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🌱Welcome to Spring Term!

By Mr Keep

Welcome Back!

A very Happy New Year to all our families - I hope you had a fantastic festive period.

Students have returned with real maturity and pride. It’s great to see Year 11 students stepping up as role models both in and out of lessons. I’ve had the pleasure of teaching and observing lessons this week and it’s clear that students have the tenacity and determination to make this their best year yet.

Students have come back prepared and eager to learn, focused on maintaining or improving their outcomes from the mock results they received before Christmas.

🛡️ Escape Line Assembly

On Tuesday, students attended two assemblies:
  • One to reset expectations and remind them of updates for the term ahead
  • A one-hour session delivered by Escapeline, a charity committed to preventing the criminal and sexual exploitation of young people by gangs across South West England
Escapeline raised awareness of County Lines, where organised gangs recruit young people to transport drugs into smaller towns. South West England has been particularly targeted, making this message vital.
Students approached this session with maturity and respect, asking thoughtful questions and engaging with the discussion.

On Wednesday, during tutor time, students reflected on what they can do to keep themselves and their peers safe. They were reminded:
  • Speak to a trusted adult in school - we will ensure information is handled appropriately
  • Use the ‘Report a Safeguarding Concern’ feature on the Gateway page
Other ways to share concerns anonymously:

📝 Year 11 Parents’ Evening

Our Parents’ Evening is next Thursday (15th January), and we look forward to welcoming you into school for face-to-face meetings with teachers.

We strongly recommend students attend with parents so everyone can discuss feedback and next steps together.

This period between mocks is what we call the “Mock to Mock Sprint” - the next six weeks are the last uninterrupted teaching block before exams begin. Every day and every lesson counts. Further updates from the Raising Standards Team will follow later this month as we enter the final 50 school days before GCSEs.

Booking details:
  • Opens Monday 5 January via parents-booking.co.uk
  • A letter has been sent with instructions
  • If you need help, email year11@twynhamschool.com and we’ll assist you

📅 Provisional Summer Exam Timetables

Provisional summer exam timetables are now available on the school website under the ‘Exams’ section or via this link: GCSE Summer Examinations 2026 Provisional Calendar

These dates are still provisional, but it is highly unlikely they will change. As we approach the summer exam period, your child will receive an individual timetable with confirmed dates and times.

✅ Key Dates to Note
  • MFL Speaking Exams: Monday 27 April – Friday 1 May. 
    • The MFL Department will confirm individual times directly with students
  • Art Exams: Thursday 21 – Friday 22 April. 
    • Students should use this information to plan ahead - ensure sketchbooks and materials are ready well in advance
  • Food Technology NEA: Dates will be confirmed in a future blog

👋 New Staff & Tutor Updates

We’re pleased to introduce:
  • Mr Waite and Miss Budworth – joining the Year 11 team as new Science tutors but experienced Year 11 Science teachers.
  • Mr Parsons (Assistant Headteacher) – overseeing behaviour and culture in Year 10 and Year 11, working closely with Mrs Alexander and myself.
Several tutor group changes have been made following recent data to ensure students receive the right level of support in core subjects. If your child is affected, you and they should already be aware.

📣 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! 🌟

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