Key information

No specific updates this week

Following parents/carers receiving the Year 8 Pathways letter last term, with links to the information booklet (containing both written details about each course and a video to watch), the submission form and the feedback form out today via MCAS, can we remind you that all subject choices for Year 9 are submitted by Monday 28^th April. Once submissions are completed we would very much appreciate if you could fill in our quick feedback form to enable us to ensure our Pathways process is the best it can be for future years. Thank you.

Year 8 Pathways Information Evening Presentation 

Feedback form for the overall Year 8 Pathways process

No specific updates this week.

Please see the details in this bulletin about work experience.

Year 11 exams have now begun, with many exams happening prior to the May half term. During Term 5, students will be expected to attend school on a daily basis as usual, as is the legal requirement. This is so we are able to best support students in class in the lead up to each exam. However, we have taken the decision that, at the end of Term 5 (Friday 23^rd May), Year 11 students then go on study leave. If individual students wish to still come into school to revise after May half term, we will be putting provision in place for this to be possible. We will also be running some targeted revision sessions after half term which students will be expected to attend (either in person or online). Further details of these will be shared later this term, but we would appreciate parents supporting us to ensure students do attend these, as they are crucial opportunities to help students with their final preparations for their imminent exams. 

For all Year 11 students who have applied to join King Alfred’s Sixth Form, we will be holding our Sixth Form Induction Days on Tuesday 1^st and Wednesday 2^nd July 2025. In the lead up to exams please find the updated King Alfred's Academy Exams page King Alfred's Academy - Exams  which has our most up to date information on GCSE exams, regulations and GCSE schedules. 

QR code to access the website below. 

Please pay particular attention to the 'Candidate Handbook' which lists our expectations and 'what to do' for the upcoming exam season. I would strongly advise all parents of Year 11 to read this in advance of the summer.

Year 11 intended destination data

We have been asked by Oxfordshire County Council to compile data from our Year 11 students on what they are hoping to do from September 2025 after they have completed their GCSEs; this data has to be returned in the first week back after the Easter break.  The students who have not yet provided us with this information have been sent the link to the MS form via E-Praise again as a piece of homework.  On accessing the form, students are asked to input their full name (i.e. first name and surname) and choose one of the options available.  We are asking that they choose their first choice in the best-case scenario i.e. they get the grades that are required.  Please can I ask you to encourage your child to complete this information if they have not already done so. 

We will be running a University Applications and Apprenticeship Information Evening on Thursday 8^th May at 5.30pm in the Sixth Form Auditorium. All parents and Year 12 students are invited. More information will be emailed directly to parents in the coming days.

A-Level written exams start on Monday 12^th May, with some BTEC and practical exams happening prior to that date. From 12^th May staff will be able to release students to study at home if they feel it is appropriate. Staff may request that a whole class or certain students continue to attend lessons up until Friday 23^rd May to enable them to offer as much support as possible. It is essential that these students continue to attend lessons until their exam, particularly for subjects, such as Biology, who do not start their exams until early June. Staff will email parents to confirm whether students are required to attend. BTEC lessons will continue as normal until the end of June to ensure students have the support to complete all their coursework.

The Year 13 Prom is on Wednesday 25^th June. Tickets are available on ParentPay. This is a wonderful event and we would love to see everyone there to celebrate the end of a fantastic two years together.  

Please can we ask parents to ensure they are aware of the content of the last Parent Bulletin regarding exam logistics.