Updates from NLS
The first full term is drawing to a close and we are delighted that our Sixth Form continues to be a dynamic, thriving community. It is a community characterised by diligent, hard-working students who are dedicated to challenging themselves to achieve the best results and to securing high quality future destinations. Laudably, it is a community where there is always attention firmly on charity, community and others.
NLS Careers Fair
We were delighted to be able to host over 30 local and national education establishments and employers as part of our Careers Fair for Year 9-11 on 15th November. Each student received a booklet with brief information about each provider and were tasked with finding out a little more about them. We are very much hoping that the encounters will help them to start thinking more about what they would like to do when they leave school.
Year 10 students continue to build upon their positive start to Year 10 as they are beginning to manage the challenges and pressures of their GCSE subjects which they demonstrated superbly in the recent mock RE exam. It was really pleasing to see a large number of pupils engage in the revision sessions put on by their RE teachers and this attitude will stand them in good stead in the future when other subjects present similar opportunities. It has also been great to see a wide range of pupils engaging positively with all aspects of school life, with a number of students taking part in the Winter Music Concert, our Remembrance service, the College Sports Football and Netball Event as well as attending the ‘NLS Has the X Factor’ charity event.
As we come to the end of what has been a long, challenging but hopefully very rewarding first term at NLS, it has been wonderful to reflect on all the fantastic achievements of all students in Year 7 over the last 15 weeks. It really does seem a long time ago since they all joined us on a sunny day in September and it is great to see how fully integrated they have become with all aspects of school life.
YEAR 8s ARE CONTINUING TO STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE
Four of our Year 9 students attended a course held at Loughborough University, run by the Smallpiece Trust, dedicated towards the endeavour of getting girls interested and involved within engineering. We are really proud of Gabi, Laura, Bethan and Katie and they share their experiences in the following article.
We are also very grateful to Mr Adrian Wigham from GE Power Conversion, a supporter of the school who kindly facilitated this opportunity for the girls.
Staffing Changes in English
A new academic year has brought in a few new changes to the English department at North Leamington. The department is now under the leadership of Mrs Wright with Mrs Wilson leading KS3 and two of our new members of staff, Miss Williams (Leader for KS4) and Mr Barrett (Leader for KS5), making up the rest of the department’s leadership team. The department is also joined by Miss O’Shaughnessy and Mr McMinn who are new to the school and Miss Fitzgerald who returns this year in a permanent role after establishing herself as a favourite amongst the students last year.
The Year 9s return to school has been fantastic; the Year 9 team are really pleased the majority of students are wearing their uniform to a high standard, have a positive attitude towards their learning and are engaged in their KS4 options. This is a really important year as they begin their KS4 journey
WHAT A START FOR OUR YEAR 8s.
I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate again what a fantastic start to the academic year all students in Year 7 have made. Students have made the challenging transition into secondary school life exceedingly well and are now fully integrated into our school community
A belated warm welcome back to all Year 10 students and I hope you all had a great summer. Whilst the summer break may seem a distant memory, Year 10 students have made an excellent start back to school as they continue with their GCSE journey. The year ahead will be an extremely important one for students as ultimately their efforts and progress will be the foundation for their final exams in Year 11. This year will also see students sit their GCSE RE exam, as well as begin coursework in a number of subjects.
It’s been a terrific opening term and we are really proud of how our students have made their respective transitions in to Year 12 and Year 13. We have had 125 students join us in the new cohort and we are delighted to welcome those new to NLS from other schools (15), those who stayed with us from Year 11 (100) and perhaps especially those students (10) who returned to us from other organisations.