Dear Parent/Carer,
Re: Year 10 Mock Examinations
Year 10 mock examinations are due to begin on Tuesday 20th June and will last until Friday 30th June. This is an important time in the assessment calendar as we want to ensure that all students are supported and prepared to be successful in their forthcoming GCSE examinations next year.
Now that students are half way through their GCSE and BTEC courses, it is an opportune time for students to sit practice papers in the same conditions as they will in the summer. Our experience of delivering great outcomes for students shows that this practice, albeit sometimes daunting, is a really pleasurable and reassuring experience, building students’ confidence in advance of the final formal examinations in the summer of 2024.
The mock examinations will ensure that your child fully understands the formal JCQ exam regulations and procedures which are applied to all centres nationally. Students have been supported with their revision for these examinations in their classes, and in their structured homework, so they should feel well-prepared to perform their best. The feedback your child will receive from these mocks will indicate where they need to focus their revision in the future, and will provide your child’s teachers with a clear indication of where they need additional support to achieve their full potential. Examination results will be issued in the last week of this module.
Exam Dates & Timetables
These exams will be taking place from Tuesday 20th June until Friday 30th June. Your child has been issued with an examination timetable which is also included with this letter. Students have also had a briefing assembly delivered to them to review the examination protocols and procedures, so that the examinations run smoothly and successfully.
Exam Expectations
Students will continue to attend normal lessons when examinations are not taking place. All morning examinations will start promptly at 8.35am.
In terms of equipment, all students are required to bring the following in a clear pencil case for all examinations:
- Black pen, HB pencil, ruler, rubber, sharpener, highlighter
- Calculator
- Equipment for Maths and Science examinations (protractor, compass, etc)
Students may also bring a bottle of water, in a clear bottle, with no label. Fizzy drinks or squash are not permitted.
We would like to point out the following regulations:
- Any electronic devices (including mobile phones, iPads, iPod/MP3 players, headphones/airpods, wrist watches such as Apple Watches or FitBits, or other data or communication devices) or written notes (e.g. revision flashcards) are strictly prohibited in any examination room. Students are also not permitted to wear normal wrist watches.
- There must be no communication once students have entered the examination room – if assistance is required then students must raise their hand and wait for a member of staff to assist.
- Students are required to stay in the examination hall for the entire exam until dismissed.
Access Arrangements
Our SENCO has put in place access arrangements based on the current evidence we have of students’ needs. If you have any queries about access arrangements then you can contact Mrs Wilson by email (susan.wilson@thehalleyacademy.org.uk).
Subject teachers will also be setting homework to help your child revise. Please make sure that your child continues to check their Google Classrooms regularly and that they complete all of the homework set to the very best of their ability. Google Guardian updates will keep you informed about this. Please liaise with your child’s Small School, if this has not already been set up.
Finally, on the morning of each exam, the academy will be providing all Year 10 students with a ‘Breakfast Session’. These sessions will take place in the restaurant and run from 7:45am until 8:25am. During these sessions students will receive a free breakfast if they wish and some final support from their subject teacher. Please encourage your child to attend.
As previously mentioned, we understand that this can be a daunting experience for some students and, should they or you require any further advice or support, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s small school.
Thank you for your continued support and I wish all students the best of luck throughout the mock examination period.
Yours faithfully,
Mr D Freeman
Head of Turing School