Year 11

Our Year 11 students have now reached the most vital stage of their academic careers so far and it gives me great pleasure to be their Achievement Team Leader (ATL) for Year 11. I will be supporting and guiding them on their important journey to GCSE and/or BTEC results alongside Ms Symons, our Year Care Team Leader.

The beginning of Year 11 is often marked by a sense of anticipation and excitement. Students return from summer break with fresh resolve, ready to tackle the challenges of their final year of secondary school. Many feel the weight of increased academic expectations, as this year is crucial for preparing for exams like the GCSEs or their equivalents. The curriculum becomes more specialized, and students are encouraged to focus on subjects that align with their future aspirations

The high standards of behaviour and conduct, expected from all students at The Warren, will continue in Year 11.  We expect Year 11 students to continue to follow the school Code of Conduct and ‘be in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing.’  Students’ behaviour and attitudes should reflect the importance of this academic year and should include outstanding attendance and punctuality, engagement in lessons, enthusiasm for learning and a keenness to improve. 

As the year progresses, the initial enthusiasm gives way to a more intense environment. Mock exams and assessments become regular occurrences, pushing students to hone their study habits and time management skills. Students will be expected to extend their learning at home, particularly with practice exam questions and papers, and we thank parents and carers for their support and encouragement with this. This can be done in various ways such as: 

• Creating a supportive environment: Provide a dedicated, distraction-free area for studying
• Check they are completing their homework and signing their planners on a weekly basis
• Make sure they are at school every day and on time
• Be involved: Discuss subjects, topics, and what the child enjoys or finds challenging
• Be a source of motivation: Celebrate achievements and progress, no matter how small.
• Ensure the balance of work and social life is right
• If your child is struggling in any way, let us know straight away by contacting their form tutor, Ms Rodney or Ms Symons.

The tutor team is the most experienced in the school in order to support your child as best as possible. As an experienced team of professionals, who have expert subject knowledge and have led pupils through GCSE courses before; we ask that you trust our judgement and are supportive of our decisions throughout Year 11. 

Teachers play a crucial role, providing guidance and support while encouraging students to take ownership of their learning. Peer study groups form, fostering collaboration and camaraderie. The middle of Year 11 also sees students starting to consider their post-secondary options, attending career fairs, and exploring different pathways, whether that be further education, apprenticeships, or vocational training.

Despite the challenges, this year is going to be one of personal growth. Many students develop resilience and a sense of independence as they learn to balance academic pressures with their social lives and personal interests.

Form groups will change at the start of Year 11 and, for some students, during the academic year too, to allow additional time for support in English; Maths and Science interventions. This forms part of our intervention programme to ensure students have the best possible opportunity to succeed in their crucial examinations. The linear assessment schedule for GCSEs means the majority of their exams will take place in May/June, with controlled assessments taking place earlier through the year. This means it is all the more important that students remain diligent and committed throughout this year. Students must make sure that their books and notes are well-organised and cared for so that they have them ready to use for revision. 

After school and during the school holidays, students will be required to attend revision classes leading up to their GCSE examinations.  We will continue to push our students to make outstanding progress and urge our Year 11 students to continue to aim high and achieve their full potential. 

Last year, it was a pleasure to be able to provide pupils with a range of trips and extra-curricular opportunities – something that had previously been restricted during Key Stage 3 due to COVID. In Year 10, many pupils attended careers fairs, university fairs and university campuses. As well as focusing on GCSEs at the end of the year, we shall continue to promote to pupils the importance of thinking about their medium- and long-term futures, as well as providing them insights into future educational and career opportunities. 

The vision of the Year 11 team is to encourage all students to achieve the best outcomes possible with the full support of the year team and their parents/carers.  A positive relationship with home is essential if the students are to achieve this.  Success does not happen by working in isolation – we all need to help and support the most important person, which of course is the student.  Parents’/Carers’ attendance and engagement in information events such as Parents’ Evenings is vital to ensure that we are all aware of any issues or concerns surrounding each student.  Parents/Carers may also be invited in for meetings with subject teachers or members of our Leadership Team to discuss their child’s progress and how best we can support them to achieve their full potential.  We thank you in advance for your attendance and support with this. 

The time between the start and end of Year 11 is not very long, and exams are not as far away as they may seem.  It is imperative that your child – if they have not already – develops efficient and effective working habits, ensuring they are continually revising previously-taught content and completing practice papers.

Thank you for your continued support and I look forward to another extremely successful year. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at the school.  

Ms K Rodney

Achievement Team Leader for Year 11