Year 11
Welcome to the Year 11 zone! Here is everything that you need to know about with what's going on in Year 11 such as messages from Dr Williams or your tutor, useful links to websites (academic and support for your wellbeing), theme of the month, jokes, quizzes and more.
Please click on the drop-down menus below to discover more. New content will be uploaded regularly so feel free to visit this page again soon.
If you or your parent(s)/carer(s) have any queries you can contact:
- Dr Williams at williams.g@aylesfordschool.org.uk
- Miss Anstey at anstey.s@aylesfordschool.org.uk
- or for general queries the office at office@aylesfordschool.org.uk.
Miss Leith, Director of Pastoral Care, is still available to support you if needed.
Meet the Year 11 team
Dr G. Williams - Head of Year 11
williams.g@aylesfordschool.org.uk
Lover of geography (of course), outdoors, travelling, photography, gardening, food (eating it, occasionally making it!), my two amazing and mischievous cats and fishkeeping. Some say he knows what all of the map symbols are because he studies them intently for hours each and every evening… Others say it’s because he is a legend. Ba dum tss! (…should FLAG that’s a geography joke).
Miss S. Anstey - Assistant Head of Year 11 / 11ANS
anstey.s@aylesfordschool.org.uk
Miss Anstey, assistant head of year 11 and head of KS3 science, completed her degree in biochemistry at the University of Warwick followed by her PGCE in Chemistry. She has been teaching for 8 years both in the UK and in the Middle East. In her spare time Miss Anstey loves being active, with most weekends spent hiking, surfing or bouldering to name a few. Miss Anstey is also very creative and enjoys making things or taking photographs, which can be seen all around her classroom in F14. She is very excited to be part of the year 11 tutor team.
Mr Amadeo - 11AMD
Mr Amadeo has been teaching at Aylesford School for 22 years and is a physics genius.... no seriously he is! In his spare time he can be found playing his guitar and entertaining audiences across the UK.
Mrs Bythell - 11BYT
I am an English teacher here at Aylesford so it won't surprise you to learn that I love to read. I am also in the middle of writing a novel. I've been at it for years though so who knows when it will get finished. Maybe 2020 is my year?! I love spending time with my husband and two kids and we have three guinea pigs at home. I love films, photography, walks in the woods, spending time with friends and family and travelling.
Miss Davies - 11DVS
I am Head of History at Aylesford and as well as teaching History, I also love learning about it outside of school! In my spare time I like to read, paint and bake. Although I do share some of my baking creations with my friends and family, I have been eating A LOT of cake during lock down, so I have started running so I can continue to eat cake (also one of my favourite things to do in my spare time) :)
Mrs Grinham - 11GRI 
Having taught at Aylesford for over 20 years (yes....I know), I think it shows you how much I love my job. However being a form tutor is one of the best bits of my job as I love getting to know students and finding out their personalities and interests. When I am not in school I enjoy spending time with my children. There is also another really special member of my household....Wilbur the cat! Like Miss Leith, I adore my cat and he really is spoilt rotten! I also love baking, playing the piano, travelling, gardening and shopping!
Mrs Hutchings - 11HTC
I love art, design and crafts and really enjoy being creative! I find inspiration all around me and through my other interests such as nature, music, books, films, history, fashion, photography, my family! the list is endless……….
“It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is well done.” Vincent Van Gogh
Here is my portrait completed by my son, a budding comic book artist 😊.
Mr Leigh - 11LGH
Bio coming soon...
Mrs McCarthy - 11MCC
Bio coming soon...
Weekly tutor time activities
This is Year 11's temporary tutor time activity schedule whilst assemblies are not taking place:
New updates for Year 11
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​Job Title: Willmott Dixon Virtual Work Experience Location: National Date: 15th – 19th February (Half Term Week) Time: 10am – 1pm Delivery: Through Microsoft Teams Age: 14-19 Years About Willmott Dixon: Willmott Dixon is a privately-owned construction contractor and interior fit-out group. Founded in 1852, we are dedicated to leaving a positive legacy in our communities and environment. We create value for customers and our communities by working in a sustainable and responsible way to shape the built environment and make a positive impact to society's wellbeing. The Work Experience Programme: Are you looking for a career in management? Willmott Dixon’s Virtual Work Experience Week introduces you to management careers in construction. The week-long programme combines both live and pre-recorded sessions to provide you with an opportunity to develop your employability skills and gain an insight into Willmott Dixon. During the programme, you will: · work on a group project with other participants · engage with Willmott Dixon employees and hear about their careers · learn how to pitch and present your project to a Dragon’s Den style panel · receive top tips from our recruitment team on improving your CV and interview skills · create a short presentation about yourself We are looking for our future leaders. Come along and see if that’s you. Expiration Date: 31/01/2021 |
About this day
For year 10 – year 13 students
Join us for a special programme designed to show students the many varied areas those in the legal profession can make an impact. Discover the personal and professional journeys of our speakers and delve into some incredible case studies in an inspirational programme for those considering a legal career. We actively encourage questions and will have interactive elements throughout, culminating in a special “I’m a lawyer ask me anything” panel session. There will be plenty of careers guidance along the way in this unmissable day for potential law students!
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Experience have just added some new virtual work experience opportunities that are looking for students like you to apply. Apply as soon as possible to give yourself the best chance of securing high quality work experience at a top employer and a boost to your future career aspirations.
New Virtual Work Experience Opportunities:
- Work Experience Week - Nursing
- Dates: 15th – 19th February 2021
- Age: 16+
- Application Deadline: 25th January 2021
- NHS Meet the people behind the masks: Midlands
- Date: 9th February 2021
- Age: 14+
- Application Deadline: 19th January 2021
- Johnson Matthey: Learn about the Social Value of Science
- Dates: 9th December 2020
- Age: 14+
- Application Deadline: 6th December 2020
- Johnson Matthey: Learn about Unconscious bias and stereotyping
- Dates: 11th December 2020
- Age: 14+
- Application Deadline: 9th December 2020
Thinking of applying for medicine?
I-medics are running a free medical school interview preparation online zoom webinar
Sun, December 6, 2020
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
You can sign up for this free event on the link below.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/get-into-medicine-interview-tips-tickets-130109491993
NWSLC are hosting a virtual open event and virtual WorldSkills event.
WorldSkills UK aims to inspire young people to choose excellence through apprenticeships and technical education. This year WorldSkills UK Live is going ONLINE, delivering Spotlight Talks on Careers, Apprenticeships, and Excellence in partnership with BAE Systems.
Manufacturing Technology Centre - MTC Apprenticeships Virtual Open Days
6th Form virtual open evening
Next week subject leads will be hosting a series of virtual zoom sessions to explain the different A-Level choices available to you. Please do sign up! Find out more information here: https://www.aylesfordschool.org.uk/page/?title=Sixth+Form+Open+Week&pid=1161
COVID-19 Self-Isolation
Hi Year 11, I just wanted to reach out to those of you currently self-isolating to say hi :)
Staff will be working hard to set work for you over the next 14 days. If you do not receive work for a lesson, make the most of the time available to revise for your upcoming mock exams. Use your revision guides, text books and other revision materials as well as websites such as Seneca Learning, GCSE bitesize and Quizlet. Focus on the areas you find the most challenging and create flash cards, revision clocks and foldable revision. Then have a go at answering exam questions and testing yourselves to apply your knowledge and understanding.
I have added a flexible task on Satchel One called ‘Self Isolation’. Whilst you may not be in school at the moment support is still available. Please feel free to reach out by commenting on the self-isolation flexible 'task'. Your parents and carers can also call/email too.
Stay safe and see you soon. Dr Williams and Miss Anstey
Activate Learning Open Events
We are inviting students to book up to three virtual 1:1 appointments, with either a subject specialist tutor or a member of our careers, support or apprenticeship teams. Each appointment is a 15-minute chat, during which students can ask as many questions as they have, discuss course details and their next steps. These appointments can be booked via our website: –
Sat 21 November 9.30am - 1.30pm Banbury & Bicester College https://www.activatelearning.ac.uk/events/2020/nov/banbury-and-bicester-college-november-open-event
Weds 25 November 4.00pm – 8.00pm City of Oxford College (& The Technology Campus)
https://www.activatelearning.ac.uk/events/2020/nov/city-of-oxford-college-november-open-event
Apprenticeship vacancy page
https://activateapprenticeships.co.uk/become-an-apprentice/apprenticeship-vacancies/
Hello from Dr Williams
Having already worked so closely with you in my previous role, I am both delighted and incredibly excited to be leading you with the support of Miss Anstey and your wonderful tutors through this challenging year to help you achieve your full potential in your GCSEs and to prepare you for Further Education and more.
This academic year we have some big milestones end events - mock interviews and exams, GCSEs, and post-school applications. Together we'll achieve these one at a time and your year 11 team will be there with you on this exciting journey. If you have questions or concerns as we go through year 11 please speak to somebody. With the recent announcement of a second lockdown we are reminded of the uncertainty the nation faces but what we'll always have throughout this year is one another. Let's continue to look out for one another, support one another and together we'll achieve our full potential.
I'm really looking forward to working with you more closely and I'm always happy to talk. You can now find me in the office opposite staff corridor. YEAR 11 WOOP! :)
Mock Interviews
Remember that the deadline for completing your application form (first draft) for your mock interview is Friday 13th November. Please read through the job specifications and choose the job that is the nearest match to the one you think you might like to do in future. With a little of your own research into the job and what it involves, complete your draft application from and upload online using Satchel One (SMHW). Ask your tutor if you have any queries about this or see Dr Williams, Miss Harrison (HRR) or Miss McDonagh.
WCG Colleges are holding virtual online open events. This is an opportunity for you to view their facilities online, speak to their staff and get information, advice and guidance on a number of different post-16 study options - all from the comfort of your own home.
Click the link to find out more and book your place --> https://wcg.ac.uk/openevents
Stratford College are holding virtual online open events and you will be able to book online really soon. Join the audience of a live Zoom event for the chance to meet lecturers and ask questions. Below is a list of the sessions available:
Click the link for more info and to register your place --> https://www.stratford.ac.uk/news-and-events/virtual-open-event/school-leaver-virtual-open-event/
Immersive Career Experiences
For Ages 15-18
Autumn Term
Architecture | Art | Computer Science | Dentistry | Engineering | Entrepreneurship | Fashion | Filmmaking | International Development | Investment Banking | Journalism | Law | Management Consultancy | Marketing | Medicine | Music | Politics |Psychology | Publishing | Veterinary Science
Interested in virtual work experience? Click on the link below to find out more about how you can get involved: https://investin.org/collections/weekend-programmes?mc_cid=da13088c5b&mc_eid=f58959a260
Welcome back Year 11! What a year to start of your final mandatory year as an Aylesford student?! Staff have been working really hard to try to ensure the best start for your return to school and tutors, Dr Williams and I are always on hand to offer support if you need us. This year will be tough…you will be sitting your exams at the end of this academic year and you need to make sure that you prepare for this from the moment you start on Thursday. I have planned for tutor activities to link in with useful strategies you will need in preparation for the year ahead so it is vital you make use of this time during each week.
The school day (in the short term at least) will look slightly different for you and may take a bit of getting used to. Rather than go to your tutor room first thing, you will go straight to lesson 1 at 9am and you will see you tutor later at 11.00-11.15. It is important that you all enter school via the Shelley Avenue entrance (this information has already been sent to parents in an email/letter).
I am genuinely looking forward to welcoming you back. Not seeing most of you since March has been strange…my sarcasm may just go up a notch or two given how long it’s been!!
Good luck year 11 with your final GCSE year!
Miss Leith :)
General Announcement
Hi year 10, two more weeks to go!! I hope you’ve enjoyed coming back into school for some lessons, those of you who have been able to. I know that teachers are enjoying being back in the classroom and are also enjoying the zoom lessons that have started recently. If you haven’t handed in the consent form (via email) please get your parents to reply asap so you can take part – without consent, you will not be allowed to join the online lessons. If you and your parents are unsure if you have replied giving consent, email me and I can check for you. Your teachers will continue to set work on Show My Homework for the next two weeks so please try to keep up with the work – if you fall behind because you come into school for a lesson, just message your teacher and ask for an extension.
You will be receiving another tutor call over the next two weeks – your tutor just wants to see how you’re doing, if you have any concerns and if we can help with anything. If you miss a call and want them to call you back, leave a message with the office or email me and I will get them to call you back.
If you have any quizzes/activities that could be used on the website, email myself or Dr Williams and we can pop them on over the next couple of weeks – it might give you something to do over the holidays.
Hope you are all keeping well. Look forward to seeing more of you in school over the next couple of weeks,
Miss Leith :)
STEM Enterprise Competition
For those budding engineers and entrepreneurs out there, here are some details of a competition for you to enter. Previous prizes have included iPads and Dominos vouchers.
The Great Indoors Badge
The Great Indoors Badge is not just about learning new skills, this is about bringing out what is already inside you! The different stages allow you to share what you've learnt and find a way to support your community.
Year 10s can complete the Explorer Challenges. Open to Explorer members and non-members.
General information can be found here: https://www.scouts.org.uk/the-great-indoors/the-great-indoors-badge/
Information on how to earn your badge can be found here: https://www.scouts.org.uk/staged-badges/the-great-indoors-badge/
General Announcement
Hi year 10,
First announcement on the new year 10 webpage. I hope you are all keeping well! Some of you have had a lesson back in school, whilst I'm sure it was a shock to the system, I really hope you enjoyed being in, having that face to face contact with your teacher and seeing some of your friends. You will have more sessions before the end of this academic year and I hope you're all able to come in, however if you are unable to, try to let your teacher know.
Zoom lessons will start next week. Staff will be working really hard over the next few weeks to ensure you have quality zoom lessons as well as continuing to set work via SMHW so a reminder to keep up with all work and message your teacher on SMHW if you are struggling.
As always, you can email me with any concerns....leith.j@aylesfordschool.org.uk.
I hope you enjoy browsing the year 10 webpage...a reminder that any suggestions you might have for it or if you have a quiz you'd like us to upload, please send your suggestions to either myself or Dr Williams and we'll do our best to get it onto to the page.
Stay safe,
Miss Leith
Themes of the month
Giving
As it is the month of December this month's theme is giving. When we think of giving it is not just about giving gifts. Think about all the other things you can give to family and friends. Can you give your time to help others? Think about the last time you phoned a relative that you don't see that often. You can also give your experience and expertise, can you help a friend who is struggling in lessons and guide them through their work.
At this time of year there are lots of people who will be alone and feel isolated. Can you be the person who helps them this year.
Have a look at the well-being calendar for lots of ideas for each day of the month.
Starting this month and lasting until the end of year 11, I would like you to focus on your GOAL. My vision for you all to finish year 11 with your well-deserved GCSE grades and many lovely memories of the year is rooted in your GOAL. So let's maintain our high standards and attendance, after all you cannot learn if you are not in, let's take responsibility for our revision and our learning to get our GCSEs, let's learn and use coping strategies to manage change and uncertainty and remember to look after our wellbeing in the face of pressures associated with year 11. Let us look after one another and support one another to achieve our full potential this year. Dr Williams
Perseverance
To persevere is to not to give up, especially when things seem difficult or when the goal seems a long way away. It is about pushing yourself through challenges and challenging times, getting you past the hard stuff so you can get what you want. You may also know perseverance as Grit.
Remember that good things don’t just happen overnight, you have to work hard for them. In tutor we recently learned about grit, and how J. K. Rowling had to persevere to get her first Harry Potter book published when the publishers kept rejecting it.
For some of us, we may have missed out on work or understanding over the lock down period. By persevering, you will be able to overcome this gap and feel on track. Accept the catch up sessions offered to you, and don’t forget to ask your teachers for help and support. By persevering now, you’ll harvest the rewards of your hard work next year. By persevering now, you’ll better reach your goals!
Flexibility
Flexibility is about being able to adapt and change. Learning is easier if you are willing to open yourself to new experiences and show creativity to problem solving. Flexibility allows you to deal with new and different situations. It helps you cope when things change and when the unexpected occurs.
Clearly 2020 has involved a lot of change for everybody. We have had to learn to quickly adapt to 'new normals' in our community, such as following the lock down rules. Here in school and all other schools across the country there have been many changes put in place to welcome you back safely. Teachers will show flexibility with their new working style moving around the school, and by following the new rules and routines that have been implemented. If you can show flexibility too, you'll be able to manage the changes more easily. Adjust your expectations and know that not all things will be the same, for now, though many things will be - such as seeing your friends and enjoying great lessons. Adapting to change can be challenging and people will adjust at different rates. Don't be afraid to speak to a friend or teacher if you find change difficult, help is always available.
Commitment
Last month the focus was on striking the balance between work and play. This month the focus has shifted towards how we can keep on going that little bit longer. The summer holidays are fast approaching and many of us are on pretty low batteries. Not only has it been a long term and we're now ready for a break but the change in learning and our lifestyles has been quite mentally draining, especially for those of us struggling with maintaining a schedule without the rings of the school's bells.
Commitment means to be dedicated towards a cause. In the context of this post, the cause is our own individual academic and personal achievements. With just over two weeks left until the summer holidays we all must find the inner strength, dedication and perseverance to keep going. The end of year 10 is in sight, the goal is almost reached. So try and remember why it is you are putting in the hard work already (think back to those motivations from VESPA) and with that in mind keep on going. The hard work you put in now will be worth it, the fruits of your labour will be harvested at the end of year 11. We believe in you all and we trust you'll do what you can to put the final effort in before a well deserved break later this month!!
Mission and Medal
This month, as many of you work so hard on your classwork, either remotely via SMHW, Zoom or in school, take the time to reflect on something we have learned about from our VESPA booklet: Mission & Medal. The mission is the work that you need to do. You can't skip out this stage - it's very important, especially as next year you'll be finishing this stage of your academic journey. But it's also important you strike a work-life balance. Work too hard without a break or relaxation and you can end up operating on half power, or worse burn out. This is where the medal comes into play. The medal is the reward or treat that you get for completing the mission. It could be a socially distanced walk, a catch up with a friend or your family, watching some TV or playing a game. If you've worked hard, you deserve a reward for it. Striking this balance is important - too much mission or too much medal can have negative effects on both yourself and your school work. So as June continues, remember to work on striking this balance and achieving your full potential. Well done.
Mental Health & Mindfulness Calendars
Useful Apps:
If you are a student and want to talk to someone about a problem while Aylesford School is closed – why not phone:
Childline 0800 1111
Safeline for Young People 0808 800 5007
MIND 0300-123-3393
Or try one of these websites:
https://www.safeline.org.uk
https://www.mind.org.uk/
nhs.uk
samaritans.org
mentalhealth.org.uk
anxietyuk.org.uk
October 2020
Life is far from perfect, but there are lots of reasons for optimism. Setting positive goals for the future gives our lives a sense of direction and purpose. And although we face many challenges there are also lots of reasons to stay hopeful. By consciously choosing our priorities we can overcome issues, make progress and focus on what really matters.
Have goals for the future.
Feeling good about the future is important for our happiness. We all need goals to motivate us and these need to be challenging enough to excite us, but also achievable. If we try to attempt the impossible this brings unnecessary stress. Choosing ambitious but realistic goals gives our lives direction and brings a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction when we achieve them.
GCSE Revision
General Links for all subjects:
- BBC bitesize: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/levels/z98jmp3
- SENECA Learning: https://app.senecalearning.com/courses?Price=Free&Age+Group=GCSE
- National Oak Academy: https://classroom.thenational.academy/subjects-by-key-stage/key-stage-4
Maths:
English:
Science:
- https://www.kerboodle.com/users/login
- https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqbOeHaAUXw9Il7sBVG3_bw
Goegraphy:
- https://timeforgeography.co.uk/
- https://www.s-cool.co.uk/gcse/geography
- https://www.internetgeography.net/topics/
- https://revisionworld.com/gcse-revision/geography​
Physical Education:
- GCSE PE – Following their two year programme of study to gain the qualification
- BTEC SPORT LEVEL 2 – Following their two year programme of study to gain the award
- The Everlearner
- GCSE PE Revision
- Hodder Dynamic Learning
- Kerboodle
- Pearson ActiveLearn
Music:
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zbmct39
- https://resources.eduqas.co.uk/Pages/ResourceByArgs.aspx?subId=21&lvlId=2
- https://www.mymusictheory.com/index.php
- https://www.musictheory.net/​
Digital Information Technology:
Enterprise:
Quizzes, Jokes and more...
Answers to November's quiz:
Cartoon character block quiz. Can you work out which characters these colour blocks represent? Answers next month!
Jokes
What sound does a nut make when it sneezes?
A: Cashew!
July 2020
Jokes
Dr Williams (again, sorry - seriously somebody give me better material already!):
Working in a mirror factory is something I can totally see myself doing...
Brain teasers (answers below)
1. What can be seen once in a minute, twice in a moment and never in a thousand years?
2. Which tyre doesn’t move when a car turns right?
3. I am not alive but I have five fingers. What am i?
4. Which word is written incorrectly in the dictionary?
5. A truck drove into a village and met 4 cars. How many vehicles were going into the village?
6. People buy me to eat, but they never eat me. What am i?
7. We kill, and we give life. We are either poison or fruit - you choose. What are we?
8. Which hand is better for stirring sugar into a cup of tea?
9. Feed me, and it will give me life. But give me a drink and I will die. What am i?
10. Who makes moves whilst being seated?
11. What gets wet whilst drying?
12. The more you take out of it, the bigger it becomes. What is it?
13. I’m always somewhere between the ground and the sky, always far in the distance, always moving further away if one tries to come closer. What am i?
Answers
1. The letter 'M' 2. The spare tyre 3. A glove 4. The word incorrectly 5. One truck 6. A plate 7. Words 8. It is better to use a spoon 9. Fire 10. A chess player 11. A towel 12. A pit 13. Horizon
Answers to last month's quiz:
Quiz
Answers to last month's quiz. How many did you get right? Get in touch and let us know! (Scroll past to find the latest quiz for July).
This month's quiz is on nature. So how much attention have you all been paying to nature in the last few months? Can you identify these birds found commonly in British gardens. (9 out of 12 is considered a good score)
June 2020
Jokes
Dr Williams: Where do fish keep their money? In riverbanks!
Quiz
Guess the company from the logo. Some logos are partially missing to make it harder. Have a go and hold on to your answers. The answers will be revealed on here in July!
