As we approach the end of term, there have been many conversations with students across the school about their next steps. It is at this point of the school year, two thirds of the way through, that students start to think about their future pathways… and as a school we start planning to make sure that we can make them happen!

In Years 8 and 9, it is about how their subject choices can now begin to shape up. As we have said before, it is not possible for students to make selections that close down options or future pathways. From next week we will start putting in each student's preferences, and later in the summer term we will let students and families know how these have fitted in.

Sixth Form roadmap evening

Earlier this week, the Sixth Form team led a roadmap evening for our Year 13 students and families, helping them to prepare for the next phase when they leave school. It was great that we had a speaker from the University of Surrey talking about student finance for those heading into higher education. I am very proud that we do not just give students the personal and academic support to gain their grades to progress to the next phase, but also the ‘life knowledge’ needed to continue to thrive.

Assessments

As well as the public exams in the summer for Year 11 and Year 13, we also review progress for all of our other year groups. Often, this is an internal assessment that we use as a school to ensure that our students continue to progress well. For example, the ‘GL Standardised Assessment’ in English does not require any preparation and is taken by students across many schools, and allows us to know that our Key Stage 3 students are doing well.

As you will all know, as a school our ambition is that our students are very successful in their examinations. Part of this is being familiar with both the experience of revision and preparation for tests, as well as being well taught and prepared in the years running up to exams. We never run tests or exams for their own sake and will always ensure that we guide students through their preparation so that they understand what they are for.

GL Standardised Assessments: after the Easter break, students will sit standardised tests. For Year 7, these will be in English and Maths; for Year 8 and 9 they will be in English, Maths and Science. More information regarding these will be in the end of term newsletters next week. 

Subject assessments: our summer subject assessments will take place in the second half of the next half term. These assessments will take place during lessons. In the majority of subjects, students will complete two papers with a selection of multiple choice, short answer and longer response questions. All assessment information will be available on Frog on each student's assessment page (tab on the top bar), which will include content lists. 

Year 10 and 12 mocks: after the public exams have finished, we leave the exam desks in the sports hall and allow our Year 10 and Year 12 students their first extended engagement with past papers in each of their subjects. While we do not ask A Level students, for example, to sit all three A Level papers that they would be able to complete at the end of their course, this is a chance for pupils to experience the challenges of past exams in a scaled-down version.

Meat-free Mondays

The Whole School Council met on Thursday to discuss the introduction of meat-free Mondays as an initiative to support the reduction of the school’s carbon footprint. Students sampled and evaluated a range of dishes, including cannelloni, egg-fried rice, spicy cauliflower and lasagne.

Pupils provided considered and constructive feedback, reflecting on the texture, appearance, and taste of the sample meals offered. In addition, students proposed further menu options they would like to see included in future ‘meat-free Monday’ selections, such as stir-fried noodles and macaroni cheese.

The discussion demonstrated strong student engagement and a positive response towards environmentally sustainable food choices within the school community.

Easter Fayre

Year 12 students have organised an Easter Fayre for Year 7 and Year 8 in aid of St Raphael’s Hospice. On Tuesday 24th March, from 3.30pm until 5.00pm, the hall and quad will be filled with Easter activities including an egg hunt, egg painting, crafts, old school games and raffles. 

A small chocolate egg and welcome drink will be available on arrival. Snacks and drinks will also be available to buy on the day. There will be an ice lolly station as well as music throughout. Tickets can be purchased on MCAS for £3.50.

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
Jayden T	Daisy S	Effie	Luke	Sienna	Shantae, Annah, Vijan

Hope you all have a wonderful time soaking up the sunshine and fresh air with your families this weekend!

Mr N House, Headteacher