It has been a positive first few weeks of the summer term, Year 10 students have had the opportunity to complete their first set of mock exams. There have been some nerves – which is normal, so, we’ve worked together on different techniques to deal with them. And from discussions with students suggest that the strategies have been helpful. Students now understand the process of entering the exam room, as well as know what equipment is required. The mocks enable staff to analyse individual needs and put the correct processes into place moving forward. We hope the students have seen the mocks as a learning opportunity and will use the results to develop a bank of strategies for the future. Please congratulate them on their behaviour during the exam and the speed at which they understood the processes.

We will be focussing on attendance in registration time from now until the end of the year. It’s essential all students attend registration on time, this starts at 8:15am. It enables students to receive vital information and also develop a positive relationship with their form tutor.

With the warmer weather, we’re starting to notice that some students are not meeting uniform policy expectations. We want all of our students to look smart and be wearing the correct uniform. No trainers, ties should be worn and skirts should be ‘functional’. Please see our website. As from the next academic year, skirts will need to be knee length so if you are looking to purchase a new skirt, please bear this in mind. Staff will be challenging those who do not meet the expectations.

Congratulations to the Year 10 students who participated in the Lockheed Martin Annual Code Quest Programming Competition. The group earned 1st and 2nd place. Amazing work! Students should see Mr Barber if they are interested in coding. Congratulations to: Daniel H, Sonny H, Ben T, Abbie J, Daisy G and Charlotte R.

Year 10 students have also had a great start to the athletics season this year, winning both the girls’ and boys’ league fixture at Bedford Athletics track. Notable performances by both relay teams. The league fixtures will continue every other Wednesday. Students should go to practice if they would like to try a new event or refine an existing one.

It has been a great start to the summer term and we are so proud of how the Year 10 students have behaved and adapted to the exam processes. It will certainly stand them in good stead moving forward. The students should now be looking forward to learning some new content in lessons and reviewing their mocks – developing specific areas.

Year 11 have been working hard this term in preparation for their fast approaching final exams. A huge well done to our Art, Textile, Creative Media and Film students who have already sat their practical exams this term. Keep up the hard work Year 11 – as they say, ‘every little helps’.

The Year 11 team have been busily planning and organising the Prom, and tickets have been selling well. The last date to purchase a ticket to the Prom is the 19th May – so if you haven’t got one already, then please do. At this point, we need to confirm the numbers for the venue.

May is a month that brings a lot of emotions for our students, as a year team, we want to take the opportunity to remind you that working hard is important but so is resting and self-care. Exams, next steps, prom and the like are all huge milestones for you all – please come and see us for support, a chat or any concerns that you may have. We are here to help and support you through this. And remember – you are doing great!

This week we have started the recruitment process for our new Student Leadership Team and there have been several impressive applications. Interviewing begins the week commencing the 15^th May and our shortlisted applicants will be notified of the interview procedure on 9^th May. 

The extra bank holiday gives our students more time to reflect and revise – many of our students have external exams this season, including BTECS, GCSE Maths & English, and Further Maths A Level. We wish them the best for what can be a stressful time. 

With that in mind, on Friday 12^th May there will be an RRR day (Reading, Reflection, and Revision) for our Year 12 students to help them to prepare for both external exams and the upcoming internal progression exams in June. 

Work experience week is rapidly approaching (July 10^th), and we urge the remaining students who have not secured placements to do this as soon as possible. Help is available via our careers coordinator Miss Freeman in office 902. 

Tutors will start having conversations with students about future plans and if students are very unsure about their next steps post Sixth Form we would urge them to use our independent careers advisor for advice, appointments can be made through the school cloud booking system.

This is the final newsletter message before our students leave SWA. I want to take this opportunity to thank parents/carers for their support and encouragement over the past two years.

We understand this can be a time of stress and anxiety, and we want to reassure you the Sixth Form team will be available to the students throughout this time, even though they may only be coming to school for specific exams. Our study spaces remain available, and our pastoral provision will also be.

Next week we'll say our goodbyes, but we will still have our prom to come. There is still a last chance to purchase tickets if any student has now decided to come. Please check Parentmail (you may have to navigate to the ‘shop’ tab). If this is not available, please email me and I will ask the finance team to assist. We have also opened this up for ‘plus ones’. Soon we will need to send the final numbers off to the venue, so we plan to close this on Wednesday 10^th May.

There are a handful of students who have bought a hoodie and not filled in their size and colour. Again, we need this information in order to process this order, so students will need to access the Google From that has been sent to them. Currently, there are fewer purchases of hoodies than those who indicated they would buy one, and therefore the price may go up. We hope this is not the case and those remaining students will purchase in the last few days.

Once again I would like to thank you all. Our Sixth Form team have spoken and met with many of you and we are always encouraged by how supportive you are. We also understand that this is a defining moment for parents/carers, as well as the students, as they leave the nest and enter the big wide world! We wish you all the very best.