Happy Friday. It has been another busy week for our Year 11 students and there are now only four school days left until a well‑deserved break for our students, teachers and families. Please take a moment to read the most recent update below...
This will be the last in‑person assembly until Tuesday 10th March, so please do encourage your child to arrive on time.
We are still in the early planning stages and would like to get a sense of how many students would be interested before finalising arrangements.
If you feel that this opportunity would benefit your child, please email: year11@twynhamschool.com
Until next week! 🌟
🎤 Upcoming Assembly - Important Change to Schedule
Next week’s in‑person assembly will be delivered by Miss Ball (Head of School) and Mr Cooper (Deputy Head of School). Due to Grease rehearsals, this assembly has been moved to:📅 Wednesday morning at 08:35
This will be the last in‑person assembly until Tuesday 10th March, so please do encourage your child to arrive on time.
This Week’s Virtual Assembly - Exam Reminders & Expectations
This week, I delivered a virtual assembly as a timely reminder about exam regulations, what students can expect, and how to prepare effectively for the upcoming mock exams. Although many of these routines are familiar, this is the last chance for students to practise in full exam conditions before the summer.📘 What Students Can Expect During Mocks
These upcoming exams are designed to mirror the exact format of the real GCSEs. This final practice round helps students:- understand their strengths,
- identify any last-minute worries,
- and receive targeted feedback from teachers.
⏰ Exam Procedures: What Parents Need to Know
- Arrival Times
- To avoid delays and stress, students must arrive by:8.35 am for morning exams and 1.40 pm for afternoon exams
- Venues and Line‑Up
- Most exams take place in the Hall or Gym. Students will line up in desk order in the quad, following the alphabetical signs. If their exam is in another venue, they will line up on the opposite side of the quad.
- Behaviour Expectations
- Once students line up, the exam conditions begin which include no talking or communication
- Any negative behaviour may result in removal from the exam
- All exams are run with full GCSE rules and invigilators present.
🆔 Candidate Information
Students must write the following on every exam paper:- Full legal name
- Centre number: 55209
- Candidate number: printed on their ID card
✏️ Equipment Checklist
Students must bring a clear plastic pencil case containing:- black pens (several)
- pencils & sharpener
- protractor, compass, clear ruler
- calculator (with the case removed before entering the room)
- clear water bottle with no label
📵 Phones, Watches and Banned Items
To protect exam integrity:- All mobile phones must be switched off and stored in bags or handed to an invigilator.
- No watches of any kind are permitted.
- Other banned items include:
- calculators in non‑calculator exams
- dictionaries
- notes or annotated books
- extra paper
- keys, scissors, glue or labelled erasers
- writing on hands, clothing or jewellery
📤 After the Exam
Students must remain in the room until the official end of the exam. If they have extra time, they must remain for the full additional period. Some exams may finish after 3.15 pm. They must then attend Period 3 and 4 lessons as normal.🔑 Key Reminders for Students & Families
Exam Timetables- Students received their individual timetable and ID card today. Please ask your child to double‑check their timetable carefully. We recommend keeping the paper copy somewhere safe over half term - the fridge works well! Taking a photo of it is also helpful.
- School opens at 8.15 am. All banned items must be placed in lockers before lining up.
- Full school uniform (including blazer and school shoes) is required for all exams.
🌟 Celebrating Student Achievements
Dance
A huge well done to all Dance students who completed their practical exam this week. Your commitment - rehearsing every lunchtime and even from 8am once a week their commitment has been truly impressive. Miss Blackmore says "The dancers created the most amazing pieces of work. They supported each other and performed with complete passion and enthusiasm. We feel we are looking at some of the highest choreography marks we have seen in many a year. We hope to showcase the students work to parents in March and will give out further details"MFL - Speaking Mocks
A big congratulations to students who completed their MFL speaking exams this week. Mrs McMahon, Curriculum Team Leader says "French and Spanish students have done well this week with their mock speaking exams. There is a common theme that students need to focus their revision on extending their spoken answers. The actual speaking exam will take place during the last week of April."Grease Musical
Good luck to all students involved in next week’s production of Grease! It is shaping up to be something very special, and we’re looking forward to seeing all their hard work pay off. Thursday night is sold out, but there are a handful of tickets left for Tuesday and Wednesday - don't miss out, buy your tickets today! Available from the school website.📘 Additional Revision Sessions **Expression of Interest**
We are currently exploring the option of offering additional revision sessions in the core subjects on the Tuesday during the half‑term break. These sessions would take place at TGS and would provide students with extra support as we move towards the final stage of Year 11.We are still in the early planning stages and would like to get a sense of how many students would be interested before finalising arrangements.
If you feel that this opportunity would benefit your child, please email: year11@twynhamschool.com
Once we have a clearer idea of potential uptake, we will be in touch with families to confirm whether the sessions will go ahead, along with dates, times and subject details.
📅 Looking Ahead
- INSET Day – Friday 13th February (no students in school)
- Mock exams begin – week commencing 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! 🌟