Year 11 Revision

In Year 11, we offer our students a wide range of support in order to prepare them to sit their GCSE examinations at the end of Key Stage 4. GCSE exams are the culmination of their secondary education; it is an opportunity for our students to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and ambition to external examiners; to be awarded nationally recognised qualifications that they will take forward with them and hold for life. Ensuring every student develops a variety of revision skills and the ability to work under pressure is something we teach them to do so that they can meet the challenges of GCSE exams with optimism and confidence.

Students learn how to create revision plans taking into account all of their subjects whilst also being encouraged to maintain a balance between school work and their well-being. They are taught revision techniques which are based in cognitive science and receive continuous support from their subject teachers, house teams and from senior leadership. Regular assemblies are held throughout the year which are designed to offer support with everything from how to manage stress to how to set up the optimal study environment at home.

Revision Newsletters

Pre-Public Examinations (PPEs)

Year 11 students have the opportunity to sit two rounds of PPEs prior to sitting their GCSE examinations in the summer. The first round usually takes place in November while the second in February / March. This allows students to experience the exam hall under the supervision of exam invigilators as well as the associated rules and regulations set out by the various exam boards. Students learn how to manage their time under exam conditions and potential gaps in knowledge that can be addressed in the weeks following the PPEs. By the time the real exams arrive, students know what to expect and are familiar with routines.

Guided Revision: Face to Face Sessions

From January, students are invited to attend various after revision sessions with their subject teachers. This provides students with the opportunity to revise under the supervision of a subject specialist. Students find that this eases the pressures of revising alone and it is often an opportunity to hone exam technique through focusing on specific exam questions. Details will be published in the Year 11 newsletter which will be issued more regularly from January.

Guided Revision: At Home Revision

All subject revision information will be available from January 2023.

Each department has provided students with a revision list with weekly tasks to complete from January to May. This helps students plan their weekly revision and manage their time effectively. Please see below for details of individual subjects:

Subject Revision Information

Revision Resources

Exam Preparation

How to help your child prepare for their practical drama exam

Important Dates 2022 / 2023

Monday 5th September	Year 11 begins
Friday 21st October	INSET Day
Monday 31st October	INSET Day
Tuesday 1st November	PPEs (Round 1) begin
Thursday 20th October	Downend Sixth Form open evening
Thursday 8th December	Progress Review 1 issued / Parents Evening
Tuesday 3rd January	INSET Day
Monday 9th January	After school guided revision begins
Monday 20th February	PPEs (Round 2) begin
Thursday 30th March	Progress Review 2 issued / Parents Evening
Monday 17th April	INSET Day
Monday 1st May	BANK HOLIDAY
Monday 8th May	EXTRA BANK HOLIDAY
Friday 5th May	Confirmation of P16 destination deadline
Monday 15th May	GCSE exams begin
Monday 29th May	Half term
Monday 5th June	Term 6 begins, GCSE exams continue

Part of castle school education trust

Downend