Year 11: The Finish Line

Year 11 is an important year in every student's educational journey, and at Coombe Dean we are committed to ensuring that every student has the support, guidance and opportunities they need to achieve their very best.

Our Every Step Counts initiative is built around the importance of consistent effort, positive engagement and making the most of every learning opportunity. Every lesson, every homework task, every revision session and every additional opportunity contributes to progress and success.

As part of our Raising Standards programme, we provide a range of additional support throughout Year 11, including targeted English and Maths teaching during tutor time, Period 6 sessions, supervised independent study and further revision opportunities as students approach their GCSE examinations.

Period 6 is a compulsory part of our Year 11 programme, providing students with valuable additional time to consolidate their learning, develop effective revision habits and receive personalised academic support.

Students will attend Period 6 on their timetabled days, typically 2 to 3 days per week until 4.10 pm.

The programme consists of two key elements:

• Study Café: Supervised independent study sessions where students can complete homework, undertake revision and access learning resources in a focused and supportive environment. These sessions encourage students to develop the independence, organisation and study habits essential for GCSE success.
• Targeted Subject Sessions: Invitation-only sessions providing focused support in specific subjects. Students are selected using assessment information, teacher recommendations and identified gaps in knowledge. These sessions provide opportunities to revisit challenging topics, address misconceptions, strengthen understanding and develop examination skills.

No new curriculum content is taught during Period 6. Instead, the focus is on reinforcing existing learning, building confidence and ensuring students are well prepared for their examinations.

We recognise that every student's learning journey is different. Our Period 6 programme is therefore flexible and responsive to individual needs.

Students' timetables may vary and will be reviewed throughout the year during each wave of Period 6, particularly following assessment points and mock examinations. This may mean that student's timetables are subject to change over time. This allows us to ensure that students receive the most appropriate support at the right time, whether they need help closing gaps in knowledge, consolidating key skills or developing greater expertise to allow them to reach the top grades in a subject.

Attendance at all timetabled Period 6 sessions, including Independent Learning and targeted Subject Sessions, is compulsory to allow all students the same access to this excellent opportunity. Attendance is recorded and monitored, and any absences should be reported through the school's normal absence procedures.

Every Step Counts is about recognising that success is built through consistent effort over time. By working together, students, parents, carers and staff can ensure that every student is supported, challenged and encouraged to achieve their full potential.

Further information about revision, examinations and additional support opportunities can be found on this page.