As we approach the end of a quick but busy half term, we have another chance to reflect on all of the learning and progress that has taken place. Many subjects are coming to the end of their programme of study and students are beginning to finalise coursework/components and make specific adjustments to gain additional marks. Once the mock examinations have taken place (week beginning 26th February), we will have another opportunity to review and fill any gaps in learning. Many subjects will use the time after the February mocks to go over topics/components that were studied in Year 10 and at the start of Year 11. Students will also continue to develop their exam techniques and experience more exam-style questions. 

We understand that the recent parents' evening is an essential part of a puzzle that will support your child’s progress in specific subjects. We hope that you were able to come away from the meetings with targeted strategies that can be utilised from now until the GCSE examinations. With this in mind, we recommend that all students should make the most of the intervention opportunities that are open to them. They can speak to their subject teachers directly to find out when / where the interventions take place. 

It has been great to see the food technology students share their practical work (coursework) with their parents. We have been so impressed by the standard of cooking and the display of their food – certainly some budding chefs among the cohort! 

As you are aware, we will be creating a yearbook for the students so that they can look back at their time at the school. We have a photography company coming in on 13/03/2024 to take individual and form photos so that we can add them to the yearbook.

We have been communicating with a company called Hear 2 Listen. We have the opportunity to work with them to develop a range of skills that will not only support them for the exam period but will also develop essential life skills. They will be coming in to deliver workshops to our students on the following dates – 12th, 15th and 25th March. More details to follow. 

We are currently in the process of communicating with the prom committee. Miss Duguid has been meeting with the prom committee to ensure that it is an event that the students will remember. We are operating a waiting list as there is a maximum capacity at the venue. Please contact the school if you would like your child to be added to the list. Further correspondence has been communicated this week (12/02/24), please refer to this for more information. 

We know that the Year 11 students have worked hard to fill the gaps from their last set of mocks. We hope that a range of revision strategies have been implemented to show progress from the last set of mocks. Students should check their timetables on Edulink and make sure they are prepared for the first week back.

The year team would like to let our students know that we are here to support them throughout the mock period – form tutors will continue to guide and support them during registration. We would also like to wish our students all the very best for the February mocks.

We are pleased to announce that all the places for our Higher Education Convention at London ExCel on Tuesday 19th March have been filled. We appreciate the timely responses from students and parents and believe that it will be a valuable and informative event. However, for those who missed the opportunity to sign up, there may be some openings in case any student cancels. Those who filled in the consent form but failed to pay the deposit will be given priority.

The next half term is going to be an important one for Year 12 with Predict 2 reports coming out on 14th March. This will be followed by our first online Parents Review Evening held on Tuesday 26th March. We will send details and instructions closer to the time.