I am Mr Ward and I’m Head of Year 11.  I joined Fortismere in September 2019 as a DT and Engineering teacher, rounding off a stable and successful department. Since joining the school, I have supported students at key worker school and at several DT clubs during the holidays. I was Deputy Head of Year 9 and then continued to work with the year group when they moved to Year 10 and I’m now really pleased and excited to be able to continue to support this cohort through their all-important GCSE year. 

Year 11 is a busy and intensive year and continuing to develop good study habits and revision strategies is important for all students. To help with this, a document is available on Google Classroom that collates links, revision tools and past paper questions for the core subjects. Students will also be provided with a revision booklet that contains methods for study but also information regarding college applications and CV writing skills. Throughout the year, departments will offer a range of interventions both before and after school to provide students with more revision opportunities and face to face support. To track student progress, there will be assessments which will inform both staff and students of current attainment and where extra help is needed. Staff can then adapt teaching to ensure that students are receiving the content they need and students can revisit topics. 

But Year 11 is not all about exams and revising tirelessly. The end of Year 11 is also a time for students to celebrate finishing their compulsory education and to prepare for their next step out into the world as accomplished young adults.  Leavers hoodies, year books and prom await all at the end of what I am sure will be a landmark year.  If you would like to contact me please email me at dward@fortismere.org.uk