Welcome to Year 9

Year 9 marks an exciting new stage in your child’s education as pupils begin their GCSE journey. Having made their option choices, pupils are now studying the subjects that will take them through the next three years and towards their final GCSE examinations.

As the Year 9 pastoral team, our priority is to ensure that every pupil feels happy, supported and ready to succeed. We work closely with our team of tutors, teaching staff and families to help pupils manage the increased expectations that come with starting their GCSE courses.

This is an important year for developing strong habits. We encourage pupils to take greater responsibility for their attendance, punctuality, organisation, behaviour and learning. Starting well in Year 9 really matters: the knowledge, skills and work pupils develop now will form the foundations for their success in Years 10 and 11.

However, Year 9 is about much more than GCSEs. We want our pupils to continue developing their confidence, independence and resilience, while enjoying everything that being part of Purbrook Park has to offer. We encourage pupils to get involved in school life, take on new challenges and celebrate their achievements both inside and outside the classroom.

Our pastoral team is here to support pupils throughout the year, whether they need advice, encouragement or simply someone to talk to. Strong communication with parents and carers is an important part of this, and we encourage you to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

We look forward to working with you and supporting our Year 9 pupils as they take this important next step.

Mr Evans & Mrs Cunningham
Year 9 Pastoral Team