After two years of disrupted learning, our year 8 classes bonded uniquely and formed an appreciation for the individuals in their classes. Unexpectedly, students have discovered that classes are planning to be jumbled, leaving students feeling isolated, anxious and frustrated. 

Teachers believe that the environment in class groups is becoming too strong, and the only solution is to separate students from the relationships they’ve spent two years forming. However, we argue that the introduction of our elective subjects will aid in socialisation between year 8 students and their peers. 

Next year will be a challenging year going into year 9. With students expecting to experience their first full year at RBSC without covid disruptions and elective subjects introducing us to people we may not know, it is to be expected that these changes will make students anxious. Knowing the value of the mental health and well-being of students of RBSC, it is important that we keep core classes consistent throughout the upcoming year.