This half term has been one filled with energy, positivity, and ambition. Year 11 students have shown impressive levels of focus and resilience as they step into their final year of secondary education. Their attitude in lessons has been consistently positive, and staff across all departments have commented on their work ethic, participation, and readiness to learn.

It has also been a pleasure to see students take on new responsibilities — supporting younger pupils, contributing to whole-school events, and showing real leadership in a range of contexts. There is a strong sense of teamwork and purpose within the year group, and it is clear that they are determined to make the most of every opportunity available to them.

Introducing DTTR – Diagnose, Therapy, Test, Review

One of the most exciting developments this term has been the introduction of DTTR sessions across a number of Year 11 subjects. DTTR stands for Diagnose, Therapy, Test, Review, and is a highly effective model for helping students identify their learning needs and make rapid progress.

As part of this new structure, students have transitioned from five tutor time periods each week (previously including PSHE, Literacy, and Quiz Core Communications) to three 25-minute DTTR sessions. These are focused, purposeful sessions that allow students to revisit key topics, address misconceptions, and consolidate their understanding.

The response from students has been overwhelmingly positive. They have welcomed the structure, valued the additional time for targeted support, and appreciated the clear sense of progress that comes from this approach. Staff have been equally impressed by the level of engagement and ownership that students have shown in managing their own learning through DTTR.

Mock Examinations – A Strong Foundation

Year 11 have already faced their first significant academic milestone of the year – the Autumn Mock Examinations in core subjects. These exams provided a valuable opportunity for students to experience the structure and demands of the final GCSEs, as well as to reflect on their current strengths and areas for improvement.

I was incredibly proud of the calm and mature manner in which students conducted themselves throughout the exam period. Their preparation was thorough, their behaviour exemplary, and their attitude outstanding. Many students commented on how much they appreciated the opportunity to test their knowledge and identify what they need to focus on in the months ahead.

In the lead-up to the mocks, I delivered a series of assemblies focusing on effective revision planning, exam strategies, and personal wellbeing. We have made it a priority to remind students that success in exams is not only about academic preparation, but also about maintaining balance, rest, and positive mental health. Externally, the students appeared composed and confident — a true testament to their readiness and resilience.

I have no doubt that the results will reflect the progress they are making, and the experience has provided an excellent foundation for the months ahead.

Prom 2026 – A Celebration to Remember

Looking ahead, I am delighted to confirm some exciting plans for our Year 11 Celebrations in July 2026. On Monday 6 July, we will come together as a year group to celebrate the achievements, friendships, and memories that have defined our students’ time at school.

• Celebration Assembly (Morning): This special event will allow us to reflect on each student’s journey, recognise their contributions, and celebrate their growth and success over the years.
• Year 11 Prom (Evening): Taking place at Chesford Grange, beginning at 6.00pm, the Prom is always a highlight of the school calendar. It promises to be an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, celebration, and well-earned enjoyment.

In preparation for these events, students will shortly receive their “Passport to the Prom” — a document outlining expectations, opportunities, and incentives as we move towards the end of the academic year. The passport encourages students to maintain excellent attendance, punctuality, effort, and conduct throughout the year.

There are also some fantastic incentives, including the opportunity to earn free professional photographs at the Prom, based on attendance at after-school revision sessions.

To be eligible to attend, students must continue to meet expectations relating to:

• Attendance and punctuality
• Reward points and behaviour
• Demonstrating our CORE Values in everyday conduct

We cannot wait to celebrate their achievements together next July.

Rewards and Recognition

I am thrilled to announce that Year 11 students have collectively achieved over 20,000 reward points so far this year, an incredible milestone that reflects their dedication, hard work, and positive attitude.

Reward points are awarded for a wide range of achievements, including academic effort, participation in enrichment activities, leadership, and acts of kindness. This outstanding total highlights just how much our Year 11 students are contributing to school life, both inside and outside the classroom.

A special congratulations goes to the students in each College, and particularly BD1, who have collectively achieved over 2,500 points. Their teamwork, determination, and consistent positive behaviour make them true role models within our community.

Whole School Events 

This half term has also been full of opportunities for our students to get involved in wider school and charitable events.

• Race for Life: Year 11 students showed incredible enthusiasm and generosity of spirit as they took part in this important fundraising event. Many pushed themselves to achieve personal bests, with some completing up to seven miles. A huge well done to Reuben W and Ella C for their exceptional efforts and pace — they were among the fastest participants we have seen!
• World Mental Health Day – “Hello Yellow” (11 October): Our Year 11s embraced the day with great enthusiasm, wearing yellow accessories and raising funds for the mental health charity YoungMinds. Thank you to all who contributed cakes and donations — together, we raised a significant amount to support young people’s mental health initiatives.

During tutor time that week, students also explored practical ways to maintain their own wellbeing and were reminded of the support available within school. This includes access to our Mental Health Team, Lulu – our much-loved school dog, and the Individual Educational Needs (IEN) Team.

It was heartening to see such compassion and empathy from our students as they engaged with this important cause.

Student Leadership

We are very proud to announce the appointment of our Year 11 Assistant College Leaders for this academic year. These students will play an active role in supporting College Leaders with a range of whole-school initiatives, including the organisation of Prom, the Yearbook, and school assemblies.

They will also represent Year 11 at key events and help to shape the legacy that this cohort leaves behind. It is wonderful to see so many students stepping up to take on leadership responsibilities and demonstrating their commitment to the wider school community.

 

Online Safety

A reminder that our website contains a variety of online safety information within the Safeguarding tab and we have added the September and October Online Safety Newsletters and a link to Parentsafe which is a very useful tool produced by LGfL (London Grid for Learning).

It offers a wide range of support materials and advice for parents to keep children and young people safe in the online world.

Topics on offer include:

• Top tips for right now
• Safe settings and control on various devices
• What’s that APP?
• Talking to children about the topic
• Screen time
• Top topics including fake news
• Sex and relationships
• Help and reporting

You can view resources and advice via the links here:  Parentsafe LGfL Website and Online Safety Information on the NLS Website

Calendar 

• Remembrance November 11
• Anti bullying week culminating in odd socks day November 14
• College Assemblies
• Year 11 Mock Interviews November 25
• Christmas activities Winter Music Concert on Wednesday December 3 and Christmas Jumper Day Friday December 12

Sixth Form Open Evening – Thursday 6 November

A reminder that the Sixth Form Open Evening is taking place on Thursday 6 November from 6.00 to 8.00pm.  This will be a great opportunity to find out what our Sixth Form has to offer, talk to teachers, discover our rich curriculum and gain an insight into the Sixth Form experience we offer. You can listen to the Head Teacher, Head of Sixth Form and Senior Student Leaders talks at 6.15 and 7.00pm in the theatre. Information on the curriculum can be found here.

Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards Evening - Thursday 27 November
For those students who completed their Silver DofE Award last year this evening will be an opportunity to recognise and celebrate their recent achievement.

December Mock Exams
The next round of mock exams will take place week beginning 8 December where, over a two-week period, students will sit a mock exam Iin all subjects. More information will be shared with students, parents and carers a couple of weeks prior.

Subject Evening in Year 11
We have two Parent’s Evenings this year, where you can come into school and speak with subject staff.  These are on the following dates:

•  Monday 1 December
•  Monday 23 March 2026

Your support is so important in the triangulation of success, with the student, the school and parents/carers all working together supporting our students to achieve the desired amount of ‘currency’ that will take them to the next stage of preference, in their 16-18 education and training. I look forward to seeing all parents and carers at these two very important evening

Looking Ahead

As this first half term draws to a close, I want to thank all our students for their hard work, determination, and the positive attitude they have shown. They have set themselves up for a truly successful year.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all parents and carers for your continued encouragement and support. Your partnership plays a vital role in helping our students to achieve their very best.

Let’s continue to build on this excellent start as we move into the next half term. With continued effort, teamwork, and belief, I am confident that Year 11 will go from strength to strength in the months ahead.

Thank you once again for your ongoing support, and I look forward to sharing many more successes with you throughout the year.

Mr Royle
Year 11 Lead