13th October 2023
HEADLINES
By James Saunders
WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY I have had quite a few conversations with learners this week about the stress of mock exams over the last two weeks. It is true - exams are stressful. However, mock exams, or any internal assessments for that matter, have a very different purpose compared to gcse exams. I have been clarifying this purpose in my conversations with learners to help them to approach their mocks and in class tests with the right frame of mind and, hopefully, a reduction in stress. The purpose of an internal assessment or mock exam is to support the teacher and learner to diagnose their learning. It enables both learner and teacher to understand where the learning has taken place and where there is a deficit. It enables the teacher to plan their teaching more effectively so that it meets the needs of each individual and it enables the learner to understand what learning they are already grasping with confidence and what learning they have quite ‘got’ yet. There are some ways that families can help us to further mitigate stress during assessment time. Learners need to ensure they arrive to class assessments well rested, on time and with the appropriate equipment. Please support them with this. Whilst I am on the theme of exam stress I would like to highlight World Mental Health Day, which took place on Tuesday: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/publicengagement/world-mental-health-day https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ The aim of World Mental Health Day is to ignite thinking around Mental Health. It’s nice to have a day to recognise mental health, however I feel this is something we should never lose sight of. For me, every day should be mental health day. For us as a community of learners, parents and staff our mental health is precious. Coming to school can take its toll
on us and in some cases, consume us. We must all work together and support each other to maintain our wellbeing. That is easier said than done when the demands made around us can easily get out of hand and spiral out of control, often leading to overwhelming feelings of negativity - mental health is never something to be ashamed about. The best thing to do is to talk to someone and not bottle things up. My door is always open to you all - learners, parents and staff. If you are ever having personal struggles that are affecting your wellbeing and mental health please let me know. FRONT OF SCHOOL DISPLAY Mr Caygill will shortly be launching a pumpkin carving competition to contribute to our front of school display. Over the half term break learners will be able to create their masterpiece to bring in when we return. All entries will then form a display at the front of school ahead of the creation of our annual remembrance display. C9 PARENT’S EVENING This is a gentle reminder that we will be holding a parent’s evening for C9 on Thursday 9th November. Learners will need to arrange a suitable appointment time for you to meet with their teachers. They will be given their sign up sheets in LS5 today - If a learner loses it, a blank version can be found here: Blank Learner Sign Up Sheet I would like to thank families in advance for engaging with us at this crucial time when learners are beginning their GCSEs. James Saunders
IN SCHOOL AND REMOTE LEARNING
Dates for the Diary Mon 25 Sept - 20 Oct
C6 tours
Thurs 19 Oct - 20 Oct
C7 Mersea Island - activity days
23 Oct - 27 Oct
Half Term
31st Oct
C11 Information for the Year Ahead Family Meeting
Fri 3 Nov
C7 & C8 Halloween Disco
Thurs 9 Nov
C9 Parents Evening