Year 10 Life

Year 10 sees a shift in students’ focus as they start to prepare for their GCSE exams.  The GCSEs are 2 year courses with exams taken at the end of Year 11.  Having said that, the core subjects of English, Maths and Science start some of the GCSE syllabus in Year 9.

Working hard right from the outset is key to success at GCSEs as students build up knowledge, understanding and skills.  However, a truly successful Year 10 student will not concentrate solely on academic work.  At Netherhall, our aim is to prepare students for the wider world.  Achieving the best possible exam grades will of course be important, but it is equally important for students to develop their character and experience through engaging with the wider opportunities on offer.

We have a full programme of extracurricular sporting, musical and dramatic activities.  A variety of trips are on offer and there are also activities for students to get involved in which provide a service to the school community.  We encourage students to participate in as many of these activities as possible.

A highlight of Year 10 is Work Experience: a chance for students to leave school for a fortnight, be treated as an adult and experience the world of work.  This has proved to be an extremely rewarding process over the years with students growing in maturity and gaining an insight into what is required for the next stages of their career pathway.

Throughout the year, students will be supported by their form tutor, their form mentor, the pastoral support tutors and their School Achievement Leader.  We welcome any contact from home regarding the academic progress or social and emotional welfare of the students.