Welcome to the start of the next 25 school weeks. This is obviously an incredibly important time for students and we will be with them every step of the way. Below is a summary of additional measures beyond the first wave teaching students have on a day to day basis.
Mocks
The mock exams will begin week commencing 11 November for two weeks. See back of the letter.
Let’s get revising. There will be hints and tips posted to students on their google classroom. For parents/carers the Year 11 website will help you and guide you to support. If you have any suggestions please let Mr Amos-Goddard know.
The purpose of these assessments is to gauge the current level of work of students, provide clarity on what students understand and to further inform the teacher of where there are gaps in knowledge.
A secondary purpose of this assessment period is to prepare students for sitting an exam in exam conditions with invigilators which is something we feel students need to be prepared for, and to understand the emotions they may feel during these periods of stress.
Breakfast is available free of charge from 8am in the Brasserie. Students must be on site by 8.15am to get registered before an exam. A pre exam brief will take place in the Brasserie by a lead teacher of that subject before students are led to the exam room for the published start time. Normal lessons will take place when there is no exam.
Attendance
We know that attendance is the biggest factor in being successful at GCSE; gaps in knowledge and understanding are reduced and there is less stress as students don’t wonder what they have missed. The target for the Academy is 95%. Well done to all those who have maintained 100% attendance over the past few weeks, however currently Year 11 attendance stands at 90.76%, which means the year group as a whole is regarded as persistent absentee. There are a number of issues linked to this:
Reduced knowledge and understanding of basic curriculum
Misconceptions develop due to gaps
Self-confidence decreases
Anxiety increases
Attendance interventions including phone calls, home visits, letters, fines
Overall possible reduction in grades
Attendance is reported to further education providers
If a student attends site after 8:55am they do not receive a morning mark (AM) and this further affects their attendance.
We know that times can be difficult and it is a struggle to motivate teenagers, but the more they are here the more they can gain. If your child is 95% or more well done and keep pushing. We are here if you need to talk or have concerns.
The diagram identifies the impact of being PA on Maths results. They truly need to be in it to succeed at their own level.
If your child has any barriers to attending school, please contact the academy as soon as possible so we can work together to ensure good attendance. Please work with us to support your child to attend school, attendance procedures will be followed and this could result in penalty notices if there are no valid reasons for absence.
Applying for P-16
This information contained in the Praising Stars report can be used for students post-16 applications, this will then be verified by us when the providers request references on students behalf. Staff will be available every Tuesday from 15 October from 2.30-3.15pm to help students with applying for college. Please see Mr Amos-Goddard and Mrs Wake if you wish to request a career appointment. Remember you can now access all prior reports and attendance information via Students and Parent Portal.
Parents’ Evening 3 December
Parents’ Evening 1 this year is for Y11 students and you will see on the reports which teachers have indicated that they would like the opportunity to speak with you. Parents’ Evening is in person, but you will need to book your appointments via school cloud, if you feel you need more time please contact Mr Amos-Goddard and Mrs Steele. If you need help and support with setting this up please contact enquiries@cityfields.outwood.com.
Prom & Rewards
Year 11 will be asked soon to vote for a Prom or other celebration, committees will be formed following this. If students select a Prom it will be held in the school so that all students have the opportunity to attend. The Committee will work on the costs of the Prom and as soon as they have a figure we will share this with everyone. There are criteria that have to be met to attend Prom and these will be adhered to. We have in addition asked Year 11 how they want to celebrate their success throughout the year and we hope to showcase them with you also very soon.
