Mrs Cooper delivered our assembly this week, focusing on preparing for the mock exams. Nothing she shared was entirely new - and that was the point. It was a reminder. She revisited the importance of active revision, and how simply rewriting notes or creating endless cue cards won’t strengthen knowledge in the way students need.
Students responded enthusiastically to the experience, enjoying the energy of the live readings - especially from the ever-popular John Agard- whilst also appreciating how valuable the examiner advice on the unseen element of the exam was in strengthening their confidence ahead of upcoming mock exams and, ultimately, their GCSEs.
Hearing the poems performed aloud and explained by the hand that created them gave many students a clearer sense of how to approach analysis and exam questions effectively and, crucially, to feel able to appreciate poetry.
In all, the trip was both enjoyable and academically purposeful, providing a timely boost to revision and motivation as Year 11 enter a crucial stage of their exam preparation. Mr Remmer, who organised the trip, was proud with all the students who attended the trip as their kindness and engagement perfectly represented what Twynham school is about.
Here is an update from Mrs Saunders, Senior Mental Health Lead “The Mental Health in schools team deliver exam resilience group work which aims to support students with their mental health and wellbeing on the run up to exams. The 1 hour session explores the differences between stress and anxiety as well as the impacts they may have on your body, different thinking styles and how to manage unhelpful thoughts. The session includes group discussions individual reflection and work sheets for students to take away with them.
This is the link to the ultimate revision guide which is jam packed full of great advice for getting prepared for exams Dorset MHST Ultimate Revision Guide which would be a good resource to share.”
This week alone, I’ve seen:
The Food NEA work happening this week has been exceptional. Students have been stopping me at break and lunch to show what they’ve produced and rightly so. A special mention goes to Poppy H, whose bao buns looked incredible. I’m still a little disappointed I didn’t get to try one… but I’m very hopeful that the family did!
I’ve had lots of conversations with students this week, especially during working lunch, using an analogy they all seemed to connect with:
If I wanted to build muscle for the summer, lifting a 1kg weight every day would get me nowhere. And if I was training for a half marathon, running the same 1km loop each morning wouldn’t prepare me. Progress happens when we challenge the muscle - including the brain.
Mrs Cooper also guided students through how to use the revision booklet properly:
If I wanted to build muscle for the summer, lifting a 1kg weight every day would get me nowhere. And if I was training for a half marathon, running the same 1km loop each morning wouldn’t prepare me. Progress happens when we challenge the muscle - including the brain.
Mrs Cooper also guided students through how to use the revision booklet properly:
- Going through the specification carefully
- RAG rating topics with honesty
- Tackling the red areas first (“eating the frog”)
- Turning these into a specific revision timetable, not a vague “do some Maths” plan
- Using the Pomodoro technique for short, consistent, high-quality bursts of revision
- Finishing with active tasks listed in the booklet
📢 Looking Ahead: Monday’s Assembly
I’ll be running our first in‑person assembly of the year on Monday, following the Year 13 mocks. The message is important, which is why we’ve moved it to the start of the week for next week only. I will be discussing what we have recently shared with staff and how we are going to make the most of the last 50 school days! Please help by encouraging your child to be in school on time so we can begin promptly at 08.40. And… if any students are reading this - we would hugely appreciate your help setting up chairs. There are 260 of them. Enough said.🏀 Basketball Fixture
We ended off the week with a fantastic basketball fixture. Mr McKay reports “Excellent first fixture of the year and massive improvement for many since last year as we start the year with a well fought draw. Good to see everyone put up points. Big shout out to Hlieb for his first game and for some impressive assists. Reuben has to get MVP for getting the most points and causing all sorts of issues for TBOWA. Ready for our next game on Tuesday!”✍️ Poetry Live
On Tuesday, 120 Year 11 students and 10 members of staff enjoyed a memorable day at Poetry Live! at the Bournemouth Pavilion. The annual event is designed to bring the GCSE poetry to life through performances and insightful commentary from both the poets themselves and a lead examiner.Students responded enthusiastically to the experience, enjoying the energy of the live readings - especially from the ever-popular John Agard- whilst also appreciating how valuable the examiner advice on the unseen element of the exam was in strengthening their confidence ahead of upcoming mock exams and, ultimately, their GCSEs.
Hearing the poems performed aloud and explained by the hand that created them gave many students a clearer sense of how to approach analysis and exam questions effectively and, crucially, to feel able to appreciate poetry.
In all, the trip was both enjoyable and academically purposeful, providing a timely boost to revision and motivation as Year 11 enter a crucial stage of their exam preparation. Mr Remmer, who organised the trip, was proud with all the students who attended the trip as their kindness and engagement perfectly represented what Twynham school is about.
🧠 Managing Exam Stress
The student services team organised a workshop this afternoon with Dorset’s Mental Health in Schools Team. Students had the chance to talk openly about pressure, nerves and balance - all the things we sometimes forget young people carry with them. The strategies they explored link perfectly with everything we’ve been discussing in assemblies and tutor timeHere is an update from Mrs Saunders, Senior Mental Health Lead “The Mental Health in schools team deliver exam resilience group work which aims to support students with their mental health and wellbeing on the run up to exams. The 1 hour session explores the differences between stress and anxiety as well as the impacts they may have on your body, different thinking styles and how to manage unhelpful thoughts. The session includes group discussions individual reflection and work sheets for students to take away with them.
This is the link to the ultimate revision guide which is jam packed full of great advice for getting prepared for exams Dorset MHST Ultimate Revision Guide which would be a good resource to share.”
📖 In the Classroom
This is the part of the week that always makes me smile. I’ve spent time teaching several Year 11 classes (including an unexpected Maths lesson!) and dropping into lessons across the school and I can honestly say the effort students are putting in is outstanding.This week alone, I’ve seen:
- detailed poetry analysis in English
- solving and expanding formulaic equations with real confidence in Maths
- focussed practical work in Food Technology
- creativity out of Art rooms
- choreography being refined in Dance
- thoughtful discussions in the Humanities classrooms
The Food NEA work happening this week has been exceptional. Students have been stopping me at break and lunch to show what they’ve produced and rightly so. A special mention goes to Poppy H, whose bao buns looked incredible. I’m still a little disappointed I didn’t get to try one… but I’m very hopeful that the family did!
More broadly, it’s been wonderful to see the huge range of talent in this year group:
- Art final pieces taking shape
- Drama performances in rehearsal
- Dance solos and group pieces being polished
- A thriving extra‑curricular programme across sport, music and the creative arts
📣 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! 🌟