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24/03/26

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04/02/26

We are pleased to confirm that the issue affecting the external water supply has now been fully resolved. To confirm, Mark Hall Academy will reopen as normal on Thursday 5th February 2026. Thank you again for your patience and support.

04/02/26

Due to unforeseen circumstances affecting the external water supply to the main building, the Academy will be closed on Wednesday 4th February 2026. All students will need to remain at home for the day.  We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

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25/11/25

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19/11/25

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07/11/25

We're getting ready for our Children in Need fundraising events on Friday 14th November. We'll keep you updated. 🤩

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07/11/25

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16/10/25

Y10 History students participated in Testimony 360 an innovative digital education programme from the Holocaust Educational Trust's immersive VR technology. Eyewitness testimony giving students the unique opportunity to hear directly from a Holocaust survivor.

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23/09/25

The end of another successful Open Evening. It was lovely to see such enthusiasm from our local community and we look forward to welcoming you back in September 2026.

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23/09/25

Open Evening 2025

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23/09/25

All ready for our guests to our Open Evening.

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23/09/25

OPEN EVENING TODAY We look forward to welcoming you to the Mark Hall Open Evening later today between 6:00pm and 9:00pm. Please book your tour here:  markhallacademy.org/1084/ann…

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22/09/25

OPEN EVENING TOMORROW We look forward to welcoming you to the Mark Hall Open Evening on Tuesday 23rd September 2025 between 6:00pm and 9:00pm. There will be presentations from Mr Carter, the Headteacher at 6:30pm and 7:30pm. Please book your tour here:  markhallacademy.org/1084/ann…

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09/09/25

OPEN EVENING We're looking forward to welcoming prospective families to view our school on Tuesday 23rd September 2025. This event will run from 5:45pm - 9:00pm, with Headteacher speeches taking place at 6:30pm and 7:30pm. To find out more: https://t.co/fReIcPVbYb pic.twitter.com/0y0lW2T00K

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21/08/25

"I am incredibly proud of our pupils for their achievements in this year’s GCSE exams. Today’s results are a testament to their dedication." Well done to all students collecting their Read More: https://t.co/yW91b66bI4 pic.twitter.com/B5JT0aISn3

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19/07/25

The PTFA won't let the great British weather stop them.

10/07/25

 

10/07/25

We are delighted to announce that we have achieved the School Games GOLD Mark Award for the 2024/25 academic year. A Government-led award scheme, facilitated by the Youth Sport Trust, to reward schools for their commitment and we are proud to have been recognised for our success. 

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09/07/25

Huge thanks to  who have made it possible for us to continue to support our families throughout the summer break and beyond. Please dig out any tough bags you want to clear out. It will really make a difference.

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08/07/25

🎉 Congratulations to our Orchard team for being highly commended at the recent Essex Teaching Awards.

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Outstanding Education

Supporting primary and secondary schools across Essex and North & East London, BMAT is a growing multi-academy trust with a singular vision: schools, teachers and pupils freed to succeed.

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Independent Study KS3

Mark Hall Academy Independent Study Strategy Key Stage 3

At Mark Hall Academy our curriculum is based on the principle that ‘knowledge is power, we make it stick’ - and all current research shows that in order for students to have confidence in their ability to recall powerful knowledge and be able to apply it to the demands of the curriculum, learning must be reinforced outside of the classroom.

We  believe Independent Study at home has a valuable role in supporting the student in their academic journey. Regular Independent Study helps students develop key skills and provides excellent opportunities, such as:

  • Confidence and motivation needed to study effectively on their own. This is vital given the importance for students in the future of lifelong learning and adaptability.
  • Consolidating and reinforcing knowledge retention.
  • Preparing for the future expectations of GCSE revision and exam preparation.

It is therefore the school’s policy that students complete regular Independent Study at home.

Year 7 and Year 9 will be issued with a half termly homework booklet that is focused on reading and knowledge comprehension, for the subjects English, Science, History, Geography and MFL. Students will be issued with a homework folder to keep their booklet in for that half term. Maths will also be completed weekly online.

Students will work though the tasks created by their teachers in the given booklet weekly. Therefore, they will complete 5 subject homework tasks per week. These tasks will involve a reading based on what they have learned in lesson that week, plus comprehension questions and a disciplinary skills question for them to apply the information they have learned. These activities will be completed in the homework booklets provided and should take roughly 20 minutes per subject, per week.

Monitoring of Independent Study:

Students will be expected to bring their homework booklets to the ‘Morning Read’ on a Thursday morning for a ‘completion check’ by their morning read guide. We aim to praise and reward students for regular completion and dedication to their studies as the weeks progress. We will also sanction appropriately using the school consequence ladder for incomplete work. During that detention they will be expected to complete their homework.

Support available to students:

There is a variety of support available to student to support them complete their homework.

  • Any student can attend homework club in the Orchard.  This is staffed by teaching assistants who are able to help the students complete their work to an appropriate standard.
  • Students do not need to book into these clubs and as such they can just turn up as they require them. They both run from 3.20-4.30pm.

What is needed from parents/carers? 

  • We ask that you actively engage with your child as they start the process of weekly Independent Study. It would be hugely beneficial for them to be able to share their work with you and ask for help when needed.
  • Additionally, it would be useful to remind your son/daughter of the need to study away from distractions (phones, TV etc.) and in a quiet place. 
  • Support the school in explaining the importance of independent study to their child’s progress.
  • Encourage their children and give praise for completed Independent Study.
  • Communicate with the Head of Year if a child becomes overloaded with Independent Study and needs support or appears to have too little to do.

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