YEAR 11, 07 November 2025 - Weekly  Bulletin #5

7th November 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

Year 11 Weekly Parent Bulletin no. 5

We would like to warmly welcome all Year 11 students and their families back to school following what we hope was a restful and restorative half term break.

This half term is one of the most important periods in your child’s Year 11 journey. The next few weeks will set the tone for success in the upcoming mock exams and, ultimately, the GCSE examinations in the summer.

It is essential that every student demonstrates the Year 11 key values of Presentation, Perseverance and Punctuality. These values underpin academic success and personal growth: students who present themselves and their work to a high standard take pride in their learning; those who persevere through challenges build resilience and confidence; and students who are punctual show respect for their education and maximise valuable learning time.

Year 11 Weekly WOWs!

A big congratulations to this week’s Year 11 WOW nominees! These students have been recognised by staff across the school for going above and beyond in demonstrating Perseverance, Presentation, and Punctuality. We are so proud of their efforts – keep up the fantastic work!

Attendance

Excellent attendance remains a cornerstone of success in Year 11. Every minute counts and missing even a single day can have a significant impact on progress and understanding—particularly as the pace of learning increases in the lead-up to exams. We expect all students to maintain attendance above 96%. If your child is unwell or faces any barriers to attending, please contact the school immediately so that support can be provided. Together, we can ensure that no learning time is lost during this vital half term.

Prep Programme

Prep sessions provide targeted opportunities for students to consolidate their learning, address misconceptions, and develop effective study habits. The Prep dates for this half term are:

Tuesday 11th and Wednesday 12th November

Tuesday 18th and Wednesday 19th November

Tuesday 2nd and Wednesday 3rd December

Prep will not run on the other weeks due to key school events, including the Year 11 Parents’ Evening and the Year 11 mock examinations. We encourage all students to attend all Prep sessions, making full use of the expert support available from staff.

Mock Examinations

The Year 11 mock exams will take place between Monday 1st December 2025 - Friday 9th January 2026. Upcoming mock examinations will provide students with a crucial opportunity to experience the structure, timing, and expectations of the real GCSEs. These assessments will highlight areas of strength and identify topics requiring further focus.

More information will be shared about this in next week’s Year 11 Revision Evening on Wednesday 12th November 18:00-19:00. Vital information will be shared during this event, and we strongly encourage everyone to attend.

Post-16 Applications

This half term is also a key window for students to apply for Post-16 education and training. Whether students are considering college, sixth form, or apprenticeships, early applications increase choice and opportunity. We encourage families to discuss options together, attend open evenings, and seek advice from the school’s careers team. Making thoughtful, timely applications ensures students are well-prepared for the next stage of their education.

Open Days:

St Brendan’s 6th Form - Thursday 13th November, 17:00

Bristol Rovers Community Trust - Thursday 20th November, 19:00

SGS College - Saturday 22nd November, 10:00-13:00

Upcoming Application Deadlines:

North Bristol Post 16 Centre - Friday 5th December

St Mary Redcliffe 6th Form - Monday 8th December

V6- End of December 2025 (exact date TBC)

Trinity Academy 6th Form - Friday 9th January

Bristol Cathedral Choir School 6th Form- Friday 9th January

St Bede’s 6th Form- Tuesday 13th January

A Crucial Half Term for Success- Key Dates

As we move through this essential half term, we cannot overstate its importance. Consistent attendance, engagement in Prep, focused revision, and forward planning for Post-16 pathways will all contribute significantly to success at GCSE. We are confident that, with the support of families and the continued commitment of our students, Year 11 will rise to the challenge and achieve their very best.

Year 11 Key Milestone Events:

Year 11 Student and Parent Revision Evening- Wednesday 12th November

Year 11 Mock Exam Cycle 1- Monday 1st December 2025 – Friday 9th January 2026

As we move further into this crucial year, we want to thank all parents and carers for their continued support and encouragement of our Year 11 students.

The dedication and maturity shown by our young people as they prepare for their exams and post-16 pathways is something we are incredibly proud of. Please continue to check key dates and updates shared in future bulletins to stay informed about revision sessions, mock exams, and upcoming events. Together, we can ensure every student feels confident, prepared, and supported in achieving their best.

Yours sincerely,
The Year 11 Team

Miss Isobel Eddy Mr Pete Hurran Miss Beth Jones
Assistant Headteacher Head of Year 11 Year 11 Pastoral Manager

ieddy@orchard.tila.school phurran@orchard.tila.school bjones@orchard.tila.school

Miss Eddy Mr Hurran Miss Jones
Assistant Headteacher Head of Year 11 Year 11 Pastoral Manager

ieddy@orchard.tila.school phurran@orchard.tila.school bjones@orchard.tila.school