Welcome to our first newsletter for the Spring term.
I want to start by wishing you all a Happy New Year and I hope you had a relaxing break. It has been a very positive start to the new term.
This week I have enjoyed delivering assemblies to year 8, 9 and 10. Linked to our Aprire and Achieve strap line and the word ASPIRE which focuses on our core values, the themes this time were on Ambition and Success. Other key messages were around our expectations in terms of attendance and attitude to learning.
Next week sees the start of the year 11 trial exams. Students in year 11 should all have received their timetables from their tutors. These exams are very important and are used to plan the support and interventions required leading up to the GCSEs in the summer. Monday morning starts with their Option A exams and in the afternoon it is the first of their English papers.
I appreciate that for some this will be a stressful week. There are a significant number of exams staff on hand to support students through this, as well as their tutors and Mrs King. Morning exams start at 9.00 am, students need to be lined up by 8.45 am. Punctuality to school is very important.
In their assembly today, protocols and expectations during exams were shared. This was a reminder of the things that are considered as malpractice if they occur by the examination boards. They must not have mobile phones or watches on them, only water in clear bottles without labels are allowed in the exam hall, pockets need to be empty and they must remain in silence throughout their exam from the time they walk in the door, to the time they leave. We have a duty to report malpractice in the summer exams, and we will, in order to ensure the integrity of our centre.
Year 9 students will soon be looking to choose their non compulsory GCSE subjects for Year 10. They will attend assemblies during the last three weeks of this half term detailing some of the subjects that will be available that have not been taught at Keystage 3. This is the first stage of the Keystage Pathways process and more information will be communicated to you before half-term.
As a reminder, we are now offering the opportunity for parents/carers to purchase second hand uniform from the school. If this is of interest to you, please use this link CC Uniform to a form where you can express your interest and a member of staff will contact you.
I would like to thank you for your continued support in encouraging your child to be on time for school, in smart school uniform and with equipment ready to learn. These basic expectations enable everyone to have a positive experience in school. It has been lovely welcoming students back this week.