🎤 Assembly This Week
This week’s assembly was the final assembly with the whole Year 11 cohort before exams begin, and it felt like an important moment to pause, reflect and refocus.We began by talking about the extraordinary effort shown by the thousands of people who took part in the London Marathon at the weekend and drew some parallels with the GCSE journey our students are now on.
For most marathon runners, the hardest part isn’t the race itself. It’s the months beforehand: the early mornings, the sore legs, the days when motivation is low, but training still happens. GCSEs are no different.
Marathon runners don’t turn up on the day and hope for the best - they rely on the miles already done. Exams are the race day, but revision, lessons, homework and mock exams were the training. Students will not suddenly become better in the exam hall - they already are as prepared as the work they have done.
2. Everyone runs their own race
In a marathon, some people aim to win, some aim for a personal best, others simply want to finish. All are valid. Exams are the same. Students were reminded not to measure themselves against those around them, but to focus on their progress and their finish line.
3. Hitting the wall is normal
Many runners talk about “hitting the wall” - when it feels unbearable and quitting feels tempting. Revision has its own wall too: tiredness, stress, boredom or anxiety. Hitting that point doesn’t mean you can’t finish - it means you are doing something difficult and worthwhile.
4. The finish line matters
Crossing the finish line brings pride, not just because of the result, but because of everything it took to get there. In a few weeks’ time, exams will end. Whatever students feel about results, completing this journey demonstrates resilience, effort and growth.
As we shared in assembly: “Like the London Marathon, this is not about being perfect. It’s about keeping going, trusting your training and crossing the finish line knowing you gave it your best.”
During Exam Season
Find link to previous blog post for the Candidate Exam Handbook and link to the JCQ website for Information for Candidates
Hoodies will feature:
If you would prefer your child not to be named on the design, please email:
📧 year11@twynhamschool.com
🕒 Deadline: 04/05/2026 at 11:30pm. There will be one order only, with no late orders accepted.
🔗 Order here: https://shop.fizz-group.co.uk. 🏷 School ID: 27538YR11
📩 Students must check their school email regularly, as this is where these updates and resources will be shared.
A dedicated Maths revision folder is also available on the Student Gateway:
Maths → Revision → Year 11 Final Exam Preparations 2026 → All Documents, containing last‑minute support materials for each paper.
Equipment reminder:
Students must bring pens, pencils, ruler, rubber, protractor and compass. Missing equipment can cost valuable marks, even at higher grades.
Revision focus:
Students should revisit their topic checklist (Foundation or Higher, available on the Gateway) and prioritise any areas they are still unsure about, particularly from the March mocks. Useful practice sites include Sparx, Maths Genie, CorbettMaths and 1st Class Maths.
Practice papers:
Predicted Non‑Calculator practice papers have been shared with students, including QR codes linking to video walkthroughs. These are well worth completing as part of revision.
Homework reminder:
Paper E3 is due next Tuesday – this is the final paper in the homework pack
There will be a revision workshop during May half term focusing on the Calculator papers. Students should sign up if they have not already.
For most marathon runners, the hardest part isn’t the race itself. It’s the months beforehand: the early mornings, the sore legs, the days when motivation is low, but training still happens. GCSEs are no different.
What We Took From the Marathon Analogy
1. The training matters more than the raceMarathon runners don’t turn up on the day and hope for the best - they rely on the miles already done. Exams are the race day, but revision, lessons, homework and mock exams were the training. Students will not suddenly become better in the exam hall - they already are as prepared as the work they have done.
2. Everyone runs their own race
In a marathon, some people aim to win, some aim for a personal best, others simply want to finish. All are valid. Exams are the same. Students were reminded not to measure themselves against those around them, but to focus on their progress and their finish line.
3. Hitting the wall is normal
Many runners talk about “hitting the wall” - when it feels unbearable and quitting feels tempting. Revision has its own wall too: tiredness, stress, boredom or anxiety. Hitting that point doesn’t mean you can’t finish - it means you are doing something difficult and worthwhile.
4. The finish line matters
Crossing the finish line brings pride, not just because of the result, but because of everything it took to get there. In a few weeks’ time, exams will end. Whatever students feel about results, completing this journey demonstrates resilience, effort and growth.
As we shared in assembly: “Like the London Marathon, this is not about being perfect. It’s about keeping going, trusting your training and crossing the finish line knowing you gave it your best.”
📝 Exam Season – Key Arrangements
We also revisited the structure of the next few weeks, so students are clear on expectations.During Exam Season
- A 3:2 timetable split begins next week
- Students attend school as normal for Periods 1 - 5, including tutor time, break and lunch, up to Friday 22nd May
- Subject revision seminars will run ahead of exams; students will receive weekly timetables via the blog and daily reminders via tutor time
- Students have now received their exam timetables and laminated ID cards
- Morning exams: Students must be in school by 08:30, with line‑ups beginning at 08:40
- Afternoon exams: Students should be ready by 13:10, with line‑ups at 13:15 for a 13:30 start
- Students without a morning exam must still register in tutor time
- If a student is unwell or running late, parents must contact the school - the Middle School Office opens from 8:00am
- If a student is unable to sit an exam for medical reasons, medical evidence is required for special consideration
- It is always better to attempt the exam, even if a student is feeling unwell or unprepared
✏️ Exam Equipment – Be Ready
We also reminded students of the importance of arriving prepared:- Clear plastic pencil case
- Black pens only (no coloured ink)
- Pencils and sharpener
- Protractor, compass and ruler
- Calculator (if required)
- Completely clear water bottle (no labels or writing)
Find link to previous blog post for the Candidate Exam Handbook and link to the JCQ website for Information for Candidates
👕 Leavers’ Hoodies – Final Reminder
A quick reminder about Year 11 Leavers’ Hoodies, supplied by Fizz.Hoodies will feature:
- A large ‘26’ on the back containing students’ first name and surname initial
- An embroidered school logo on the front
If you would prefer your child not to be named on the design, please email:
📧 year11@twynhamschool.com
🕒 Deadline: 04/05/2026 at 11:30pm. There will be one order only, with no late orders accepted.
🔗 Order here: https://shop.fizz-group.co.uk. 🏷 School ID: 27538YR11
📅 The Week Ahead
Monday- Bank Holiday – School Closed
- BTEC Health & Social Care Exam (AM)
- Science Intervention (Period 6)
- Maths Intervention (Period 6)
- Drama Seminar (Period 4, Mr Coshan, D2)
- PE Moderation (All Day)
- English Intervention (Period 6)
- Drama Exam (PM)
- English Seminar (Period 1 right side / Period 2 left side, usual teachers and rooms)
- Creative Digital Media Deadline
🧮 Maths Support
As we move into the final phase of GCSE preparation, Maths staff will be emailing students after each exam paper with “hit lists” – suggested topics and question types that may be helpful to focus on next. While these are not guarantees, they are designed to guide targeted revision between exams.📩 Students must check their school email regularly, as this is where these updates and resources will be shared.
A dedicated Maths revision folder is also available on the Student Gateway:
Maths → Revision → Year 11 Final Exam Preparations 2026 → All Documents, containing last‑minute support materials for each paper.
📄 Non‑Calculator Paper – Thursday 15th May
Students should now be focusing their preparation for the upcoming Non‑Calculator exam.Equipment reminder:
Students must bring pens, pencils, ruler, rubber, protractor and compass. Missing equipment can cost valuable marks, even at higher grades.
Revision focus:
Students should revisit their topic checklist (Foundation or Higher, available on the Gateway) and prioritise any areas they are still unsure about, particularly from the March mocks. Useful practice sites include Sparx, Maths Genie, CorbettMaths and 1st Class Maths.
Practice papers:
Predicted Non‑Calculator practice papers have been shared with students, including QR codes linking to video walkthroughs. These are well worth completing as part of revision.
Homework reminder:
Paper E3 is due next Tuesday – this is the final paper in the homework pack
There will be a revision workshop during May half term focusing on the Calculator papers. Students should sign up if they have not already.
Finally, students are encouraged to make the most of their remaining Maths lessons, ask questions and speak to their teacher if they are unsure about anything. Teachers will continue to share high‑impact advice and resources – and checking emails regularly is key
We wish the team the very best of luck and look forward to sharing a full update next week.
Due to the tight timings around exam line‑ups and security procedures, there will be no additional bag‑drop facilities available. Having everything organised in advance will help ensure a calm and smooth start to each exam.
We are encouraging students to use next week to double‑check their locker number, test their lock, and practice arriving at school prepared and organised. These small steps now can make exam days feel far less stressful later on.
For direct contact with the Year 11 team, please email year11@twynhamschool.com or use the Arbor Parent Portal. Until next week! 🌟
⚽ Boys’ Football Final
As shared previously, the Year 11 boys’ football team are through to the County Cup Final, where they will face Highcliffe. The match will be hosted at a neutral venue courtesy of Glenmoor & Winton Academies on Thursday afternoon.We wish the team the very best of luck and look forward to sharing a full update next week.
🔐 A Reminder About Lockers
As we move into the exam period, please can students ensure they have their locker and a working lock ready for use throughout exams. Students will be expected to take responsibility for placing all personal belongings – including bags, coats, phones and watches – into their allocated lockers before lining up for each exam.Due to the tight timings around exam line‑ups and security procedures, there will be no additional bag‑drop facilities available. Having everything organised in advance will help ensure a calm and smooth start to each exam.
We are encouraging students to use next week to double‑check their locker number, test their lock, and practice arriving at school prepared and organised. These small steps now can make exam days feel far less stressful later on.
📣 Stay Connected
We are committed to keeping you informed and involved - 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! 🌟