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📚 Second Week of GCSE Exams

By Mr Keep

I wanted to start by saying how incredibly proud we are of our Year 11 students this week. Stepping into the GCSE exams is a huge milestone, and students have approached it with maturity, resilience and positivity.

It has been lovely to see students coming in and out of exams with a real sense of calm and confidence. That doesn’t mean every paper has felt easy (and that’s completely normal!) but students are showing exactly the right mindset: giving their best, supporting one another and focusing on what comes next.

This period is never without its challenges, and we recognise that there will be moments of pressure, tiredness or uncertainty. What has stood out this week is how maturely students are handling these moments, showing determination and resilience throughout.

A very well done to all of Year 11... you are doing brilliantly, and we are extremely proud of you.

📅 The Week Ahead

📝 Morning Exams (Line up 08:40)

  • Monday - Chemistry Paper 1
  • Tuesday - English Literature Paper 1
  • Wednesday - French Listening and Reading Paper 1
  • Thursday - English Language Paper 1
  • Friday - Physical Education Paper 1

📝 Afternoon Exams (Line up 13:10)

  • Tuesday - Computer Science Paper 2
  • Wednesday - Religious Studies Paper 2
  • Thursday - Business Studies Paper 2

📖 Revision Seminars

Students will continue to attend subject‑specific seminars throughout the week to support their preparation:
  • Monday - English (Period 4)
  • Tuesday - Computer Science (Period 3), French (Period 5)
  • Wednesday - Religious Studies (Period 3), English (Period 5)
  • Thursday - Business (Period 3), PE (Period 5)
  • Friday - Chemistry (Period 5)
Students will be guided to the correct rooms through posters outside the Middle School Office, tutor briefings and staff support.

🌅 Breakfast Boost Sessions

We will continue to offer Breakfast Boost sessions each morning from 08:10–08:30 in Study Room 1:
  • Monday - Science
  • Tuesday - English Literature
  • Wednesday - French
  • Thursday - English Language
  • Friday - PE
These sessions provide a calm, supportive start to the day, allowing students to ask last‑minute questions and focus their thinking before entering the exam hall.

📌 Important Reminders - Attendance, Study Leave and Graduation Day

⏰ Absence or Lateness to Exams

A reminder to all families that attendance and punctuality are critical during the exam period. If a student is unwell or running late, parents must contact the school as soon as possible. The Middle School Office is open from 08:00am.

If a student is unable to attend an exam due to illness, medical evidence will be required for any application for special consideration. Where possible, students should still attempt the exam, even if they are not feeling fully prepared.

📚 Study Leave

A reminder that there is no study leave before half term. Students are expected to continue attending:
  • all lessons
  • revision seminars
  • Period 6 interventions
These sessions provide vital support and structure during the exam period and make a real difference to outcomes.

🎓 Year 11 Graduation Afternoon

We are very much looking forward to celebrating Year 11 Graduation Day on Friday 22nd May, marking an important milestone in students’ time at Twynham.

The day will begin as normal, with lessons or, where applicable, PE exam in the morning. Students will then have an extended lunchtime, with priority access to the canteen, giving them time to be together in a more relaxed setting.

In the afternoon students will have the opportunity to take part in the traditional shirt signing activity (please ensure this is a spare shirt, and all messages are appropriate). The day will conclude with a final celebration assembly, recognising the achievements and memories of the year group.

We would also love to include a personal touch: 
  • Parents and carers are invited to email a photo of their child (baby photo, primary school, or first day at Twynham) to year11@twynhamschool.com. 
  • You are also welcome to include a short message or anecdote which we will try to include where possible.
Please note: students will finish at approximately 14:45 on this day and will leave site earlier than usual.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support during this important stage of Year 11.

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