Dear Parents and Carers

We are not far from completing this year’s exam season. We knew that these new courses and content-heavy exams would be tough and so it has proven to be. As far as the GCSEs are concerned, it has been the most challenging set of exams since O levels finished in 1987. In fact, the 2018 cohort sit more papers than the 1987 cohort did and in some subjects the content demand is now even greater. For A levels, some papers have stretched to over 40 pages of very content-heavy questions, challenging the recall powers of everybody.

However, our students have been exemplary. Their attitude towards their exams has been outstanding, their conduct in the venues perfect and working with them all around the site has been a pleasure. On behalf of all the staff, I would like to congratulate them for their attitude towards these exams and thank them for the way they have conducted themselves. In discussing the exams with them as they come out of the halls students have, on the whole, been optimistic. For the new courses they have found the papers to be mostly as expected and, challenging though they may be, our students have taken them on well. Talking with students has certainly helped me to feel a sense of optimism for results days.

With the exception of some language and Design & Technology students, our Year 11s finish today and our Year 13s finish over the next week or so. I hope they all enjoy this longest of summer holidays. Well done to all the parents who have supported their children, working hard to balance the challenge and support needed to keep kids going. If this is your last child through the system, I hope you enjoy the cheap flights again.

With best wishes

Andy Perry – Head Teacher

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