HEADLINES
By James Saunders
WHAT’S IN A TEST?
On Monday our C11s will begin their mock exams. And following on from that, I am sure that many teachers will be providing some formal assessments ahead of the end of term. On its own an assessment or mock exam serves little purpose other than to give us an indication of where a learner is in relation to the final outcome. Ultimately that is how everyone is assessed at the end of their GCSE journey (for now), however, before then we have the ability to use assessment more purposefully. As part of the learning journey, any assessment and its resultant feedback offers something to the learner. If they are not happy with the outcome they still have time to do something about it and guidance as to where they need to concentrate their efforts. I have however, heard quite a few times comments such as this: ‘they are only mocks, not the real thing’; ‘it’s just an in class test’; ‘it doesn’t really mean anything anyway’; ‘they are not the grades I will get in the summer’; ‘I don’t like sitting exams’; ‘I can’t do it - I get anxious in exams’.
These are not uncommon feelings toward this part of the curriculum and guess what? No one really likes exams - I know I don’t. However, I would argue that they are an important part of a learners journey. To unpick that, let’s think about what the point of testing is in the first place - something I have often referred to in the past. Think about the possible things that require a test: a driving test; a blood test; a test match; a fitness test; a crash test.
A driving test checks whether you have met a certain standard of knowledge and skill to be able (trusted even) to drive independently. A blood test is designed to diagnose you - to test whether there is a problem. A test match is a simple test to see who can perform the best. A fitness test diagnoses how fit you are. A crash test identifies weaknesses.
So what is the point of a mock or end of topic test? It is all of the above. Teachers will want to assess whether a learner has met a standard appropriate for their age - that they have made the right amount of progress; that they are able to independently master a certain body of knowledge and understanding. They will want to identify any problem areas so that they can then address these in their teaching. They will want to diagnose how much a learner has learnt and they will want to identify the weaknesses that need addressing.
Sitting exams is tough. It is mentally and physically exhausting. It is perfectly normal to find this a struggle; to not want to do it in the first place. That gut wrenching feeling when entering an exam hall is very common. If you feel this you are not alone. Even today I feel this way if you put me in a high stakes test situation. However, what I have come to realise is that a little anxiety around exams and tests is quite normal. We want to do our best. We care. It means a lot to us. That’s why it can often cause us pain. But that pain is short - it does not last forever. In fact the only certainty regarding an exam is that after two hours it is over and so is the pain.
C12 RETURNERS EVENING AND A FOND FAREWELL TO OUR CHAIR OF GOVERNORS
Last night I had the pleasure of connecting with some former learners when I attended our C12 GCSE certificate evening. It was a pleasure to see them and hear about how they were getting on with the next step in their lives. I then got to hear from Tim Styles as he gave a motivational speech about curiosity and lifelong learning. Tim has been a governor of Honywood for twenty years and the chair for seven. Tim took over the role of chair at the same time as I started as headteacher of Honywood. He has supported me over the last seven years of developing our school and has been a great asset to the Honywood family. I
would like to thank him for freely giving up his time to talk to families and learners last night.
It is only fitting that we reflect on the immense impact Tim has had on our community. His words, brimming with wisdom and encouragement, exemplify the values that have defined his leadership: curiosity, lifelong learning, and an unwavering positivity.
His steadfast belief in the power of curiosity has been an inspiration to colleagues and the wider school community. Through Tim’s support, Honywood became empowered to be innovative; to explore; to question the world around us, and to step outside of our comfort zones. Tim has always embodied the wonder and openness he spoke of on Thursday, igniting that same spirit in those who worked alongside him.
Tim’s commitment to lifelong learning resonates deeply, not just as a concept but as a practice. Through initiatives such as integrating technology into the curriculum and fostering a culture of independent study, Tim has supported us to ensure that learners are equipped to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
Perhaps what sets Tim apart most is his positivity—a steadfast belief in the potential of every learner, every teacher, and every challenge. Even when faced with difficulties, of which there have been many (covid and RAAC to name but a few), his optimism has never wavered. Tim reminds us all that setbacks are opportunities for growth and that our collective resilience is stronger than any obstacle.
Tim’s passion for education and unwavering dedication to Honywood’s success will leave a lasting imprint on everyone who has been fortunate enough to cross his path. He has been not only a Chair of Governors but a mentor, a motivator, and a champion for progress.
As Tim embarks on his next chapter post-chair, we thank him, wholeheartedly, for two decades of exceptional service. He has shown us what it means to lead with curiosity, learn with purpose, and live with positivity.
From all of us at Honywood, thank you Tim, and may your next journey be as fulfilling and impactful as the one you’ve led here.
Wishing you all a warm weekend.
James Saunders
C7 Football
Team: Erina McSweeney (GK), Manny Munro, Ralf Gooding, Finley Doughton, Zach Bishop, Heath Saunders (Capt), Ethan Yerby, Kalen Dodson, Rosie Cagney, Connor McLeod, Zach Burgess and Tyler Farrow.
Score: Hedingham 3 Honywood 5
This was a good all-round performance on a very cold night. Honywood took the lead through a well taken goal from Ethan Yerby when he fired home after dribbling around the goalkeeper. It was not too long before Honywood scored an even better goal from a shot into the corner from just outside the penalty area. Hedingham got into the game and scored their first goal from a well struck shot giving the Honywood goalkeeper no chance to save. Just before halftime, Honywood extended their lead from a well taken goal from Connor McLeod. Going into the half time break it was Hedingham 1 and Honywood 3.
The second half continued in the same attacking manner with both team having chances to score but were denied from saves made by Honywood goalkeeper, Erina McSweeney, and the Hedingham keeper. It was Honywood who scored the fourth goal when Rosie Cagney drove the ball home after a fine through pass from Zach Bishop. Hedingham kept presssing and made the score 4-3 with just ten minutes left to play. Honywood made the game safe when Ethan Yerby completed his hattrick when he scored from a freekick from outside the penalty area. This was an excellent performance from all the team. Players of the match were Captain Heath Saunders in defence and Ethan Yerby in attack.
Mr Walters
INCLEMENT WEATHER PROCEDURE
In the past we have had to interrupt our young people’s education on a small number of occasions as a consequence of severe weather conditions. However, in spite of some really challenging weather conditions at times, we have been able to continue offering access to learning to our young people throughout the winter months by following procedures we have developed over the years. As we move into that part of the year where poor weather is likely to affect us, I’d like to take this opportunity of reminding our community of the procedures we adopt when weather conditions are especially inclement.
The procedure in light of bad weather during winter will, therefore, be as follows:
1. From 7:00am on any day where weather looks like it could prevent us from opening, our website will state one of three things:
School Open School Closed
Inclement weather procedure in place
If the third option has been adopted, by clicking on the appropriate text, families will see a detailed reminder of what the procedure involves. We will also send a group call message to families, confirming as to whether the school is open, closed or following our inclement weather procedure.
2. If the “inclement weather procedure” is in place, learners should delay their journey into school, aiming to arrive for 9:45. School buses will be informed and will collect learners one hour later than usual (please note that buses operating a service available to the public, such as the number 70 from Braintree, will not be influenced by any decision we take about school opening and would need to be contacted directly by families to ascertain the service they would be offering during inclement weather).
3. The day will then run as follows:
9.45 AM Registration
9.50 Learning Session 1
10.45 Break
11.05 Learning Session 2
12.00 Movement Time
12.05 Learning Session 3
1.00 Break
1.20 PM Registration
1.30 Learning Session 4
2.25 Learners depart - School Closed
If we are concerned about break time safety, learners will be instructed to remain in the building through these two fifteen minute sessions, with staff on duty to ensure the safety of our young people is maintained. Should this bad weather procedure be adopted, learners are encouraged to bring a packed lunch to school as catering arrangements will be limited during the available time. Buses will be organised to take learners home at 2:25.
In the last few years we have developed an approach on days when it simply is not safe to open the school by using our school computer network to ensure learning is provided for our youngsters to complete electronically in the safety of their own homes – this has been made even more possible by us issuing each learner with their own iPad device. On any day where we do have to shut this winter, we will operate an e-learning day By 9:50am on the day, learners will find that specific learning tasks for their classes will have been set via Google Classroom. Should we be running an e-learning day, details will be placed on our website by 7:00am. Should any family be concerned that they will not be in a position to support an e-learning day, please write to me so that we can try to find a solution in advance of any poor weather affecting learning this winter. It may, of course, now be the case that we do not have a situation where inclement weather causes us concern this winter. However, should you need further clarification as to our procedures, please contact us.
Dates for the Diary
Sun 24 Nov Rugby Trip - Twickenham
Mon 25 Nov - Fri 13 Dec C11 Mock Exams
Tues 26 Nov Macbeth Trip
Mon 9 Dec Winter Concert - 6.30pm
Fri 13 Dec Christmas Jumper Day
Thurs 19 Dec KS3 Film Afternoon Fundraiser
Fri 20 Dec Last day of term
Tues 7 Jan 2025 All learners return to school