GCSEs: the final countdown

We here at High Storrs School have been so impressed by the hard work and effort of our Y11 students. Students have worked incredibly hard throughout this academic year, taking in two sets of trial exams, and responding superbly to the feedback and guidance these assessments have provided. The focus, dedication and resilience of the students truly impressed us all.

Studying for GCSE examinations is a significant challenge and students have covered a considerable volume of content through their programmes of study. This hasn’t been easy, but our students have handled things with maturity and understanding. These experiences – and the grades at the end of it – will stand students in great stead for all that is to come at post-16 and beyond.

We are only 5 school weeks away from the start of the summer exams. As I always say to students, the way we approach for the exams – in action and mindset – will have a great bearing on how things go. We want our students to see their summer exams as an opportunity to show off the wonderful things they know and celebrate their learning. Students will, rightly, be guided by their experience of exams from Summer 2022. They will have an idea of what worked … and what didn’t. And they will have their own reflections on how to best prepare for the exams to come. As I have said to all students, we are all here to help and offer our own advice and support on how to best prepare for the period of exams to come. With their first set of major examinations on the horizon, it’s understandable that some of the year group are worried. But I hope they take heart from the endurance and spirit they have demonstrated this year and last.

Of course, we are also working to support students and respond to their nerves about exams. Our wonderful subject teams are working with students to guide them in revision and review, and we have continued to share advice and support on the best approaches to revision. It is not too late; students have time ahead to prepare and plan the weeks to come. As part of our ongoing support, we have offered targeted support to individuals who need help with personalised revision planning; we teach and reteach revision strategies; we provide revision materials such as flash cards and guides on exam success to all students; we have planned for study spaces and booster sessions when the exam period begins.

As we approach the period of summer examinations, many students will be hoping to begin a period of study leave. In line with DfE guidance on this, our expectations remain that Y11 students will continue to attend all lessons in which an exam is still to be sat. We remain steadfast in this approach as we firmly believe the best place for our students to be is with their subject teachers, benefitting from their expert advice and support. Alongside this support, all students will be encouraged to access exam booster sessions – running the afternoon or morning before exams – where they can work with teachers to prepare for their forthcoming exam. Details of these sessions will be shared with High Storrs families very soon.

Upon the completion of the summer examinations, Y11 students will embark on a well-earned summer break before we look forward to welcoming them back on Thursday 23rd August to collect results. The summer may begin a period of nervous anticipation for results and next steps, but we also hope it will include some time to relax and celebrate with friends and family. The exams team will share more information about collecting results closer to the time.

Before all of this, we are very much looking forward to celebrating students’ High Storrs journeys at the Y11 Prom on Friday 30th June. Details of prom have been shared with Y11 families and planning has begun in earnest – we can’t wait to see the variety of fabulous outfits on show!

So, here we are. Truly into the final countdown for our wonderful Y11 students. There is still so much to look forward to and still lots of time for students to access the support and guidance of their teachers and the wider staff here at High Storrs. Wishing every one of our students all the very best for the summer examinations – do well, year 11.

Mr T Highnett

Assistant Headteacher – Director of KS4 Learning and Progress