Highfields School Tuesday 3 rd November 2015

Welcome, thank you for coming Our Core Purpose To be an inclusive, happy community that values every individual and inspires them to achieve their full potential.

Key Stage 4 Curriculum Evenings Consider the challenges ahead, together NovemberDeveloping a detailed understanding of courses and assessment Spring TermFinal preparations for exams

This evening Part 1: 6.00pm-6.55pm - Wheeldon Hall Welcome from Mr Cole, Deputy Headteacher and Mr Redhead, Head of Year 11 Presentations from core examined subjects - English, Maths, Science and PRS

This evening (part 2) 7.00pm – 8.00pm: 4x12-minute sessions (one per option)

Finding your way around

Learning support The Learning Support team are available in L6 all evening. Please feel free to pop in if you have any questions or concerns, for example around support for your son/daughter’s learning or to discuss arrangements for exams or internal assessment.

Key Dates (1) Assessment Profiles – Friday 13 th November – Thursday 21 st January – Thursday 24 th March Y11 Parent Consultation Evening – Tuesday 23 rd February Mock Exams – 30 th November – 9 th December

Key Dates (2) Public exams – Early May – 23 rd June (controlled assessment ongoing from now!) Y11 Prom – Friday 24 th June GCSE Results Day – Thursday 25 th August

Key messages Communication Support Developing independent learners The importance of reading The art of balance

Screen time A 2015 Cambridge University study found that on average, students spent 4 hrs per day average watching TV or on a computer, tablet or smartphone. An additional hour of screen-time each day was associated with 9.3 fewer GCSE points - the equivalent of dropping a grade in two subjects. Two extra hours of screen-time was associated with 18 fewer points - or dropping a grade in four subjects. Extra time spent watching TV had the most detrimental effect on grades Pupils who did an extra hour of homework and reading performed better than their peers. Pupils who put in an extra hour of homework or spent the time reading, did better in their GCSEs, scoring 23 points more than the average. Even if pupils spent more time studying, more time spent watching TV or online, still harmed their results.