Dear Parents, Guardians and Friends
As we approach the final stretch of the academic year, there’s a real buzz around the school – not just from the ongoing exam season, but also from the preparations taking place to welcome our next cohort of students.
Transition activities are well underway, with Mrs Priddy out and about visiting all our feeder primary schools. She’s been introducing Year 6 pupils to life at our school and answering their questions to help ease any worries they may have. Meanwhile, our Year 10 prefects are getting ready to play a vital role in welcoming the new Year 7s in September. They will act as role models and be key in helping the smooth transition of our new cohort.
To support this further, Soulscape recently delivered some excellent young leader training, and Mrs Salumut Ward has been working with students on public speaking skills – all helping to ensure that our young leaders are confident and well-prepared to support the new cohort. Students were taught the five Ps for delivering a great presentation:
1.Posture
2.Pace
- Passion
4.Prompts
- Projection
These important skills will not only benefit them in their prefect roles but will also hopefully come in handy in future careers/ job interviews. Oracy skills – the ability to communicate confidently and fluently through spoken language is crucial for all students and will be a teaching and learning focus for the year ahead.
Key Stage 3 students are now coming to the end of their Assessment Fortnight, and we are incredibly proud of the mature and focused attitude they have shown. These assessments are a great foundation for future learning and help develop valuable study habits and stamina.
Meanwhile, KS4 and KS5 students are still in the middle of their public exams. Their positivity and perseverance have been impressive, and we continue to support them as they give their best in each subject. The end of exams is in sight!
I am sure when many of us think back to our school days, we remember that nervous feeling before and exam or the joy of knowing they are finished. Sometimes young people may find themselves feeling overwhelmed or stressed – we are consistent in our message that it is good to talk and offload and problem-solve with the support of a trusted adult. Our school counsellor, Faith has shared some information about the support she offers within school.
As the school counsellor, I have a few key roles – all centred around promoting the health and emotional wellbeing of our students and helping them build resilience and emotional regulation.
I offer:
- One-to-one counselling in a dedicated sensory room – a safe, confidential space to talk through school pressures, friendships, anxiety, stress, and other concerns. If any safeguarding concerns arise, I work closely with the Safeguarding Lead to ensure students are kept safe and parents are informed.
- Support sessions for SEN students – a focus on regulation and self-help strategies.
- A monthly drop-in session where students can book a 20-minute chat. This is a great way to offload or get advice on exam stress or other worries.
- The Decider Life Skills group sessions – small group sessions teaching 12 CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) skills to help students better understand and manage their emotions, reduce stress, and improve mental health. To learn more about these skills, including the easy-to-use “STOPP” technique, you can explore this resource: The Decider Skills
Counselling is accessed via a referral from your daughter’s Head of Year.
Tips for Parents – How to Support During Exam Season
We know that exams can be challenging, hopefully your daughter/ son is starting to understand what works for them. It would be great if Key Stage 3 students take this opportunity to reflect on their preparation and think about if there is anything they would do differently next time.
Below I have shared some practical ways you can support your child:
- Create a Calm Study Space
- Quiet, comfortable, and distraction-free
- Access to water and healthy snacks
- Help with a Realistic Revision Schedule
- Break it down into manageable chunks
- Tick off progress to build motivation
- Offer help or rewards for effort and consistency
- Encourage Balance
- Good sleep and regular meals
- Exercise and outdoor time
- Breaks and moments of fun with friends/family
- Talk and Listen
- Remind them to speak to someone if they feel overwhelmed: friends, teachers, HOY, or the school counsellor
- Ask How You Can Help
- Would they like help organising revision?
- Do they want you to quiz them?
- Does your daughter/son prefer company while studying or do they need time alone?
- Do they need reminders for breaks?
- Ask them what snack or reward would make them smile today!
And always remind them: it’s effort and perseverance that count most. If something didn’t go to plan, help them reflect, reset, and move forward.
As always, thank you for your continued support during this busy and important time of year. Whether your child is sitting public exams, completing assessments, or preparing for the exciting leap into secondary school – they are all showing great determination. Activities week will be a great reward for Key stage 3 students and Year 11 and Year 13 students have a long, relaxing and hopefully fun summer ahead of them.
Mrs Martin
Assistant Headteacher