end of term updates

Welcome to my weekly blog - I hope you and your families are well and have had a good week. 

As we approach the end of the term, I want to provide parents/carers with some important updates this week.

• Firstly, please be aware that Friday, December 22, will mark the end of this term, and students will be dismissed at 12:20 pm. It is crucial that ALL students attend school for the entire final week, and especially on Friday to receive their Christmas present! We will start back on Monday, January 8, 2024, starting at the usual time of 8:30 am.

• Parents/carers of Year 11 students should take note that on Thursday, January 11, 2024, we will host our annual parents' evening. This event offers an opportunity to engage with all of your son's subject teachers, gaining insights into his current progress and planning effectively to support him as he approaches his GCSE exams starting in May.

LBS Sport Kit updates

You will remember that in my blog on 15 September I informed you that we intend on introducing a new sport kit from January 2024. The information below should guide parents/carers in details you need to know about this.

From the 2nd January 2024 students will have the option to buy the new PE kit 

Purchases can be made from the shop or online at www.clivemark.co.uk/collections/lordswood-boys-school

Parents will have the option for the kit to be delivered straight to school - to do this you must do the following

- Choose the 'Click and Collect' option 

- Email Clive mark and ask for a school delivery 

The price of the PE kit bundle will be £64.99 - this will include Midlayer, T-Shirt, Tracksuit bottoms and Shorts. 

There is an option to spread the payments over 3 months on the Clive Mark Website. 

Students have the option to have their initials on the kit at £4.49 per garment 

From September 2024 it will be compulsory for all parents to buy the new kit. 

Joint Police/School Letter and Crime Prevention Advice - Christmas 2023 

Teenage Booster Vaccinations

Year 9 & 10 students are due to receive their booster vaccinations on 23 January 2024. The letter below provides the details that parents need to be aware of regarding these vaccinations and also requires parents to complete the consent form on-line using the following information:

Completing the consent forms on-line at: https://www.bchcschoolagevaccs.nhs.uk Quoting Letter Reference - 145120-335 Access Code - 4817 

I strongly encourage you to complete this ASAP to ensure all of the necessary arrangements can be put in place to facilitate these booster vaccinations taking place in school on 23 January 2024.

NOS Updates - 15 December 2023

The National Online Safety programme publishes a weekly #WakeUpWednesday update for parents/carers. This weeks update relates to 'TECH-FREE CHRISTMAS'. 

With Christmas right around the corner, millions of families are excitedly anticipating the chance to spend some quality time with each other over the festive season. When everyone’s engrossed in their phones or glued to their games consoles, however, genuinely meaningful moments with loved ones can often be difficult to orchestrate. 

Our Christmas #WakeUpWednesday guide will lend a hand: providing some advice on helping young people to set aside their devices for a while and live in the moment. Even if going full tech cold turkey feels unrealistic, implementing just a few of these tips could still decrease the amount of screen time in your home this festive season – enabling everyone to make the most of it.

I hope your find this information useful.

Dance, Performing Arts and Extra-curricular updates

From Mrs McKeon, Director of Learning of Foundations Studies and Extra-curricular learning

Performing Arts

Students in Drama are being challenged this week with script work from ‘Blood Brothers’. They are developing their characterisation and understanding of page to stage. With our new stage lights in the auditorium, the students have the opportunity to perform in a professional setting.

Extra-Curricular

Our chess club takes place every Tuesday lunch time in the auditorium, all years are welcome. The students demonstrate respect and integrity in every session; our expert players support the novices in understanding the rules of the game. Miss Kpogho is prepping our champions for an external competition next year.

Sport fixtures and training schedules for week beginning 18 December 2023

Weekly sports round-up from Mr Janes, Director of Sport

Year 8 ESA Football

Mr Janes' Year 8 team hosted Kings Norton Boys' School on Tuesday in a friendly. Kings Norton are recognised as one of the strongest Schools in Birmingham at the Under 13 age category. The LBS students battled bravely and showed fantastic character throughout the game. The students really stood up to the challenge they faced and enjoyed yet another opportunity to develop their performances. Man of the Match - Muizz Khan - An array of outstanding saves in goal. 

Weekly music news & schedules from Mrs Lowndes-Ford, Director of Music