Head of Sixth Form Summer 2

It's the time of year when I wake up in the middle of the night, in a cold sweat, wishing I had started my exam revision earlier! Thankfully, our students have been preparing sensibly and effectively for theirs which are now in full swing. It is their time to shine and 'show what they know' and I am sure they will not experience the same flashbacks I do in the years to come.

Our Y13 photographers have spent the past three days in exam conditions demonstrating their remarkable technical and creative skills, producing a variety of pieces of stunning quality. Oscar Akerman is one of those students and his recent entry into the Young Photographer Competition was awarded third prize. Congratulations to Oscar and also to Tom Hattam whose work merited first prize. I am immensely proud of them both and find their work inspiring as I am sure you will when you come to the exhibition later this term.

Other Y13s have been busy with A Level ICT and Language exams with Art and Textiles on the horizon, while Y12 Sports BTEC students have started external controlled assessments. There is an atmosphere of industry and focus in the Sixth Form Centre.

Our assembly this morning was led by Rachael Williams who highlighted the effective and practical strategies students can use to manage the inevitable anticipatory rise in heart rate as they begin their exams including deep breathing to oxygenate the brain. They have time to practice this and other methods over the Bank Holiday weekend as they complete past papers under timed conditions. Please be assured that while students may be feeling a little under pressure at this time my team and I are doing everything we can to keep them positive, smiling and productive.

And on that note let's hope this Bank Holiday weekend's weather is as good as the last one and boosts the 'feel good' in all of us!