Thought For The Day – Thursday 8th December

Mock GCSE examinations begin today.  All students in the school need to follow the signs and be quiet around examination areas.

Mock examinations provide very important practice and feedback for students, as well as information for references.  The actual examinations in May will be here soon. We cannot leave everything until tomorrow.

Resilience will be needed.  There are twists and turns in each question, examination, subject, day and week. Take every question, exam, subject and day at a time. Keep calm and carry on.

One mark can make the difference.  Literacy and proofreading is important.  Attempt all questions. Have a go rather than saying:  “I don’t know”.

Wellbeing is our foundation for everything. Good sleep, diet, food and exercise ensures our human battery is charged.  Stay warm. Look after yourself and others.  Keep perspective.

Respect, responsibility and integrity is everything.  Follow the rules, have the correct equipment, listen to the excellent invigilators.  Not doing these things can affect all examinations.

What ends in Year 11 and Year 13 starts in Year 7.  Birmingham City retired Jude Bellingham’s number 22 shirt when he left his hometown club aged 17.

We have discussed the ethics of the men’s football world cup in a balanced and moral manner in assemblies and Citizenship lessons, and will continue to do so.  We have heard in school from a human rights campaigner who travelled to the men’s football world cup to protest.  Respect is universal.

On Sunday evening, the England men’s football team were second best to Senegal, the outstanding African champions, for around 35 minutes. A key goalkeeping save was needed to stay level.  On the 38th minute, driven by Jordan Henderson, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, and the rest of the team and staff,  they scored the first of two first half goals to ease supporters’ concerns and give a sound platform for the second half.

We are currently in the 35th minute.  Will we go into half-time (after the mocks)  with a lead to make the second half (2023) more manageable?  Will a draw at half-time be enough?   Dig deep.

As Year 11 last year used to say,  as they approached their exams in 2022: “110”.  110%.  They wrote their history. You will write yours.

Good luck.  Do your best. Giving your best is all anyone can ask in life. That is all that matters.

You got this.  Let’s go.