Rockford Manor Secondary School

Stradbrook Road, Blackrock, Co Dublin.

Tel: 2801522 Fax: 2845091 E-mail: info@rockfordmanor.ie

29th January 2020

Dear Parent/ Guardian,
It is difficult to believe that we are now halfway through 6th Year-probably the most challenging year in the
school for both parents and students alike. As the mock examinations are just a week away, we would like
to reach out to parents. As you well know, preparation and organisation are vital to a successful study
routine. Students should be working from a study timetable that organises their time into manageable
chunks. They should revise and review their routine on a regular basis. For those who could have done
more (or maybe have not started yet), it is important to remember that it is never too late to start.

The Purpose of the Mocks

The students sit their papers in real life state examination conditions. This gives them a psychological
advantage in June. While their grades are of course important, their teachers cannot over-emphasise the
importance of exam technique. Do they know the timing/marking scheme/expected length of answers in
their papers? An incomplete paper gives an incomplete picture.

Supporting students to alleviate Stress

1. Sleep: Helping students get their 8-9 hours sleep (Uninterrupted) is possibly the biggest gift you can
give. This may mean disconnecting the Wi-Fi. Gathering the phones. Moving to a battery alarm
clock. An exhausted student cannot retain and learn to their best ability.
2. Social Media Use: This leads to distraction, exhaustion and negativity (echo chambers of students
feeling under pressure). (See sleep point above)-Perhaps a family curfew?
3. Nutrition: Providing slow energy release and tempting food to students for their meals and snacks
is good for energy and morale.
4. Exercise: Encouraging young people to take a short 10-minute walk around the block (perhaps join
them?)-is great way to clear the cobwebs at the halfway point in their evening study session.
5. Chores and babysitting: If possible, efforts to allow students to study and rest without distraction is
a great support over the coming weeks and months.
6. Socialising: Late nights and sore heads are a huge disruption in these important weeks and months.
The mid-term is on the other side of the Mocks, also a whole summer awaits them. More restraint
now will certainly pay off in June.
7. Jobs: It is really time to finish paid work. Jobs rob students of the time needed to study and rest.
Attendance and Punctuality
Regular attendance is crucial to ensure that students achieve their best, stay on top of their course work
and as a result reduce anxiety and stress. Absences lead to gaps in learning which are difficult to fill. We
ask that all appointments, doctor, dentist included, be scheduled outside of the school day.
The Keys to Success-
Attendance
Asking Questions in Class
Revision
Quality Sleep and downtime

You and the Rockford Manor staff are key players in encouraging and motivating these young women as
they look towards their bright futures.
We commend you for your daughters.
They inspire us.

Kind regards,
Tony Collison-Principal
Mary Gallagher-Deputy Principal
Julianne Knowles-6th Year Dean