Dear Year 11 Parents,

I hope you are all safe and well.  It was fantastic to see so many of you at the careers even last week; thank you for all the support you are giving to your children in preparation for what is a very important time for them.  With the return to formal exams next year, it is important we prepare them as fully as possible.   Mr Callaghan and I ran an extended assembly for Year 11 students yesterday to prepare them for the PPE exams which will take place after half term. I ran through the arrangements for the exams and Mr Callaghan went through some key approaches to revision that should be used by students.  I have attached the slides to this email for your reference.  Last night, on the gate, I gave out the PPE timetable which I have also attached to this email.  Please continue to support your children with their revision; we recommend they spend 2-3 hours per day on revision over half term.

Please also ensure your children have the correct equipment for the exams: 

• a clear pencil case
• at least 2 black ballpoint pens
• a pencil
• a ruler
• a calculator (for Maths, Science, Geography and DT exams)
• maths equipment (protractor, etc.)

I have outlined the key arrangements for the PPEs below. As you will see, we have altered the school day for these two weeks.  This is to prepare students for the structure and timings of the real exams.  I have summarised the arrangements below.

Morning exams

• Morning exams will start promptly at 9.00am.  Students must arrive by 8.45 and come through the student services entrance.
• All students must check their seat number on the plan in the canteen. A member of staff will then get them up to the exam hall ready for the 9.00am start.
• If a student is late to an exam, they will not have the time added to the end.  No time would be added in a national exam, so it is important that everyone arrives promptly.
• If your child does not have an exam in the morning, they should arrive for their normal start of 10.20. They will attend normal lessons in the morning if they are not in an exam.
• On most days, students will be able to have a short supervised break following a morning exam.  They will return to their morning lessons after this break.

Afternoon exams.

• Afternoon exams will start promptly at 1.40pm.  Students must be back in school lined up by 1.35pm.
• All students must check their seat number on the plan in the canteen. A member of staff will then get them up to the exam hall ready for the 1.40 start.
• If a student is late to an exam, they will not have the time added to the end.  No time would be added in a national exam, so it is important that everyone arrives promptly.
• If your child does not have an exam in the afternoon, they will have independent study.  Most students will be able to do this at home. However, we will ask some students to stay in school for these sessions. We will contact you if we think your child would benefit from staying.  In addition, there will also be around 40 bookable spaces across the library and Careers hub for students to study during the afternoon session.   Please note, students will not just be able to walk in to these sessions and must book in advance.

Please communicate these arrangements to your child and ensure that they know when their exams are.  Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Many thanks,

Mr T Allen
Assistant Headteacher