Parent Bulletin 16th November

Thank you for all your support this week.  The pupils have been a real credit to you and the school.  We have welcomed visitors from across the country this week who have been blown away by how hard-working, calm, studious and engaged the pupils are.

A particular shoutout to our Y11s who have completed their first set of Y11 GCSE mocks.  They are working hard in school and many of them are also putting in the hours at home to revise material for their GCSEs.  I am looking forward to sharing results with them and you over the next couple of weeks.  For now, pupils are completing their GCSE courses, in readiness for their final set of mock exams in February.

It was a real privilege and honour to mark Remembrance Day with all the pupils in the school.  Pupil leaders did us proud by leading assemblies to mark a sombre, poignant and thoughtful event with the majority of pupils in the school having donated to the Poppy Appeal.  I am particularly grateful to Sonia in Y10 for her outstanding playing of the Last Post to mark the two minutes silence.

We were delighted to welcome our Y11 Parents in to school to discuss pupils' options for Sixth Form.  I am delighted that the vast majority of Y11 pupils are intending on staying at Soane to complete their A-levels.  It is a huge vote of confidence that parents recognise their children will excel in the studious academic environment and with the support of some of the strongest teachers in the country that we will develop under Mr Hill's leadership. 

We have some important events coming up this week.  A reminder of these is below:

- On Tuesday we are welcoming all Y7 parents for an Exam Information Evening at 5.30.

- On Wednesday at 6pm we are welcoming Ms Donachy (the Head at Ark Acton) to talk to all Y11 pupils and parents who are considering not doing A-levels at KS5.  

We have had a number of abrupt rain showers this week.  Please make sure your child has a navy/black coat with a hood with them or an umbrella - as we will be outside in all but the most extreme weather.

Enjoy the remainder of the weekend,

Mr Neuberger

This week the staff and GCSE Art students of Ark Soane were treated to a private view of the work of our GCSE artists. This sophisticated exhibition featured snacks, beverages, and of course the amazing work that our students have to offer. Congratulations to all involved, it was a wonderful evening!

On Friday Year 11 attended What Career Live, a networking event for students and school leavers to meet employers and universities, ask questions, and make plans for their futures. Our students met everyone from British Airways to Oxford University and got some great ideas (and some freebies) from the places that could one day be their universities and places of work. Exciting times!

Autumn exams

All students in Years 7-10 will sit their Autumn exams between Thursday 28th November and Tuesday 2nd December. These exams are an important opportunity to see how students are progressing in their learning. Students will be supported in revising for these exams by their form tutor.

Below are some ways that you can support your child with their revision:

• Encourage them to revise daily. Check in on their revision timetable and support them in sticking to revising the subjects on it.
• Ensure that they have a distraction free space to work.
• Check in on their revision – ask what they are revising regularly.
• Test them on what they are learning using their 100% books or their revision notes
• Ensure that they get at least 8 hours of sleep per day.
• Speak to your child about how their revision, and ask them what subjects they think they need to revise more.

You can find the timetable for these exams, as well as a content list that outlines what students will be tested on attached.

We are very much looking forward to seeing the parents of all year 7s on Tuesday at 5.30pm.  We will share key information about the upcoming exams, as well as provide guidance on how to support your child through Year 7.