Welcome to your exam information page

As you are aware this is an important time for Year 11 students as they are approaching their PPE exams this half term.

The PPEs will take place in the weeks beginning the 4th December and 11th December 2023 in order to provide students with an effective exam experience all examinations will be carried out formally, following the JCQ guidelines (please see guidelines attached below).

We are focusing on the importance that students PPE examinations have during this current time. Please encourage students to complete their PPEs with the effort they should be, as these grades matter and colleges and some post-16 providers may ask for them.

Below is the PPE timetable overview, Students will receive an individual examination timetable during the next few weeks. Resources are available via Teams, Go4Schools and the schools Exams page on the website.

An important part of the process of achieving the best possible grades in the summer is the preparation and revision that goes into the forthcoming PPEs. We value the support that parents provide during this critical period and would encourage you to discuss revision plans with your child.

You and your child will now have received a copy of their first monitoring report, these are available to view via Go4Schools. To view the monitoring report, please log into Go4Schools via a web browser rather than the app and you will have the opportunity to discuss revision and post-16 opportunities along with general concerns with their form tutor on Thursday 16th November 2023.

In January you will receive a Predicted Grades Report:

We recognise that many Post 16 Providers require more than just a Current Working Grade (CWG) in order to make an offer of a place on a particular course. In order to support your child in their applications we will ask staff to give a prediction of the most likely grade your child will achieve in the summer based on all of the information and data they have.

Predicted grades are not guaranteed, and students will obviously need to put in lots of hard work in their remaining time at school in order to achieve their full potential. The selective grammar schools can require an additional predicted grade form. If your child is thinking of applying for a selective school, we would encourage them to see Mr Foskett in order that we can ensure that forms are completed appropriately.

Good communication between home and school can help to sort problems at an early stage, so if you have any concerns about your child’s monitoring/minimum expected grades their subject teachers are a good place to start and can be contacted by emailing the school office. Mrs Ager is the SLT link for Year 11 and can also be contacted if there are any other concerns, both academically and pastorally which you would like to discuss. Pastoral House Managers are another useful contact as they can often have a better overview of your child’s worries and concerns

Assuring you of our best intentions at all times.

Yours sincerely

Yours sincerely

V. E. Mann – Interim Deputy Headteacher                                                      

R Brolan – Examinations Officer

Creating a supportive home environment is crucial for your teen’s academic success this term. Whether they’re preparing for school assessments, internal exams, or building a solid foundation for next year’s GCSEs or A-Levels, a consistent study routine and dedicated focus will significantly impact their results. Here are eight tips to help you create the ideal revision haven at home, not just for this term, but for the long haul.

Here are some revision support suggestions for parents:

  • Provide a dedicated study space
  • Promote healthy eating habits
  • Encourage them to explain concepts to you
  • Ensure they get enough sleep
  • Advocate for regular breaks
  • Minimise noise distractions
  • Manage their technology use
  • Maintain open communication

  1. Dedicated Study Space: Your child needs a quiet, organised space specifically for studying. While the kitchen table might seem appealing, it’s often a hub of family activity, leading to distractions. Help them create a designated area where they can spread out their materials and concentrate. Establish ground rules with the rest of the family about respecting this space and keeping noise levels down.

  2. Healthy Eating: Stress can trigger cravings for unhealthy snacks. However, teenagers need nutritious food to fuel their brains. If getting them to eat vegetables is a challenge, offer healthy alternatives like berries, dark chocolate, or energy bars. These are far better than crisps or sugary treats. Similarly, swap sugary drinks and excessive caffeine for water and fresh juices. Limit coffee intake to one cup a day.

  3. Teach You: If their schoolwork seems unfamiliar, ask them to explain it to you. Teaching you reinforces their understanding and improves recall. Ask them to explain key concepts and ask clarifying questions. If they can make you understand, they’re likely mastering the material themselves.

  4. Sufficient Sleep: Sleep is essential for memory consolidation and exam success. Encourage your teen to prioritise sleep, even when stressed. Aim for around eight hours a night. Suggest finishing schoolwork an hour before bedtime and limiting screen time to wind down.

  5. Regular Breaks: Breaks improve concentration and memory. Encourage your child to take regular breaks, tailored to their individual needs. A short break, even to watch a bit of TV, can be more beneficial than no break at all. Being flexible and understanding shows your support.

  6. Noise Reduction: While teenagers are often told to be quiet, parents can also contribute to noise levels. Try to minimise distractions, especially during exam season. While a library-like atmosphere might be unrealistic, simple steps like limiting visitors and postponing parties can make a big difference.

  7. Tech Management: Technology can be both a help and a hindrance. While online resources are valuable, social media and messaging apps can be major distractions. Encourage your teen to separate study time from social time. Turning off notifications or using “do not disturb” mode can help them stay focused. Suggest regular phone checks during breaks rather than constant updates.

  8. Open Communication: Whether your teen is facing internal exams or A-Levels, they might be experiencing prolonged stress for the first time. Share your own strategies for managing anxiety and pressure. Stress is normal, and learning to manage it is crucial for success, both in exams and beyond. Ultimately, while you can offer support and guidance, the drive and effort must come from them. Let your child know that you love and support them, regardless of the outcome.

Creating a supportive home environment is crucial for your teen’s academic success this term. Whether they’re preparing for school assessments, internal exams, or building a solid foundation for next year’s GCSEs or A-Levels, a consistent study routine and dedicated focus will significantly impact their results. Here are eight tips to help you create the ideal revision haven at home, not just for this term, but for the long haul.

Here are some revision support suggestions for parents:

  • Provide a dedicated study space
  • Promote healthy eating habits
  • Encourage them to explain concepts to you
  • Ensure they get enough sleep
  • Advocate for regular breaks
  • Minimise noise distractions
  • Manage their technology use
  • Maintain open communication

  1. Dedicated Study Space: Your child needs a quiet, organised space specifically for studying. While the kitchen table might seem appealing, it’s often a hub of family activity, leading to distractions. Help them create a designated area where they can spread out their materials and concentrate. Establish ground rules with the rest of the family about respecting this space and keeping noise levels down.

  2. Healthy Eating: Stress can trigger cravings for unhealthy snacks. However, teenagers need nutritious food to fuel their brains. If getting them to eat vegetables is a challenge, offer healthy alternatives like berries, dark chocolate, or energy bars. These are far better than crisps or sugary treats. Similarly, swap sugary drinks and excessive caffeine for water and fresh juices. Limit coffee intake to one cup a day.

  3. Teach You: If their schoolwork seems unfamiliar, ask them to explain it to you. Teaching you reinforces their understanding and improves recall. Ask them to explain key concepts and ask clarifying questions. If they can make you understand, they’re likely mastering the material themselves.

  4. Sufficient Sleep: Sleep is essential for memory consolidation and exam success. Encourage your teen to prioritise sleep, even when stressed. Aim for around eight hours a night. Suggest finishing schoolwork an hour before bedtime and limiting screen time to wind down.

  5. Regular Breaks: Breaks improve concentration and memory. Encourage your child to take regular breaks, tailored to their individual needs. A short break, even to watch a bit of TV, can be more beneficial than no break at all. Being flexible and understanding shows your support.

  6. Noise Reduction: While teenagers are often told to be quiet, parents can also contribute to noise levels. Try to minimise distractions, especially during exam season. While a library-like atmosphere might be unrealistic, simple steps like limiting visitors and postponing parties can make a big difference.

  7. Tech Management: Technology can be both a help and a hindrance. While online resources are valuable, social media and messaging apps can be major distractions. Encourage your teen to separate study time from social time. Turning off notifications or using “do not disturb” mode can help them stay focused. Suggest regular phone checks during breaks rather than constant updates.

  8. Open Communication: Whether your teen is facing internal exams or A-Levels, they might be experiencing prolonged stress for the first time. Share your own strategies for managing anxiety and pressure. Stress is normal, and learning to manage it is crucial for success, both in exams and beyond. Ultimately, while you can offer support and guidance, the drive and effort must come from them. Let your child know that you love and support them, regardless of the outcome.

Exam Documents and Policies

Exam Documents and Policies