Author: Natalie McGillivary

Summer 2023 contingency days 

Natalie McGillivary

The awarding bodies have collectively agreed a contingency day for several years now which is always scheduled at the end of the GCSE and A’ Level exam timetables.

The contingency day is in the event of national or significant local disruption to exams in the UK, being part of the awarding bodies’ standard contingency planning for exams.

Following the Covid-19 pandemic, further resilience was needed within the exam timetables. A single contingency day was not felt to be sufficient if a national event or incident had a significant effect on the exam timetable. For example, summer exams could be affected by extremely high temperatures.

For the June 2023 exams, the awarding bodies have therefore introduced two additional half-day contingency sessions. These are on Thursday 8th June 2023 and Thursday 15th June 2023. The standard contingency day remains at the end of the timetable being scheduled on Wednesday 28th June 2023.

Schools and colleges should ensure candidates and parents are aware of the contingency arrangements on these three days. They should consider the contingency day of Wednesday 28th June 2023 when making their plans for the summer. Candidates should be encouraged to remain available until Wednesday 28th June 2023 should examinations need to be rescheduled.

DofE practice expeditions

Natalie McGillivary

With the practice expeditions for Silver and Gold DofE coming up in April, there will be an important meeting for all students.

  • For Gold DofE students, this will take place on Thursday 23rd March 3:15–3:45pm in A113.
  • For Silver DofE students, this will take place on Friday 24th March 3:15–4pm in the Main Hall.

If students can’t attend this meeting, they need to email Ms Dixon ndixon@lymmhigh.org.uk and then collect their paperwork from Mrs Hill in the school shop on Monday or Tuesday the following week.

There will also be a parent meeting on Monday 27th March 5–5:45pm via Microsoft Teams. The link will be sent out later this week. This meeting will confirm details about expedition locations, drop-off and collection points, food, emergency contact numbers, kit and equipment, and will be an opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

Year 11 Spring Update

Natalie McGillivary

With the exam season just around the corner we want to ensure that we are utilising every opportunity to support and encourage our Year 11 students to achieve their potential. Therefore, we thought it would be useful to provide a couple of updates and advice to best support your child over Easter and beyond.

Please click here to read the full letter.

Year 9 Choices form

Natalie McGillivary

Earlier today your child was sent the electronic link to the Year 9 options form. We have purposefully waited until today because we wanted all students to have had their options interview before they completed the form. Please spend a few minutes with your child over the next 2 days to complete their choices. They need to take their time with it however, as the form only allows them to submit it once.

Any problems, please ask them to speak to their form tutor in registration.