Part of castle school education trust

"Castle School Education Trust is committed to high quality education across the primary, secondary and sixth form key stages. Our schools cover the South Gloucestershire area. We encourage independence within each school within a strong framework of values."

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To report a child's absence for years 7-11 please email dow-studentabsence@cset.co.uk or call 01454 862395. For 6th Form please call 01454 862333.

Preparing for Examinations (KS4)

In Year 11, we provide students with a wide range of support to help them prepare for their GCSE examinations at the end of Key Stage 4. These exams mark the culmination of their secondary education and are an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and ambition to external examiners and gain nationally recognised qualifications which they will carry with them for life.

We place strong emphasis on developing effective revision skills and the ability to work under pressure, equipping students to face their exams with confidence.

Students are taught how to create balanced revision plans that account for all their subjects, while also maintaining their well-being. They learn evidence-based revision techniques grounded in cognitive science and benefit from ongoing support provided by subject teachers, house teams, and senior leaders. Regular assemblies throughout the year offer additional guidance, covering topics such as stress management and how to create an optimal study environment at home.

Year 11 students sit two rounds of Pre-Public Examinations (PPEs) ahead of their final GCSEs - typically in November and again in February or March. These PPEs give students a realistic experience of exam hall conditions, invigilation, and the regulations set by exam boards. They also provide valuable insights into time management and identify any gaps in knowledge, allowing students to focus their revision in the lead-up to the final exams. By the summer, students are well-prepared and confident in their exam routines.

Important Dates 2026/2027

Tuesday 6 October	Yr 11 Parents & Carers Information Evening
Friday 2 October	INSET Day
Thursday 22 October	Downend Sixth Form open evening
Monday 2 November	INSET Day
Tuesday 3 November	PPE1 begins (1st round of mocks)
Start of December	Progress Review 1 issued
Thursday 10 December	Yr 11 Parents Evening 1
Monday 4 January	INSET Day
Monday 1 February	PPE 2 begins (2nd round of mocks)
w/c 22 February	Food & Nutrition practical exams
Middle of March	Progress Review 2 issued
Wednesday 24 March	Yr 11 Parents Evening 2
Monday/Tuesday 12/13 April	INSET Days
w/c 12 April	French & German speaking exams
w/c Monday 10 May	Written GCSE exams begin

Year 11 Parents & Carers Information Evening

We hope you will join us on Tuesday 6th October, 6–7pm for our Year 11 Parents & Carers Information Evening, held in person in the main hall. The session will cover practical ways you can support your child as they prepare for their mock exams (PPEs) and GCSEs, including revision planning, effective study strategies, and guidance on self‑care and wellbeing during busy periods.

To reserve a seat, please complete the Google Form. We look forward to welcoming you.

Year 11 Newsletters 2026/2027

Year 11 Newsletter 1 - 21.09.2026

Independent revision

AQA past papers can be found here: AQA
Edexcel past papers can be found here: Edexcel
OCR past papers can be found here: OCR

Subject Guided Revision Documents

Revision Resources

Blank revision timetable

Revision plan example (Holiday)

Revision plan example (Term time)

Revision Guides

A wide range of revision guides are available to supplement the materials provided by school. Your child's teacher will be able to advise them should they have any queries.

Publishers include (but are not limited to):

CGP
Cambridge University Press
Clear Revise
Collins
Oxford Revise

Revision Websites

Educake

Seneca

Sparx