Dear Parents and Carers

This term seems to have passed in the blink of an eye, and we are now feeding back to our Year 11s their mock exam results in preparation for the run up to their GCSE exams. Alongside their normal classes, they are also taking part in a ‘progression fortnight’, designed to give them a taste of some aspects of post-16 learning and experiences.

Year 11 goes by very quickly. The year is shorter anyway (around 30 weeks plus exams, rather than the usual 39 weeks that everybody else gets) and it is full of high stakes events and opportunities. It’s important for them to be able to see through the noise and focus on what matters.

Mock exams have more than one purpose. They give the students valuable experience of formal exams, they help them understand the importance of revision and planning, but perhaps most importantly, they highlight where there are gaps in their knowledge and skills.

Before the Year 11 parents’ evening next week, please spend time with your child identifying up to five gaps in their knowledge or skills in each subject. On Thursday your child’s teacher will then let you know the two or three gaps they feel are most significant and make sure you know where to find the resources to put this right. If you also have another one or two areas you think your child must concentrate on, it is the perfect opportunity to discuss this with your child’s teacher and make sure you know how to support your child in their revision.

There will also be a drop-in room at the Year 11 parents’ evening where you can discuss again with sixth form staff your child’s post-16 choices and finalise the sixth form application (due on Monday 16 December).

With best wishes

Andy Perry – Head Teacher

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