The Year 11 students will soon be undertaking their mock exams and to kickstart the process, they have already received an assembly on conduct and what to expect, along with a booklet outlining instructions for candidates. They have also been given their timetables by their tutor so they know what they will be sitting and when.

All exams take place in the Sports Hall (if your child is extracted or has other arrangements, they will already know what the plan is for them) to ensure that students are familiar with the protocols and experience of formal examinations.  There are a few key expectations that I would like to outline in a little more detail in this letter.

Parents and carers are a vital source of support to students during exams and so ensuring that they are prepared each morning really helps to alleviate some of their worries. Please look at their timetable and talk to your child about what they are doing and when.

• Students must be in full uniform – shoes are to be removed before entering the Sports Hall and so students are encouraged to bring slippers or socks with them to keep warm.
• Students must arrive in plenty of time to enter the hall and allow the exam to start on time.
• No watches including smartwatches or phones allowed – these must be switched off and put in bags which are kept at the back of the hall or left at home.
• Water is allowed but must be in a clear bottle with no label.
• Students must bring the correct equipment to each exam. If they are bringing a pencil case, this must be clear with no labels. Pens must be black ink.
• Students will be called into the hall by supervising staff – they must enter and leave in silence.
• Behaviour must be exemplary at all times.

These exams will help to give a snapshot of your child's progress in school, and we value your support in ensuring that they are spending an adequate amount of time revising effectively at home in preparation for them.

We have a page dedicated to exams on our school website that can be found here: https://www.buxton.derbyshire.sch.uk/page/?title=Year+10+%26amp%3B+11+MOCK+%26amp%3B+GCSE+Examination+Timetable+2024&pid=383

If an exam finishes before 3pm, students will return to their usual lessons. If an exam finishes after 3pm, students will be dismissed directly from the Sports Hall. If you wish for your child to stay until 3.20pm they must report to The Hub and we would ask that you please let Mrs Flint know that they will need to stay until 3.20pm sflint@buxton.derbyshire.sch.uk.

Students will be receiving results in lessons and a copy will be sent home to parents in mid/late January.

We would like to wish the students every success in these exams.