Dear Parents & Carers,

I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to you as members of the Varndean College community. It is a privilege to have the young person in your care join us during this exciting stage of their educational journey, and we are looking forward to supporting them throughout their time here. Our new cohort of students has been an absolute pleasure to welcome, and they are already settling in well to college life. It has been wonderful to begin getting to know them better.

Please find attached theParent Carer Guide 24/25which contains all the key information you'll need as a parent or carer of a Varndean College student. Should you have any suggestions or feel that there is additional information that would be helpful, please don't hesitate to contact us atinformation@varndean.ac.uk

Timetables

Since the start of lessons, we have been running lunchtime and after-college "timetable surgeries" for students who wish to sign up for alternative enrichment courses or have any other queries. While we do not recommend course changes at this stage, if, after two weeks, a student feels that their current subject choices are still unsuitable, they may book an appointment with a senior member of staff at ourEnrolment Review Day on Wednesday, 2nd October, from 2:30 pm. Before this, students will have met with their personal tutor to discuss whether a course change is appropriate. Appointments can be booked at the student reception by the main entrance. Please note, that course transfers will only be approved if the student meets the entry requirements and there is space available.

Parent Portal

TheParent Portal is a convenient platform where you can track your young person's progress, including their timetable, attendance, academic performance, and staff contact details. To access the portal, please follow this link for instructions:https://parent.varndean.ac.uk

We are eager to work closely with you to ensure your young person thrives at Varndean College.

With warm regards,
Lisa Watkin-Stevens
Vice Principal

Key Dates for Parents/Carers 2024/2025

September 2024

• 20th September: Freshers' Fair (lunchtime)
• 30th September: UCAS Internal Deadline for Oxbridge & Medicine/Veterinary/Dentistry Applications

October 2024

• 10th October: New Parents Progression Evening at Sussex University
• 15th October: UCAS External Deadline for Oxbridge & Medicine/Veterinary/Dentistry Applications
• 28th October - 1st November: Half Term

November 2024

• 4th - 8th November: Reading Week
  • Progress Reviews for Year 2 Students
  • GCSE English & Maths Exams
• 2nd November: Oxbridge Entrance Exams
• w/c 18th November: Autumn Report Card (available on Parent Portal and MyVarndean)
• w/c 18th November: UCAS Internal Deadline
• 20th November: DRED Drug Awareness Assembly for all Year 1 Students

December 2024

• 4th December: Parent Consultation Meetings (Online) - Foundation & Year 1 (Part 1)
• 12th December: Parent Consultation Meetings (Online) - Foundation & Year 1 (Part 2)
• 18th December: Last Day of Autumn Term (Teaching ends at midday)

January 2025

• 6th January: INSET Day for Staff
• 7th January: Teaching Resumes for All Students
• 7th - 20th January: BTEC Exams
• 25th January: UCAS External Deadline

February 2025

• 3rd - 7th February: Mid-Year Practice Exams for Foundation & Year 2 Students

March 2025

• w/c 3rd March: Spring Report Card (available on Parent Portal and MyVarndean)
  • Subject Progress Reviews (during lessons)
• 13th March: Parent Consultation Meetings (Online) - Foundation & Year 2
• tbc: Higher Education Evening for Parents

April 2025

• 22nd April: Teaching Resumes for All Students
• w/c 28th April: Year 1 End of Year Exams

May 2025

• 5th May - 23rd May: IB Exam Period (including Monday 5th May/Bank Holiday)
• 12th May:
  • GCSE Exam Period Starts - Lessons Continue
  • A Level Exam Period Starts - Lessons Continue
• 12th - 16th May: Year 2 Revision Week
• 19th May: Year 2/Level 3 Exam Leave Begins (Foundation/Level 2 Lessons Continue)
• 26th - 30th May: Half Term

June 2025

• w/c 2nd June: Summer Report Card (available on Parent Portal and MyVarndean)
• 5th June: Creative Arts Showcase
• 17th June: Parent Consultation Meetings (Online) - Year 1
• 24th June: HE Day at Sussex University
• 26th June: Personal Statement Writing Workshops

July 2025

• 30th June - 4th July: Progression & Work Experience Week
• 6th July: International Baccalaureate Results Day
• 11th July: Last Day of Summer Term

Results Days:

• A Level/Level 3: Thursday, 14th August
• GCSE/Level 2: Thursday, 21st August