2️⃣3️⃣ Week 23 - Update

Happy Friday! As we move towards the final stretch before GCSEs, this week has been all about reflection, steady progress and helping students make the most of the time they have left. Below is a short round‑up of what we’ve been focusing on in school, along with some key upcoming dates that may be helpful for families.

🎤 Assembly - ‘Ugly Progress’

This week’s assembly reminded Year 11 that with just 28 school days until GCSE exams begin, success now comes from preparation rather than pressure. Students were encouraged to break things down into small, meaningful steps and to use their mock feedback to guide what comes next.

We also spoke about the importance of valuing “ugly progress” - the kind of progress that isn’t perfect or polished, but still moves you forward. One simple example was the act of making your bed each morning. "It’s a tiny habit, but it sets the tone for the day. If you can do the small things well, the bigger tasks become more manageable. And even on the tougher days, returning to something you completed yourself is a quiet reminder that tomorrow can be better."

With a busy few weeks of assessments and deadlines ahead, students were encouraged to see each commitment as an opportunity, take one purposeful step each day, and build momentum towards a strong finish.

📝 Feedback Fortnight

Students have now begun receiving feedback from their mock exams, with the full deadline for all papers being Wednesday 25th March. Teachers are working through substantial marking loads, but both staff and students are keen to go through the papers together as soon as possible.

The conversations happening during Feedback Fortnight are incredibly important. Teachers are focusing on high‑leverage activities, which means:

• identifying misconceptions
• re‑teaching key content where needed
• giving students time to practise specific skills
• checking whether those skills or concepts are now secure

This clarity helps students understand exactly what they need to improve and how to do it. Teachers are also making sure that practice and checking are done through a variety of question types so that learning sticks. 

📅 Key Dates - A Helpful Overview Before Easter

To help you keep track of a very busy fortnight, here is a parent‑friendly day‑by‑day overview of key events. Students will continue to receive daily briefings, but we know families find it helpful to see the bigger picture too.

Week Beginning 16/03/2026

Monday 16th

• Technology Surgery (Lunch and Period 6)
• GCSE PRE Intervention (Period 6)
• Maths (Period 6)

Tuesday 17th

• Assembly (Miss Ball and Mr Evans) – 08:35
• French Grammar (Lunch)
• Technology Surgery (Lunch and Period 6)

Wednesday 18th

• Battle of the Band Rehearsal – Time TBC
• Science (Period 6)

Thursday 19th

• Technology “Drop Down” - Invite Only
• Technology Surgery (Lunch and Period 6)
• English (Period 6)

Friday 20th

• Technology Intervention (Lunch and Period 6)
• Spanish Grammar (Lunch)

Week Beginning 23/03/2026

Monday 23rd

• Technology Surgery (Lunch and Period 6)
• GCSE PRE Intervention (Period 6)

Tuesday 24th

• Half Term Priorities and Rewards Assembly (Mr Keep) – 08:35
• PE (Netball) Moderation
• Maths (Period 6)
• French Grammar (Lunch)
• Technology Surgery (Lunch and Period 6)

Wednesday 25th

• Technology NEA Deadline
• Music Composition Audio Deadline
• Drama “Drop Down” Session - Invite Only
• Technology “Drop Down” - Invite Only
• Science (Period 6)

Thursday 26th

• Technology Surgery (Lunch and Period 6)
• Year 11 Parents’ Evening 2
• Drama Drop Down Sessions

Friday 27th

• English (Period 6)
• GCSE Drama
• Spanish Grammar (Lunch)

🎉 Prom Update

A quick thank you to all parents and students for sitting tight while we work through the prom arrangements. We know how important this event is, and we truly appreciate your patience.

The operational team, Mrs Alexander and I have spent the week exploring venues that can meet the needs of our year group in terms of size, availability and experience. We are very close to confirming a new location.

We expect to be in a position on Monday or Tuesday next week to share the confirmed venue. If everything goes ahead as planned, we have secured an excellent space for the same evening as originally planned, so no one will need to rearrange anything. We will confirm all details once the contracts are signed, which should be early next week.

Thank you again for your understanding and support while we finalise the last pieces. This is shaping up to be a fantastic celebration for Year 11.

Passport to Prom

As a reminder, all Year 11 students have a Passport to Prom, which is updated every two weeks. The vast majority of Year 11 are doing the basics brilliantly - consistently meeting expectations around behaviour, organisation and attitude. It has been wonderful to see so many students showing commitment day in, day out.

The Passport to Prom looks at four key areas:

• Attendance
• Punctuality
• Behaviour
• Homework

Most students are in a strong position, but over the next few weeks we will be having some 1:1 conversations with students averaging a score of 3, just to offer support and help them keep improving. These conversations are supportive rather than punitive - our aim is to work together to ensure every student has the best possible chance of attending prom and finishing Year 11 positively.

We truly appreciate families continuing to encourage those good habits at home - it makes a huge difference.

📣 Stay Connected

We are committed to keeping you informed and involved throughout this important year. This blog will continue to be your go‑to place for updates.

For direct contact with the Year 11 team, please email year11@twynhamschool.com or use the Arbor Parent Portal.

Until next week! 🌟