Winning Streak Attendance

This half term has seen the launch of our Winning Streak Attendance drive. We are extremely proud of how well the whole school has participated in our Winning Streak competition.  A fantastic number of students have achieved 100% attendance, with a significant improvement compared to the same time last year. Students have responded incredibly well, and the results reflect the collective effort across the school. An enormous well done to all our students, tutors and families for their continued commitment and support — thank you for helping make this such a success!

 

Careers Event

Alongside academic focus, students have been actively preparing for their next steps beyond Year 11. Many have completed applications for sixth forms, colleges and apprenticeships, and have attended careers guidance meetings to help them make informed decisions about their futures. On 16 January, students also took part in a Careers Fair, where they had the opportunity to speak directly with representatives from a wide range of employers, local colleges and sixth form. This was a valuable experience, helping students to broaden their understanding of the opportunities available to them.

 

Revision Sessions – ‘Passport to the Prom’

To support revision and exam preparation, after-school intervention sessions continue to run daily from 3:20pm to 4:00pm across a wide range of subjects. We strongly encourage students to attend these sessions regularly, as they provide targeted support and guidance from subject specialists. Attendance at these sessions also contributes towards our “Passport to the Prom” initiative. This scheme encourages students to attend after-school revision sessions, where teachers will sign their Passport to confirm attendance. The total number of signatures collected will earn them rewards: free professional photographs at the Prom (usually priced at £7 per photo.)

Revision session subjects are detailed below and start at 3.20 and run until 4.00pm

A particular highlight of this half term has been the surprise pizza rewards organised by myself and Mr Atkins for students attending revision sessions. These small gestures have been well received and recognise the commitment students are showing to their learning. 

Tutor Curriculum

During our tutor time sessions this half-term, Year 11 students have predominantly been in their DTTR (Diagnose, Reflect, Review Therapy) blocks where they have been provided the opportunity and support to develop in different subject areas. The focus of the PSHE sessions during tutor time have been based around “Gaming and Gambling”, where tutors and students have delivered sessions relating to topics such as Probability and Luck. Our assemblies this half-term have focused on delivering important information to ensure that our students are not only prepared for their exams but also able to enjoy the key milestones that come with finishing their GCSEs. Topics we have covered in our assemblies so far include:

• Year 11 Year Book: A much-loved tradition, the Year Book is being carefully put together by our amazing team of Year 11 Assistant College Leaders. It will be a wonderful keepsake for the students, capturing memories and highlights from their time at school. Students have had the chance to submit their entries, which include their personal school highlights, memorable photographs, teacher look-a-likes, and nominations for fun categories like "Most Likely to Make it to the Olympics" or "Most Likely to Become a Millionaire," amongst others. The Year Book is available to order for £29.99 each via Fizz  Yearbooks - you can order using this link https://shop.fizz-group.co.uk/  and our School Unique ID is: 26230YR11.  The deadline to order is 20/04/2026 at 11.30pm. There can be only one print run and it will not be possible to place additional orders after this date. 
  Please note: Working with our supplier we are endeavouring to complete the work so that the books can be printed and delivered in time for the Celebration Day.
   
•  Year 11 Leavers Hoodies: We are also looking forward to celebrating this special group of students with custom Year 11 leavers' hoodies. These will serve as a reminder of their time here and the friendships they’ve formed. Recently, students have been invited to provide their consent to have their name included within the ‘26’ and you will have the opportunity to order these soon. I will write to you with further information next half-term.

Year 11 Celebration Day – Monday 6 July 2026

A reminder that our Year 11 students will conclude their final year at NLS with a Celebration Day on Monday 6 July 2026. In keeping with past traditions, this will consist of a shirt signing, the distribution of Leavers Hoodies and Year Books, and (a final!) celebration assembly within school. The day is then concluded with the Year 11 Prom at Chesford Grange. Whilst we would like all students to attend and celebrate the past  five years, it will be on an invitation-only basis, and the following criteria is regularly shared with students through assemblies:

The above criteria has been applied in our previous two half-terms, where at the end of each half-term, individual analysis of the above will be completed. As there are five areas of criteria, the overall category will be determined on an average basis. This ensures there is a continued focus on maintaining excellent world-class basics, along with students demonstrating their commitment to learning through attending revision sessions, which will be evidenced through their ‘Passport to the Prom’. When we return after the half-term break, form tutors will inform students of their current status.

We understand that Year 11 can be a challenging time, but we also want to ensure that students can enjoy the sense of achievement that comes with completing this important chapter in their lives. These initiatives are designed to celebrate their hard work and provide memorable experiences as they prepare for their next steps.

Rewards 

There continues to be a strong focus on rewarding positive behaviour, attitude and effort across all aspects of school life. Students are encouraged to compete with themselves, their tutor groups and the wider year group. Congratulations to all students featured in the current top ten for reward points,  your consistency and commitment are to be applauded.

Online Safety Newsletter

Our February Online Safety newsletter has been published on the website on the Safeguarding tab – Online Safety  - and you can also read it here Online Safety Newsletter - February. It includes information on the AI image generator and moderator tools that are widely available, Tik Tok and an article on screen time and resilience.

In addition we have added a newsletter to the website with information  based around Safer Internet Day which was celebrated on 10 February, you can also read it here Safer Internet Day Newsletter.

Key Dates – Next Half Term

• Year 11 Subject Evening: Monday 23 March 2026, 16.30–19.15
• GCSE Practical Exams Begin: Fine Art, Drama, Dance, MFL Speaking and Textiles

The summer exam timetable is on the school website Summer 2026 written exams.

I am deeply proud of students’ progress and the attitude they have shown, especially as we transition into the crucial months ahead. While we understand that exam periods can be stressful we are confident that with continued focus, effort, and support, our Year 11s will thrive.

Please do continue to encourage your child to keep up their hard work and stay engaged with the study plans they have been putting into place. Regular revision, a balanced routine, and maintaining a positive mindset are key factors in achieving the best possible results. We also encourage students to reach out to teachers for support whenever necessary, as we are here to help them succeed.

Thank you for your ongoing support. Together, we are preparing them not only for exams but for the challenges and opportunities that will come next.

Wishing your child continued success, and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Mr Royle
Year 11 Lead