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Newsletter 3 - December 2024
Geography
Fieldwork
Term 1 saw Year 7 geographers swapping
the classroom for the streets of Bexhill. They
studied two contrasting locations, comparing and
contrasting their geographical characteristics. Our
pupils independently collected and analysed data,
developing critical thinking and problem-solving
skills. Year 8 students transformed into coastal
scientists, investigating the dynamic forces
shaping our coastline at Bexhill beach. They
explored the fascinating processes of erosion,
deposition and transportation, and learned about
the delicate balance between human intervention
and natural forces. Pupils put their fieldwork skills
to the test, collecting valuable data for analysis
back in the classroom.
Green Team
The Green Team has been
flourishing this year, with a fantastic
influx of enthusiastic new members.
Building on last year's successes,
the team has recently completed an
Year 11 revision
Don’t forget, Year 11 after-school revision sessions
are open to all pupils on Mondays 3.15-4.00pm.
Every fortnight, we focus on a particular area of
GCSE content. Just check the timetables on the
Geography classroom doors, or on EduLink. By
attending these sessions you can improve your
understanding of key concepts, practice exam
questions and develop effective revision strategies.
energy audit and environmental review to identify
areas where we can reduce our environmental
impact. They're also busy planning exciting charity
events and implementing new recycling initiatives.
What’s happening in class?
As we come towards the end of Term 2 I would like to pass on how
very proud I have been of our pupils as the vast majority continue to
work extremely hard both in class and at home on this subject. You
will be rewarded for your efforts in future assessments, and your hard
work will ensure that many doors open up for you when you have to
make decisions about your future.
Year 7 pupils have continued in their new sets. All pupils are
following the same scheme of work but focussing on different areas,
depending on the prior knowledge of the pupils in the class. The
majority of assessments in Year 7 are taken by the whole cohort.
This means that pupils in lower sets may have scores which appear
low but actually demonstrate a good understanding of the topic
covered. Exposing pupils to tougher assessments lower down in
their secondary school career is one of the ways in which we aim
to prepare pupils for the demanding GCSE exams they will face in
Year 11. All pupils in Years 7 and 8 should have taken around 3 unit
assessments since the start of the year, Years 9 and 10 should have
taken around 2. Each one has a yellow feedback form from their
teacher. This includes some comments from their teacher, areas
for self-reflection and some further practice on topics your child
had found more challenging - with the aim of supporting greater
understanding of the unit post-assessment.
Please take a look at your child’s assessments and their feedback
from their teacher and sign the bottom of the yellow forms to
acknowledge receipt of them.
Maths
Year 11 pupils have completed their first set of mock exams. Although
there were many excellent results, a significant number of pupils will
have been disappointed by theirs. They must remember that this is
the point of mock exams, to make mistakes and then learn from them
so that future exams go better. This was their first attempt at a real
GCSE exam series in exam conditions. They now need to use their
QLA sheet (a review of their exam performance) to independently
revise their weaker topics and prepare for their next set of mock
exams begin at the end of January. Teachers will now analyse the
mock performance of their classes and use the results to plan the
content of their lessons between now and the next set of exams. All
teachers provide intervention sessions after school on Wednesdays.
Please contact the teachers directly if you have any questions about
your child’s progress in the subject.
Year 11 Maths Inspiration Visit
This year’s topics included probability, statistics and art. All speakers
were highly engaging and I hope that all pupils took something away
from the day, and seriously consider continuing their Mathematical
studies into A-Level and beyond. Please follow this link to a
document that talks more about the speakers and content, as well as
further information regarding studying Mathematics post 16.
On Monday, 2nd December, 15
Year 11 pupils went to London for
a Maths Inspiration event. The
aim of this was to expose pupils
to the application of Maths in the
real world, as well as to encourage
enjoyment of ‘doing Maths’.
Garden Club
Our Garden Club has been busy! Pupils have
been harvesting delicious vegetables including
broad beans, onions and pumpkins from our
garden. To make room for a new rock garden,
the club members cleared the bank, removing
weeds and debris. We can't wait to see the
finished garden. We've also been preparing
raised beds for wildflowers which will attract
pollinators and beautify our outdoor space.
Mr Jacobs - Subject Leader for Maths
Mr Skilton, Subject Leader of Geography