Hello my name is Georgina Hughes and I am the Year 10 Achievement Leader.

In my role as Achievement Leader I adhere to the philosophy of ‘Every Child Matters’. The wellbeing of all the Yr 10 students is fundamental in my role.  I endeavour to build positive relationships with students and encourage them to work to their full potential every day – ‘Every Lesson Counts’.

Attending school every day is vital. Research by the DCSF has shown that students who have 5 days off school have a 98.5% chance of achieving 5 A*- C.  Students who have 10 days off decrease this to 57% chance of achieving 5 A*- C. Students who have over 20 days off dramatically reduce their chance of achieving 5 A*- C to just 28%.

These figures are astounding and should not be ignored.

Teachers and students have expectations and responsibilities. Students should expect to be taught in a pleasant, safe environment conducive to learning by committed teachers who inspire students to achieve their potential. 

Teachers should expect students to arrive on time and work to their full ability every lesson. Students are encouraged to be independent, pro-active learners – i.e. working on their own and using own ideas.  If students need help, they should take the initiative and ask for help.

The relationship between students and teachers is very significant. It has to be a mutually respectful partnership in order for both parties to get the best from each other.  Good behaviour is essential for learning to take place. Poor behaviour impacts greatly on attainment.  Students are expected to demonstrate good behaviour as this will affect their own and their peers’ attainment.

Students are expected to take responsibility for their own learning. For instance if a family holiday or illness has hindered progress, it is the responsibility of the student to catch up missed work, to ensure they meet the deadline set.

Organisation is key! Students should bring the correct equipment to ensure they can participate fully in the lesson. School bags should be prepared the night before to ensure a stress free morning.

The exclusive two week work experience in year 10 us chance for students to experience the world of work.  All Witton Park students are offered a work placement with a local business that will enable students to find out what skills employers are looking for when trying to fill a job vacancy.  It is a chance for students to apply classroom theory knowledge and help them make informed post 16 career choices.  Work experience is also a fantastic opportunity for students to gain practical experience and to help them develop employability skills.

All students completing their work experience will be awarded a work experience certificate for their record of achievement which is desired by both employers and colleges alike.  Work experience fortnight is 1st to the 12th February 2010 inclusive.

KS4 is a journey over two years, not a journey that can be undertaken at the end of Year 11 - it is a steady continual progression over the two years. Making a positive start in year 10 will help ensure this.

Many subjects are coursework, modular exams and final examination based.  This means that every lesson really does count.  It also means that students need to make use of their homework journal to record essential dates such as modular exam dates and times, coursework deadlines and homework.

Whilst formal homework may not be set in some subjects, every curriculum area will have ongoing coursework tasks, revision or other practical tasks that will require students to work on and/or complete at home.  In some subjects e.g. ICT students will need to stay after school to use school resources especially if students do not have internet access at home.

Finally, my favourite aspect of being an Achievement Leader is celebrating student success. Year 10 currently have weekly assemblies on Monday’s and Wednesday’s. I enjoy immensely sharing student achievement with the year group, sharing background information of each achievement and awarding certificates, medals and prizes. I particularly enjoy the end of term achievement assembly where certificates and prizes are awarded to the Inter-form Mindbenders Quiz League Champions. Certificates and prizes are also awarded to the tutor group with the highest attendance percentage and the tutor group with the most improved attendance. The KAROT (Keep Attending Regularly And On Time) prize draw for vouchers are  also awarded at this time for 95% and above and 100% attendance – but students have to be ‘In to Win’.  There is always a fun element to end of term assemblies which are enjoyed by all; in fact our year group assemblies are legendary around school.  Where we lead others follow!