Dear parent/carer,
A welcome to Year 11
It is my pleasure to welcome your child to Year 11, an exciting and crucial stage in their secondary education. Year 11 is a year of significant milestones: preparation for GCSE exams, developing independence and shaping future aspirations. We are committed to supporting our students every step of the way, both academically and pastorally, through a programme of tailored interventions, study skills workshops, and mentoring. This is complemented by high-quality teaching and a carefully designed curriculum that meets the specific needs of our Year 11 students, ensuring they are fully equipped for success.
Students will continue to benefit from a comprehensive support network throughout Year 11. They will work closely with the leaders listed below, who are focused solely on guiding Year 11 students through this critical stage of their education.
| Assistant Head of Cody College
Assistant Head of Johnson Colleges Assistant Head of Wright College |
Mrs Hartnell
Mr Inns Ms Bradd |
Key Events & Interventions
As a parent/carer of a Year 11 student there are a number of key events and dates for your records, with these outlined below:
- Information Evening: Thursday 11th September 2025 – an essential session for parents and students outlining our plans for the year, expectations, and the support available and March 2026
- Parents’ Evening: Scheduled for Thursday 22nd January 2025 a formal opportunity to review progress together.
- Mock Examinations: Students will sit two series of mock examinations, scheduled from Monday 17th November 2025 to Friday 28th November, and Monday 2nd March 2026 to Friday 6th March to help students prepare under full exam board conditions.
- Holiday Revision Sessions: Offered during holiday periods in February Half Term, the Easter Break and May Half Term to reinforce learning and build confidence.
- Academy Revision Sessions: Offered at lunchtime and after school, with each child provided with a bespoke timetable when they launch in September.
Homework
Homework will follow a consistent timetable and plays a key role in consolidating learning. If assignments are incomplete, students may be required to attend supervised catch-up sessions. All homework will be set on Google Classroom, with you able to review your child’s homework there.
Expectations: Behaviour & Attendance
Success in Year 11 depends on excellent attendance, punctuality, and active engagement in learning. High standards of behaviour and effort are essential to ensure students make the progress they are capable of.
Independent study and revision
With the majority of examinations mostly taking place at the end of Year 11, there is an increased emphasis on students’ ability to retain and recall knowledge over time. As a result, it is essential that students dedicate additional time outside of the classroom to their studies. Establishing a consistent and effective revision routine at home is key to developing confidence and a strong understanding of the core content across all subjects.
As a general guideline, students should aim to revise for at least one hour each evening, alongside completing their homework, with additional time allocated at weekends. In the lead-up to mock examinations, this should increase to a minimum of two hours per day. All students are able to use their Chromebook outside of the academy, with all learning materials available to them to support this independent study.
Revision resources
To support students with their revision routines, all subjects will be offering their specific guidance and tools for success such as assessment calendars, student guides, vocabulary lists and past paper questions. More specific information about these sessions, as well as general information around GCSE examinations, revision, expectations and support will be discussed at our Year 11 Information and Guidance evening that will take place in September. We will be writing to all families to confirm the date and time for the evening shortly.
Partnership with Parents
Your support is invaluable. You can help by:
- Encouraging a healthy work-life balance and helping to establish a good homework routine.
- Reinforcing our messages about punctuality, responsibility, and self-motivation.
- Communicating with your child’s college if any concerns arise.
We are excited to support your child through this important year and are fully committed to helping them achieve their best. With your partnership, we are confident Year 11 can be a year of real success, development and preparation for the future.
Thank you for your continued support.
Yours faithfully
Mr. M. Stevens | Principal for Leigh Academy Minster
