Year 11 Update - Spring Term
As we reach the end of this short, yet eventful term, it is a great opportunity to reflect upon and celebrate the progress Year 11 students are making. With all mocks exams now complete, students have experienced a mock-GCSE Results day, along with the recent Year 11 Subject Evening, students are fully focused on their final GCSE assessments and exams, and will have a clear understanding of the progress they have made, as well as where they can still improve.
It was great to see so many of you at the Subject Evening on Monday. I hope you found it beneficial to receive feedback on how your child is doing, and what they can do to improve. To support students with their revision and exam preparation, I’d like to remind you of when after-school sessions are available to Year 11 students (3:20 – 4:00pm):
A highlight of the revision sessions has been the ‘pop up pizza’ deliveries arranged by Mr. Butler and Mr. Atkins – a just reward for excellent commitment to learning.
During our tutor time sessions this term, Year 11 students have predominantly been in their DTTR (Diagnose, Reflect, Review Therapy) blocks where they have been provided with the opportunity and support to develop in different subject areas. The focus in the PSHE sessions during tutor time has been based around “Gaming and Gambling”, where tutors and students have delivered sessions relating to topics such as Probability and Luck, as well as links to addiction and Mental Health. The term concluded with students beginning their final DTTR block which will run until the end of the year, along with posing for their Year 11 College photos which will be included in their Leavers Year Book.
A reminder that Leavers Hoodies can be ordered up until June 7, and purchased directly from Stitch-Tech (here). After Easter, plans for the Year 11 Prom event will intensify and I will write to parents regarding the details of purchasing tickets for the Prom event.
I have been asked by a couple of parents/carers regarding Year 11 study leave; I will write again after Easter to let you all know once all the details have been confirmed.
I am delighted to see so many Year 11 students have applied to remain at NLS and potentially join our Sixth Form. Interviews took place during the last week of term and it was great to hear from members of our Senior Leadership Team and the Sixth Form team how well students conducted themselves during the process.
Conditional offer emails have been sent today to students and parents/carers. The Sixth Form team look forward to seeing the students again at the Induction day which will be on July 11 and further information for this will follow nearer the time.
As always, we concluded the term with a couple of reward and celebration events. The 30 students with the most rewards points within the year group were invited to a Rewards Celebration Event and treated to pizza and chips in the canteen.
In our end of term Celebration Assembly, a number of Year 11 students received certificates to acknowledge their achievements and successes from the Autumn Term between Data 1 (December 2023) to Data 2 (March 2024).
Certificates were awarded across three categories to the top two students in each College:
- Achievement (progress against own targets)
- Attainment (highest average points scored)
- Most Reward Points
The tables below show which students received which certificates. All recipients should be extremely proud of their excellent efforts and high levels of engagement across this past term!
When students return to school in April, the exam season kicks off in earnest with the MFL speaking exams starting the first week back, followed then by Fine Art, Photography and Textiles. Before Year 11 spread their wings, Mr. Atkins, tutors, teaching and support staff and I will be encouraging that final push to make those gains towards securing the very best for themselves. Please do not hesitate to contact any of us if there is anything you feel we can do to support your child.
Finally, I’d like to thank all parents and carers for their continued support over the past few weeks - I wish you all a very happy Easter break!
Mr. Butler
Year 11 Lead