Firstly, following the email from Mr Wershof, Chair of Governors, earlier this week, I am sure you will join me in wishing Mr Luck every success with his future plans. In the interim period I will continue to lead the school, I am being ably supported by the Local Authority, Boswells School and Mr Banks. We have been busy all week at Roding Valley High School, both during the day and in the evenings. Our PTA held one of their fantastic quiz nights—a good time was had by all and a good sum was raised. All monies raised by the PTA are ploughed back into the school, so thank you if you came along, thanks to the PTA for all their hard work and a warm invitation to other parents to join us for such events. It all goes towards helping your children and the school. The Year 7 Study Skills Day was a huge success this week, the day was organised by Mr Naidoo and Mrs Hodges and the content was delivered by the Year 7 form tutors. The students were taught various revision and study techniques including mind mapping. These skills lay the foundations of good study habits which will support them with the increased challenge of the new 9-1 curriculum. I would like to draw your attention to the Easter Revision schedule in the body of the bulletin. I am extremely grateful to staff who provide these additional opportunities for students to prepare for their GCSEs and A levels. Please note that only the Maths Block will be open during the holiday for all revision classes as well as for the English Speaking and Listening appointments. For our Year 11 parents I would like to draw your attention to the DFE announcement this week (28th March 2017) which lowered the new GCSE pass from a grade 5 to grade 4. This affects Maths and English only. https://www.tes.com/news/school-news/breaking-news/new-gcse-pass-lowered-grade-5-4-dfe-u -turn As you may be aware, the DFE has recently announced changes in the interpretation of the 9-1 grading for the reformed maths, English and English Literature GCSEs. A grade 4 will now be recognised as a “standard” benchmark pass which will mean that it is “the level that pupils must achieve in order not to be required to continue studying English and maths post 16”. A grade 5 will now be regarded as a “strong pass”. Under the new ruling, a grade 4 will be regarded as a being equivalent to the old C grade and this will be sufficient to give students access to post-16 education. Achieving a grade 4 in Maths and English Language will mean that students will not need to re-sit these exams post-16. These changes will have no impact upon the school’s continued support given to all students to help them to reach their target grades and achieve their expected levels of progress. Please do not hesitate to contact either Mr Vermaak (Head of Maths) or Mrs Routledge (Head of English) if you wish to discuss these issues further. When we return Exam season will be upon us with revision leading up to the exams which start for our GCSE, AS and A2 level students in early May. We encourage them to revise over the Easter break but also to make sure they get plenty of rest, exercise and food (maybe even a little chocolate Easter egg?) as well as to hit the books. Everything in moderation. Mrs Draper has, as usual, excelled at putting together examination packs and an outline of the exam timetable follows later in the bulletin. Finally may I ask that you take advantage of the Easter Break to check your child’s Parent Pay account to ensure that they are topped up ready for the new term. I hope you enjoy your Easter break. Mrs Jenner Acting Headteacher
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