Year 8 Update - Summer 2
As we reach the end of another successful academic year, I would like to congratulate our Year 8 students on everything they have achieved. Over the past twelve months, they have continued to mature both academically and personally, embracing new opportunities and challenges with confidence. It has been a pleasure to watch their development, and I hope you have seen the same positive progress at home.
As we look ahead to September, we have been discussing the expectations and opportunities that come with moving into Year 9. This is an exciting milestone, and I am confident that our students will rise to the challenge, continuing to set an excellent example for younger year groups while building on the strong foundations they have established. We have been talking to the Year 8 students about stepping up to the plate for Year 9, as they commence their RE GCSE course and begin to consider their GCSE options for the future. Congratulations to every member of Year 8 for a fantastic year—we are excited to see what they achieve next.
Tutor Time Curriculum
During the last half term, form tutors continued to deliver PSHE sessions focusing on Crime and Gang Culture. The programme explored important topics including knife crime, grooming, and substance misuse, providing students with opportunities to develop their understanding of the risks associated with these issues and how to make safe, informed choices.
Our team of form tutors approached these sessions with sensitivity, professionalism, and confidence, creating a supportive environment where students felt able to engage with challenging topics. Through thoughtful discussion and age-appropriate resources, tutors encouraged students to reflect on the consequences of harmful behaviours, recognise warning signs, and understand where to seek support if needed.
Overall, the sessions were delivered effectively and reinforced the school's commitment to safeguarding, promoting positive decision-making, and equipping students with the knowledge and resilience to navigate potential risks both in and beyond the school community.
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 8MR02 and Tutor 8BW02.
The winners of the Year 8 NLS Attendance World Cup 2026 are 8WB02. 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.
I would also like to recognise the commitment of every tutor group involved. This initiative has highlighted the importance of strong attendance and the positive impact it has on student progress and achievement.
Celebration Evening
One of the highlights of the school calendar is our annual Celebration Evening, where we recognise students who have made exceptional contributions across the school. Awards were presented for outstanding achievement within our faculties, including CORE, Humanities and Performance, alongside Year Group Awards and Sports Personality of the Year.
Congratulations to all of our Year 8 award winners. They represented both themselves and the school with great pride, and we hope the evening inspired all students to continue striving for excellence in the years ahead.
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.
Summer Concert
The Summer Concert provided another opportunity for students to shine, with musicians entertaining audiences through an impressive range of performances that reflected both their dedication and musical talent.
Summer Drama Performance
Our talented performers took to the stage in VIBE Drama Club's annual summer production of The Girl Who Loved Books, inspired by Roald Dahl's Matilda. The cast and crew delivered a fantastic performance, showcasing their creativity, confidence and many weeks of hard work.
Sports Day
Sports Day 2026 was another fantastic occasion, bringing together students for a day of competition, teamwork and school spirit. Year 8 students participated enthusiastically across a wide range of events, demonstrating determination, resilience and excellent sportsmanship throughout the day.
The morning featured a range of team sports, including football and dodgeball, while the afternoon focused on athletics events before culminating in the ever-popular inter-College tug-of-war. Thank you to all students and staff who helped make the day such an enjoyable success.
Maths Bee
Our annual Maths Bee once again brought together students from Year 8 to compete for College pride. The event challenged participants with a variety of mathematical puzzles requiring teamwork, resilience and logical thinking.
Our Year 8 students approached every challenge with enthusiasm and determination, impressing staff with their excellent problem-solving skills and positive attitude throughout the competition.
Summer Rewards Event
The final week of term concluded with our popular Summer Rewards Event, celebrating students who consistently demonstrated outstanding effort, positive attitudes and commitment throughout the year.
Those with the highest reward totals enjoyed an afternoon of inflatable activities, gladiator games, music and refreshments. Congratulations to everyone who qualified for this well-deserved celebration, and especially to those recognised for their exceptional achievements this term.
Rewards and Celebration
Recognising student success remains one of the most rewarding aspects of school life. Congratulations to all our Year 8 students who have consistently demonstrated commitment, resilience and a positive attitude, earning an impressive number of reward points throughout the year. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed.
Top ten students across the year group for Reward Points:
| Student | Rewards |
|---|---|
| Molly T | |
| Anvii B | |
| Annie M | |
| Laurie H | |
| Kristina K | |
| Jayden L | |
| Samarth M | |
| Miguel C-A | |
| Molly P | |
| Fergus T |
Top two Year 8 students in each College:
| College | Student | Student |
| Binswood | Joshua B | Leo C |
| Blackdown | Molly T | Anvii B |
| Croft | Samarth M | Bianca V |
| Manor | Laurie H | Kristina K |
| Park | Sophia S | Olly H |
Highest Achievement
This award recognises those students who are working above their target grades in the highest number of subjects.
| College | Student | Student |
|---|---|---|
| Binswood | Maya J | Riley M-B |
| Blackdown | Holly S | Lexi D |
| Croft | Kostia T | Freya E |
| Manor | Haris S | Laurie H |
| Park | Hemnarayan SK | Julia P |
Outstanding students in each Tutor Group:
| College | Student | Student |
| Binswood | Joshua B | Lottie R |
| Blackdown | Annie M | Naksh B |
| Croft | Leylan B | Mats S |
| Manor | Jessica SN | Millie H |
| Park | Marlena J H | Seth L |
Online Safety
The July Online Safety Newsletter has been added to the 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
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead to next year, there are many exciting opportunities for students to get involved, develop new skills, and make a positive impact within our school community. We are delighted that students have already applied to become Charity Leaders, a particularly active and rewarding role that involves organising events, promoting fundraising initiatives, and inspiring others to support worthwhile causes. There will also be an upcoming Loudmouth workshop, providing students with valuable knowledge and practical strategies on important personal and social topics. In addition, Year 9 students will have the opportunity to begin their Duke of Edinburgh journey, taking on new challenges, building confidence, developing teamwork and leadership skills, and creating lasting memories through this nationally recognised award which has proved both popular and successful in previous years.
Finally, thank you to all parents and carers for your continued encouragement and support throughout the year. We wish you and your families a safe, relaxing and enjoyable summer break.
We look forward to welcoming our students back in September as Year 9, ready to embrace new challenges and opportunities. Year 8 has been a year of tremendous progress, and we are excited to see everything they accomplish in the next stage of their journey at North Leamington School.
Mr Piper
Year 8 Lead