Our Spanish and French listening exams have been completed, and all but one of our art practical sessions are now finished. So that can only mean one thing – that the Sports Hall is converted to rows of exam desks and folding chairs. And it’s exam season!

How Greenshaw supports students to be successful in their exams

We believe that true success in learning comes from building strong foundations. This starts from primary school, through the early years of secondary school and then into the exam courses. We also know some last-minute advice can also be invaluable, so we try to cover all bases.

This morning there were over 100 Year 11 students in school and studying from 7:30am onwards. We lend Chrome chromebooks where needed, supply snacks, and maintain a studious atmosphere. This enables students to study either in silence or in a library-style quiet voice if they want to compare answers, or quiz with a friend. There is a similar set-up in our Sixth Form Resource Centre for our Year 13 students.

The day before every exam, we run a ‘Booster’ session. This focuses on the topics for the specific paper that is coming up, ensuring that students do not misdirect their attention. Then, on the day of an exam paper we run ‘warm ups’, reminding students of the way the exam will be structured, recommended timings for completion and key points. The warm ups are brief, so as not to overload the students before a public exam.

Where exams happen on a Monday morning, as English Literature GCSE after this weekend, these booster sessions are hosted online and made available to all students. They will then have a fifteen-minute warm up on Monday morning, before the exam.

Alongside the hard revision work of our students, and the excellent teaching from our staff, these last-minute pushes should mean that we have put all in place for our students of summer 2026 to be successful.

Charity fundraising for research into Cystic Fibrosis

We spend much effort across the year raising money for important causes. Some can be local, some international and others fund medical research. We have both staff members and students affected by the condition of Cystic Fibrosis, the symptoms of which include heavy coughing, a vulnerability to frequent infection and poor weight gain.

I am very proud of all the work we do as a school to support others around us. Today we rattled buckets on the school gate to raise funds and at lunch time ran a bake sale. The students and staff involved raised just over £130 for this important cause. Thanks to all who organised it, and those who helped… especially by generously buying a cake or cookie!

Students of the week

Well done to each of the students below for being nominated this week. I look forward to hearing about each of their achievements and the contributions that they have made to the school.

Year 7	Year 8	Year 9	Year 10	Year 11	6th Form
Om	Tyler	Sydney	Thurka, Inaya	Tanvi	tbc

High outcomes and high welfare

Amongst correctly focusing on great exam grades, we will always ensure that we find space for all other aspects of education. At lunchtime today, winners of the Fun Friday Challenge spent their break shooting football penalties at volunteer teachers. Earlier in the week, some of our performing arts students went to see a performance by students at the renowned nearby Brit School.

So while we do all we can to ensure that our students attain brilliantly in their exams, we also seek to balance our focus as a school on a wide range of interests. For all of our Year 11 and Year 13 students (and families) in particular, I wish you a busy and engaging weekend. The next few weeks will fly by, trust me.

Mr N House, Headteacher