Year 10

WELCOME TO YEAR 10

As students embark on their journey into Key Stage 4, it is often seen as an exciting, demanding and occasionally frightening year. It marks the start of their GCSE journey, where students continue to develop their learning and skills in the core subjects of English, Maths and Science at the same time as beginning their study of a variety of other subjects which enables them to experience a broad and balanced education. Students should embrace these subjects giving them their full attention, curiosity and enthusiasm, which will allow them to succeed and adapt to the increased workload.

Throughout their Key Stage 3 education, students have developed the skills needed to be able to make informed decisions about their behaviour and learning. Moving into Year 10 requires them to think about the impact that a good work ethic will have on their future life and employment. It is therefore imperative that we continue to foster the strong home/school partnership to ensure the student’s success.

The Year 10 team upholds high standards of work and behaviour at all times. Students should have high expectations of themselves and the school as they begin their GCSE studies. By the end of Year 10, we anticipate that students will have acquired the knowledge and abilities needed to become inquisitive, self-assured, resilient, considerate, and articulate learners who can use their learning sequence to succeed. Responsibility for their learning and future success comes from the student and thus requires them to know when to ask for help or rely on their prior knowledge to move themselves forward. This year will be a time for students to consider their futures, including careers, apprenticeships, A-levels, and colleges. It will also be a time for them to truly reflect on who they are and what they need to do to get there.

Similarly to KS3, completion of homework is a non-negotiable expectation. In addition to helping students develop test-taking strategies and time management, resilience, and determination, homework also helps them embed their learning. Students must conduct independent reading and research in order for this to occur. The more this is undertaken, the better the achievement. Homework needs to be properly documented and finished in accordance with the subject teacher's instructions and expectations. We also anticipate that the parents will check and sign the diaries once a week in conjunction with the home-school agreement where support from parents is a necessity.

Year 10 students are encouraged to collaborate as a team, just like every other year group, and as a result, form groups regularly compete against one another. Each Year 10 student is expected to exhibit their commitment to collaboration as well as their leadership, responsibility, and unity; these contributions can be shown via both extracurricular activity participation and academic achievement.

To encourage our students to become well-rounded individuals, the school provide numerous opportunities for participation in a variety of extra-curricular clubs, where they are able to demonstrate and develop their expertise in areas of interest. In addition, students are urged to assume leadership positions in the school, such as school ambassador, in order to make sure that the voice of the student body is heard. Students will work on long-term projects that will supplement the Personal, Social, Health, and Citizenship Education (PSHCE) curriculum and help them hone their empathy and autonomous learning abilities. In order to promote a sense of social responsibility and community spirit, students are also encouraged to take part in their community programs, which include fundraising for charitable causes.

We believe that success breeds success, therefore it is important that achievements are shared to motivate all students to do their best. As such, students are informed each week about the tutor group of the week based on the total number of positive points they have earned for their attendance, punctuality, behaviour, and accomplishments. In addition, the "Tutor Group of the Term" is recognised each term, and the "Tutor Group of the Year" is declared at the conclusion of the academic year which is something the students endeavour to work towards.

"Be at the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing” is imperative for student success. By following this code of conduct, it provides students with a sense of direction which allows everyone to achieve. Students will be rewarded though letters, certificates and prizes for outstanding work and endeavours whilst sanctions, are set for students who do not adhere to the school policy.

Miss Stennett, the Achievement Team Leader, is responsible for overseeing the learning and achievement of the Year 10 group, while Miss Atkinson, the Year Care Team focus on student welfare. Both the ATL, YCT and the Form Tutor will work together, to be available to help students and parents with any emerging concerns affecting their well-being.

It has been a great pleasure working with the students in KS3 and I am looking forward to a great year in year 10. Please do not hesitate to contact the school should you have any concerns.

Miss Stennett

Year 10 Achievement Team Leader

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