Info for Y11 about exams

Dear Year 11 Students,
 
We know that you may be feeling anxious and confused after the Prime Minister's announcement on Monday evening regarding it not being possible or fair for l exams to go ahead in their current form.   
 
However, please remember that the Government also stated that they would be working with Ofqual (the organisation which is in charge of GCSE and A level exams) to determine an alternative.  
 
This does not mean that exams are fully cancelled.  
 
It means that there is likely to be some kind of assessment that will replace the original exams. Like you, we don't know what this will be yet; however, we do know that students in Year 11 throughout the country will not be leaving secondary school without any formal grades.  
 
Therefore, you will need to continue working to the best of your ability in lessons. Teachers will continue to teach the curriculum for all of your subjects via online lessons. You will need to complete all work set by your teachers; they will be marking and giving you feedback. Teachers will be keeping a record of the work you submit and your online lessons attended. All of this could be very important if the Government decides that the school will be submitting grades for you based on the work that you produce. This is what happened to Year 11 and Year 13 students last year. Maintaining good study habits and continuing to study to the best of your ability will also be important for preparation for Post 16 destinations.
 
Until we hear from Ofqual, spring mock exams could still be going ahead when you return to school after February half term. You must keep this in mind as you continue to work to the best of your ability over the next half term. They could be an important source of evidence if your teachers are asked to submit grades based on the work you have produced.
 
We really understand how challenging and difficult this announcement has been for you to hear, but we must remain focused so that you can still achieve the best grades you are capable of. You know that we are here for you - your teachers and the school will support you fully over the next few weeks with remote learning in order to be in the best place we can be for when Ofqual inform us of what the alternative arrangements will be.  
 
Keep doing your best and keep safe.

Kind regards 
 

LaRisha D Porter

Assistant Head Teacher, Key Stage 4