From the Head of Secondary 21.05.2022
The main focus in this week’s Key Stage 3 assembly was the End of Year Examinations, which start on the first day back after the term break, Tuesday 7th June. The exams will be held for Years 7 to 10 and the schedule gives some time for revision between the tests. The aim of the assembly was to inform and reassure the students about what is coming up as some are somewhat concerned (naturally) as they have had little experience of formal exams over the last few years. The exams are good practice for the major external examinations (IGCSE and A levels) that all the students will face at some point in their educational careers. By going through the process on a yearly basis in advance of Year 11, the students are not only learning how to organise their time with revision schedules etc., but also how to manage their stress levels so that they can approach those formal exams in a calm frame of mind. The theme of the assembly was ‘Keep Calm and Do Your best’. The form tutors are following up with advice about revision strategies, as are subject teachers, in addition to making sure that the students understand which topics that they will be tested on.
I am pleased to report that the IGCSE and A Level exams continue to go well. We start Week 5 on Monday; there are 7 weeks altogether. Exams don’t pause for public holidays or half term, and we will see students coming into school during the term break. All secondary staff are trained invigilators, with Mr Colbeck leading as our Exams Officer. The students themselves seem to be pleased with how they have performed and have found the papers to be fair (no nasty surprises!). The results come out in mid-August and at that time we may have a few students wishing to change their A Level choices, which is of course perfectly fine as long as they fit within our timetabled blocks.
Mrs Colbeck is very busy planning the Year 13 Graduation, which this year will take place on Friday 17th June. After two years of online ceremonies (which actually worked very well) we are really happy that this year we will be in the school hall. More information will be sent out closer to the time. Once the exams are over, Year 12 will be returning to school to commence their Year 13 studies, in addition to having 3 Careers Days, led by Mrs Colbeck, when they will start to think seriously about their university applications. There will be sessions on interview techniques and personal statement writing, talks from outside professional and ex-students, and some fun (in a serious way) activities such as ‘car maintenance’ and ‘cooking for one’. A number of Secondary teachers will be involved in delivering these sessions during the three days.
I hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend.
Best Regards
Mrs Margaret Renshaw
Deputy Principal / Head of Secondary
