In this newsletter:
- Message from our Principal
- Year 11 Exam Preparation
- Sixth Form Amgen Project
- Community news and events
Message from our Principal
Well done to Year 11 and year 13 students who have commenced their formal exams this week. The first big full cohort year 11 exam is on Monday, and is English literature which all students in Year 11 will sit – good luck to everyone who is taking exams on Monday.
Year 11 and Year 13 families, please note that if an exam ends after the usual time of the bus departure (3.10), we can ask the bus to leave 5 minutes later if we need to, students need to let us know. We also have a late bus for students at 4.10, and any students with longer exams or extra time are welcome to get the late bus.
This is a busy time of year for families too, as they support students preparing for exams, so even helping them identify if they will need to get the late bus home helps to reduce the ‘unknown’ and reduce the cognitive load for students. So thank you to all families who are supporting students; testing them on flashcards, or English quotes, or reminding them to go to bed early and get good rest – all of it makes the difference. Mrs Sherwood told Year 11 in their recent assembly that ‘pressure is priviledge’, because ultimately it means that we care about them and about their success in these exams and in their future. And it is as true for school staff as it is for home too, so please feel free to remind them of this phrase.
General news
Year 11 Exam Preparation
Every year 11 student has now received at Just in Time session card and an exam timetable printed on A6 card. This will support students with their organisation and preparation as we begin our formal exams.
Students can use the revision page to find easy links to specifications and past papers:
Please note: the GCSE Exam Contingency day is 24th June 2026 – this is the date set for national interruptions of exams.
Amgen Project – Sixth Form
This week our Y12 biology students are taking part in a lab-based biotechnology project as part of the Amgen Biotech Experience (ABE) in partnership with the University of Hertfordshire.
During the project, students are able to use research-grade laboratory equipment to develop skills widely used in biotechnology such as micro-pipetting, PCR and gel electrophoresis. Activities have been carefully matched to help students understand key content of the A Level course. whilst hopefully inspiring some students into careers as future molecular biologists. Research shows that students participating in the ABE programme demonstrate increased interest, confidence, and performance in science and biotechnology, and we are delighted to be able to participate in the programme.
Community news and events
Raising Kids in the Algorithm Age
CRC are pleased to invite parents and carers to a special Citizen Gathering session, Raising Kids in the Algorithm Age, exploring the impact of social media on young people. Led by an expert from a fast-growing tech company in this field, the session will help demystify how algorithms shape what young people see online, and support parents to better understand behaviours such as “doom scrolling” and “joy scrolling.” It’s an opportunity to build confidence in having informed conversations at home and to increase awareness of both the risks and positives of online spaces. We warmly encourage all parents to attend and be part of this important discussion.