As we begin the first full week of GCSE exams, there is a real sense of focus and purpose across Year 11. This is an important milestone, and we want to ensure that both students and families feel confident, prepared and supported throughout this period.
At this stage, it is often the small things done consistently well that make the biggest difference - being organised, turning up on time and making the most of every opportunity.
These sessions provide targeted support, particularly in English, Maths and Science. If students are unsure, they should check with their teacher.
The visiting moderator, who works across several schools, was full of praise for the group. They highlighted the maturity, sportsmanship and positive attitude shown by all students involved. These qualities matter just as much as performance, and it was fantastic to see them recognised so clearly.
We are very proud of how this cohort has approached the year so far and look forward to supporting them through the weeks ahead.
💭 Thought for the Week
“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.” - Jimmy Johnson
At this stage, it is often the small things done consistently well that make the biggest difference - being organised, turning up on time and making the most of every opportunity.
📝 Before and During Exams - Important Reminders
As exams begin, we are encouraging students to focus on the fundamentals. These are simple, but incredibly important.✅ Know Your Exam Details
Students should:- check their exam time, room and seat number in advance
- avoid last‑minute stress by being fully prepared the day before
⏰ Arrive On Time
Morning exams:
- Line up at 08:40
- Afternoon exams: Line up at 13:10
🎒 Bring the Right Equipment
Students are responsible for bringing everything they need:- Clear pencil case
- Black pens, pencils, ruler, rubber, sharpener
- Calculator (if required, fully working)
- Clear water bottle (no label)
📚 During the Exam Period
🏫 Attend All Lessons
There is no study leave before half term, so it is important that students attend all lessons. These lessons…- reinforce key knowledge
- provide final practice opportunities
- allow teachers to address misconceptions
➕ Period 6 Sessions
If Period 6 appears on a student’s timetable, or they are invited, attendance is essential.These sessions provide targeted support, particularly in English, Maths and Science. If students are unsure, they should check with their teacher.
- Tuesday – Science
- Wednesday – Maths
- Thursday – English
📖 Revision Seminars
Seminars are carefully planned to support students just before exams:- focusing on key topics
- refining exam techniques
- addressing common mistakes
Missing these sessions means missing valuable guidance at a crucial time.
Encourage your child to:
🏡 Supporting Your Child at Home
At this stage, the biggest impact families can have is through simple routines and reassurance.Encourage your child to:
- get organised the night before
- eat well and stay hydrated
- get enough sleep
- avoid last‑minute cramming
- start the day calmly
📅 The Week Ahead – Week 1 Exams (11th–15th May)
Morning Exams (Line up 08:40)
- Monday
- English Literature Paper 1
- Tuesday
- Religious Studies Paper 1
- Wednesday
- Geography Paper 1
- Thursday
- Maths Paper 1 (Non‑Calculator)
- Friday
- History Paper 1
Afternoon Exams (Line up 13:10)
- Monday
- Business Studies Paper 1
- Tuesday
- Biology Paper 1
- Wednesday
- Computer Science Paper 1
📖 Key Revision Seminars
Students will also attend subject‑specific seminars throughout the week to support preparation:- Monday
- Business Studies seminar (Period 3), Religious Studies seminar (Period 5)
- Tuesday
- Geography seminar (Period 1), Biology seminar (Period 3)
- Wednesday
- Computing seminar (Periods 1 and 2), Maths seminar (Period 3)
- Thursday
- History seminar (Period 5)
- Friday
- Chemistry seminar (Period 5)
Students will be guided to the correct classrooms by staff and through tutor briefings.
🌅 Breakfast Boost Sessions
To help students start the day positively, we are offering Breakfast Boost sessions each morning from 08:10–08:30 in Study Room 1:- Monday – English
- Tuesday – Religious Studies
- Wednesday – Geography
- Thursday – Maths
- Friday – History
These are a great opportunity for calm conversations with teachers and focused revision before exams.
🏅 PE Moderation
A huge well done to our Year 11 GCSE PE students who completed their moderation yesterday. They did themselves incredibly proud.The visiting moderator, who works across several schools, was full of praise for the group. They highlighted the maturity, sportsmanship and positive attitude shown by all students involved. These qualities matter just as much as performance, and it was fantastic to see them recognised so clearly.
We are very proud of how our students represented themselves and the school in this process - a real credit to them. A big thanks to Mr Ledsham, Mrs Woodage, Mr Massie & Mrs Goddard for their involvement and support to students during the day.
Testament to the team , they have started to recognise their strengths and played in a shape that they are comfortable with. Early season slumber banished, they ripped into Highcliffe in the first half. Shot after shot, dominant possession. Unfortunately no chances converted- the crowd all too often oohing as another shot sailed over the bar. We’re blaming the 3G pitch that had been combed and brushed prior to the game. It was far too perfect.
Second half was a touch more balanced. Highcliffe breaking the back line on occasions and last gasp tackes or a save from Jack keeping the score level. Then, a deserved lead earned with a flowing move calmly finished by Reggie. For once his shot stayed low and he hit the bottom corner, causing the team to wildly celebrate in another corner (of the pitch).
Highcliffe had to respond and did so with a penalty, calmly slotted past Jack. With both teams pushing for a winner, sadly Highcliffe broke through with 5 minutes remaining to go 2-1 up, holding on to secure the trophy.
A hard end to a game that we were the dominant team in, and the boys know they should have won.
A disappointment to end their 5 years as a team, but myself and Mr Read can only throw superlatives at them for the way they have grown together and become a great football team and also, we believe, better individuals along the way. This was shown in the level of respect they gave the referee (himself an ex local school player not so long ago).
So a final commiseration to the team on the result, yet a massive thank you and commendations for their performance and growth as a team.
⚽ Match Report
"A final farewell game for Year 11- at last a deserved cup final. Off to Slades farm as a neutral venue to play local rivals Highcliffe - a team that most of the boys play with as team mates on Sundays gave the game a touch more meaning - pride at stake.Testament to the team , they have started to recognise their strengths and played in a shape that they are comfortable with. Early season slumber banished, they ripped into Highcliffe in the first half. Shot after shot, dominant possession. Unfortunately no chances converted- the crowd all too often oohing as another shot sailed over the bar. We’re blaming the 3G pitch that had been combed and brushed prior to the game. It was far too perfect.
Second half was a touch more balanced. Highcliffe breaking the back line on occasions and last gasp tackes or a save from Jack keeping the score level. Then, a deserved lead earned with a flowing move calmly finished by Reggie. For once his shot stayed low and he hit the bottom corner, causing the team to wildly celebrate in another corner (of the pitch).
Highcliffe had to respond and did so with a penalty, calmly slotted past Jack. With both teams pushing for a winner, sadly Highcliffe broke through with 5 minutes remaining to go 2-1 up, holding on to secure the trophy.
A hard end to a game that we were the dominant team in, and the boys know they should have won.
A disappointment to end their 5 years as a team, but myself and Mr Read can only throw superlatives at them for the way they have grown together and become a great football team and also, we believe, better individuals along the way. This was shown in the level of respect they gave the referee (himself an ex local school player not so long ago).
So a final commiseration to the team on the result, yet a massive thank you and commendations for their performance and growth as a team.
Mr Massie and Mr Read
🌟 Final Message
This is a significant moment for our Year 11 students. They have worked incredibly hard to reach this point, and now it is about staying consistent, calm and confident. Parents and carers play a crucial role during this period - not by increasing pressure, but by providing stability, encouragement and helping students stay organised.We are very proud of how this cohort has approached the year so far and look forward to supporting them through the weeks ahead.