Hello Year 11 families!
We’re now
into the second week of the academic year, and it’s been fantastic to see our
students settling into routines, embracing challenges, and showing real
commitment to making this year count. Here’s your weekly roundup of everything
happening in Year 11.
It’s been a
brilliant start across the school. Teachers are challenging students, and
students are rising to meet those expectations with hard work and focus.
Feedback from staff and learning walks has been overwhelmingly positive -
professional relationships between students and teachers are strong, and the
mantra “hard now, easy later” is really taking root.
As Head of
Year, I’ve been genuinely proud to see this level of dedication from the very
first week. There’s a real thirst for success, despite the soggy weather,
spirits weren’t dampened - especially during school photo day! Students took
real pride in their appearance, with uniforms immaculately worn and hair and
makeup on point.
No formal
assembly this week, as students spent time getting to know their new tutors and
diving into focused curriculum sessions in English, Maths, and Science. Tutor
time has been purposeful and sharp, with excellent teaching and learning
happening in these short bursts.
🧠 Thought for the Week: “Choices tomorrow come from effort
today.” Tutors have been reinforcing this message, helping students reflect on
how their daily actions shape future opportunities.
📚 Academic Focus
We’re not
quite into revision strategies yet, but we’re laying the groundwork. Working
Lunch reopened on Wednesday and has been a huge success. Mr Keep and Miss Ball
have created a focused, supportive space where students can complete homework,
get help with coursework and discuss post-16 options.
This space
also reinforces our homework expectations - if homework isn’t handed in,
students attend Working Lunch the same day (or the next if it’s period 5). It’s
all about building habits that support success.
📅 Assemblies kick off again on Tuesday at 08:40 sharp.
Students should aim to be in school by 08:30 and seated in the hall by 08:35.
Mina from Brockenhurst College will kick things off, sharing insights into
post-16 courses and opportunities. We then have several other Colleges and Sixth Forms booked over the coming Tuesday mornings. These assemblies are a fantastic way to open
students’ eyes to what comes next.
We’ve also compiled key dates for post-16 open events - these are displayed in tutor rooms and pastoral offices and shared with students. Some events require sign-up, so please keep an eye out and visit the relevant college or sixth form websites.
|
Education Provider |
Date(s) |
|
Twynham 6th
Form |
Thursday 24th
October 5pm – 8pm |
|
Bournemouth &
Poole College |
Several Dates from 2nd
October – 15th November |
|
Brockenhurst College |
Several Dates from 27th
September – 5th November |
|
Highcliffe 6th
Form |
Tuesday 30th
September 5.30pm – 8pm |
|
Kingston Maurward
College |
Tuesday 23rd
September 5pm-7pm Saturday 18th
October (Times to be confirmed) |
|
Poole High 6th
Form |
Tuesday 3rd
October 4pm-7pm |
|
Sparsholt College |
Saturday 4th
October – Saturday 8th November |
|
St Peters 6th
Form |
Thursday 16th
October 5.30pm – 8.30pm |
🗓️ The full Year Ahead Calendar will be posted in next week’s blog once final confirmations are in place.
🛠️ Practical Notices
🔒 Lockers: Lockers will be distributed starting the week
of 22/09. Each student will need to bring their own small combination lock.
These lockers are essential for exam season and can be used throughout the
year. No deposit or payment is required.
🚲 Cycle Safety: Students have been reminded to wear
helmets and use bike locks. Please can you check with your child over the
weekend to make sure that they can get to and from school safely. Bike sheds
are only accessible at the start and end of the day, as they’re now
out-of-bounds during social times.
✏️
Equipment: Students should have a stocked pencil case, including a dry wipe pen
and eraser for mini whiteboard activities. A scientific calculator is also
expected for Year 11.
📈 Attendance: Year 11 currently have 94.1% attendance, 1.7%
above the national average. Strong attendance reduces anxiety and improves
outcomes. Punctuality is especially important now that tutor time includes
English, Maths, and Science teaching. If your child misses tutor time, you may
receive a notification - this is simply to keep you informed and support
conversations at home.
📣 Stay Connected
We’re
committed to keeping you informed, inspired, and involved throughout this
important year. This blog will continue to be your go-to for updates. Let’s
keep the momentum going Year 11 is off to a fantastic start, and we’re excited
for everything ahead. As a reminder for direct contact with the year 11 team
please email year11@twynhamschool.com or
use the Arbor Parent Portal.
Until next
week! 🌟