Year 8 Update - Autumn 1
It has been an excellent first half term for Year 8 at North Leamington School. It has been wonderful to see students settling into their role as positive role models for our new Year 7 students, while also welcoming and supporting those who have recently joined us in Year 8. As always, it has been an extremely busy half term, with plenty going on across the year group and lots of achievements, successes and positive moments to celebrate.
Whole School Events
This half term, our school community came together for two fantastic charity events.
Race for Life, one of our flagship events, saw students and staff unite in support of Cancer Research UK. Year 8 played their part in this wonderful effort, helping the school raise an impressive £2,660.36. Thank you to everyone who donated and supported the event.
We also supported Hello Yellow in aid of YoungMinds, raising awareness of children and young people’s mental health. Students were invited to wear a yellow item of clothing, followed by a bake sale that helped make the event a success. A special thank you to the talented Year 8 bakers who contributed their creations and helped support this important cause!
Tutor Time Curriculum
This half term, our Tutor Time Curriculum has covered a wide range of topics and activities, from PSHE to marking and celebrating Black History Month and National Poetry Day.
Our PSHE sessions have focused on Law, Crime and Punishment, giving students the opportunity to explore some challenging and thought-provoking topics with their Form Tutors, including How Laws Are Made, Why People Break the Law and Prison as a Punishment. These sessions encourage students to consider different perspectives, develop their understanding of the world around them and engage in meaningful discussions.
We place great value on our Tutor Time Curriculum, as it plays an important role in supporting the wider development of our students, both academically and personally. This half term has provided a range of opportunities for students to learn, reflect and develop their understanding of the world around them. Well done to Year 8 for their positive engagement and contributions throughout Tutor Time!
Looking ahead to next half term, students will explore a variety of topics, including Digital Literacy, Numeracy and Finance, the International Schools Project and Anti-Bullying Week. They will also have the opportunity to reflect on their progress and set themselves targets for improvement using their first set of data for the academic year, which will be available next half term.
Open Evening
Our recent Open Evening was a fantastic success, and this was in no small part thanks to the wonderful contribution of our Year 8 NLS Ambassadors. Those who volunteered to act as tour guides did the school proud, showing prospective parents, carers and students around our school with confidence, enthusiasm and pride. They were excellent role models, representing North Leamington School brilliantly and helping visitors feel welcome. The positive feedback received from families on the evening reflected just how impressive our students were. Thank you also to the many other Year 8 students who volunteered their time to support departments and help showcase everything our school has to offer. We are incredibly proud of everyone who got involved — you were fantastic ambassadors for NLS!
Careers Event
On 9 October, we welcomed Robert Jones from Coventry College to discuss post-GCSE pathways with our students. Year 8 were introduced to a range of future opportunities, including sixth forms, colleges, A Levels, T Levels and apprenticeships. Thanks to our Careers Team for providing valuable information, advice and guidance to help students begin thinking about their future aspirations.
Student Leadership in Year 8
Congratulations to those appointed as Year 8 Charity and Community Leaders and Digital Literacy Leaders.
Rewards
Celebrating achievement remains a key part of the positive culture at North Leamington School. Following last year’s record-breaking number of rewards earned by Year 8, I challenged the year group to achieve more rewards than any other year group once again. I’m delighted that they are currently rising to this challenge and leading the way! A huge congratulations to the following students, whose outstanding commitment, positive choices and contributions to school life have earned them the highest number of rewards within the year group.
| Name | Reward Points |
|---|---|
| Nehemiah K | 213 |
| Tommaso G | 212 |
| Bea G | 209 |
| Avani N | 201 |
| James L | 198 |
| Heidi G | 195 |
| Erica McC | 186 |
| Aanshika D | 185 |
| Amelia F | 184 |
| Gala N | 183 |
Calendar
There is plenty to look forward to next half term. The lead-up to Christmas is always a busy and exciting time, with a range of community events alongside new topics and learning in lessons. I’m looking forward to seeing Year 8 engage with these opportunities and continue to make positive contributions to school life.
Dates for your diary:
- 11 November: Remembrance Day
- 16–20 November: College Assemblies
- 20 November: Odd Socks Day, supporting Anti-Bullying Week
- 2 December: Winter Music Concert
- 11 December: Christmas Jumper Day
We will also be launching our annual Christmas hamper appeal, providing another opportunity for our school community to come together and support others.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support. I hope you and your families have a lovely, restful half-term, and I look forward to welcoming Year 8 back for another busy and successful half term.
Mr Ben Butler
Year 8 Lead