GCSE Religious Studies and Progression Assessments

This term marked an important milestone as students completed their first GCSE examination in Religious Studies, alongside their Progression Exams across all other subjects. These assessments provided an invaluable opportunity for students to experience formal examinations while giving staff a clear picture of the progress made so far.

Our students approached this period with impressive commitment. They engaged positively with revision, attended intervention sessions, asked thoughtful questions and showed genuine determination to achieve their very best. Despite the disruption caused by the recent heatwave and the necessary adjustments to the examination timetable, they adapted with remarkable maturity and flexibility. They remained calm, focused and resilient throughout, demonstrating an excellent attitude even when plans changed at short notice. Their approach to the examination period reflected the determination and resilience we hope to see as they prepare for the challenges of Year 11.

The information gathered from these assessments will now help teachers tailor support, identify strengths and address any remaining gaps in knowledge. This personalised approach means students will begin Year 11 with clear priorities and targeted support to maximise their success.

A reminder GCSE Results day for Year 10 is on Thursday 20 August. 

Students are able to collect their results from 9:30am to 10.30am at school. Results can only be collected by the student themselves. If students are unable to collect in person we will post home all results that day.  

Equipment

As your child prepares to begin the most important year of their secondary education, it is essential that they come to school every day fully equipped and ready to learn. This year, a significant number of students have regularly arrived without the basic equipment needed for lessons, which has had a negative impact on their learning, independence and readiness for examinations. From September, we will be placing a much greater emphasis on ensuring that all Year 11 students have the correct equipment with them every day. We ask for your support in helping your child to establish this routine over the summer. Every student should have the following items, all of which must fit inside a transparent pencil case to comply with GCSE examination regulations:

Everyday Stationery & Exam Essential

• 2–3 black ballpoint pens (required for all GCSE examinations; blue and gel pens are not permitted)
• 2 HB pencils
• Rubber
• Pencil sharpener
• Red pen (for self-assessment and teacher-directed marking)
• Highlighters (for revision and annotating examination questions)

Maths & Science Equipment

• Scientific calculator (recommended models: Casio fx-83GT CW or Casio fx-85GT CW)
• Geometry set including: Protractor (180° or 360°), pair of compasses

Having the correct equipment is not optional—it is a basic expectation of every Year 11 student and an important part of developing the organisation and independence needed for success in GCSE examinations. Your support in ensuring these items are checked and replenished throughout the year will make a significant difference to your child's learning and preparation for the months ahead.

Tutor Time Curriculum

Throughout this term, students have continued to engage with our tutor time curriculum, focusing on key aspects of digital literacy and PSHE. As part of our mental health and wellbeing programme, students explored strategies for recognising and coping with anxiety and stress, as well as discussing the impact of screen time and social media on mental wellbeing. They also took time to reflect on their recent work experience placements, considering the skills they developed, the challenges they overcame, and how these experiences will support their future education and career aspirations.

Thank You to Our Year 10 Tutor Team

As students prepare to move into Year 11, we also take the opportunity to thank our current Year 10 tutors for everything they have done over the past four years.

Their role has extended far beyond tutor time sessions every afternoon. They have been trusted adults who have supported students through challenges, celebrated successes, offered guidance, delivered important pastoral and personal development sessions, and worked tirelessly to ensure every student felt known, valued and supported.

These relationships have had a lasting impact on our young people, helping them grow both academically and personally. We are incredibly grateful for the care, dedication and commitment shown by every member of the tutor team. Although saying goodbye is never easy, we are excited for the next chapter as students begin working with their Year 11 tutors, having already enjoyed introductory sessions to begin building these important new relationships.

Welcoming Our New Year 11 Tutors

Students have now met their new tutors and have already begun establishing positive relationships ahead of September.
Throughout Year 11, tutors will continue to play an important role in supporting students' wellbeing, organisation and preparation for examinations. Students will also participate in two dedicated pastoral sessions each week alongside three DTTR (Directed Time to Revise) sessions led by subject specialists. These focused revision sessions are designed to strengthen subject knowledge, address misconceptions and build confidence in preparation for GCSE examinations. We are confident that this support structure will help every student make the strongest possible start to their final year.

Year 11 Tutors

• 11BD01 – Miss Jones
• 11BD02 – Mrs Keane
• 11BW01 – Mrs Wilson
• 11BW02 – Mr Rae
• 11CT01 – Ms Taylor
• 11CT02 – Mrs Williams
• 11MR01 – Mr Dhesi
• 11MR02 – Mrs Wright
• 11PK01 – Mr Sigmundsson
• 11PK02 – Mrs Ashton and Mrs Harding

Attendance – Every Day Matters

Thank you for your continued support in helping improve attendance throughout the year. We have seen encouraging progress, and your partnership has made a genuine difference.

As students enter Year 11, regular attendance becomes even more important. Every lesson contributes to examination preparation, and consistent attendance helps reduce pressure by ensuring students remain confident and up to date with their learning.

Our shared goal is for Year 11 to achieve attendance of 96% or above. If your family experiences any difficulties that may affect attendance, please contact us immediately. We are committed to working alongside you to provide support wherever possible.

Attendance World Cup

As part of the NLS Attendance World Cup initiative, students took part in an exciting whole-year group competition designed to celebrate and promote excellent attendance.

Following an initial group stage, tutor groups competed for vital points based on their weekly attendance, with the highest-performing groups progressing to the knockout rounds. The competition grew increasingly competitive as successful tutor groups advanced through the quarterfinals and semi-finals, leading to a closely contested final between Tutor 10BW01 and Tutor 10BD02.

The winners of the Year 7 NLS Attendance World Cup 2026 are 10BW01. Congratulations to the champions on their outstanding attendance performance and well done to all students who contributed to their tutor group’s efforts throughout the competition.

To celebrate their achievement, the winning tutor group were rewarded with a well-deserved tutor time Pizza Party, recognising their consistency, commitment, and excellent attendance across the term.

Sports Day – A Fantastic Final Year 10 Event

Sports Day once again proved to be one of the highlights of the year. It was wonderful to see students embracing every aspect of the day, whether they were competing, encouraging friends or simply enjoying the occasion together.

What stood out most was the incredible sense of teamwork and community. Students challenged themselves, celebrated one another's successes and demonstrated excellent sportsmanship throughout. The enthusiasm shown by everyone created an atmosphere full of energy, encouragement and school pride, making it a fitting final Sports Day before they begin Year 11. An enormous well-done to Manor College for winning the Year 10 section and well-deserved congratulations to Binswood College for winning the overall event.

Celebration Evening

Our Celebration Evening was another memorable occasion and a wonderful opportunity to recognise the achievements of so many of our Year 10 students.

It was fantastic to see students, families and staff coming together to celebrate success in all its forms. Awards recognised not only academic achievement but also resilience, commitment, leadership, consistent effort and the daily demonstration of our CORE Values: Commitment, Opportunity, Respect and Excellence.

Listening to colleagues speak so positively about the students they nominated reinforced just how fortunate we are to work with such thoughtful, hardworking and respectful young people. Their achievements extend far beyond examination results and reflect the positive contribution they make to our wider school community.

Our Celebration Evening news item on the website has fuller details of the evening with all award winners and pictures Celebration Evening 2026 on Website.

Work Experience – Looking Beyond the Classroom

Work Experience Week gave students the opportunity to step outside school and experience life in the workplace. Placements ranged across a wide variety of industries, including education, law, retail, hospitality, sport, charities and business.

The feedback received from employers was overwhelmingly positive. Many commented on our students' professionalism, willingness to learn, positive attitude and excellent conduct throughout the week.

Perhaps most importantly, students returned with greater confidence, valuable life skills and, for many, a clearer understanding of possible future career pathways. It was encouraging to hear so many speaking enthusiastically about what they had learnt and how the experience had inspired them.

Summer Music Concert & VIBE Drama Production

A huge congratulations to all our musicians who performed in the school's Summer Music Concert. We were treated to some truly outstanding performances, with amazing vocalists and expert instrumentalists showcasing their talent, dedication and confidence. What incredible skill—well done to everyone involved!

Well done also to those involved in the recent VIBE Drama production of The Girl Who Loved Books, inspired by Roald Dahl's Matilda. The cast and delivered a fantastic performance, showcasing their creativity, confidence and hard work. 

Rewards – Recognising Success

Celebrating student success continues to be one of the most rewarding aspects of being Year Lead at NLS.  Throughout the year, our students have earned recognition for excellent effort, academic achievement, positive behaviour, leadership and consistently demonstrating our CORE Values.

Our highest reward point earners enjoyed a well-deserved rewards afternoon featuring giant inflatables, competitive games and plenty of opportunities to celebrate together. The event was filled with laughter, teamwork and well-earned enjoyment.

Collectively, Year 10 students have achieved an incredible 97,140 reward points this year. This remarkable total reflects thousands of positive choices, acts of kindness, excellent attitudes and sustained commitment across the whole year group.

We look forward to continuing our rewards programme in Year 11, with exciting incentives including enrichment opportunities, further rewards events and, of course, the Year 11 Prom.

Top 10 Students for Reward Points This Term

College Reward Points

These are the top two students from each College who have received the most rewards this term:

Academic Progress

The end of the academic year provides an ideal opportunity to reflect on the progress our students have made. Throughout the year, students have continued developing their knowledge, skills and confidence across all subjects. Their Progression Assessments and GCSE Religious Studies examination have demonstrated just how far many have come, and it has been pleasing to see students becoming increasingly independent and resilient learners.

Achievement –
Top two students from each College who have achieved the best results compared with their target grades:

Attainment –
The two students from each College who have attained the best results in the 2026 Progression Examinations

Congratulations to every Year 10 student for the commitment and determination shown throughout the year. Every step forward, whether large or small, is something to celebrate as they prepare for the final stage of their GCSE journey.

Summer Reward Event

Congratulations to the 30 Year 10 students who earned the highest number of rewards this year and were invited to our annual Rewards Event. Students enjoyed celebrating their success with activities including bouncy castles, and it was a wonderful opportunity to recognise their hard work, positive attitude and commitment throughout the year. Well done to everyone on this fantastic achievement!

Congratulations to every Year 10 student for the commitment and determination shown throughout the year. Every step forward, whether large or small, is something to celebrate as they prepare for the final stage of their GCSE journey.

Student Leadership

A heartfelt thank you to our Year 10 Careers and Sports Student Leaders for their hard work, commitment and enthusiasm throughout the year. Their contributions have made a real difference to our school community. Congratulations also to the students who have been selected as next year's Deputy College Leaders. We wish them every success in their new roles and are confident they will be excellent ambassadors for each college.

Staying safe on-line

The July Online Safety Newsletter has been added to our school website and contains the latest online safety advice, covering new social media restrictions for under-16s, the risks of apps like WhatsApp, Instagram and Zangi, and practical guidance on keeping children safe online. 
July Online Safety Newsletter

Looking Ahead to Year 11- Calendar 

Although some dates are still being finalised, students already have an exciting and important year ahead, including:

• Passport to Prom programme
• Mock examinations and GCSE examinations
• Subject-specific revision sessions
• Parents' and Carers' Evenings
• Yearbook preparation
• Celebration assemblies
• Leavers Day 
• Year 11 Prom

Year 11 will undoubtedly bring new challenges, but it will also provide countless opportunities for success, personal growth and lasting memories. We are excited to support every student through this important chapter.

Finally, I would like to thank all parents and carers for your continued support throughout the year. Your encouragement at home, communication with school and commitment to your child's education are greatly appreciated and play a vital role in their success.

As we prepare for our final year together, I am looking forward to continuing our partnership and supporting your children through the most significant year of their school life so far.

I wish you and your families a safe, restful and enjoyable summer break, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back in September, ready for a successful Year 11.

With best wishes always,

Alan Boyes
Year 10 Lead