“The school offers an exceptionally caring and challenging education to enable all its students to ACHIEVE” – Ofsted 2013
Year 11 is an integral period for students as you are expected to show maturity towards your studies through independent learning, a proactive approach to organisation and a dedicated approach to early revision. There is an expectation that all students become responsible learners by taking ownership over their own actions and their preparation for lessons. In addition to this, students are also increasingly aware of their role as ambassadors for the school, individually for personal merit collectively as a year group and all who support them, at home and at school. Some students decide to communicate this through their commitment as ambassadors for the Mental Health Summit, Student Voice advocates or dedication to support teams. Regardless of how you decide to explore this responsibility, it is imperative that all KS4 students conduct themselves sensibly around school demonstrating impeccable manners and respect for others as these are attributes that we pride ourselves on as a year group. KS3 students will look up to you for guidance, and it is important that you support them.
Our team of Year 11 tutors are dedicated to overseeing academic progress and sharing pastoral support. Each tutor has a wealth of experience and the ability to give personalised care to meet the individual needs of students to help to ensure that all pupils realise their full potential. The role of the tutor is essential as they are on hand to help students make good, well informed choices about their studies, careers and achievements. They will also monitor your attendance, uniform and emotional wellbeing so that all students feel supported through what can feel like a really challenging time.
All students in Year 11 are expected to take an active role in engaging with extracurricular activities in their chosen fields, whether it is in sport, music, drama, debating or any of the many other options that the school has to offer. The extracurricular offering for Year 11 is complemented by the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities and trips. This will stand you in good stead when completing UCAS applications and CV’s in the future. Please make the most of all opportunities that come your way.
We strongly encourage students to develop all aspects of their character whether it is through their academic, creative or sporting achievements so that every student develops into a well-rounded individual. Jo Richardson prides itself on the motto ‘Success for All’ and a committed team of tutors and pastoral staff are dedicated to overseeing the progress and well-being of all students to ensure that they achieve their very best. In year 10 we witnessed students achieve great things through their commitment to sports teams, charity work, outreach programmes such as the Borneo project and Student Voice so we have high expectations for the forthcoming year.
By reaching and maintaining high standards, students will have ample opportunity for success at JRCS. This might be improving public speaking, taking part in the school show, scoring tries or learning a musical instrument. Year 10 is a time of rich development that starts to lay the firm foundations needed for successful progress in GCSE choices and beyond. You do not want to leave school with any regrets for not participating in certain areas, so make this year the year you try something new.
Attendance is vital In Year 11 in order to ensure that all students achieve to their highest potential. There cannot be any gaps in your learning or this will make the exam periods extremely difficult. At the Jo Richardson Community School we follow a rigorous attendance policy and contact parents on a regular basis. We ask that parents call in and let the school know if their child is going to be away and send a note in on their return. We will monitor any student whose attendance falls below 95%. Finally, having a growth mindset is the most effective way to become an independent learner and not giving up when the going gets tough. Learning is not always easy but having the courage to give something a go and thinking of coping strategies to complete a difficult task will ensure you will always make progress.
Put simply, work hard and make it your duty to be nice to all those who you surround yourself by and you will thrive this year.
If you have any queries or concerns please contact the form tutor in the first instance or the subject teacher if it is subject specific. You can also contact Miss Duncan on 02082706222 or at aduncan@jorichardson.org.uk.
