Tutor Time

Students started the half term reflecting on their current progress and attitude to learning, evaluating whether the actions they had set following Data 1 had positively impacted their progress and considering new targets as they continued striving towards their personal goals.

Through the remainder of the PHSE sessions, we explored a range of important and thought-provoking topics that helped us better understand equality, respect, and diversity in modern society. We celebrated differences by learning how individuality makes communities stronger and more inclusive. We also examined the history and impact of women’s rights, discussing the progress that has been made as well as the challenges that still exist today. Our lessons investigated inequality in the workplace and in sport, where we debated issues such as unequal pay, opportunities, and representation. In addition, we explored racism in sport, looking at real-life examples and discussing how athletes and organisations have worked to challenge discrimination and promote fairness. These engaging discussions encouraged us to think critically about the world around us and inspired us to consider how we can contribute to a more equal society.

Exam preparation work was also carried out both during tutor time, RE lessons and in designated revision sessions to support and help students with their first RE Mock exam.

Following the School Council meeting last half term, feedback was shared. All tutor groups provide contributions towards the discussions held in the meeting, helping student to recognise that their views are important and can have a positive impact on school life.

Next half term, students will explore a number of important personal development themes. These include Pride Month, further developing their understanding of digital literacy, bullying, mental health, body image and self-esteem, dealing with grief, and maintaining healthy diets and lifestyles. These sessions will provide valuable opportunities for reflection, discussion and personal growth.

NLS College Cup

This half term we have launched our new College Cup competition, which has been introduced to students through tutor time and assemblies. It encompasses all of the College events and scoring systems that we run in school.

The College Cup is designed to celebrate and reward positive contribution, teamwork, and our CORE values across a wide range of areas including rewards, attendance, punctuality, charity events, competitions, Sports Day, and more. Students have fed back to us that they want to feel more involved in their Colleges, and the College Cup will give them the perfect opportunity to do so.  With so many ways to contribute, every student can play a part.

 

NLS Attendance World Cup 2026

Next half term, we will be launching the NLS Attendance World Cup — an exciting new attendance competition inspired by this summer’s international football tournament. Building on the fantastic success of our recent Winning Streak initiative, we are keen to keep the momentum going and continue celebrating excellent attendance across the school.

Every tutor group will compete as part of the tournament, with tutor groups split into two groups within each year group. Weekly attendance scores will determine league positions during the opening “group stage”, with the top four tutor groups from each group progressing to the knockout quarter-finals. From there, tutor groups will battle through the semi-finals and into the grand final to be crowned NLS Attendance World Cup 2026 Champions.

The challenge is designed to encourage strong routines and consistent attendance throughout the term, whilst adding a fun and competitive element linked to the excitement of the World Cup. Every week will matter, and every day in school could make the difference between progressing or being knocked out of the competition.

As an added incentive, the winning tutor groups will receive a Pizza Party during tutor time to celebrate their achievement.

We are looking forward to seeing which tutor groups rise to the challenge and whether your child’s tutor group can go all the way to lift the trophy.

Year 9 Opportunities

The Bronze DofE expedition weekend took place last weekend. Hopefully students enjoyed the experience and were able to further develop their ability to work independently and as part of a team.

We hope those year 9s currently on our Poland trip are enjoying the opportunity and the insight into real experiences at the heart of World War II. We look forward to hearing about their travels at the start of next term. 

Student Leadership 2026-2027

We are delighted to share some exciting developments regarding student leadership opportunities for next half term. Congratulations to Claudia and David, who have been appointed as our new Senior Student Leaders. You can read more about them and their role further down in this bulletin in the Student Leadership section. We would also like to congratulate all students who have successfully secured positions as Assistant Senior Student Leaders across our different leadership strands.

In early June, leadership opportunities will open to students across the rest of the school, giving even more students the chance to play an active role within our school community. Students from each year group will be able to apply for leadership positions within a range of strands and Year 9 students will be able to apply for Year 10 Sports and Careers Leaders positions.

Rewards

I am absolutely delighted to see Year 9 students continuing to achieve such an impressive number of rewards for their hard work, positive attitude and dedication to learning. Their achievements are a real reflection of the commitment, resilience and enthusiasm they demonstrate each and every day, both inside and outside the classroom.

A significant number of these rewards have been awarded for students consistently showing exceptional COMMITMENT to their studies and genuine RESPECT towards both staff and their peers. It has been fantastic to see so many students embodying these values so positively throughout the year.

Although I am incredibly proud of all Year 9 students, I would particularly like to recognise those named below who have consistently excelled across a wide range of lessons, demonstrated excellent leadership qualities and made outstanding progress. You should all be extremely proud of your achievements — well done!

Online Safety Newsletters

The May online safety newsletter has been added to the website – in the Safeguarding Tab, then Online Safety and is also linked here  May Online Safety Newsletter. It includes useful information on Groupchats, Roblox, Gaming and Gambling.  The June Online Safety Newsletter covers information on scams, digital footprints, privacy settings and app safety.

Calendar

Tuesday 7 July  Summer Concert

Tuesday 14 Sports Day

Wednesday 15 July  Year 9 Mini Model UN speaking and listening event.

As the year progresses, it has been wonderful to see just how much Year 9 students have grown in maturity, confidence and independence. They are increasingly demonstrating the qualities and attitudes needed to be successful when they move into Key Stage 4, and it is clear that many are already beginning to step confidently towards Year 10. We are incredibly proud of the way students have approached the challenges and opportunities of Year 9, showing resilience, ambition and a growing sense of responsibility. We look forward to supporting them through this exciting next stage of their school journey.

We hope you have a lovely half term.

Mrs Sarah Barley-Morey
AHT Y9 Lead, Careers & Student Self Reflection Lead