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School Updates

Updates from NLS

Page 11

  • History Update- Summer 2

    Published 11/07/22
    Year 7 have been learning about the rules of heraldry and have enjoyed making shields to represent their own qualities and experiences.
     
    Well done to Year 8 who have been finding out about the Transatlantic slave trade. They have produced some outstanding essays analysing the main causes of The Abolition Act, 1833.
     
      
    We had a fantastic day with Frontline Living History as the Year 9 students took part in the WWI Battlefields Medicine workshop. They were able to try on the uniform, see the Thomas Splint in action and handle artefacts from the trenches.
     
        
     
    Year 10 had had a busy half-term, preparing for their mock exams and will be ready to start their final topic, Weimar and Nazi Germany in September. Well done for all of your hard work.
     
     
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  • Science Update - Summer 2

    Published 30/06/22

    Science and International Schools Project

    This half-term in Science, Year 8 students have been making board games to educate their peers about a range of issues relating to climate change including; Ozone depletion, Desertification, Deforestation, Loss of biodiversity, and Disposal of Plastics. Students had the opportunity to research their topic, design and create their board game, and then present/play their board game with their peers. We had some fantastic ideas and designs but a massive shout-out to Gabriel C (8MR01) who used a 3D printer to create a board game with individual, hexagonal pieces, representing different ecosystems, to model the effect of pollution on our environment – well done Gabriel!

                                          

                         

    The Big Bang Fair

    The Big Bang Fair returned this year at the National Exhibition Centre and all year 8s had the opportunity to enrich their Science curriculum experiences through a number of talks, demonstrations, problem-solving tasks as well as careers advice.

    The fair is the UK’s largest celebration of STEM (Science, technology, engineering and maths) for young people, with over 200 organisations across government, industry, education and the wider science and engineering communities.

    A long, busy day but most importantly, it was of great benefit to our year 8s who felt that the experience allowed them to explore and discover the latest developments and opportunities in a collaborative way.

     

     

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  • Drama Update Summer 2

    Published 30/06/22

    Year 7 & Y8 Drama

    Students in KS3 are following a programme of learning that explores creating and performing skills. Year 7 Drama students are currently exploring Elements of Comedy and have studied Commedia Dell Arte, Slapstick and use of Status to create a comedy scenario. Year 8 Drama have been exploring the play Teechers by John Godber and had the opportunity to choose a designer or performer pathway to explore an extract from the script. They also watched part of the Black Eyed Theatre Company’s digital performance.

    VIBE Drama Club Tuesday after school (Drama Rooms C030 C034)

    Vibe Drama Club have been busy creating performances and performed their work in school on Wednesday 13th July in a Celebration Event with the Drama Leaders. Year 7 Vibe explored Roald Dahl’s Matilda and Y8 Vibe are explored the story of  The Little Mermaid.

    Enrichment Opportunity – Changing Climates Festival ‘Dreaming Graffiti’

    On Monday 23 May and Wednesday 25 May, a group of Y8 and Y10 Drama students spent two intensive days working with two Highly Sprung Theatre practitioners using physical theatre techniques to devise a performance called “Dreaming Graffiti”, the story of Shamsia Hassani. Born April 1988, Shamsia is the first female graffiti artist of Afghanistan. Through her artwork, Shamsia portrays Afghan women in a male dominant society.  “Art changes people’s minds and people change the world.”

    The performance was performed as part of The Changing Climates Festival Fellowship hosted by The Belgrade Theatre on Thursday 9 June as 'The Changing Climates Festival'. This year’s festival will be viewing the climate crisis through the lens of ‘voice’, examining the influence and impact of young people’s opinions and how they are heard, or more likely not heard. 

    What impact does freedom of speech/expression or the lack of it have in promoting or contributing to climate change?

    What say do we really have?

    And who’s listening anyway?

                  

    The NLS students spent the morning of the festival exploring puppetry skills in performance with Moth Physical Theatre and watched the acclaimed performance by Created with world-renowned theatre company Complicité, 'Can I Live?' the story of how, as a part of the Global Majority, actor Fehinti Balogun's path has been forever changed by what he's learnt about our planet. This energising and uplifting film is an exploration of the place where the climate emergency and social justice meet, and a call-to-action to anyone who is curious about what we can do to help. 

    Students also got to take part in a Q&A with Siobhan Fitzpatrick a British Wheelchair Basketball player who is hoping to be participating in the Commonwealth Games. They also participated in a Highly Sprung masterclass. Students then experienced a technical run through, performed with maturity and demonstrated a high level of commitment and creativity.

    The group then watched the performance of 'Silence Amplified' this year’s headline performance, devised by Highly Sprung’s acclaimed youth performance group Sprung Advance. The piece examines how we can find expression and develop opinion and language where we are denied a voice. Set in a world where air pollution has gone beyond crisis point and has shifted life into new ways of being… Breathing is now taxed, and words spoken are charged by the second. In this new world, young people are forced underground to find new ways to exist, grow and express themselves. The performance featured Florence Smith (Year 9) who also performed with Highly Sprung as part of the Platinum Jubilee Pageant on Sunday 5 June.

    Thank you to Ms Murphy and Mrs Hill for their support.

     

    GCSE Drama – Y9, Y10 and Y11

    Year 9 GCSE Drama students have been exploring Component 2 scripted performances this half-term and the two classes will be sharing their work to each other on Wednesday 20 July in the Drama Studio. Performances include -

    Arbeit Macht Frei - This play is a serious, stylised portrayal of the persecution of the Jews by the Nazis in the Second World War.

    Alota Chocolata - This is a comedy in the style of Commedia dell’arte.

    The Disappeared- This play tells the story of ‘The mothers of the Plaza de Mayo’ in Argentina, in 1976.

    The Odd Couple – A story of two friend sharing an apartment and they have very different VERY different personalities.

    Strangers on the Train  - Guy Haines and Charles Bruno meet on a train and, because they are strangers, they think they can say anything while chatting.

    Year 10 GCSE Drama Students have been busy working on their GCSE Drama Progress exam this term and for the last two weeks they will have the opportunity the review their Component 2 Performance Choices in preparation for Year 11. Students will PERFORM two key extracts from your chosen performance text. Each extract will be assessed independently, and it should be clear where each extract begins and ends.

    Mrs Hill

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  • Year 7 Update- Summer 1

    Published 24/05/22

    Year 7s continue to shine at NLS

    I have now officially completed my ninth academic year as Binswood’s College Leader and more recently Year 7 Lead. I can honestly say that I have enjoyed every minute of it. The students this year have managed to develop their year ethos to a whole new level. They continue to be supportive, honest, display integrity, never giving up in the face of daily challenges and more importantly, they are enthusiastic. We have some fantastic students in year 7 that are already demonstrating the key attributes allowing them to be incredible life-long learners, however, my job is to ensure that I help to instil the confidence they need to believe that they can achieve anything.

    I have had a superb set of Tutors this year, who have supported me and the students on their journey. They have continued to promote the school ethos through the VT curriculum as well as during structured learning conversations. It is for that reason that I believe they have a pivotal role in the outcome of our students’ attitude to learning levels, consequences, as well as their academic progress. 

    I am extremely proud to inform you that year 7s currently have the highest number of reward points in the school, as well as either achieving higher or maintaining their ‘Attitude to Learning’ levels on average each term. It is with ease that I can confidently state that together we have achieved an incredible amount this year, ranging from displaying infallible commitment and dedication to the range of charity events that have taken place throughout the year. We have managed to exhibit tremendous team spirit in the tutor groups and celebration assemblies. It has recently been announced that year 7 will be working collectively to compete in this year’s Maths Bee, this will demonstrate their academic profile of the year group, but also their ability to work collaboratively as a team. There are a plethora of events that have occurred this year that have made me incredibly proud to be the Year 7 Leader. There are going to be some changes with regards to my team come September and I will inform you of those changes when I have had confirmation. It is the passion and determination of our students that allows me to believe that we are the leading year group at NLS.

     

    Rewards

    I am pleased to announce that Jason N has the highest reward points this half-term, accumulating a total of 62 points. Closely on Jason’s heals were Dan M and Evie P.  All of the students listed below have proceeded to show resilience, engagement, leadership, acts of kindness, creativity and have made outstanding contributions in lesson time.

     

    Jason N
    Daniel M
    Evie P
    Edouard S
    Alexis F
    Ava T 
    Lilly B
    Dean L
    Arun J
    Max R

    This is a fantastic accomplishment for these particular students. I personally think that this shows how hardworking students and the number of potential leaders we have in our year 7 cohort. I couldn’t be more proud.

    From the beginning of the year Will K has always been within the top 5 with regards to the reward points he has accumulated throughout the year. However, I am so pleased to announce that he has managed to achieve the highest reward points in the entire school. This is simply incredible.

    I should also mention that collectively 7BW02 managed to be the Tutor Group with the most reward points in the entire school. What an achievement!

     

    Year 7 Transition Leaders for 2022-2023

    Following 72 applications for the role of Transition Leadership, I am pleased to announce that all students were awarded a position for this year. The aim of our latest pupil leadership role of Transition Leader, is to enable pupils to actively support and welcome our new Year 7 pupils in September 2022. Transition Leaders will help welcome and support pupils into our School, lead and plan specific activities throughout the year, and provide support alongside our other pupil and student leadership teams. Our Transition Leaders will be a source of help for students, become role models for all year groups, and represent our School accordingly. Congratulations to you all. Myself, Mrs McBride and Miss Fell look forward to working with you this term and the next academic year.

    Well done to each and everyone of you!

     

    Tutor Curriculum

    This month we have been raising awareness as part of the National Teen Self Esteem month. Students have been presented with lots of information and advice. The year 7s came up with a list of what they could do to support their peers. Here are a few:

    • Lead by example
    • Avoid negative self-talk and criticism
    • Ensure that as a peer you have open lines of communication – and if you don’t, get advice on how to create this
    • Ensure you can be trusted
    • Guide and advise your peers by encouraging their own decision-making within reasonable parameters
    • Give each other space
    • Listen and take an interest in your peer life

    I am hoping that year 7s help and support each other, allowing them to be confident with who they are.

     

    Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

    We have also started to prepare for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. This week students will have had a series of tutor sessions dedicated to the Queen’s 70 years of service. Many participated in the Great Jubilee Bake Off! We had some exceptional entries, which tasted just as good as they looked. It was always lovely to witness so many year 7s getting involved in the Bunting and Decoration Competition. I would like to think that I might be able to celebrate a 70 years span in teaching, however not quite sure that I’ll make it.

     

    Parents and Carers

    I just want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support so far this year. I hope that you feel your child has been given the guidance and support to achieve, but more importantly, to enjoy school life. I look forward to catching up with you all at the various school events next term. Have a lovely break.

    Kind regards,

    Mr Royle

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  • Year 8 Update- Summer 1

    Published 23/05/22

    Rewards and Recognition
    We are incredibly proud that our Year 8 students have over 60,000 reward points!

    Congratulations to the top 3 students in Year 8:

    1st Place Teagan S (8MR01)
    2nd Place Esme S (8PK02)
    3rd Place Nadia R (8MR01)

    A massive well done to the Top 3 Year 8 tutor groups below:

    1st Place 8PK02 – Mr Challice
    2nd Place 8PK01 – Ms Lloyd
    3rd Place 8MR01 – Mrs Copeland

     

    Curriculum
    Students have explored a range of topics as part of our tutor time curriculum this half-term. Students started the term by exploring their mental and physical health; reflecting on how they can best look after themselves and their wellbeing. Students then explored the dangers of child gambling, which was really interesting.

    In the final week of term, there has been an exciting build up to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

    Our fantastic Year 8 Rewards Leaders, alongside the Year 9 Charity and Community Leaders, have been busy creating lots of bunting to decorate the Student Services and Canteen areas in school. It was wonderful to see our students working within their colleges, and across year group, to do this.

    Each tutor group has been tasked with creating the best Jubilee decoration for their tutor group. These were judged on the final day of half term. 

     

    Options
    Thank you for your support with the Year 8 options process. All students have selected their options and more information will follow soon. It was fantastic to read through the parent feedback from the Year 8 Options Evening, so thank you to those of you who did this.

     

    Thank You

    Thank you for the ongoing support of your child this half-term. We now look forward to the final half-term of Year 8. As a reminder, please do support us in ensuring your child has the correct uniform each day so that we can keep standards high until the end of the school year.

    Next half-term will see some exciting opportunities for Year 8 students, including the Big Bang Fair, Sports Day and Race for Life.

    We hope that you and your families have a wonderful bank holiday and enjoy the Jubilee Celebrations. We look forward to seeing the students return for the final half-term.

     Miss P Murphy

     

     

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  • Year 9 Update- Summer 1

    Published 23/05/22

    As we complete the penultimate term of the academic year, I continue to be impressed with the efforts and positive attitude Year 9 students display in and out of their lessons. We are now approaching our third data cycle where students will be completing assessments to demonstrate their progress; it has been extremely pleasing to observe and hear how well students are developing in their GCSE studies.

    Tutor Time Curriculum

    The focus of our Tutor Time sessions this half term has been “Health and Well-being: Body Confidence”, where Learning Mentors have supported Student Leaders in delivering sessions linking to topics such as Self-Esteem, Healthy Lifestyle and Cancer Prevention, and The Media and Airbrushing. Students have also received a session based around Railway Line Safety following the recent concerns raised by Network Rail that there was a high level of trespassing on the tracks by young people in Leamington Spa and Warwickshire. Our Year 8 International Schools Student Leaders also delivered an online assembly to our Year 9s to update us on the current state of the Ukrainian crisis and what we can continue to do to help. Once again, Learning Mentors have been really pleased with how well students have engaged and contributed to the Tutor Time sessions by displaying impressive levels of maturity and curiosity about these topics.

    Finally, in the last week of half term, Learning Mentors delivered sessions based around The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee to celebrate and recognise the significant events in the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and why Britain is celebrating her Platinum Jubilee. The term concluded with a Great Jubilee Bake Off which raised money for the Prince’s Trust, as well as a Bunting and Decoration Competition. A special mention to the Year 9 Charity and Community Leaders who also created fantastic bunting and decoration that has been placed around the school as a part of the celebrations.

     

                          

                       

    Year 9 students who are members of the Eco Club also contributed to the celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee by engaging in the ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee Initiative’.

    Reward Points

    I am pleased to report that Fred S and Lucas RL from 9MR02 are topping the Rewards Table this half term. This is a brilliant accomplishment and demonstrates that they have been consistent in their outstanding approach to learning. Working well in lessons, perseverance and independent learning, acts of kindness and student leadership are just a few of the reasons why they have managed to achieve so many points. Congratulations to Fred and Lucas, along with the below students, who have made the “Top 10” Year 9 students for reward points – excellent work!

    Name

    Tutor Group

    Rewards

    Fred S

    9MR02

    54

    Lucas RL

    9MR02

    47

    Evelyn E

    9BW01

    39

    Natalia C

    9MR02

    37

    Ethan H

    9BW01

    39

    Dylan B

    9BW01

    35

     Jakub S

    9BW01

    34

    Emilia H

    9PK01

    33

    James W

    9BW01

    33

     

    Message to Parents and Carers

    Despite this half-term being relatively short, it has been yet another successful one. I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support this academic term, and I hope you feel your child continues to be supported and guided to achieve, but more importantly, to enjoy school life at NLS. Have a safe and happy half-term.

    Mr Butler

    Head of Year 9

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  • Year 10 Update - Summer 1

    Published 20/05/22

    The more effort you give, the more commitment you show, the more opportunities you’ll make, the further you’ll go.

    Tutor Curriculum

    Revision Strategies and the RE exam

    Students have been looking at timetabling for their revision. This is an important task that helps to organise time around school and other commitments in order to dedicate time effective revision. The Y10 students were exemplary prior to and during the exam. With two more exams left before this goes to print I know that they will continue to do themselves proud.

     

    International Project

    At the start of the half-term, students were tasked with creating a piece of art to show what it means to live without harming the world and each other, or to write a letter to the students in our partner school in India, explaining how students in NLS are trying live without harming the world and the reasons why this is important to them. Not only was this an opportunity to look at environmental issues that we are faced with and our responsibility to do our bit in reducing the impact we have, but it was an opportunity to develop further links with our partner school.

     

    Queen's Platinum Jubilee

    We are providing the opportunity for students to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee by looking at the significant contributions the Queen has made over her reign.  Part of this is will involve tutor groups creating decorations, researching key events that have taken place, and then applying their research to a quiz. This will culminate in a Jubilee Cake competition at the end of the half-term.

     

    Work Experience

    Currently, 178 of 234 students have provided the correct documentation and information to secure an external work experience placement. This is fantastic when we consider the number of companies/providers who are still struggling with the impact of COVID-19.

    The deadline for providing the documents has now passed and unfortunately we will not be able to accept any further requests to go on an external placement as there will be insufficient time to process the information.

    For the students who will remain in school, we are currently in the process of securing alternative experiences which will take place in school, but will allow them to have a real insight into the world of work as well as develop key employability.

     

    Rewards and celebration

    It always gives me great pleasure when I am informed of the fantastic achievements of some of the students in Y10 outside school. I know there are more out there so please do let me know if your child has been up to something amazing.

    • Charlie R has been competing in the West Midlands Regional Swimming Championships. The highlights were winning the 100m & 200m Butterfly in the 15 year old age group. The 100m was a very close race which he won by 0.07 seconds. In the 200m he led from start to finish and won by over 6 seconds. Based on these results and others over this year, it looks like Charlie will compete in the British Swimming Championships in the 200m Butterfly and the English National Swimming Championships in the 100m Butterfly and 400m Individual Medley, which both take place during the summer holidays. Well done Charlie.
    • Rebecca M’s cheerleading trip to America with Team England resulted in a gold medal and an appearance on 'This Morning'.
    • Anna R has had the wonderful opportunity to sing at the Royal Albert Hall with Armonico Consort.

     

    Mrs Sarah Barley-Morey                                                         Mr Matt Atkins

    AHT Y10 Lead, CEIAG/Learning Conversation Lead                Senior Assistant Headteacher

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  • Year 11 Update- Summer 1

    Published 20/05/22

    As I sit down to write my final Parent Bulletin as Year 11 lead, I would firstly like to take the opportunity to say a huge congratulations to all the Year 11 students making it through to the end of the year, especially given the challenges of the last 2 ½ years. Although I appreciate a number of students will be joining us for another 2 years in sixth form, I hope the last few weeks the students are together as a year group are memorable.

    During the first couple of weeks of examinations, it has been fantastic to see the positive approach all students have shown so far. Whilst there have been obvious anxieties and worries, the determination and resilience on display has been fantastic to see. The continued focus and work ethic of students has continued to be excellent both in lessons and through after school revision sessions throughout this half term. This has been highlighted by the huge number of signatures, potentially the most ever, on students’ ‘Passport to the Prom’ tracking cards. I am sure students will continue to make productive use of their time now study leave has formally begun and continue to make best use of all the resources available to them in the final few weeks and days of exam preparation.

    Celebration Day on Friday 1 July probably seems a long way off for the students at the moment, but final plans are coming together to ensure the goodbye to Year 11 students will be an experience they will remember. Leavers’ hoodies, prom tickets and yearbooks have been available to purchase via ParentPay over recent weeks and it is great to see the really high uptake with all of these. It is always a fantastic time once the stresses of the exams are over and students can look ahead to an extended summer break and exciting opportunities on the horizon in whichever post-16 pathway they have chosen.

    Finally, I would like to say a huge thank you to all parents and carers for your support throughout these last 5 years, but particularly over the last 2 1/2 with all the adaptations and unique challenges that have befell the year group. I firmly believe that the tough times they have gone through will stand them all in good stead moving forward in life and you should be incredibly proud of the wonderful individuals they have become. Before signing off, I would like to say a final good luck to all the Year 11 students and I look forward to seeing them all for the Celebration Day and Results day in the summer.

    Take care

    Mr Foxon

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  • Sixth Form Update- Summer 1

    Published 15/05/22

    Sixth Form students have had a very positive term in Summer 1. The year 12 have established good routines working in their study periods and ensuring they are getting themselves prepared for the end of year exams. Year 13 have had a great last few weeks at NLS and it’s lovely to see so many back in working incredibly hard during their exam period. Here are a few of the things that we’d like to celebrate and share this half term.

     

    Year 13 Leavers Day 

    On Friday 13 May we celebrated our Year 13 students leaving us as they start their exams. Students joined us for breakfast in the morning, allowing us all to admire each other’s fancy dress, of which the theme was ‘characters’. After their final two lessons at NLS, students enjoyed a final tutor time, sharing stories and memories with their tutor group. We then went into the theatre for their final celebration assembly where students' pictures of themselves in Year 7 flashed up, along with pictures throughout their time at NLS.

    Awards were given for ‘most likely to’ nominated by the tutors and the Sixth Form team and student awards were presented based on students' own votes. The Senior student leaders shared a heartfelt goodbye and then we all enjoyed ice cream outside. The Year 13 students were respectful and seemed to really enjoy their final day, thank you to everyone for making it so special!

     

    Blue Day for Prostate Cancer

    On Thursday 27 April our Sixth Form students organised and ran a very successful ‘Blue Day’ to raise money and awareness for prostate cancer, raising £186.42 with a cake sale. This was paired with an external speaker who spoke to students in assembly about how to spot signs and support those affected.

     

    CPR Training – British Heart Foundation 

    Following the Sixth form charity event ‘Wear it Red' on 14 February to raise funds for British Heart Foundation, Mr Schofield, Assistant Head of Sixth Form, arranged for our Sixth form students to learn about the difference between a heart attack (problems with the blood supply) and cardiac arrest (a catastrophic problem with the heart’s electrical system).

    This training culminated in multiple practical sessions during tutor time for each tutor group, with inflatable mannequins to learn how to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) when someone has suffered cardiac arrest in order to prolong life until defibrillation of the heart can occur. Our students have successfully completed this, creating over 200 potential lifesavers!

     

     

    Mary Dormer Harris

    We were delighted to learn that one of our students Matt Bush was successful in being awarded the Mary Dormer Harris Bursary.

    Mary Dormer Harris was a well-known Warwickshire historian with special interests in drama, debating, international affairs and law, who encouraged and supported young people. When she was killed in a road accident in 1936, the Bursary was set up to commemorate her life and continue her interest in helping young people. Awards are made to students in central and southern Warwickshire, especially, but not exclusively, those who share Mary Dormer Harris' interests.

    The trustees were impressed at the headway Matt has already made in his career and the plans he has.

     

    Degree Apprenticeship Success

    We were delighted to learn that Robert Reynolds has been successful in gaining a degree apprenticeship with Jaguar Land Rover – many congratulations!

     

    Year 11 - Sixth Form Conditional Offers

    All Year 11 applicants to join the Sixth Form have been emailed a conditional offer on 29 April.

    Information regarding induction days and enrolment, which takes place in July and on GCSE results day, will follow shortly so please do look out for this and encourage your child to check their emails too.

    We wish Year 11 students all the very best for their GCSE & BTEC exams over the next few weeks. We are excited for those joining in September 2022 and supporting them through their final two years of study and helping them to prepare for their future after NLS.

     

    Induction Day 14 & 15 July

    Planning for our Induction Days for 14 and 15 July is underway which will include fun team building activities and taster lessons with chosen subjects. More information will follow after half-term and we look forward to meeting you all again.

     

    Student Spotlight

     

    Miss Hase

    Head of Sixth Form

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  • PE Update- Summer 1

    Published 14/05/22

    The sun has been shining somewhat and the temperature is steadily increasing. Our students have enjoyed a breadth of outdoor sports in Summer 1. Athletics, tennis and rounders have been all go with the cricket and softball still to come. Students should look out for opportunities to represent NLS in cricket, rounders, athletics and tennis following the half-term break. The best way to get selected for teams is by attending the dedicated club nights. Please see the updated Summer 2 extra-curricular timetable below for more details on clubs and fixtures

    Summer 2 Extracurricular Timetable

    Upcoming Fixtures 

    We have fixtures for all year groups in Summer 2 in cricket, rounders and athletics. Please see below dates and the teams involved:-

    Rounders

    Year 7 – 7th June vs Campion, Southam & Arnold Lodge, 7th July vs Myton

    Year 8 – 7th July vs Campion & Southam

    Year 9 – 16th June vs Myton

    Cricket

    Year 7 – 23rd June vs Campion, 30th June vs Aylesford

    Year 8 – 21st June vs Aylesford, 29th June vs Campion

    Year 9/10 – 9th June vs Campion, 16th June vs Aylesford

    Athletics

    Year 7/8 – 28th June – Town Championships

    Year 9/10 – 24th May – Town Championships

     

    Duke of Edinburgh Corner

    DofE Practice Expedition Day

    On Wednesday 11 May all 115 of our Bronze Duke of Edinburgh students underwent a practice expedition day as part of their final preparations for their summer qualifying expeditions in July. On a wet and windy morning, our year 9s headed out for practice walks around the North Leamington area, passing though the likes of Ashow, Milverton and Lillington on their travels.

    In spite of the desperate weather, all groups persevered brilliantly to complete the walks in the three hour time frame. Our Year 10s had the luxury of starting their day in the relative comfort of the school building, completing 3 x 50 minute workshops on cooking, tent building and first aid. At lunchtime the year 9s and 10s switched over, with the Year 10s heading out into the much improved conditions for their 3 hour practice navigation, whilst the year 9s dried out indoors and completed the workshops. The students had a fantastic day, learning the essential skills they will need to successfully and safely accomplish their qualifying expeditions.

                                                         

     

                            

    Athletics

    Town Championships Team Results

    Year 9 boys team – 1st overall

    Year 9 girls team – 4th overall

    Year 10 boys team – 3rd overall

    Year 10 girls team – 2nd overall

    Our year 9 and 10 athletics squads travelled to Edmondscote Athletics track on Tuesday 24 June to compete in the Town Championships. It was a hugely successful day with large numbers of NLS students selected for Central Warwickshire, to compete at the County school’s athletics championships.

    These championships will be held at the Pingles Stadium, Nuneaton, CV11 4LX, on Saturday 11 June. The event is a selection event for the Warwickshire team for the Mason trophy which is on the 18 June in Stoke, as well as a chance to gain English Qualifying time for the upcoming ESAA.

    Congratulations to the following students on their selection to represent Central Warwickshire in the Championships.

    Junior girls

    Isla S - Shot 

    Junior Boys

    Theo R – High jump / Jimmy W - 100m, 800m, Relay / Tom I - 200m, 300m, Relay Archie L - 1500m / Sam R – triple jump, javelin / Brando M - shot, discus /James L - Long jump 

    Inter girls

    Serena T 100m, relay / Ellie L 800m / Millie P 1500m 

    Inter boys

    Jacob M - 200m, relay / Daniel W – triple Jump / Noah B – Long jump /Houdini L - Shot

     

    Girls’ School Games Football

    Our Under 13 girls and Under 15 girls represented NLS on Wednesday 25 June at Myton School in the annual school games football festival – competing for a place to represent Central Warwickshire at the County finals. We entered two strong teams into the U13 girls tournament; a round robin format vs teams from Myton, Southam, Campion and Kenilworth. Our girls put on a great showing, with NLS B coming out joint top of the table with Myton A on 26 points each. The top two then played each other again in a final. Having taken an early lead through Paulina S, our girls were pegged back to 1-1, and extra time was required to separate the two sides. Unfortunately for NLS it just wasn’t meant to be as Myton scored early in extra-time to claim victory in a very even contest. Our NLS A side went into the 5th-6th place play-off game vs Campion, coming out on top of that clash to claim 5th place overall.

    Star of the tournament NLS A – Joanna Pt

    Star of the tournament NLS B – Mae HS

    Our U15 girls took on Myton in a winner takes all match in the afternoon. A closely contested game was settled by a well-taken Ellie L goal. The girls battled brilliantly vs a strong Myton side, defending resolutely throughout. The team still had keeper Sadie S to thank, who pulled off two fantastic saves either side of half-time and gave the girls a deserved victory!

    Stars of the match – Ellie L & Sadie S

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  • History Update- Summer 1

    Published 13/05/22

    Year 7 have been learning about the Black Death and the causes of the Peasants’ Revolt. 7E had great fun planning and taking part in their own protest!

    Well done to Year 8 who have produced some amazing posters celebrating the role of British entrepreneurs during the Industrial Revolution.

                    

    Year 9 have complete Medicine Through Time and been practising their revision techniques, using flashcards, mind maps and quizzes.

                                     

    Year 10 continue to work incredibly hard and are preparing for their mock exams.

    Year 11 have been busy revising and we are very proud of their determination and resilience. We wish them lots of luck in their upcoming exams.

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  • Year 7 Update- Spring 2

    Published 06/04/22

    I want to start by saying how impressed I am with our Year 7 students. The majority of students are continuing to display the necessary attributes needed to succeed. It has been an eventful term with a plethora of achievements that require acknowledging and celebrating. Year 7s have clearly settled into the secondary school way of life. They are continuing to work hard with the majority behaving impeccably. When analysing the data, it is evident that year 7s have the highest attendance and reward points. Each student has adopted an excellent approach to their learning, with many students achieving an AtL of ‘Outstanding’. This is a superb achievement and one which they should be incredibly proud of.

    Year 12s leading the curriculum

    Our foci this term during tutor time has been centred around staying safe online and offline. All year 7 students have been educated on avoiding criminal behaviour, making the right choices and decisions when interacting with people online, vaping and energy drinks. I am hoping that the curriculum has helped them to evaluate each topic and make an informed decision moving forward. In light of the current conflict in Ukraine, I thought it was also important for our tutors to be keenly aware of the emotional impact these events can have on our year 7 students. We wanted to acknowledge and validate the students’ concerns: wars are scary, and it’s okay to feel scared. It was important to inspire our young people to feel hopeful and promote a sense of agency through thoughtful, honest discussion and developmentally appropriate activities.

    In order for tutors to conduct their Learning Conversations with their students we managed to entice 20 year 12 students to lead the curriculum for 3 sessions. These students were able to demonstrate and model the skill set required to lead a lesson. I had to share with you all the feedback I received from the year 12 students. It made me extremely proud to be their Year Lead.

    ‘Your year 7s were all enthusiastic and contributed really positively.’

    ‘They came up with some really good ideas.’

    ‘They were a little shy initially, however they got stuck in.’

    ‘They asked some really good questions.’

    ‘They were a credit to you Mr Royle.’

    ‘They were polite and well-mannered.’

    ‘They all seemed to be supportive of each other.’

    This feedback made me incredibly proud of you all.

    Charity

    I am sure that we all have been touched and affected by the terrible scenes that we are witnessing on a daily basis as a result of the invasion of Ukraine. At NLS, we wanted to do whatever we could to help people that are being affected in this humanitarian crisis. As a result, many year 7s collected supplies and resources that we can send to Ukrainian refugees that have crossed the border into Poland. I want to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to Zofia S for initiating the concept and supporting throughout the project. Zofia and her family have played a pivotal role in making this happen. We managed to accumulate a significant amount of goods which are now on their way to Poland in order for them to be distributed amongst the Ukrainian Refugees. All year 7s should be extremely proud of themselves for being selfless in their donations.

    Rewards

    I am pleased to announce that Max R and Alexis F have both managed to achieve 182 reward points this term. This is a fantastic accomplishment and demonstrates that they have been consistent in their approach to learning. Taking on leadership roles within lessons, working above their target as well as supporting others, are just a few of the underlying reasons why they have managed to be awarded so many points. Congratulations to all of the students listed below. I am very proud of you all.

    I am also pleased to announce that BW2 is the tutor group with highest reward points in Year 7, accumulating a massive 6527 points since the beginning of the academic year.

    Alexis F

    182

    Max R

    182

    Alex H

    176

    Dean L

    172

    Zac L

    170

    Daniel M

    168

    Olly R

    167

    Will K

    166

    Erika G

    164

    Oliver W

    163

    Zac F

    162

    Sam R

    161

    Attendance

    I am pleased to announce that year 7s have the highest attendance in the school. This is an indication of how dedicated and committed students in year 7 really are. I understand that we are enduring another significant wave of Covid related illnesses, however for those that are not required to isolate I am impressed with some of their resilience and determination to come into school even when they do feel a little ‘under the weather’.  Thanks to all the parents and carers.

    Consequences

    Since the beginning of the academic year we have always strived for being the year group with the highest rewards and lowest consequences at NLS. This is a collective effort and we work hard to instil and embed those qualities and the skill set needed to ensure we are punctual, wear the correct uniform, complete home learning, are engaged in lessons and contribute positively during lesson time. Although there is an expectation that students are aware of our high standards, I want to acknowledge those students that are really trying to adhere to our World Class Basics. Transition from primary to secondary can be extremely difficult and I appreciate that I have to invest time in our students to support them with the new rules and routines that are perhaps a little different to what they are used to. I have no doubt that we will continue to work together to minimise the number of consequences year 7 students receive.

    Whitemoor Lake

    170 year 7 students embarked on a residential to Whitemoor Lake. The long weekend enabled students to have the chance to really work on some essential life skills, such as team building and leadership as well as experiencing some active outdoor fun activities. The students who attended this trip had a fantastic experience. They were given the chance to spend quality time with their peers and enjoy a new environment that they will never forget.

    The quality of the outdoor activities was outstanding. Students had the opportunity to participate in abseiling, high ropes, canoeing, kayaking, raft building, zip wiring, problem solving, archery, fencing…..the list goes on. I was so impressed with the enthusiasm and energy they displayed from the moment we arrived. It was a pleasure to watch them immerse themselves in every activity and seize every opportunity. The instructors commented on how supportive the students were towards each other, each of them cheering and clapping when one of them managed to achieve.

    I believe that this adventure has been hugely beneficial for the students. Not only have they been able to develop their confidence by embracing new challenges they have also improved their communicative skills and build new positive friendships. I am hoping that this residential has been extremely memorable and they will always think fondly about their experience. It was a pleasure to plan and lead this school trip. 

        

     

     

     

    Farewell to Miss Smith and Miss Hill

    I am sad to inform you all that we have to bid farewell to Miss Smith and Miss Hill. These teachers have been extremely proactive in supporting those students in CT2 and PK2. Their nurturing qualities will be missed. We wish you the best of luck in your new venture.

    Final Message

    I just want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support this academic term. I hope that you feel your child has been given the guidance and support to achieve, but more importantly, to enjoy school life. I look forward to catching up with you all at the various school events next term. Have a fantastic Easter.

    Kind regards,

    Mr Royle

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