1️⃣8️⃣Week 18 - Update

Before we begin, a quick apology for this update arriving on a Monday rather than at the end of last week. It was an incredibly busy few days in school (the good kind of busy) and by the time Friday came to a close, there simply weren’t enough hours left to give this blog the care it deserved. Thank you for your patience and I hope you find this week’s update helpful we continue supporting our Year 11s.

As we move closer to the summer exam season, last week’s focus has very much been about mindset, consistency and support. There is a real sense of determination building, and I wanted to share some key updates from assemblies, lessons, and the work happening behind the scenes.

⏳ Assembly Focus - 50 Days Remaining

In assembly this week, I talked honestly about the journey ahead. With around 50 school days left before GCSE exams begin, it felt like the right moment to pause, reflect and refocus.

I reminded students that many of them have already committed brilliantly to their revision and classwork, and for others, we’re starting to see those important turning points - the “right, I’m ready now” moment. Those moments matter.

We then explored what we are calling the framework for success over the next 50 days. It has three clear pillars:

Attendance - every lesson, every day

Students perform their very best when:

• they are in school,
• on time,
• and present in all lessons.

It sounds simple, but the link between attendance and outcomes couldn’t be stronger. Being in the room really does make all the difference.

Behaviour for Learning - embracing challenge

We talked about the idea that challenge is not the enemy of success - it’s the engine of it. “Hard now, easy later” is something we repeat often, and for good reason. Positive choices lead to positive outcomes, even when the work feels demanding.

Culture - we are better together

One of the strongest messages was that the whole year group is greater than the sum of its parts. Consistency, resilience and community matter. We move forward faster when we support each other.

These points were shared with staff earlier in the week and reinforced in tutor time, as well as in a drop‑down assembly for students with lower‑than‑average attendance so they could really understand the “why” behind our expectations.

A key theme from every session was the support ecosystem surrounding each student:

• parents and carers
• tutors
• Mrs Alexander and the pastoral team
• myself
• classroom teachers

We are all here for them. We just ask that students are honest about their barriers and talk to us early if they need help. Asking for support is a strength.

 

📝 Looking Ahead - Mock Exams (After Half Term)

Tomorrow morning, I’ll be running another assembly to walk students through the mock exam process for after half term. As a reminder these will run from Monday 23rd February to Friday 6th March.

They’ve done this twice already, so they know the routine well - but this final run‑through is important. It helps build confidence, reduce anxiety and iron out any uncertainties before the real exams begin in May.

We’ll be covering:

• exam room expectations
• key rules and processes
• timings and equipment
• behaving calmly and confidently

This is their final “practice round” before summer, and we want it to feel as smooth and familiar as possible.

Exam Timetable

Students will receive their own individual timetable but to assist with planning at home please find a simplified version below:

Day	AM	PM
Monday 23rd February	English Literature 2	Business Studies
Tuesday 24th February	Maths 1 (Non Calculator)	History
Wednesday 25th February	English Language	Geography 1
Thursday 26th February	Biology (Triple & Combined)	Spanish (Listening & Reading) French (Writing)
Friday 27th February	Chemistry (Triple & Combined)	Computer Science Philosophy & Religious Education

 

Day	AM	PM
Monday 2nd March	English Literature 1	French (Listening & Reading) Spanish (Writing)
Tuesday 3rd March	Physics (Triple & Combined)	Health and Social Care Computer Science
Wednesday 4th March	Maths 2 (Calculator)	Music Dance
Thursday 5th March	Geography 2	PE
Friday 6th March	Maths 3 (Calculator)

📚 Revision Toolkits & Homework

A reminder for families that: revision is homework, and homework is revision.

The Revision Toolkit remains essential (see previous post for link) - it helps students plan, prioritise, and stay accountable. Working lunch is still available every day for:

• revision
• catch‑up
• NEA practical work
• getting help from staff

I also want to send a very public thank you to all teachers who have been giving up lunchtimes and after‑school hours to support students through intervention sessions across the curriculum. Their commitment is exceptional and deeply appreciated.

Extra‑Curricular Highlights

🏀Basketball

A huge congratulations to the Y10/11 basketball team who won 94–16 against Arnewood last week.
Standout performances from:

• Reuben M - top scorer and MVP
• Dylan J - a triple double

The whole team played fantastically, with several students reaching double‑figure points. A stunning result!

💃 Dance

Our Dance students have been showing incredible dedication - rehearsing every lunchtime and once a week from 8am. Their commitment ahead of their Dance exam is inspiring. To everyone involved: we are cheering you on all the way!

🗣 MFL Mock Speaking Exams

Best of luck to all students completing their MFL speaking mocks this week. Students have been given their timings and locations, but if anyone is unsure, please encourage them to speak to their languages teacher as soon as possible.

This has been another busy, purposeful week - and the progress we’re seeing is real. As always, thank you for your ongoing support at home. It makes all the difference.

📅 Upcoming Dates

A quick reminder:

• INSET Day - school closed to students: Friday 13th February
• Students return: Monday 23rd February

📣 Stay Connected

We’re committed to keeping you informed and involved throughout this important year. This blog will continue to be your go-to for updates. 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! 🌟