Year 7 & Y8 Drama

Students in KS3 are following a programme of learning that explores an introduction to Drama.  As part of the course, they have established relationships within the group to create an effective group ensemble and complete activities that help them to build their confidence as a group and learn: How do we work well collaboratively? How do we use stage space? How do we use physicality? How do we use voice?

Year 7 students have explored a range of drama strategies from Still images, Thought-tracking and Transitions through to exploring Narration and Chorus work. Students explored the Greek Myth Oedipus and the Sphinx and they have also explored Genre and created a variety of interpretations of the Three Little Pigs.

Y8 Drama students have explored different approaches to creating devised performance work through spontaneous improvisation to script work. They have created their Pantomime performances inspired by Mischief Theatre.

Year 9 GCSE Drama

Students have been performing their devised performances that are based on The Island by Armin Greder. They have explored approaches to devising used by different practitioners including Frantic Assembly, Bertolt Brecht and Steve Berkoff.

Year 10 GCSE Drama

Students have been working towards a devised performance that is worth 40% of their final GCSE grade. Students work collaboratively in a group as a designer or performer to create a performance based on a stimulus of their own choosing. Topics chosen this year range from the story of Sarah Everard, The Pressure of Social Media, The Alice Ruggle Story, Sir Nicolas Winton, The Audrey Hepburn Story. Students will be performing in the Spring Term.

Year 10 Theatre Visit Blood Brothers Birmingham Hippodrome Thursday 4 November

On Thursday 4 November 2021 Year 10 Drama students had the opportunity to go on a theatre visit to watch the performance of ‘Blood Brothers’ at The Birmingham Hippodrome. This trip prepared students for their GCSE Component 3 Theatre Makers in Practice examination which is worth 40% of their GCSE. Written by Willy Russell, the legendary 'Blood Brothers' tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences.

Year 11 GCSE Drama 

Students have been busy preparing for their Component 3 exam this term. There are two areas of focus::                                    

1. Study of one complete performance text.

2. A live theatre evaluation.

Section A: The Crucible by Arthur Miller Students will practically explore a set text in order to be able to answer short and extended response questions. These questions will focus on decisions made as a performer, a director and a designer. An extract from the chosen set text will be provided in the exam paper. Students will have access to the text in school but you may wish to purchase a copy of the text to support your child with their learning beyond the classroom. The edition that the exam board will use in the examination is:

Arthur Miller The Crucible Methuen Student Edition ISBN 978-1-4081-0839-0

Revise Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Drama Revision Guide ISBN 9781292131986

Drama Revision Workbook ISBN 9781292131979

Section B Live Theatre Evaluation Y11 Drama students had the opportunity to watch a live theatre performance in school of ‘Teechers’ by John Godber on Friday 19 November. Watching this performance prepared students for their GCSE Component 3 Theatre Makers in Practice examination which is worth 40% of their GCSE.  ‘Teechers’ is brought to the stage by highly acclaimed Blackeyed Theatre with high energy, break-neck comedy and breathtaking ensemble performances. This modern classic has challenging themes and commentary on current education. The piece is fast-moving, inventive and highly entertaining. Alternatively students have watched Jane Eyre by National Theatre which is part of the National Theatre Collection online.  

In the Spring Term they will be rehearsing and performing their Component 2 Monologues/Duologues.

Enrichment in Drama

Year 7 Vibe Drama have been led by Year 9 Drama Leaders and Year 8 Vibe Drama Club have been led by Year 10 Drama Leaders. Both groups have participated in mask workshops and created short performances for the winter concert which has been postponed until the new year.

Drama Leaders and Arts Award

The Drama Leaders in Y9 and Y10 have done an amazing job of relaunching our extra-curricular programme. They will also have the opportunity to complete either the Bronze or Silver Arts Award. The Arts Award assesses how young people develop in their chosen arts activities rather than achievement of a specific skill level and it can earn a Level 1/Level 2 national qualification. Students will work independently to create their own portfolio about their interests and their progress with guidance from Mrs Hill and Ms Murphy. At Bronze and Silver level, young people take an active part in the arts as well as experiencing the arts as audience members. They create personal arts portfolios in the format of their choice to record their experiences, including research into an artist they admire and sharing their skills with others. They collect and record evidence of everything they do along the way.

Sixth Form Enrichment – Gold Arts Award

There are two Gold Arts Award units which contain distinct activities. Unit 1 is about personal arts development and unit 2 is about developing leadership skills in the arts. The Gold Arts Award is a Level 3 qualification on the QCF and worth 16 UCAS points. To pass unit 1 and unit 2 of the Gold Arts Award, young people are required to create an individual arts portfolio that demonstrates how they meet all of the following requirements:

The Gold Award Portfolio

The portfolio is a chance to show everyone what you did for your award and how you did it. You can choose the format for your portfolio and it doesn’t need to be written – here are a few ideas but feel free to think of your own:

• Video
• Audio Diary
• Cartoon Graphic Book
• Website
• Scrapbook
• Photo Diary

Collect anything that shows the activities you have been involved in:

• Tickets
• Photos
• Leaflets
• Posters
• Any notes or sketches
• Emails, feedback or online discussions

Students work independently on their portfolios with the support of an Arts Award Advisor. Both Mrs Hill and Miss Murphy are qualified Arts Award Advisors.

Mrs Hill

Head of Performing Arts Faculty

It has been a fantastic first term for the English Department, with lots of projects devised by staff to help enhance the wider curriculum we offer, and engage students beyond the classroom.

The Year 8s return to school has been a massive success; the Year 8 team are really pleased the majority of students are wearing their uniform to a high standard, are engaged in their learning and show kindness to one another. This is a really important year for Year 8 as they will make their GCSE option choices later in the year, and we look forward to working with you to make this process a positive one for all students.

Tutor Time

This year has seen the commencement of year group tutoring in college groups. Students have settled in to their new groups with their tutors. It is pleasing that our tutor team remains the same as last year. We also welcomed Mrs Copeland and Mr Challice as new form tutors to Year 8, who are fantastic additions to the team!

This half-term Year 8 students have been exploring Law, Crime and Society within the tutor time curriculum. This has offered them an excellent opportunity to develop their student leadership and knowledge of these areas.

Student Leadership

As part of our Student Leadership provision, Year 8 students have had the opportunity to apply to be Rewards Leaders, International Leaders and Ambassadors. The applications were of a really high standard, and we now have over 60 student leaders in our year group. A massive well done to these students for taking the initiative to apply for these roles, it shows real commitment to school life.

Our whole school Open Evening saw over 80 Year 8 students supporting the evening. The students provided tours to visitors and helped out promoting the different subject areas in school. We were so proud of the way these students welcomed our visitors and represented North Leamington School. Lots of visitors commented on how polite and helpful the students were!

Summer B (8PK), Sam C (8BD), Riley F (8PK, ) Oscar H (8MR), Laura H (8PK), David S-C (8BW) and Mae W (8PK) all supported at the Year 7 Parent Information Evening. The students were amazing representatives. Sam, Laura and David were a real highlight of the evening. They all delivered fantastic speeches to the Year 7 parents who learnt all about their experiences of Year 7.

Rewards and Recognition

We are really pleased that Year 8 have over 12000 reward points so far this year! A massive well done to 8CT01, 8BW02 and 8PK01 who are the top Year 8 tutor groups. We are really proud of our top 10 students: Bethan B (8BW02), Mae H-S (8MR01), Naomi M (8BW02), Tilly T (8PK01), Gabby A (8BD01), David S-C (8BW02), Lola F (8PK01), Daisy G (8MR02), Oscar H (8MR02) and Kitty W (8CT01).

More information will follow with regard to the rewards process at school and how students will be rewarded.

Extra-Curricular

It has been wonderful to see so many Year 8 students involved in extra-curricular opportunities since coming back to school in September. Students have been attending a range of clubs, such as a variety of sports clubs, Eco Club, Pride club and Sculpture Club. We really encourage all students to make the most of these opportunities, so please make sure you and your child look at the range of activities available. We were particularly proud of our Year 8 Boys’ Football Team who have won both of their games so far this year against other local secondary schools!

Next Half Term

We are really looking forward to launching our College competition in Autumn 2 and will keep you all updated on the winning logos and slogans!

Thank You!

Thank you for the ongoing support of your child, it has been brilliant to meet and speak with so many of you as we transition the students into Year 8 and are able to recommence face-to-face meetings. Do continue to communicate with us as we are here to support all Year 8 children. I hope that the Year 8 students have a restful half-term, and we look forward to seeing them on their return in November.

Miss P Murphy

Head of Year 8

Tutor Curriculum

Last year we started discussing the qualities, standards and skills that students should look to develop as part of the ‘Flightpath to their Future’ in order to be successful in:

• Securing a job
• Maintaining a job
• Securing promotion

With this in mind students spent the first few sessions of the tutor curriculum this year developing a vision for Y10 and a catchy strapline. Each tutor group submitted their ideas and these were voted on through the Microsoft Forms platform.

The Y10 Staff Team were incredibly impressed with the creativity and maturity of the proposals and are delighted to announce that:

• The vision for the year group is ‘The more effort you give, the more commitment you show, the more opportunities you’ll make, the further you’ll go.’
• The strap line is ‘Practice, persist, perfect and you will prevail.’

The Council Reps for the year group will now work with me to develop a strategy to make both the vision and strapline purposeful and visible.

In addition, students have been exploring British Values, looking at critical thinking and fake news, what cults are, and what it means to be British. Later in the term, they will explore LGBTQ+ and British Values, and will look at human rights.

To encourage Tutor Group identity and how this links to the College structure, each tutor group has been set the challenge to create a unique and inspiring notice board. These will be judged by the marketing student leaders from Y9 to ensure there is no unfair advantage to any one group.

Student Leadership

Each tutor group nominated between one and two Council Representatives, with each tutor group holding their own council meeting to discuss rewards, extracurricular activities, facilities and post Covid processes, as well as home learning. The Year Group Council will now meet to consolidate their thoughts so that they can be taken to the Whole School Council meeting.

All Y10 students have been invited to apply to be a whole school student leader linked to either careers or sports. This is a great opportunity to create, manage and lead whole school strategy across all year groups and colleges. The successful candidates will be announced shortly.

The Y10 team is keen to create as many opportunities for the Y10 students to drive the direction of the year group on their ‘Flight Path’ towards Y11 and beyond.

Finally, next term all students will be able to enter a competition to rebrand the Colleges and Year groups by creating new logos through a competition.

Mrs Sarah Barley-Morey

Head of Year 10

Post 18 Options

Last week we were delighted to have sent 10 UCAS early applications, with 9 to Oxford and Cambridge for Veterinary Medicine, Mathematics, Medicine, Engineering, English, Law and Natural Sciences and a further application for Dentistry. Other students have made a good start in completing UCAS applications and applying for degree apprenticeships.

Sex & Relationship Education session

This term, students took part in an interactive session on STIs. This included a Science experiment to show students how quickly STIs can spread and an information session where student volunteers acted as the Doctors giving advice on the specific STI, what treatment was needed and the short and long term effects.

Charity Days

Earlier this term, students wore yellow to support Mental Health Charities and on Thursday this week, students took part in Wear it Pink day, raising money for breast cancer awareness charities. The bake sale was a great success, raising £££ and the assembly informed students of the importance of breast checking behaviours. Go to www.coppafeel.org for more information.

Young carers

If you are a young carer please let us know to ensure you are getting the right support. You can contact us in the Sixth Form office or let Nicky Holt know directly.

Open evening

We are looking forward to opening our doors to prospective Year 11 students on Thursday 4 November. Thank you in advance to all those students have had offered to help us out on the day; welcoming visitors, working with departments or helping with tours, your help is invaluable and who better to get advice from than the people who experience the Sixth Form day to day!

Sixth Form Behaviour Policy

We will be launching the Sixth Form behaviour policy after half term which will link into the rewards for the rest of the school. Keep an eye out on Go4Schools on your child’s attendance and rewards!

It has been a busy start to the year with students getting back into the swing of school life; the first half term has gone incredibly quickly.  Year 12 students have been receiving advice on how to use their time effectively, working outside of lesson time to maximise their potential in their subjects.

Year 13 have been balancing UCAS and Post 18 applications with keeping on top of their academic work. With only seven months left for Year 13, it is crucial that they hone their revision skills so they are in the best possible position next summer for these long awaited exams.

We look forward to what the second half term has in store; starting with the Sixth Form Open Evening, we hope to see a lot of you there!

Miss Hase

Head of Sixth Form

We would like to start by saying just how fantastic it has been to see a buzzing PE department, once again for students and staff alike. Gone are the days of restrictive activities and no competitive fixtures, it feels like we are truly back after a challenging 18 months for sport & physical activity. It has been fantastic to see so many students performing excellently in lessons, taking opportunities to attend extra-curricular clubs, and commitment to representing the school in competitive fixtures.

Upcoming Curriculum KS3

Please see below for a guide to what students in Y7-9 will be studying in their Games lessons after half term. This includes both indoor and outdoor sport delivered per group and Dance to G2 sets. All students in Y7 & 8 will study a block of Dance throughout the PE curriculum this year.

Rugby – Autumn 2 PE Curriculum Y7-9

All boys in years 7, 8 and 9 will undergo a teaching block of rugby following the October half term break. Students in 7x1, 7y1, 8x1, 8y2, 9x1 and 9y1 will have rugby during their First Games lesson each week. Students in 7x2, 7y2, 8x2, 8y2, 9x2 and 9y2 will have rugby during their Second Games lesson each week.

On the day your child has rugby it is vitally important that they come prepared. All rugby will take place on the playing fields, meaning kit is likely to get wet and muddy. The climate usually tends to worsen after the half term break, with rain during lessons likely and the temperature dropping. Students should bring their full NLS PE kit including socks. Students may choose to wear their long sleeved zip tops or rugby shirts and NLS bottoms. Students may also wear additional layers underneath their PE kit such as base layers and skins for additional comfort and warmth. Studded boots (either football or rugby) are highly recommended, alongside a gum shield. Both items are highly recommended but not compulsory and are there to support your child with participating safely during contact rugby. Students will still take part in lessons without these items, but as such do so at an additional risk.

Gum shields can be sourced through the PE department and purchased through Parentpay or directly in the PE office at a cost of £3. These will need to be moulded with boiling water at home and care should be taken to follow instructions on how to do this.

As the playing surface deteriorates and kit becomes muddy during lessons, we recommend that your child have a separate bag (additional to their school bag) for kit and boots to go in. We also recommend each students bring a small towel. We have showers which are accessible to students so that they may wash mud off arms and legs before heading to their next lesson.
For any queries, please contact your child’s respective member of PE staff. If you or your child are still unsure, please bring full rugby kit as advised above to their first Games lesson back after half term.

Illness or Injury Protocols

It is an expectation at NLS that students participate in every Games lesson. If students are suffering with an illness or recovering from injury, they will still play a role in the lesson, just not as a performer. This could be coaching other students, officiating, managing, or any number of non-physical tasks. Students who are either injured or ill, should bring a written note from home excusing their participation. Students should still bring kit and change where possible for the lesson.

Extra-Curricular Clubs – Autumn 2

Please see below extra-curricular timetable for Autumn 2. All extra-curricular sports clubs are free for students to attend, however students must sign in outside the PE office and bring PE kit to be able to participate. The NLS PE staff will only cancel clubs as a last resort; however should a club need to be cancelled, we will endeavour to communicate this as early as possible, usually through the weekly PE bulletin, which can be accessed in the extra-curricular area of the school website, or via the school tutor team.

NLS PE department have linked up with Leamington Rugby Football Club for delivery of extra-curricular rugby every Thursday after school. The sessions have been magnificently received by all students in attendance and the coaches bring a wealth of experience and expertise with them, making the sessions highly enjoyable for all. Years 7, 8 & 9 all have rugby fixtures following the half-term break and we are keen to see as many students there as possible, to make the most of the invaluable coaching being provided. The sessions are for both beginners and experienced players alike, and are always tailored to the needs of the students.

Parent Protocol – Extra-Curricular Fixtures

After a wonderful start to the school year for extra-curricular sports clubs and fixtures, I wanted to take this opportunity to remind parents/carers about after school fixtures and expectations.

Extra-curricular Clubs – Autumn 1

Clubs this half-term have seen over 300 students attend at least one extra-curricular club each week, with some students taking advantage of 3 clubs per week! It has been fantastic to see so many students take these opportunities and particularly for Y7s where new friendships have been made through sport. Alongside this, we have had 31 competitive fixtures or tournaments across year groups in both Girls’/Boys’ football and netball.

Next half term sees further fixtures across year groups for football and netball, but also fixtures for rugby, hockey, squash, cross-country and badminton. We look forward to more students demonstrating their excellence whilst representing NLS.

Cross Country – Saturday 6 November

The Warwickshire Inter Area Cross Country meeting will take place on 6 November. The venue for the race is still to be confirmed, those that have competed in the past will remember that the race has been hosted at Stratford upon Avon School in recent years. We are keen to send as many participants as possible to represent NLS, especially our keen runners and athletes belonging to local athletics clubs. Could those students wishing to represent NLS in Cross Country, please make themselves aware to their Games teacher. Prior experience of cross country is helpful but not essential. The PE department will be in contact with those that have given their names once they receive further details of the event.

Sixth Form Sports Leaders

We want to recognise the hard work of Sixth Form sports leaders who have supported with various extra-curricular sport and events this half term.

In particular Anna-Maria Kruger & Isabel Hanley for their fantastic representation of PE/Sport at our Open Evening for prospective Y7 students. Also the following students for their excellent support in coaching and developing younger students at extra-curricular clubs.

Mr Burt

Head of Physical Education