure they receive up-to-date information on their child. Login details were sent to all parents without accounts earlier this week. If you do not have an account, please contact mcas@ccfplus.com and login details will be emailed to you. Parents with existing accounts do not need to do anything, as accounts will roll over to this academic year.
Please note, the MCAS activation email comes from MCAS directly and not from a Christ's College email address. If you have not received this email, check your spam mailbox as well as your regular inbox.
CCF Parent Guide to Homework & Google Classroom
What is MyZone?
MyZone is our name for PSHE at CCF; it is a subject that focuses on the development of the whole child. Alongside academic learning, students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to navigate growing up and life beyond school.
Students explore topics including health and wellbeing, relationships, identity, resilience, decision-making, responsibility and personal development. Lessons are age-appropriate, evidence-informed and designed to give students a safe space to ask questions, explore different perspectives and make informed choices.
MyZone is an important part of preparing students not just for exams, but for life.
What do the students learn?
The full MyZone curriculum can be viewed on the CCF website.
https://www.christscollegefinchley.org.uk/MyZone/
Autumn Half Term 1: My Health
Until October half term, we will be delivering the My Health unit at CCF.
What does it cover?
My Health helps students understand how to look after their physical and mental health, make informed choices and access support when they need it. Across the curriculum, students explore:
Healthcare & prevention – hygiene, dental health, vaccinations, recognising ill-health and understanding how to access healthcare services.
Nutrition – balanced diets, nutrients, food choices, nutrition misinformation, healthy weight and the wider factors that influence what we eat.
Physical health & exercise – the benefits of movement, fitness and exercise for both the body and brain, alongside the risks of inactivity.
Mental health – understanding mental health, recognising changes in mood, mental illness, social media influences, treatment and reducing stigma.
Lifestyle & influences – sleep, nicotine, vaping, cannabis and alcohol, including health risks, decision-making and the law.
Mental health support – self-talk, self-esteem, stress, anger, coping strategies, resilience and knowing when and where to seek help.
Why is My Health important?
My Health gives students the knowledge, skills and confidence to take responsibility for their health as they become more independent.
It helps students understand that health is holistic: what we eat, how we sleep, how active we are, how we manage emotions, our relationships and the choices we make can all influence our overall well being.
Most importantly, it prepares students to recognise when something isn't right, make evidence-informed decisions, reduce health risks and seek appropriate support when they need it.
My Health isn't just about preventing illness, it's about giving students the tools to build healthy lives.
MyZone Lesson Wednesday 9th September 2026
Year 7 – Personal hygiene, germs and dental health
This Lesson covers...
Understanding what personal hygiene means and why it matters.
Exploring how bacteria and viruses can spread between people.
Identifying everyday situations where germs can be transferred.
Learning practical ways to reduce the spread of infection.
Understanding how good hygiene can help protect our health and wellbeing.
Learning how to maintain good oral and dental hygiene.
Understanding the importance of fluoride toothpaste, brushing and cleaning between teeth.
Recognising the importance of regular dental check-ups and taking responsibility for long-term dental health.
Year 8 - Vaccinations and looking after myself
This lesson covers...
Understanding what vaccinations and immunisation are.
Learning about the role of the immune system in protecting the body.
Exploring how vaccines help the body prevent and fight infectious diseases.
Understanding how vaccination can help protect individuals from illness.
Exploring how vaccination can also help protect communities.
Learning how to find and recognise reliable health information.
Identifying why health decisions should be based on evidence rather than myths or misinformation.
Developing confidence in making informed decisions about health and wellbeing.
Year 9 - Navigating the healthcare system and Gillick competency
This lesson covers...
Understanding the different healthcare services available to young people.
Exploring the role of GPs, pharmacies, A&E and specialist services.
Learning when to use different healthcare services.
Understanding how to access appropriate healthcare and support.
Exploring what Gillick competency means for young people.
Developing confidence in talking to healthcare professionals about health concerns.
Learning how to ask questions and communicate important information about your health.
Understanding how to take greater responsibility for your own health and healthcare decisions.
Year 10 - Holistic pillars of health and recognising ill health
This lesson covers...
Understanding what holistic health means and how different parts of our health connect.
Exploring how physical health and mental wellbeing influence each other.
Understanding the importance of sleep, nutrition and physical activity for overall health.
Exploring how lifestyle choices and behaviours can affect long-term wellbeing.
Learning to recognise signs and symptoms of physical ill health.
Learning to recognise changes that may indicate mental ill health.
Understanding when a health concern may require further attention or support.
Reflecting on personal health behaviours and identifying realistic ways to protect and improve wellbeing.
School Ties Available for Purchase
A supply of School Ties have been ordered and we hope to have them next week.
Please email info@ccfplus.com if you would like to be added to the list to purchase one.
Cost is £7.00.
Dance Club Years 7-10
Dance Club will take place after school on Wednesdays and Thursdays until 4pm and is open to students in Years 7–10.
You may notice that Dance Club is listed on the extra-curricular timetable for both Wednesday and Thursday, rather than being split into specific year groups. This is because the session students attend will depend on which dance routine they are working on. The timetable for rehearsals will be finalised termly and the students are notified of it through a dance club google classroom that they will be added to.
If your child would like to be part of Dance Club this year, please ask them to meet in the gym after school next Wednesday (9th Sept). This initial session will allow us to:
Find out who would like to take part
Explain how Dance Club will work throughout the year
Share the Autumn Term schedule
Introduce the routines and expectations
Explain the events and performances Dance Club will be involved in throughout the school year
We look forward to welcoming lots of enthusiastic dancers!
If you have any questions please contact Miss Sugden via info@ccfplus.com