Year 10 Mock RE Examination

A key highlight this term has been the Year 10 mock RE exam on 11 February. Students approached their preparation with maturity and dedication, demonstrating their readiness on the day. The revision resources provided were well received. This commitment to their first full GCSE examination reflects our CORE values of Commitment, Opportunity, Respect, and Excellence, which Year 10 students continue to demonstrate daily. They are a truly impressive cohort, and it is a privilege to see them grow and thrive. I look forward to seeing all they will achieve as the term progresses.

RE Support After Half Term

To continue with our support to students as they prepare for their RE GCSE exams in May and June, the RE department will be offering additional sessions:

• After-School Revision Sessions:
  Weekly sessions will rotate between Wednesdays and Thursdays, 3:20–4:15 pm, in the RE classrooms.
• Morning Revision Sessions:
  Weekly sessions will run until the final exams and are ideal for students who cannot attend after-school sessions or prefer a quieter revision environment. Breakfast snacks will be provided. Initial focus will be on mock exam topics before progressing to more challenging content.

More detailed information about each session will follow after half term.

Careers Fair – Thursday 15 January 2026

We were delighted to host our annual Careers Fair, supported by approximately 30 external education and employer providers, and it proved to be an enormous success. The event gave students valuable opportunities to engage with representatives from a wide range of local companies, colleges, sixth form. Our Year 10 students interacted with the guests in an exceptionally mature, confident and sensitive manner, asking thoughtful questions and showing genuine interest throughout. Using a ‘speed-dating’ format and a dedicated booklet to record key information, students gained meaningful insight into potential post-16 pathways. The positive feedback from visiting providers was overwhelmingly complimentary, reflecting the excellent conduct and engagement of our students.

 

 

Work Experience

As outlined in my previous letters, today is the deadline for uploading work experience placements. All Year 10 students should be actively securing a work experience placement. As part of our careers programme, and in line with Department for Education guidance, work experience is an invaluable opportunity for students to gain workplace insight, understand the recruitment process, and develop essential employability skills.

Students have received guidance through a Careers Go4Schools homework task in October and a comprehensive work experience guide booklet. Additional  support, including links to over 190 employers and a practical guidance booklet, is also available on the school website. Work Experience Information on the NLS Website.  Work Experience Week is 8–12 June 2026 and, although June may seem some way off, we strongly encourage students to secure placements early to access their preferred areas and allow time for health and safety checks.  If anyone is still requiring support please encourage them to come and see the careers team in xxxx or myself after half term.

Attendance – The Winning Streak

We are thrilled with the engagement in our Winning Streak attendance competition this half term. Many students achieved 100% attendance, marking a significant improvement on the same period last year. This success reflects the joint efforts of students, staff, and families—thank you for your continued support.

Tutor Curriculum

This half term in our tutor time PSHE sessions, Year 10 have fully explored the topic of gaming, with a focus on gambling, safeguarding, marketing, and advertising. Students engaged enthusiastically, participating in lively debates and discussions that have also supported literacy development, including oracy and confidence in reading aloud.

Leadership development has also been a focus. Year 10 students have demonstrated excellent peer-teaching skills, confidently leading sessions and modelling effective communication.

National Apprenticeship Week

During the week beginning 2 February, we celebrated National Apprenticeship Week by showcasing a wide range of Post-16 and Post-18 pathways. Students engaged in tutor-based activities and learned about apprenticeship opportunities linked to specific subjects. Further information is available in the Future Pathways section of the Careers area on the school website.

Children’s Mental Health Week

This week students participated in activities linked to Children’s Mental Health Week, themed “This is My Place”, reflecting on friendships, belonging, and the importance of positive relationships in supporting wellbeing.

Rewards

Congratulations to our top ten Rewards winners this half term:

Online Safety Newsletter

Our February Online Safety newsletter has been published on the website on the Safeguarding tab – Online Safety  - and you can also read it here Online Safety Newsletter - February. It includes information on the AI image generator and moderator tools that are widely available, Tik Tok and an article on screen time and resilience.

In addition we have added a newsletter to the website with information  based around Safer Internet Day which was celebrated on 10 February, you can also read it here Safer Internet Day Newsletter.

Calendar

2 March - Year 10 Subject Evening. We are all looking forward to welcoming parents and carers to the Year 10 Subject Evening on Monday 2 March, where you will have the chance to meet your child's subject teachers, celebrate their progress, and discuss how best to support them as they continue to thrive and start to prepare for their first set of progression examinations at the end the year.

Wednesday 15 April - Revision Evening, 5:45–7:15pm  we look forward to you joining us for our Year 10 Revision Evening which will be an opportunity to hear practical tips and strategies to help your child revise effectively, boost confidence, and stay resilient. Presentations will be given by Mr Atkins and the Heads of English, Maths, RE, and Science, sharing key subject guidance and expectations.  Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insight into supporting your child during this important time.

Final GCSE RE Exam Dates:

• 12 May AM – 2 hours
• 20 May PM – 1 hour
• 1 June PM – 1 hour

Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require any further information.

My Boyes
Year 10 Lead