Year 11

Welcome to the Year 11 Hub

This page contains all the essential information, updates, and resources needed to support your child's journey in Year 11.

Year 11 is the most significant milestone of secondary education. This year is not about learning a massive amount of brand-new information; it is about refining, consolidating, and applying what has been learned over the last four years. The focus shifts entirely to precision, stamina, and execution. Through a combination of rigorous targeted mock data analysis, structured revision frameworks, and post-16 guidance, we ensure every student leaves our care with choices for their future.

Here you can find resources and tools to help you revise and prepare for your exam:

Year 11 Revision Hub

Key Staff

Name Role
To Be Confirmed Head of Year 11
To Be Confirmed Pastoral for Year 11
Mr M Godden Deputy Head
Mrs H Doran Medical Needs Officer
Mrs S Murphy Safeguarding Officer
Mrs K Brenson SENDCO

Form Tutors

Name Role
11 Bridges Tutor
11 Darwin A Tutor
11 Darwin B Tutor
11 Dickens Tutor
11 Lovelace Tutor

Admissions

Free School Meals

House System

Letters Home

Safeguarding

Uniform & Equipment

Key Dates For The Diary 2026-27

Date Event
Wednesday 2 September First Day Back at School
Thursday 24 September School Photos - All Years
Monday 2 November Silver Mocks Start
Tuesday 24 November Parents Evening
Friday 27 November INSET Day
Monday 7 December Flu Vaccinations
Tuesday 12 January Parents Evening
Monday 4 January INSET Day
Monday 1 February Gold Mocks Start
Tuesday 16 March Parents Evening
Monday 12 April INSET Day
Monday 10 May Formal GCSE Exams Start
Wednesday 23 June National Exam Contingency Day
Thursday 19 August GCSE Results Day

Please note that these dates are subject to change. Should any adjustments be made, we will notify all parents immediately.

2026 Flu Vaccination Session

Main Date: Monday 7 December

Catch-Ups: Any catch-ups will be done at a Community Clinic by appointment only

The link for the electronic form and information about the vaccination will be found here closer to the date.

Careers

Looking for information on our careers programme? Our careers page can be found here.

The Post-16 Transition & Options

By law, students must remain in some form of education or training until their 18th birthday. The distinct avenues available to students are:

  • A-Levels (Advanced Levels): Academic, subject-specific qualifications focusing deeply on 3 or 4 subjects over 2 years. Ideal for students targeting university pathways.
  • T-Levels: Technical alternatives to A-Levels that combine classroom learning with an extended 45-day industry placement.
  • Vocational Qualifications (BTEC/CTEC Level 3): Practical, coursework-heavy qualifications focused on a specific professional sector (e.g., Engineering, Creative Media, Health and Social Care).
  • Apprenticeships: Paid employment combined with part-time study, leading to a recognised qualification. Applications for these typically heat up in the spring.

Digimaps

Digimapforschools Website

Kemnal Technology College Login Details

Username: DA145AA5
Password: vothed4362

If you have any issues with logging in or queries, please email Mrs Luff at:

Examinations Information

Mock Exams 

Done for 2026

GCSE Exams

Y11 Summer Exams Timetable 2026

GCSE Results Day

Thursday 20 August 2026

Below are some downloads you may find useful:

Information for Candidates - Coursework

Information for Candidates - Non-examination Assessments

Information for Candidates - On-screen Tests

Information for Candidates - Preparing to Sit Your Exams

Information for Candidates - Privacy Notice

Information for Candidates - Social Media

Information for Candidates - Written Examinations

GCSE Exam Boards

Below is a list with links to the GCSE Exam Boards for each of our subjects.

You will be able to view past exam papers and find other resources that have been made available by them:

Art, Craft and Design - AQA

Business - Edexcel

Child Development - OCR

Citizenship - AQA

Computer Science - Pearson Edexcel

Creative iMedia - OCR

English Language - AQA

English Literature - AQA

French - AQA

Geography - Pearson Edexcel

History - Pearson Edexcel

Hospitality and Catering - WJEC

Mathematics - Pearson Edexcel

Music - Pearson Edexcel

Physical Education - OCR

Performing Arts - Eduqas (WJEC)

Science (Combined) - AQA

Science (Separate) - AQA

Statistics - Pearson Edexcel

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the examinations, please contact our Exams Officer:

Exam Stress Tips & Useful Websites

Exam season can be a stressful and overwhelming time, and it’s completely normal to feel anxious.

If you ever feel like you need extra support, please remember that help is available. There are lots of ways to get support, so you can choose what works best for you, whether that’s texting, calling, having a face-to-face chat or using self-help resources at your own pace.

Here are a few options you can explore to look after your mental health and wellbeing during this time.

If You Need Immediate Help

If you feel unsafe or think you may act on suicidal thoughts:

  1. Call 999 or go to your nearest A&E – mental health professionals are on site to offer you direct support
  2. Call Samaritans – 116 123 (This service is free and open 24/7)
  3. Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential text support with a friendly mental health professional
  4. Use Papyrus HOPELINE247 – 0800 068 4141 or text 07860 039967. Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
  5. You can also contact NHS 111 and select the mental health option.

What Support Is Available

You don’t need to wait until things reach a crisis. We encourage you to seek support at the earliest sign of any difficulties, as this can help prevent your thoughts and feelings from escalating and becoming harder to manage

We strongly urge you to speak to a trusted adult; this could be any of the following:

  1. Designated Safeguarding Lead
  2. A Tutor or Teacher you trust
  3. Head of Year or Pastoral Support
  4. Exam Support staff

Alternatively, access the following:

Barnardo's - Exam Stress

BBC Bitesize - Exams & Revision

Bromley Y - Resources to support students and parents/carers around exam stress

Centre33 - Exam Stress Wellbeing Toolkit

Childline - Exam Stress and Pressure

GOV.UK - Coping With Exam Pressure

Headspace - Guide to Box-Breathing Technique to Aid Focus & Anxiety

Healthy Minds - Exam Stress Top Tips

KOOTH - Exam Stress Collection

KOOTH - Exam Tips

KOOTH - Supporting Your Child Through Exam Stress

KOOTH - The Exam Calm Zone

KOOTH - The Ultimate Exam Toolkit

Mind - Exam stress for 11-18 year olds

MoodSpark - Exam Support Guide

National College - 10 Top Tips for Managing Exam Stress

NHS - Help your child beat exam stressPlace2Be - Navigating Exam Season

Samaritans - Coping Strategies Exam Stress

Student Minds - Exam Stress Resources

The Physiological Society - Conquering Exam Stress VideoThe Student Room - Guide To Handling Revision & Exam Stress

YoungMinds - Exam Stress A Guide For Young People

Self-Help Strategies For Exam Stress

1. Reduce pressure

  • Focus on progress, not perfection.
  • Break revision into smaller tasks.
  • Use short study blocks (for example: 25 minutes study, 5 minutes break).
  • Avoid comparing yourself to others.

2. Calm your nervous system

Try one of these:

  • Slow breathing: breathe in for four, out for six.
  • Grounding exercise: name five things you can see, four you can feel, three you can hear.
  • Stretching or a short walk.
  • Listening to calming music.

3. Look after your body

  • Try to sleep regularly.
  • Drink water.
  • Eat consistently, even during busy periods.
  • Move your body every day, even for 10 minutes.
  • Limit caffeine and energy drinks if they increase anxiety.

4. Challenge any unhelpful thoughts

Instead of:

  • “I’m going to fail everything.”

Try:

  • “I’m stressed right now, but I can take this one step at a time.”
  • “I don’t need to be perfect to do well.”
  • “I have prepared for this throughout my years in education. I am ready.”

5. Stay connected

  • Talk to friends.
  • Tell someone when you are struggling.
  • Study with others if it helps.
  • Do not isolate yourself.

6. Give your brain recovery time

Rest helps memory and concentration. You are allowed to:

  • take breaks
  • sleep
  • spend time with people
  • stay active with hobbies
  • have boundaries and stop revising at a certain point into the night.

Quick and simple coping strategies before an exam

  • Take three slow breaths.
  • Relax your shoulders and unclench your jaw.
  • Read the first question slowly.
  • Start with the easiest question.
  • Remember: anxiety can make your mind feel blank temporarily.
  • Focus only on the next step (one thing at a time), not the whole exam.

Exam Day

Here you can find out what to expect on the day, including guidance and advice on dealing with any unexpected issues that may come up and some tips on approaching your exam.

Unforeseen Circumstances On Exam Day

Sickness

If you are sick on the day of an exam, you should contact the school as soon as possible.

Severe Weather Or Major Travel Disruption

If the school can open, exams will be held as normal. If you’re unable to get there due to severe weather or travel disruption, the school may send you to an alternative venue or withdraw you from the exam and ask you to sit it in the next exam series.

If severe weather is forecast:

  • allow extra travel time
  • check for updates from the school
  • contact the school if you think you may arrive late (you may still be able to sit your exam).
Arriving Late Or Leaving Early

If you think you may be late for an exam, contact the school as soon as possible. Depending on how late you arrive, you may or may not be allowed to sit the exam.

Learners are not allowed to leave the exam room in the first hour. If, in an emergency, someone needs to contact a learner taking an exam, they should call the school or college directly.

Missing An Exam

If you miss an exam due to circumstances beyond your control, you may be able to apply for special consideration. For more information, see:

JCQ’s guide to the special consideration process

In The Exam Room

What To Take

You will be provided the question papers, answer sheets and additional materials. You should check with your teachers beforehand whether there are any specific instructions or additional equipment/materials needed, such as a calculator for maths exams.

Generally the following can be taken into an exam:

  • a black pen (plus spares)
  • pencils and erasers
  • a clear pencil case
  • a water bottle with no label on it.

JCQ’s information for candidates documents have a full list of instructions for exam day.

Before The Exam Starts

To help ensure things go smoothly, you should:

  • arrive on time (aim to get to the exam 10 to 15 minutes before the start)
  • leave phones and any kind of watch outside the exam room (you can be penalised if you’re found to have these items with you during an exam)
  • listen carefully to the teacher/invigilator’s instructions.
During The Exam

These techniques may help during an exam:

  • be quiet once the exam starts – talking to, or disturbing, other learners can lead to a penalty
  • read the instructions carefully
  • take the time to read each question carefully and make sure you understand what is being asked
  • look out for command words and identify key words before answering
  • use the answer book to brainstorm and mind-map ideas
  • remember to cross out any draft work that you don’t want to be marked
  • write neatly
  • answer the question being asked, not the one you were expecting
  • use the allocated marks as a rough guideline for how much time to spend on each answer
  • if you can’t answer a question, move on to the next and come back to it later
  • leave space between answers in case you want to add to them later
  • allow time to check work before the end of the exam
  • if you have a question, feel ill or need to leave the room, raise your hand and wait for the invigilator to come to you
  • if you think there may be an error in the question paper, notify an invigilator immediately and continue with the exam as normal (your school or college will notify us and we will ensure that if there is an error it will not affect your result).

After Your Exams

Sometimes exam stress doesn't just disappear once you have finished your exams, as you might be worried about your results. There are post-results options available to you if you don't get the results you need. But until then, take time to celebrate completing your exams and your achievements so far.

Managing Stress When Waiting For Results

Waiting for and receiving results can be stressful. It’s important to recognise the signs and take proactive steps to maintain good mental health.

Each of us responds differently to important life events, like waiting for and receiving results. At some times we may feel relaxed and calm, whilst at others we may feel stressed.

Whether you're currently feeling relaxed or stressed, it’s good to be aware of the signs of stress. Learn what you can do to manage stress in the lead-up to results day, and on the day itself.

Noticing Signs Of Stress

It’s completely normal to experience stress in the time between exams and results day, especially as results day draws closer. Some signs of stress may be:

  • feeling less connected to other people, alongside changes in your general behaviour and how competent you feel
  • poor sleep and having bad dreams
  • worrying and continuously thinking about your expected results
  • ups and downs in how optimistic you feel
  • feeling less motivated to look after your health
  • how you respond to weather – e.g. very hot weather may make you more irritable and stressed.

Observing and acknowledging these reactions is an important step towards improving and managing your mental health.

What You Can Do To Reduce Stress

There are many simple and free ways you can reduce stress, such as:

  • look after your physical health – do moderate exercise and sleep well
  • be social – make plans to see friends and family, either physically or virtually
  • check in with yourself about how you’re feeling, e.g. through mindfulness meditation
  • write a list of things you are grateful for
  • do something that helps you feel connected to others, eg volunteer work or getting shopping for a housebound neighbour
  • find an enjoyable activity that you can be completely absorbed in, like playing a video game or drawing
  • work on goals that you can chart your progress on, like the NHS Couch to 5k running plan

Keep in mind that each of us has different needs, and will respond differently. What may work well for you may not work for others. Find what’s right for you, try new things, and support others like you taking positive steps towards good mental health.

Further Information & Support

If you're anxious or concerned about your own mental health, you can access a lot of free information and support services, including:

Childline - exam results support

Young Minds - mental health support for young people

NHS - mental health helplines

NHS - how to access mental health services

BACP - British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy therapists

MIND UK - types of mental health problems

Here we have addressed some common questions and concerns from students after exams:

If you forgot to label your answer with the correct question number, you don't need to worry about it, as the examiners will make every effort to try and match a non-labelled answer with the correct question.

Students are asked to only write in black ink when taking their exams. On the rare occasion a student uses a different-coloured pen, the exam board will always ensure that the exam paper is marked and that the student receives the correct mark.

If in your exam you were asked to answer two out of three questions and instead you answered all three. The examiners will mark all three questions and your final marks will be awarded based on the two highest-scoring questions out of the three you answered.

If you didn't spell your name or your family name correctly, then you can speak to our exam officer, who will be able to contact the Entries team to resolve this issue. It is important that the exam boards have your correct birth name in preparation for your certificate.

If after your exam you feel there may have an error in the exam paper, then you should speak to our exams officer who will contact the exam board. If there has been an error, they will ensure that this mistake won't affect your result. If you feel that the error may have affected your overall performance in the exam, then talk to your teacher. If agreed, the exams officer can apply for you to get special consideration.

The examiners have seen lots of different styles of handwriting and can usually work out what you have written or were trying to say.