Dear Parent / Carer
Advice for Y11 and Y13 students
We are entering a crucial phase for students preparing to sit their exams in May-June. I am sure that everybody will be immersed in revision at this time but I thought it would be useful to share a few key reminders:
- Attendance: It is essential that students are at school as much as is humanly possible to avoid missing out on key sessions and lessons.
- Revision and support sessions: Make sure you know when these are taking place and your child is taking advantage of them (Easter holiday sessions). Revision should be little and often; short bursts of revision with 30/40 mins work followed by a break will keep you interested and stop you from becoming bored. Making good use of evenings, weekends, half term and holidays is essential if you are to do your best in the exams. It is important to have a balance between work, social time and family time but now is the time that clear, focused revision begins in earnest.
Reward yourself when you accomplish your goals.
- Past exam papers: Complete practice exam papers but do so in timed conditions to replicate the exam situation and check your answers with the mark scheme. This is the best way of learning exam technique and how the exam board wants you to answer questions. Make sure you read the examiners comments so you know what to do/not to do.
- Ask for help: If your child is struggling with a concept or topic then encourage them to approach their teachers for additional support – they will be only too happy to provide guidance and help.
- Create a revision plan (example at the back of Duke’s revision guide to print out) for your exams starting in May. https://dukes.ncea.org.uk/y11-revision-guide/
Parental support
We all remember how stressful exam time is, and how important the right kind of support from parents – and other members of the family – can be. Providing a quiet study space, away from distractions, is important. However, different people learn in different ways: some people learn better if there is appropriate background music, or by talking aloud, or pacing, so absolute silence isn’t always the best approach. Showing an interest in progress, and providing regular praise or rewards can be very supportive – sometimes, even a simple “Well done!” can mean a lot.
We look forward to continuing to support your son/daughter over the next few months.
Yours sincerely,
Mr A Blight
Assistant Principal
Today the Maths department is running an enrichment event for some Year 10s. The Maths Feast will test as well as promote the following DNA skills; collaboration, questioning, resilience, critical thinking, reflection, challenge and creativity. The event aims to inspire a curiosity to learn as well as highlight the importance, power and relevance of mathematics particularly with respect to problem solving.
Staff and students from Duke’s showed support for the people of Ukraine by wearing blue and yellow on Friday 25th March. £955 so far was raised from donations by the school, along with cake sales, nail painting and non-uniform day. Thank you everyone for taking part and showing your support for those suffering in Ukraine.
Raising children in the digital age seems to be getting tougher. With the world currently experiencing so many uncertainties, from the continuing impact of Covid-19 to the war in Ukraine, right now children across the globe can scarcely go online without being exposed to unsettling stories, images and ideas. Reassuring a concerned child can be difficult, especially when bad news feels omnipresent. We’ve put together some advice to help you in discussing upsetting events with young ones.
In the guide below, you’ll find tips on a number of tips such as encouraging your child to ask questions, setting limits and to emphasise hope.
Back by popular demand!
Duke’s Virtual Easter Egg Competition is back!
Draw it, edit a photo, paint, build an egg! Any way you wish to create your entry we accept . The competition will be judged by our Egg-ceptional Chaplain Sally!
Winners will receive a chocolate egg!
Please see Mrs O entry of her classroom in the Beacon.
Also don’t forget
LUCKY EGG DIP REWARD
‘Eggsellent’ behaviour this term will offer all students the chance to win a lucky egg dip prize.
All selected students will also be entered for the TOP 10 Easter prize draw.
What you need to do is gain positive class chart points from your teachers for ‘eggstremely’ good behaviour.
The draw will take place on the last Wednesday before Easter holidays at lunchtime.
Good luck!
Sending love and happiness #InternationalDayOfHappiness to our twinned school Röntgen-Gymnasium Remscheid. This collaborative ceramic art piece was created as part of our Summer School international/art activities.
To show our solidarity to Ukraine we are holding a non uniform day on Friday 25th March. All money raised will go to the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal. We are asking staff and students to wear something blue or yellow. This could be socks, hair bands, tights, t-shirts etc. You could even make a badge! We are asking for £1 as a suggested donation if people are able to donate. We will have an activity to complete in tutor time next week and cakes will also be on sale on the day.
Donations will be collected at the doors in the morning.
Keep up to date with the latest labour market updates on our school website. This is a great source of information when helping your child plan for the future or considering your own career pathway.
