Y11 COUNTDOWN

2024-2025

emily.sutton@yht.wales

Year 11 Mentor team

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M1 - L Murray

C2- K Preene

U1 - L Rees

P2 - A Neal

C1 -G Lees Griffiths

N1 - H Wise

U2- C Hamilton

P1- H Day

C2- E Jones

initial.surname@yht.wales

To contact mentors and subject teachers:

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THE PEMBROKESHIRE VISION

What does the future look like for me in Pembrokeshire?

WHAT DECISIONS DO I NEED TO MAKE?

When do I need to start making them?

GCSE Results day Thursday August 21st 2025

What will I need to help me make these decisions?

The best set of results that I am capable of getting

The best reference from school for my next step….

Thursday 8th May 2025

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In previous years, it has been a very busy first exam week.

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When do my exams start?

Week ending Friday June 20th

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IMPORTANT:

All learners must be available on Wednesday 25^th June

When do my exams finish?

IMPORTANT:

All learners must be available until Wednesday 25^th June

“Contingency Timetable dates have been scheduled up to and including Wednesday 25th June. These dates will be used in the event of widespread, sustained national or local disruption to examinations. Centres must therefore remind candidates that they must remain available until Wednesday 25th June should an awarding body need to invoke its contingency plan.”

When do my exams finish?

This week was Monday September 9^th 2024

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How long until Thursday May 8^th 2025?

34 weeks (including this week)

Only 28 school weeks

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EASTER HOLIDAYS 2025 – 2 weeks

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From Monday 14th April

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Then only 1 full week back in school before the 1^st exam!!

CRUCIAL WEEKS!

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EASTER HOLIDAYS 2025– 2 weeks

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From Monday 14th April

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Learners MUST have a careful balance of relaxation time and revision

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TIPS:

• Keep to regular patterns of sleep that match school days and the forthcoming exam times.
• Suggest revision from 9am until 10.30am
• And/or from 1pm to 2.30pm

MARCH - MADNESS MONTH

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• Many NEA deadlines
• Revision classes after school

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(NEA stands for Non-Examined Assessments, which used to be called coursework)

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Attendance is vital

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FEBRUARY

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• Revision programmes need to begin
• Subjects will provide resources
• Planning is vital – create your own schedule

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• Resources will be on our dedicated section within the school website Y11 REVISION SUPPORT
• Resources will also be sent via Google Classroom

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February …

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Full reports will be written and contain personal targets

Reports issued to parents - 13/2/2025

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Date for your diary:

Thursday 23rd January 2025

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Sixth Form Options Evening and

Year 11 Success Fayre

Subject specific tips and advice for learners and parents

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DECEMBER

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• Lessons will start to focus on feedback from the mock exam performance
• Y11 lessons will run until the very last day of term so attendance is vital every day

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• Y11 Rewards Trip W B 16/12/24

NOVEMBER

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• English Language GCSE Exam (2 papers on different days)

Mon 4/11/2024 and Wed 6/11/2024

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YES, THE REAL THING!

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• Year 11 Parents evening 14/11/2024

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• Mock Exams in all other subjects

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Progress Evenings

Face to face

10/10/2024- Mentors

20/2/2025 Subject Teachers

NEW

OCTOBER

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• First report home with an indication of your child’s likely grades and a measure of their effort - ATL

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ATL means Attitude to Learning and reflects both general effort and learning behaviour.

WHERE WE ARE NOW!

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Focus from September:

95% or higher

Mentor report cards, KSL report cards, parental meetings

Every 4-6 weeks teachers will be inputting progress levels for each pupil

PARENTS / GUARDIANS / FRIENDS / FAMILY

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Every young person has what appears to be a long road ahead of them……and only 34 weeks to get prepared

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WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT TO HELP THEM DO THE BEST THEY CAN

PARENTS / GUARDIANS / FRIENDS / FAMILY

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Please ensure they look after themselves:

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• Healthy diet
• Plenty of sleep
• Plenty of exercise
• A balance of school work and leisure time
• Regular communication with you
• No excuse for learners not knowing what to do (Google Classroom / GCSEpod)

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PARENTS / GUARDIANS / FRIENDS / FAMILY

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Please keep engaged with us:

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• We will send communications in the same way you received this invite
• We will put all communications on the school website
• Please access your CLASSCHARTS account
• Ask your child to show you their Google Classroom
• Get in touch if there is anything we need to know

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• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc4HGQHgeFE

WE ARE NOT SUGGESTING PUPILS WORK THROUGH THE NIGHT!

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The analogy is that this is more like a marathon than a sprint.

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• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc4HGQHgeFE

AND FINALLY………

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We understand that some learners will find year 11 easier than others.

We are here to help, and do not want to here anyone saying “I can’t do it”

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MAY - JUNE : GCSE EXAMS

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Prov - JULY : Yr 11 Farewell event

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AUGUST : PICK UP RESULTS

Careers Wales

• Appointments will be made for Students to see the Careers Adviser throughout the school day. This will be a conversation to support the students with looking at Career plans and options for when they finish school, this will be ongoing support throughout the year.
• If the student wishes it can be arranged for Parents/ Guardians to attend the appointment with the student. Please ask the student to come and visit me and ask me to arrange this.
• There are tools and resources which may support Students as they make decisions on the next steps on www.careerswales.gov.wales
• There is a section on how Parents can support students here:

Your child in Years 10 and 11 | Careers Wales (gov.wales)

Careers Adviser: Angharad Bell

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Email: angharad.bell@careerswales.gov.wales

Thank you for listening. Diolch.

Ms Emily Sutton -

Leader of Key Stage 4

What's on UNIT 2?

40% of the qualification

Reading:

The Big 6

Writing

1 hour

1 hour

What's on UNIT 3?

40% of the qualification

Reading:

The Big 6

2 Writing Tasks

1 hour

1 hour

A formal letter

An informal letter

A review

THE BIG 6 READING SKILLS

REVISION RESOURCES

THE WRITING TASKS

REVISION RESOURCES

https://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/english-language-gcse/#tab_pastpapers

Learners can use the links on the previous slides to build up their knowledge of and confidence in the reading and writing skills, and then complete questions from the past papers. They can even use the mark schemes to assess themselves.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

REVISION CHECKLIST

Learners will have their results at the start of January.

Literature Exam Texts

WJEC GCSE

Mathematics Overview

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Understanding the Assessment Process and How to Unlock Learner Potential

Luke Murray

12th September 2024

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Mathematics Department

Mrs B Merritt (Director) - Barbara.Merritt@yht.wales

Mr L Murray (Deputy Director) - Luke.Murray@yht.wales

Miss E Storey - Erica.Storey@yht.wales

Mr P Kingdom - Peter.Kingdom@yht.wales

Miss A Neal - Alice.Neal@yht.wales

Mr S O’Connor - Stephen.OConnor@yht.wales

Mr C Gibbs - Chris.Gibbs@yht.wales

Why is Mathematics Important?

• Foundational Skills: It provides essential skills that are foundational for many other subjects and real-life situations. These include problem-solving, logical reasoning, and critical thinking.
• Academic Requirements: GCSE Maths is often a prerequisite for further education and vocational courses. Many colleges and universities require a minimum grade in GCSE Maths for entry into their programs.
• Career Opportunities: Many professions require a good understanding of maths. Fields such as engineering, medicine, finance, and IT often require higher-level mathematical skills.
• Daily Life: Maths is used in everyday activities, such as budgeting, shopping, cooking, and home maintenance. Understanding basic maths helps in making informed decisions and solving practical problems.
• Development of Analytical Skills: The problem-solving techniques and analytical skills developed through GCSE Maths are valuable in various aspects of life, including decision-making and planning.
• Confidence and Independence: Mastery of GCSE Maths can boost confidence and self-reliance, empowering individuals to handle complex tasks and challenges independently.

In summary, GCSE Maths lays the groundwork for further academic and career opportunities and equips individuals with practical skills for everyday life.

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Assessment Overview

Mathematics: Numeracy:

Unit 1 - Non Calculator (50%) Unit 1 - Non Calculator (50%)

Unit 2 - Calculator (50%) Unit 2 - Calculator (50%)

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We also enter specific learners for the level one qualification if we feel necessary - ENTRY LEVEL PATHWAYS

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Important Examination Preparation -

Summative Assessments, Mocks and External Examinations

• Tips for Success:
• Find out what revision strategies work for you
• Prioritise topics - Feeding ego is a waste of time
• Little and often (20 minutes at a time)
• Start revising weeks before the assessment
• Take control of your own learning (including equipment)
• Resilience is the key to success
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• Common Pitfalls:
• Misinterpreting questions
• Rushing through questions
• Assuming good attendance means good grades without effort
• Assuming maths lessons in school is enough maths in order to succeed
• Giving up on all questions once a difficult question has been reached
• Having a tutor isn’t a reason not to apply yourself in class
• Not having the correct equipment

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Revision Strategies

• Effective Methods:
• Practice papers
• Revision guides and textbooks
• Revision cards
• Posters
• Post-it notes
• Mini assessments - Test your friends
• Online resources and apps
• Corbettmaths, MurrayMaths, MathsDIY, MathsPad, Google Classroom
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• Study Plan:
• Creating a revision timetable
• Balancing different topics
• Making revision achievable
• Set targets with rewards

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Summary

Mathematics and Numeracy are awarded with 100% examinations (no coursework)

All Examinations are in the Summer 2025

Use summative assessments and mocks as preparation for external examinations

Find the revision strategies that work best for you

Use the online resources available to you - Including emailing teachers when needed

Be motivated and disciplined. Take control of your education.

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Thank you for listening

Luke Murray

Deputy Director of Mathematics

Numeracy Coordinator

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Luke.Murray@yht.wales

SCIENCE YEAR 11

Information for Parents

Outline

DoF:

Geraint.williams@yht.wales

Biology

Unit 2

+

Prac Exam

Triple Science

Chemistry

Unit 2

+

Prac Exam

Physics

Unit 2

+

Prac Exam

Unit 2 exams are written in the summer

Prac exam - in class under exam conditions Jan/Feb

Unit 1 exams completed in year 10

Triple Science

Unit 5

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Practical Exam

10%

Double Applied Science

Unit 3

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Written Exam

25%

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Unit 4

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Task Based Assessment

20%

Unit 1 and 2 completed in year 10

Double Applied Science

Unit 3

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Practical assessment 15%

Entry Level Science

Unit 1

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Written examination 25%

Unit 2

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End of unit classroom tests

60%

Three possible grades – Entry 3 (Highest), Entry 2, Entry 1 (Lowest)

Revision

Success

With class teacher after school

Rota published after Xmas

Past Paper Qs

Google classroom

Carousel

Blooket

Quizzlet

GCSE Pod

YouTube

TRIPLE CHEMISTRY

EXAM DATES

UNIT 1 - 1.45 hours

AM - Morning Exam

3410U10 - Foundation

3410UA0 - Higher

UNIT 2 - 1.45 hours

AM - Morning Exam

3410U20 - Foundation

3410UB0 - Higher

UNIT 3 Practical Assessment

January - February Half Term

13TH

JUNE

19TH

MAY

TRIPLE PHYSICS

EXAM DATES

UNIT 1 - 1.45 hours

AM - Morning Exam

3420U10 - Foundation

3420UA0 - Higher

UNIT 2 - 1.45 hours

PM - Afternoon Exam

3420U20 - Foundation

3420UB0 - Higher

UNIT 3 Practical Assessment

January - February Half Term

16TH

JUNE

22ND

MAY

TRIPLE BIOLOGY

EXAM DATES

UNIT 1 - 1.45 hours

AM - Morning Exam

3400U10 - Foundation

3400UA0 - Higher

UNIT 2 - 1.45 hours

PM - Afternoon Exam

3400U20 - Foundation

3400UB0 - Higher

UNIT 3 Practical Assessment

January - February Half Term

9TH

JUNE

13TH

MAY

DOUBLE APPLIED GCSE EXAM DATES

Unit 1 Energy Resources

& the Environment

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13th June

AM - Morning Exam

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3445U10-1 Foundation

3445UA0-1 Higher

Unit 2 Space Health

and Life

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9th June

AM - Morning Exam

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3440U20-1 Foundation

3440UB0-1 Higher

Unit 3 Food, Materials &

Processes

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13th May

PM - Afternoon Exam

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3445U30-1 Foundation

3445UC0-1 Higher

Unit 4 Task

Based Assessment

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November - December

Half Term

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3445U4 Foundation

3445UD Higher

Unit 5

Practical

Assessment

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January - February

Half Term

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3445U5

SINGLE APPLIED GCSE EXAM DATES

Unit 2 Science to Support Our Lifestyles

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13th May

PM - Afternoon Exam

1 hour 30 mins

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3440U20 Foundation

344OUB0 Higher

Unit 3 Task

Based Assessment

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November - December

Half Term

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3445U4 Foundation

3445UD Higher

Unit 4

Practical

Assessment

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January - February

Half Term

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3445U5

Unit 1 Science in the

Modern World

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9th June

AM - Morning Exam

1 hour 30 mins

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3440U10 Foundation

344OUAO Higher

CYMRAEG

Ail iaith

Unit 1 – Speaking (video) – March 18^th,19^th, 20th – Resit – 25%

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Unit 2 – Speaking (stimulus) – March 25^th, 26^th,27^th -25%

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Unit 3- Exam Paper -14^th May – 25%

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Unit 4- Exam Paper – 2^nd June – 25%

What is in the course?

This GCSE specification in Welsh second language will enable candidates to:

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• understand and use the language for a variety of purposes and audiences.
• develop language learning skills and strategies in order to enable candidates to communicate and interact confidently and spontaneously in relevant situations and specified context.
• develop language learning skills and strategies to enable candidates to develop their grasp Welsh further.
• develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in an integrated manner, emphasising listening and speaking skills.
• use Welsh in further studies, in the workplace and in their communities.
• develop curiosity about the Welsh language.

The context for learning the language is organised under three broad themes:

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• EMPLOYMENT
• WALES AND THE WORLD
• YOUTH

When studying this qualification, candidates will be required to cover the following areas:

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Listening: understand and respond to different types of spoken language

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• demonstrate an understanding of spoken language by one or more speakers in public and social situations, for example, conversations, presentations, news reports and television programmes;
• understand the main message, main points, specific details and different perspectives communicated verbally in long and short pieces.

Speaking: communicate and interact effectively in speech:

• communicate and interact spontaneously and effectively for different purposes, including conveying information, expressing and justifying opinion, and asking and answering questions;
• use a range of strategies to support and sustain effective communication, including asking questions to clarify meaning and eliciting information;
• hold conversations and discussions making extended contributions and combining a variety of sentences and language patterns;
• use simple language patterns accurately;
• use different verb tenses;
• modify language appropriately for different audiences and a range of situations, using appropriate register, clear pronunciation and appropriate intonation.

Reading: understand and respond to different

types of written language

• understand and respond to written language in different forms written for a variety of purposes and audiences, including correspondence, articles, online information, marketing materials, literary texts, diagrammatic information, public information and instructions
• understand the main message, main points, specific details and different perspectives in a variety of long and short, simple and complex written texts, using different verb tenses;
• discern meaning within a variety of long and short written texts, including some relating to abstract topics, unfamiliar material and some more complex language, interpreting implied meaning where appropriate;
• scan for specific information within extended and multi-format written material.

Writing: communicate in writing

• write effectively for different purposes;
• write accurately using simple and familiar sentences, language patterns and vocabulary to convey meaning and information effectively;
• write in an extended and coherent manner in order to convey facts, ideas and perspectives for different audiences and purposes, including descriptive and report writing, persuasive and instructional, creative and imaginative, critical / expressing opinions;
• use a range of different written forms, for example letters, e-mails, articles, diaries, posters, stories and blogs;
• use simple language patterns accurately;
• use different verb tenses;
• make creative use of language, varying and adapting vocabulary and language patterns, style and register intentionally for different purposes;
• modify language appropriately, including language and register, for different audiences and a range of situations;
• translate short and simple texts from English to Welsh in order to convey the main message and meaning, using language accurately.

How is it assessed?

This qualification has two external assessment units which are weighted equally and two internal assessment units. The two external assessment tests reading and writing skills while the two internal assessment unit tests oral and listening skills.

Unit 1 Oracy response to visual material:

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Oracy exam (25%) - (10%) Speaking (15%) Listening

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This unit requires candidates to listen to stimuli and respond verbally by interacting with a partner or in a group of 3.

Unit 2 Communicate with others:

Oracy exam (25%) - (20%) Speaking (5%) Listening

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This unit requires candidates to respond orally and listen to peers by interacting with a partner or in a group of 3. Candidates are expected to express and support opinions.

Unit 3 Report, specific and instructional:

Written Examination (25%) - (15%) Reading (10%) Writing

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This unit requires candidates to respond to a range of questions. The reading will be assessed through a range of structured questions and the writing for different purposes including writing report, specific and instructional.

Unit 4 Descriptive, creative and imaginative:

Written Examination (25%) - (10%) Reading (15%) Writing

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This unit requires candidates to respond to a range of reading and writing questions. The reading will be assessed through a range of structured questions and the writing for different purposes including descriptive, creative and imaginative writing.

4 lessons a

fortnight

Help:

WJEC

Teacher

Google classroom

Clwb Revision