Dear Parent/Carer,

I am writing to you to let you know that all students in years 7-10 will be completing an assessment in most of the subjects they study in the fortnight commencing the 25th of November.

In September, we introduced learning cycles; a 12-week block of time to help us structure how we deliver the curriculum across the school. Our Knowledge Organisers have broken down the curriculum content into 12-week blocks to help students learn the core knowledge within each cycle. Within our assessment fortnight (weeks 10 and 11 of the cycle) all students in years 7-10 will complete an assessment which tests everything they have learned over the course of the cycle. In week 12, Improvement Week, students will receive feedback from teachers which identifies clear next steps in their learning as well as receiving additional instruction to address gaps in knowledge and misconceptions.

I have spoken to students in assembly this week about why this is happening, our expectations of their behaviour and how they can prepare. Every student will receive an assessment timetable for the fortnight, this will tell them what assessment is happening and when. Please find below, the assessment schedule for your child. All assessments will take place in lesson time. We know that some students will need additional help and support, and our SEND and behaviour teams are working with individual students to ensure that they are well prepared and know what to expect.

How can you help?

We would really value your help and support in both the lead up to the fortnight as well as during it.

1. Encourage your child to revise. They should be learning the content in their Knowledge Organisers from weeks 1-9. Some key strategies may include: making revision / flash cards, using the strategy of: look, cover, say, write check and mind maps. If you have time, you may like to help by quizzing them!
2. Encourage them to give of their best. This is all we ask. It is really important that we get an accurate picture of what they know and can do so that we can help them to move forward in their learning.
3. Ensure your child arrives at school on time and is ready for the day; they have had a good night’s sleep and breakfast; they know what assessments they will be doing, and they have all their equipment. Getting these small basic things right, sets them up well for the day.
4. Ask your child how the assessments have gone. If they’re worried, or feel they’ve not done well, talking about it with you may well help; equally, please do get in touch with us as we don’t want them or you worrying.

Getting in touch:

Please find below the names and email addresses of our year managers, SENDCOs and Key Stage Directors.

• Year 7 - Ms Hodges - ehodges@bodmin.celtrust.org
• Year 8 - Ms Crocker - scrocker@bodmin.celtrust.org
• Year 9 - Miss Jefferson - ejefferson@bodmin.celtrust.org
• Year 10 - Mrs Harris - charris@bodmin.celtrust.org
• Key Stage 3 SENDCo - Mrs Marks vmarks@bodmin.celtrust.org
• Key Stage 3 Director - Miss Cliffe gcliffe@bodmin.celtrust.org
• Key Stage 4 SENDCO - Mrs Lobb mlobb@bodmin.celtrust.org
• Key Stage 4 Director - Mr Helgesen shelgesen@bodmin.celtrust.org

Yours faithfully,

A. Mills

Miss Anna Mills
Trust Deputy Headteacher