Dear Parent/Carer,
As we approach the final examination period it is necessary to revise the year 1 timetable to maximise the
opportunities for pupils to prepare for their upcoming examinations. To this end we have developed an individually
tailored programme of immersion for your child which was shared with them on Wednesday, 26th April and again
with those parents who were able to join us for the Parental Learning Evening on Thursday, 4th May. This plan
includes details of every period that your child will be required to attend between now and their final examination.
Within the immersion plan it clearly identifies the examinations that they will be required to complete but also
indicates when they will receive immersion for each examination and when it will be expected that they will revise at
home.
During the immersion session pupils will spend an extended period of time within the indicated subject in order to
prepare them fully for the examination which often follows shortly afterwards. These sessions have been carefully
designed to cover key elements of the course but pupils should be clear that this is not sufficient time to prepare
them fully and they must also take responsibility for their individual revision programme.
As the examination series progresses and courses begin to come to an end it has been identified that during a
limited number of sessions it would be more appropriate for pupils to complete revision at home. If this means that
pupils finish the school day early they must sign out at reception and then leave the site immediately. When these
sessions allow pupils to arrive at school later than normal it will not be necessary for them to sign in if they are going
directly to a lesson, however, if they arrive during either Break or Lunchtime they must sign in at reception as
normal.
A small number of pupils have been attending breakfast intervention sessions throughout the year. These sessions
will continue to run until the completion of the relevant course. Where this means that a pupil is required to attend
a breakfast intervention session but has been advised to revise at home during period 1 we will ensure that there is a
designated room available in which they can complete personal study. These sessions are different to the breakfast
revision session detailed below.
In addition to your child’s individually tailored programme of immersion we will be running the following sessions to
support your child in achieving their full potential. Attendance at all sessions to which your child is invited is
essential.
Half term and Weekend revision sessions
Where the examination schedule deems appropriate we have given departments the opportunity to run weekend or
half term revision session. These sessions again will be carefully designed to revise key aspects of the course and
form an important part of the exam preparation process. If your child has been invited to attend one of these
sessions they will be identified on their individual timetable. Please ensure that arrive promptly at the beginning of
all sessions.
Breakfast revision sessions
In order to ensure that your child is fully prepared for their morning exams we will be running breakfast sessions
prior to each examination. Your child will be expected to arrive in the Theatre at 8:00am and will be provided with
the opportunity to have breakfast and a drink. Their subject teachers will be available during this session and will
provide your child with the opportunity and resources to cover a small number of final points relating to the
examination they are about to complete. Following the session your child will be escorted to the examination room.
These sessions have previously proved highly effective in ensuring that pupils are in the correct frame of mind when
they enter their examination.
PTO
After School revision sessions
Throughout the immersion period the current programme of revision sessions will continue to run, pupils will be
expected to attend these sessions when they are in school at the end of period 5. The revision timetable is below:
Monday – English
Tuesday – Maths
Wednesday – Two year options
Thursday – Science
Friday – One year option
Whilst we hope that your child’s examination series runs smoothly we understand that this is not always the case.
Please find below guidance upon how to deal with some of the circumstances that may occur:
What if your child is ill on the day of an exam?
Exam regulations are extremely strict regarding missed examinations and it is therefore essential that your child
attends every exam, even if they are feeling a little unwell. If your child is seriously ill and unable to attend their
examination it is essential that you contact the school immediately to inform us of their absence. You will then be
required to contact your child’s doctor to arrange an appointment and obtain a doctor’s note detailing your child’s
illness. This doctor’s note will need to be provided as evidence to the examination board.
What if your car breaks down or your child misses the bus?
If there is any reason that your child is likely to be late for their examination it is essential that you contact the school
immediately to allow us to make appropriate arrangements to get your child into school as quickly as possible and
into their exam without communication with other pupils.
What if your child is having a panic about their exams?
During the summer series it is not uncommon for pupils to feel the pressure of their examinations and this can
sometimes be difficult for your child to deal with. Should your child find themselves in this position please contact
the school and ensure that you bring your child into school, we will then be able to support your child and arrange
for them to sit their exam.
If for any reason your child misses an examination without a valid reason it is important that you are aware that you
are likely to be billed for the cost of their examination.
Finally, included with this letter are the following documents:
 JQC – Information for candidates – Coursework
 JQC – Information for candidates – Controlled Assessment
 JQC – Information for candidates – Written Examinations
It is essential that you read these documents with your child to ensure that they are fully aware of the examination
arrangements and regulations.
Thank you as always for your support during this important time for your child. If you have any questions please do
not hesitate to ask.
Yours faithfully,
Mr P Barber
Assistant Head Teacher
[email protected]