Year 8 Update - Summer Term
As we approach the end of another academic year, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the incredible journey Year 8 have had this year. It has been a year of significant growth academically, socially, and personally, and we are incredibly proud of the progress they have made.
Throughout the year, we have placed a strong emphasis on building resilience, responsibility, and respect, qualities we believe are fundamental for lifelong success. It has been a pleasure to see our Year 8 students grow in confidence, take greater ownership of their learning, and support one another with increasing maturity. Many have stepped into leadership roles, and actively contributed to our school community.
This year has seen continued academic growth across all subject areas. Teachers have been impressed by students’ engagement in class, their curiosity, and their willingness to take on new challenges. Whether exploring complex science experiments, developing persuasive writing in English, or solving advanced maths problems, Year 8 students have consistently shown a commitment to doing their best. A number of students have been recognised through awards for outstanding effort and attainment, and we congratulate them all for their dedication.
As students move into Year 9, they will begin the important process of considering their option choices for GCSE study. While this may feel daunting, we are committed to guiding them through each step, ensuring they are well-informed and confident in their decisions. Over the coming year, we will provide to help students begin to explore where their interests and strengths may take them.
Tutor Curriculum
The term started with PRIDE related sessions in Tutor Time, exploring students’ understanding of what PRIDE is and how our use of language can impact on others. This was proceeded by sessions linked to mental health and wellbeing. These sessions have also looked at body image and how to tackle bullying as well as how to eat healthily and exercise.
Student Leadership is now embedded into tutor time practices and our Year 8 student-led clubs continue to flourish during social time.
Paris
Year 8 students enjoyed a fantastic four days in Paris where they had the opportunity to visit Paris and Disneyland. Staying at the Château de Grande Romaine, the students were able to enjoy the extensive grounds. During the evenings, students participated in Crepe making, team building games and activities which were led by our PGL Anime team.
On Saturday the students visited Paris and enjoyed a visit to the Eiffel Tower, a river cruise along the Seine and a stop off at the wonderful Notre Damme alongside an opportunity to purchase some souvenirs.
On Sunday we visited Euro Disney which provided a wonderful opportunity to enjoy all the excitement of the theme park. The weather was perfect, students were exemplary
This was a great opportunity to interact with French language speakers as well as hands-on authentic group activities. Our aim was for students to have fun, learn new skills, become more motivated as individuals, take part in new and enriching experiences, discover more about themselves and their capabilities and to learn to support value and celebrate each other’s success.
We have been receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents and students about how much of an enjoyable experience it was for all.
National Space Museum
On Tuesday 24 June, twenty five Year 8 students visited the National Space Centre as part of a Future Funding Project to inspire students into STEM careers. Students watched an enthralling presentation about training to become an astronaut within a planetarium setting, which provided the addition of a third dimension. Students learned about the many dangers involved as well as taking part in coding a Lego Mars rover to go through a range of challenges. The day concluded with students having the opportunity to explore the wider Space Centre. Students raved about the experience and recommended it.
Sporting Success and Participation
Year 8 have had a fantastic year in sport, demonstrating both competitive spirit and outstanding teamwork. Whether representing the school in inter-school tournaments or contributing to our vibrant extracurricular clubs, our students have shown passion and perseverance. We’ve seen success across a range of sports with many students achieving personal bests and others proudly representing the school for the first time. Just as importantly, they’ve supported each other with fairness and good sportsmanship.
Year 8 competed in the annual District Championships with a number of top three positions secured for both the boys and girls teams. Some of our Year 8 Wimbledon hopefuls took part in a KS3 competition against Myton at Leamington Lawn Tennis Club with North Leamington School becoming overall champions.
Whole School Events:
Celebration Evening: This is a highlight for staff and it was wonderful to see so many parents and carers celebrating so many successes. Many congratulations to all the students who were nominated. You can read more of the evening and view photographs for Year 8 on our website - Celebration Evening Website.
Drama Production and Summer Concert: A number of Year 8 took part in our summer drama production A Midsummer's Night Dream and our Summer Music Concert. We always encourage students to take part in extra-curricular activities as it nurtures creativity, confidence, as well as communication skills and it was wonderful to see them perform in these two events in the theatre.
Year 8 Maths Bee: On Wednesday 9 July, Year 8 took part in the annual Maths Bee. Over the course of two hours, students worked together in teams, trying to earn as many points as possible for their College. The students took part in a number of rounds consisting of logic problems, anagrams and the ever-popular relays. It was a fantastic event and the students worked incredibly well together.
The results are:
| Position | College | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Blackdown | 247 |
| 2nd | Croft | 231 |
| 3rd | Binswood | 225 |
| 4th | Park | 205 |
| 5th | Manor | 187 |
Summer Rewards Event On Monday 14 July, the top 30 students in all year groups were invited to a special treat. Students were able to enjoy a number of inflatables including a bungee run and sumo suits to recognise their commitment to being the very best versions of themselves. Luckily the fine weather stayed for the event.
Sports Day: As always a much eagerly anticipated event in the school year was our Sports Day. The enthusiasm and sportsmanship displayed by our Year 8 students were truly inspiring. From the team events to sprint races, each event was a testament to the students' dedication and teamwork. It was a day filled with fun, camaraderie, and healthy competition amongst all Colleges.
Rewards
Our Celebration assembly is always a highlight at the end of every term. The resilience and enthusiasm displayed by Year 8 throughout the year made the event even more memorable. Celebrating achievements is one of the most pleasurable aspects of our roles so a huge congratulations goes to the following students for their outstanding commitment to their school journey having the highest number of rewards.
Top ten students:
| Student | Rewards |
|---|---|
| Manraj B | 153 |
| Freya S | 146 |
| Alex A | 142 |
| Harsh P | 130 |
| Lyra G | 128 |
| Isobel R | 126 |
| Amrit N | 125 |
| Aniie L | 122 |
| Isabelle J | 120 |
| Nathaniel C | 119 |
Top two students in each College:
| Table Heading | Table Heading |
|---|---|
| Manraj B | Binswood |
| Harsh P | Binswood |
| Jessica P | Blackdown |
| Gaia T | Blackdown |
| Megan O | Croft |
| Imogen D | Croft |
| Robyn F | Manor |
| Katie V | Manor |
| Nancy H | Park |
| Esme B | Park |
Outstanding students in each Tutor Group
| College | Student | Student |
|---|---|---|
| Binswood | Manraj B | Isobel R |
| Blackdown | Marley G | Annabelle R |
| Croft | Louis M | Rei M |
| Manor | Rebecca R | Theo W |
| Park | Chloe H | Ava L |
Highest Achievement – this award recognises those students who are working above their target grades in the highest number of subjects.
| College | Student | Student |
|---|---|---|
| Binswood | Isobel R | Emily J |
| Blackdown | Ollie H | Gaia T |
| Croft | Freya W | Sophie M |
| Manor | Eleanor A | Charis C |
| Park | Esme B | Zach S |
Careers in Year 8 – Awareness
Our careers team are excited to share with you the career-focused activities that have been a part of our school's career education program for Year 8. Our vision is to support students in making informed choices about their futures and to provide them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the world of work.
Year 8 continue to develop their awareness of the world of careers through their Tutor Time and PHSE curriculum. Some of the careers-based learning they have discovered are:
- Employability skills (Grow through life/Explore possibilities)
- Challenging workplace stereotypes (Explore possibilities.)
- Goal setting and aspirations for secondary school and beyond (Balance work and life.)
- Employment rights and responsibilities (Balance life and work.)
- What types of employment there are (Explore possibilities)
- How do communities and society influence Labour Market Information (Managing Career)
Year 8 have also had an opportunity to learn in depth more about how different Post 16 options can open doors in a range of different types of careers through:
- A Post 16 careers event that developed their understanding of Apprenticeships and T Levels hosted by an external provider from one of our local colleges.
- Their subject curricula where subject teachers have shared information and real-life stories of a range of careers and routes to those careers that link to their subject.
- A World of Work event where an employee from the Army shared the types of roles and routes for a range of departments within this sector.
We very much value parent/carer feedback on our careers provision and would be grateful if you would complete a short survey Careers Provision Form as soon as possible. Following our successful achievement of the Quality in Careers award, and the positive feedback from Ofsted, your feedback will help us in evaluating and continuing to improve our provision.
Calendar
As we wrap up an exciting and enriching Year 8, it's a great time to reflect on the progress made and look ahead to the opportunities that lie ahead. Next year brings an important milestone as students begin preparing for their option choices—a key step in shaping their future studies and interests. With the solid foundation built this year, we’re confident that our students are well-prepared to make informed and thoughtful decisions. We look forward to supporting them every step of the way as they take this next exciting step in their academic journey.
Autumn Term starts on Wednesday 3 September
Upcoming events
Race for Life Event - Friday 26 September
School Photos – Monday 29 September
As we bring Year 8 to a close, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our parents and carers for their continued support throughout the year. Your encouragement and involvement have played a vital role in helping our students thrive. We are also incredibly proud of our Year 8 students for their hard work, resilience, and commitment to their learning. It has been a pleasure to watch them grow, both academically and personally. We look forward to guiding them through the exciting journey of preparing for their option choices next year. Wishing you all a restful and enjoyable summer break.
Mrs Sarah Barley-Morey
AHT Year 8 Lead, Careers Lead /Student Self Reflection Lead