WELCOME TO YEAR 10
Dear Student
Welcome to Year 10 and a new year of both developing what you need for GCSE as well as developing yourself as a young person progressing through school life.
As with any year it is also a time for looking towards the future. You may begin to consider your opportunities beyond your GCSEs; perhaps what to do after Year 11 or in the work environment.
If you feel that you are not coping with any aspect of your course please discuss it with your Teacher, Form Tutor or your Head of Year as soon as possible. Acting quickly allows us to give you the most effective support and often stops small issues turning into bigger concerns.
It is also important that you do not let examinations dominate your lives. There should be time for other activities within, and outside, the school environment. Whether it be sport, drama, music, Cadets, voluntary work or any of the other amazing opportunities available. Remember that those additional things you do outside your school work add to your education and to your own personal development. Developing these skills further will help you to become a more rounded individual with greater ability to face the challenges that life creates for us all. Take the opportunity to expand your horizons; use your initiative, develop your independence and try something innovative.
Above all enjoy your time in Year 10 and make the very best of all of the opportunities you are given.
MISS CLAYTON
WELCOME TO YEAR 11
Dear Student
Welcome to Year 11. Your GCSE examinations are now in sight and things will begin to gather momentum as the year progresses.
The key to Year 11 must be to manage your time effectively. It is vital that you maintain a consistent approach to your work, providing a balance with outside commitments and to get the best out of your studies as well as ensuring you are enjoying a range of activities outside of school.
As well as concentrating on your studies you will begin to think about next year and all that it entails. At school you will be given ample opportunity to consider all options for the future. In the Autumn Term an Information Evening for the Sixth Form will occur. You will be able to see the type of courses and breadth of subjects available. Other schools and colleges will also run Open Evenings; it is important for you to ensure you have all the information you need to make a decision about your next steps.
Help is at hand from your Tutors, Subject Teachers, Head of Year and the Head of Careers and Employability. Remember that the best decision is an informed decision.
Good luck to all of you. Remember to ask when you are unsure and speak out when you are concerned or worried; there are plenty of people to support and help you. Get the most you can from this year for your future steps and above all – enjoy it.
MRS WILLIS
THE OPTIONAL CURRICULUM
This is where students will start to make choices about what they will be learning for their GCSEs. We offer a wide range of GCSEs to cater for the differing interests and abilities of all students.
Students are asked to pick six subjects to study in Year 9. They will then be asked to pick four from these six to study for their GCSEs in Year 10 and 11. They are recommended to ensure a breadth of choice, whilst at the same time considering their future career paths.
MRS WILLIS