PRINCIPAL's BLOG - 10th November 2023
Remembrance
Welcome to my weekly blog - I hope you and your families are well and have had a good week.
Today marked our annual Remembrance service, and it brings me immense pride to share some highlights from the event. At 10:45 am, the entire school community gathered on the North Courts for a series of readings and a breathtaking performance by our students. The community's deep understanding and respect for this annual occasion were evident from the moment the first student led their class to the courts. The students observed a solemn silence before the commencement and maintained the utmost respect throughout the entire service.
We were honoured to have officers from the British Army and the Royal Navy join us, standing in solidarity as we paused to remember all the men, women, and animals who have fought in wars and conflicts, both past and present, sacrificing themselves to safeguard our freedoms. Conflict has touched every nation, religion, race, country, and family, and we believe it is our duty to engage in discussions and educate every individual within our community to respect and honour this significant day.
In addition, Miss Dawson, Lead Professional for Art, Design & Technology, collaborated with every student in Year 7 and Year 8, exploring watercolour painting to create poppies or a battlefield sunset. Year 9 contributed poppy drawings to the display, while Year 10 photography students focused on digital editing to create the poppy photographs now showcased in our Refectory.
During the event, students read the famous World War One poem 'In Flanders Field,' learned why we wear poppies during the Remembrance period, delved into the symbolic meaning of the poppy, and discovered the significance of each colour for Remembrance Day. The display features all four coloured poppies, with students understanding the meanings behind the chosen colours. Congratulations to the students for their contributions to this impactful display, and kudos to Miss Dawson for orchestrating this meaningful project.
You can watch our video archive by clicking here.
Extra Curricular Clubs - Half term 2
We strongly encourage your son to participate in a variety of extracurricular clubs. The document below provides details of the offerings for this half-term. If you have any questions about this program, please feel free to reach out to Mrs. McKeon, Director of Learning - Foundations Studies & Extracurricular, at the following email address: n.mckeon@lordswoodboys.co.uk.
The Lion King - School Production 2024
Rehearsals for the school production of The Lion King are well underway - students have had a great start to their singing, dancing and acting rehearsals following the auditions last half term. We are looking forward to developing students’ skills and performing the show in February!
Watch this space for more updates.
NOS Updates - 10 November 2023
The National Online Safety programme publishes a weekly #wakeupwednesday update for parents/carers. This weeks update relates to 'PARENTAL CONTROLS'. Making sure your son is safe online is an ever developing skill for a parent to master and I know that advice such as this particular guide can really support you to help your son stay safe.
I hope your find this information useful.
Sport fixtures and training schedules for week beginning 13 November 2023
Weekly sports round-up from Mr Janes, Director of Sport
Manchester Trip
Mr. Deeks, Mr. Preece, and Mr. Janes led the Year 11 Basketball Team on a thrilling three-day Basketball Tour to Manchester just before the half-term break. The students engaged in a spirited fixture against a local school and received valuable training from a highly qualified coach. To enhance the overall experience, the group enjoyed a tour of Manchester United and took part in an educational session focusing on resilience and mindset.
Adding to the excitement, we attended a professional football game at Stockport County, where our students even made it to the Sky Sports highlights by celebrating a goal with the home side. An evening of bowling provided some intense competition and lively fun. A huge thank you to Mr. Deeks for organising the trip, and we look forward to planning a similar event next year.
Year 10 West Midlands Cup
The Year 10 ESA Football team welcomed Archbishop Ilsley for a thrilling West Midlands Cup Round 2 fixture on Tuesday. The match proved to be one of the most exciting encounters yet, featuring a flurry of goals and non-stop intensity.
Despite Archbishop taking an early two-goal lead due to a couple of individual errors from LBS, the team managed to regroup by halftime. However, Archbishop extended their lead with another goal, presenting LBS with a significant challenge. The team, known for its resilience and character this season, showcased these qualities in abundance during the second half.
Amara, Omar, and Adeeb scored crucial goals, bringing the game level and hanging in the balance. Although Archbishop regained the lead, LBS didn't back down. Yonatan scored his first goal of the season, making it 4-4 and forcing the game into penalties. In the ensuing shootout, Archbishop secured a 5-3 victory, advancing to the next round.
Despite the outcome, LBS exhibited a spirited and determined performance that was truly commendable. The Man of the Match was awarded to Yonatan.
Primary School Football Tournament
This upcoming Thursday, we are excited to host a Football Competition for our local Primary Schools. In collaboration with LBS, we are dedicated to enhancing their football programs. Four schools will be joining us for their league fixtures at our facility, reinforcing our commitment to supporting the development of football in our local primary schools.
Rugby Development
The PE Department has established a partnership with Bournville Rugby Club to expand our Rugby Provision. One of their coaches has joined our PE lessons, imparting the fundamentals of rugby to our students and introducing them to external opportunities beyond school. We anticipate the continued growth of this partnership and look forward to further advancements in our rugby program.
Year 10 ESA Regional Tournament
Yesterday, LBS played host to the Under 15's Regional 9-a-side Tournament, welcoming Kings Norton, Dame Elizabeth, Bournville, and Harborne. In a fiercely competitive evening, LBS entered the final against Dame Elizabeth with the knowledge that a draw would secure first place, while Dame Elizabeth needed a win. Despite Dame Elizabeth taking the lead and applying pressure, LBS responded with a goal from Nathan Nagra. Unfortunately, heartbreak ensued in the final minute as Dame Elizabeth was awarded a penalty, securing their victory and placing LBS in second. The Player of the Tournament was Nathan Nagra.
If you have any questions relating to the details above, please use the contact details below:
Mr Deeks, Director of Learning - SCP Faculty, j.deeks@lordswoodboys.co.uk
Mr Janes, Director of Sport, d.janes@lordswoodboys.co.uk
Weekly music news & schedules from Mrs Lowndes-Ford, Director of Music
Vocal Group Rehearsals:
Our Vocal Group will now rehearse every Monday during lunchtime immediately after lesson 3.
Please gather in the music room G15.
You will be released for lunch in the latter part of the lunchtime.
Prompt attendance is crucial as we are actively preparing for upcoming Christmas events and other projects.
Lion King Rehearsals:
Check the weekly schedule on the main door leading to the Music department for the latest updates.
Singing rehearsals for the Lion King are scheduled for Friday, November 17th, from 3-4 pm.
The LBS Showband will kick off on Thursday, November 17th, from 3-4 pm.
Members of the LBS Showband will receive details at the beginning of the week.
Music DJing and Production Course:
B Music, an organization with strong ties to the Symphony Hall, is conducting a weekly DJing and Production course every Tuesday from 3-4 pm at our school.
If interested, please contact Mrs. Lowndes-Ford to register for a place.
Some spots are still available, but it's recommended to join as soon as possible to make the most of the course.
Dhol Drumming Lessons:
Just a quick reminder that our Dhol drumming lessons are held every Wednesday from 3 to 4 pm in room G15. Please be aware that Mr. Singh-Rai, our instructor, will be unavailable this week. However, lessons will resume as usual starting the following week.
Tuning In Music Composition Project:
For students participating in our current Tuning In composition project in collaboration with the Birmingham Academy of Contemporary Arts, the remaining composition sessions are scheduled as follows:
Workshop 2: Friday, November 17th - 9 am to 12 pm
Workshop 3: Friday, November 24th - 11:30 am to 3 pm
Planned Recording Studio Trip: Friday, December 15th
Please engage with our current consultation details relating to becoming part of a different multi academy trust by clicking here.
I hope you have a good weekend and I look forward to updating you with more news next week. Until then you can always contact me directly at: l.williams@lordswoodboys.co.uk
Mr. L. Williams,
Principal,
Lordswood Boys' School.
Lordswood Boys' School • Hagley Road • Harborne • Birmingham • B17 8BJ
Tel:0121 464 2837
Email: enquiry@lordswoodboys.co.uk
For paper copies of any of the information on this website please refer to our publication scheme