Year 9 Update - Autumn 2

This Autumn Term has evidenced the fantastic efforts that Year 9 are taking as they step up towards their GCSEs. Students have embraced the challenges of moving towards GCSE style grading in the CORE subjects and RE, and are beginning to think about the choices they will be making about their future in the coming term.
We continue to be incredibly proud of the way that Year 9 conduct themselves. Their uniform, their interactions with each other and staff as well as their commitment to the World Class Basics is testament their ever-growing maturity. They really are developing into the most amazing young citizens.
This term’s whole-school events have been a great opportunity to engage the unique community spirit of North Leamington School.
The Remembrance Service was a wonderful opportunity for staff and students to reflect on and remember the service personal, both past and present, who put their lives at risk to keep us safe. Our strong connections through our student cadets makes this even more significant to the ethos of our school.
The Winter Concert is always a key feature of this part of the year and allows our budding musicians to really shine.
A celebratory event, which featured festive Christmas treats, on Monday 15 December allowed us to reward the 30 students in each year group with the highest number of reward points.
Our colourful Christmas Jumper Day brought much-needed festive cheer and fun to the school while raising funds for Save the Children.
Christmas Hampers
The annual Christmas Hamper has been a real focus over recent weeks. As ever, the Year 9 tutor groups continue to show their generosity for this very worthy cause. Students have brought in thoughtful contributions for their hampers, many going above and beyond. As always, each tutor group chose where their hampers will be donated—ensuring their kindness reaches the people who need it most.

Tutor Curriculum
This half term students have worked hard to boost their numeracy and financial skills, strengthened their understanding of digital literacy and online safety, and revisited the important topic of bullying during Anti-Bullying Week.
The Odd Socks Day held at the end of Anti-Bullying week was a particular highlight, with a sizeable number of students and staff taking part.
Through the International School sessions students have looked at the role of the United Nations and other Non-Government Organisations in promoting peace across the world.
Careers-based sessions focused on how subjects link to different careers. This, together with the Career Pilot session within their Computer Science lessons, has provided a foundation on which students can begin their flight path to prepare for their future decisions.
Finally, the Student Self Reflection Review sessions have allowed students to engage with their recent Data 1 reports, evaluate their previous actions and whether these have had the intended impact, and set new actions to ensure even better outcomes for themselves.
Rewards and Celebration
Celebrating student success is a key highlight for me. Well done to all students who have demonstrated such commitment to their learning achieving the highest number of rewards. The year group as a whole has amassed a fantastic 49,116 rewards so far this term. This is an incredible reflection of their commitment to doing their very best.
Top 10 Students for Reward Points
| Name | Reward Points |
|---|---|
| Toby L | 344 |
| Isobel R | 334 |
| Jimin Y | 327 |
| Sophia C | 323 |
| Annabelle R | 318 |
| Theo W | 311 |
| Jessica B | 308 |
| Gaia T | 304 |
| Manraj B | 302 |
| Freya W | 300 |
Top two in each College for Reward Points
| College | Name | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Binswood | Isobel R | Manraj B |
| Blackdown | Toby L | Jimin Y |
| Croft | Freya W | Eryn M |
| Manor | Theo W | Lola G |
| Park | Adrian-Flavius J | Nancy H |
Highest Achievement - this recognises the students who are mostly working above their target grades in the highest number of subjects
| College | Name | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Binswood | Isabelle R | Annie L |
| Blackdown | Ollie H | Gaia T |
| Croft | Anatolii | Sophie M |
| Manor | Eleanor A | Lana T |
| Park | Zach S | Lilian U |
Outstanding Students in each Tutor Group
| Tutor Group | Name | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Binswood | Yasna A | Nathaniel C |
| Blackdown | Isobel F | Mitch R |
| Croft | Sophie M | Joanne A |
| Manor | Arran MP | Eadie N |
| Park | Ed B | Seb W |
Online Safety
Our December online safety newsletter has been added to the website and includes information on AI chatbots, online grooming, and smartphone safety December Online Newsletter
Calendar
Tuesday 20 January - Cyber STEM day: This is a great opportunity for Year 9 students to look at the significance of Cyber security and the careers it could lead to.
Thursday 29 January - Year 9 Careers Event
Monday 16 March - Year 9 Subject and Options Evening
As another busy term draws to a close the Year 9 staff team would like to thank parents and carers for their continued support. It is only through joint collaboration that we can ensure our students are on their flight path to be successful, positive contributors to society.
May we take this opportunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
With my warmest regards
Mrs Barley-Morey
Year 9 Lead
