Year 10

WELCOME TO YEAR 10

As you enter Year 10, you are beginning a crucial stage of your education. This is the point where your focus on learning, behaviour, and commitment will directly shape your GCSE outcomes and your future opportunities. It will be an exciting year, but also a challenging one, and it is important that you rise to the expectations set for you.

As students begin their GCSE journey in Year 10, they are entering one of the most important stages of their education. This is a time when the skills and knowledge developed in Key Stage 3 are built upon, with greater depth and focus across all subjects. Students will continue to refine their learning in English, Maths and Science, while also studying a wide range of option subjects that provide a balanced and enriching curriculum. Success at GCSE requires resilience, organisation, and determination, as the workload increases and expectations rise. By approaching every subject with dedication, curiosity and enthusiasm, students will be well placed to achieve their potential and prepare themselves for future pathways in education and employment.

The Year 10 team upholds high standards of behaviour and work. Outstanding behaviour will be rewarded throughout the school year by CTLs, ATLs, and YCTs, with recognition given through positive phone calls home, certificates, and prizes. We want to celebrate those of you who consistently demonstrate excellent attitudes and commitment. At the same time, if standards are not met, sanctions will follow. This includes detentions set by Tutors, YCTs, and ATLs, and phone calls or meetings with parents where necessary. These measures are in place not simply to correct behaviour, but to help you take responsibility for your actions and understand the importance of meeting expectations both in lessons and around school during unstructured times such as break, lunch, and after school.

Your Tutors will play a vital role in guiding you this year. They will take ownership of your form group, ensuring that you remain focused on your learning and are supported to succeed. YCTs and ATLs will work closely with Tutors and families to challenge poor behaviour and attendance, but also to provide encouragement when you excel. By working together, we can make sure that you develop the character, resilience, and independence needed to succeed in Year 10 and beyond.

A key focus this year is attendance. Every student is expected to maintain high levels of attendance and punctuality, as these are essential for success. The 100% Club will recognise those who show exceptional commitment to being present every day, while Attendance Contracts and targeted support will help those who need to improve. Students who achieve 100% attendance for a week will be rewarded with a badge or another award, while persistent absences will be addressed through closer monitoring and meetings with parents.

This year is also about your personal growth. You will be expected to show leadership, responsibility, and respect for others, both in lessons and through wider school life. We want you to take pride in your achievements, contribute positively to your form group, and take every opportunity to demonstrate your strengths.

Year 10 is the time to reflect on your ambitions and begin shaping your future pathways, whether that involves A-levels, apprenticeships, college, or careers. The habits you build now — punctuality, attendance, positive behaviour, and hard work — will determine your success not only this year but also in Year 11 and beyond.

Our shared goal is simple: to ensure that you are “in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing.” By doing so, you will set yourself up for a successful year and a successful future.

I would also like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Mr Rose, and I am the Achievement Team Leader for Year 10. I am responsible for overseeing the learning and achievement of the year group, while the Year Care Team focuses on student welfare. Together with your Form Tutors, we will work closely to support you and your families with any concerns that may affect your well-being or progress. Alongside this role, I am also an English Teacher and have previously been an Achievement Team Leader in a school in Hackney for three years. I am very much looking forward to a successful year with Year 10, and I encourage both students and parents to contact the school should any concerns arise.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Rose

Year 10 Achievement Team Leader

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