Thought for the Week
📊 Attitude to Learning
This week, students received their first Attitude to Learning grades of Year 11. These are designed to offer valuable feedback on how your child is settling into their final year and reflect their approach to learning across subjects.The AtL criteria, which teachers use to assess students, can be found here. If you would like to discuss any aspect of your child’s AtL report, please contact their tutor or subject teachers in the first instance, if you are unsure of their contact details please call the school or use the year11@twynhamschool.com email address.
We’ve also included an update on your child’s attendance, alongside the cohort average, so you can see how their current attendance compares to others in the year group. We are really proud of the year group average attendance, as ever, regular attendance remains one of the most important factors in academic success, and we’re grateful for your continued support in maintaining strong routines.
📚 Revision Booklets
This week, students received their Year 11 revision booklets, which outline key subject content, effective revision strategies and guidance on building a personalised timetable. Teachers have been using these in lessons to model how best to use the booklets, and tutor time has focused on helping students begin to plan their revision schedules.
We encourage you to take a few moments to look through the booklet with your child. Your support at home plays a vital role in helping them stay organised, build confidence and prepare effectively for their upcoming assessments.
For further details, please see the separate post from earlier this week.
🎓 Post-16 Planning - Spotlight on Bournemouth & Poole College
This week, students heard from Emily at Bournemouth & Poole College, who introduced their wide-ranging post-16 offer. This includes:- Vocational courses
- Apprenticeships
- T Levels
- Foundation Learning
Upcoming Open Events:
- 11th & 15th October – Bournemouth, Poole and Fulcrum Campus
⏰ Punctuality Sanctions From Monday 13 October
To support high expectations and readiness for learning, we are updating our punctuality processes:Students who are late four or more times to tutor time, assembly or lessons in a week will receive a 90-minute detention the following Tuesday after school.
We appreciate your support in reinforcing the importance of punctuality at home.
🍂 Attendance and Autumn Mornings
As the mornings grow darker, we understand that getting up and out can feel more difficult. However, daily attendance remains the most important factor in student progress.Thank you for your continued support in encouraging positive routines and helping students make strong choices each morning.
📚 Poetry Live! GCSE English Literature Trip
We’re pleased to offer Year 11 students the chance to attend Poetry Live! – a key enrichment event supporting their English Literature studies.- Date: Tuesday 20 January 2025
- Venue: Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre
- Time: 10:00 – 16:15
⚽ Girls Football – Year 10 & 11 Match
A reminder for students involved in the upcoming match on Wednesday 6 November to check the team sheet outside the changing rooms and confirm availability.🌍 Home Language Exams
If your child speaks a language other than English at home and would like to sit a GCSE in that language (e.g. Polish, Turkish), please ensure they speak to Mrs McMahon or their French/Spanish teacher as soon as possible.🌟 Twynham School Careers Fair
- 📅 Tuesday 21st October, 16.30 - 18.00Held in the school hall, with representatives from a wide range of sectors and providers.
🎯 What to Expect
- Post-16 Providers: Colleges, sixth forms and apprenticeship schemes
- Universities: Insights into higher education pathways
- Employers: Local and national businesses showcasing career opportunities
- This is a fantastic opportunity for students to ask questions, gather information and begin shaping their future. Whether your child is considering further study, vocational training or entering the world of work, there will be something for everyone.
To confirm your attendance, please sign up via Arbor trips.
📅 Twynham Sixth Form Open Evening - Thursday 23 October
With over 1000 visitors expected, the evening promises to be vibrant and informative, offering a chance to:
- Speak directly with subject teachers about A Level and vocational courses
- Explore curriculum areas and specialist facilities
- Ask questions about entry requirements, progression routes and future opportunities
Students will attend an assembly next Tuesday introducing Twynham’s Sixth Form offer, and have already begun engaging with key staff through PSHE and visits to the Sixth Form Centre. This preparation ensures they arrive at the evening with a clear sense of what to explore and discuss.
To support setup for the event, school will close early on Thursday 23 October, with students finishing at 1.20pm after Period 4. If your child receives free school meals, they will be able to collect food at breaktime.
We strongly encourage all families to attend. Your presence not only supports your child in making informed decisions but also reinforces the importance of planning ahead for life beyond Year 11.