spring into easter

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

As we wrap up another term, it's been a whirlwind of activities and accomplishments here at Lordswood Boys' School. This final week has been no exception, filled with exciting events and notable achievements.

On Tuesday, we were delighted to welcome headteachers from local schools to witness first-hand the excellence of our Literacy programme. Our students showcased their skills and enthusiasm, impressing our guests with their eloquence and knowledge. A big thank you to all the students who engaged with our visitors, as well as to Ms. Russell and Mrs. Kang for their unwavering dedication to providing a rich and diverse learning experience in literacy for your children.

Thursday brought a burst of energy as students donned their College colours and prepared for the ultimate showdown in Dodgeball. The atmosphere was electric, and our students truly gave their all in this spirited event. Stay tuned for the highlight reels early next term – it's safe to say you won't want to miss them! And, today saw our PDCE event take place which you can read and see more about below.

Additionally, we're immensely proud of our Year 11 Design and Technology students who are reaching the final stages of their GCSE Controlled Assessment projects. Over the past five weeks, they've transformed our workshop into a hive of creativity and productivity. From conceptualisation to execution, these students have demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication. Below, you'll find a glimpse of their impressive work.

Weekly Highlight from the Head of School!

Dear Parents & Carers,

As we share with you the success of the mock examination results, we would like to ask for your continued support with ensuring your son is revising and working to his full potential over the Easter break in preparation for the final GCSE examinations. I am delighted to share that students have had a term of mock examinations, intervention and continued revision, and have worked incredibly hard as they continue to prepare for their examinations. I have attached the final GCSE examination timetable for your reference along with the intervention timetable that will commence when they return on Monday 8th April. Your son will bring home today these timetables along with his mock examination results, please take the time to discuss these with your son and support him to consider his revision schedule carefully over the Easter break.

I hope you all have a restful and enjoyable Easter break with your families.

Warm wishes,

Rajdip Kaur Kang

Head of School

Personal Development & Character Education (PDCE) Day March 2024 

What a bustling day it's been!

Our morning commenced with an enlightening assembly led by John Platt, focusing on our core virtues: belief, compassion, and resilience, emphasising their universality across cultures, faiths, and religions. Across different year groups:

• Year 7 delved into discussions on healthy eating, male anorexia, puberty, and understanding teenage pregnancy.

• Year 8 examined the repercussions of smoking, drugs, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ issues.

• Year 9 delved into the significance of consent, arranged/forced marriages, budgeting, and gambling.

• Year 10 scrutinised the physiological effects of smoking, various forms of terrorism, knife crime, and comprehended the term "county lines." Additionally, both Year 9 and 10 participated in enlightening workshops on "Colourism," shedding light on its definition and how media perpetuates stereotypical views.

Meanwhile, some of our Year 11 students embarked on an adventurous exploration of the picturesque Clent Hills for their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze expedition.

We hope you relish browsing through the images below, offering a glimpse into today's activities.

Measles (MMR) Vaccine Reminder for Parents and Carers 

Following the increased number of cases that continue to be seen in our local authority area, Birmingham City Council are encouraging parents/carers to read the letter below and contact your GP.

Pastoral Updates 

We extend our thanks for taking the time to read our pastoral update and for your unwavering commitment to guiding your son's behaviour, both within and outside the school premises. Your steadfast support plays a crucial role in cultivating a positive learning environment and fostering personal growth. We value your partnership in instilling values of responsibility and striving for excellence. 

NOS Updates - 22 March 2024

The National Online Safety programme publishes a weekly #WakeUpWednesday update for parents/carers. This weeks update relates to 'ENCOURAGING OPEN CONVERSATIONS AT HOME'. 

Cultural and technological changes have made the experiences of today’s children vastly different to our own childhoods; it can be challenging to engage youngsters in open, honest conversation – especially about more sensitive topics. This, combined with many children’s instinct to avoid “rocking the boat”, can make it difficult to stay up to date with the goings on in their lives.

However, it’s hugely important that trusted adults still offer an empathetic ear and feel able to encourage young people to open up about their day-to-day activities. This #WakeUpWednesday guide provides ten top tips for promoting open conversations with children – helping to make sure there’s someone they know they can turn to in times of need.

I hope your find this information useful.

Performing Arts

We have been busy practicing our Music and Dance performances for Cultural day on Friday 12th April. Students will be showcasing how Music and Dance have a significant role in cultures from around the world. They will be performing pieces of Bhangra, African Djembe, The Haka and many more!

Thank you and well done to all students that have participated in extra-curricular activities this term. This morning students that have shown excellent commitment and dedication were treated to a free breakfast, it was enjoyable to listen to students across different year groups discussing their passions and hobbies.

Extra-Curricular

We have put together a video of Extra-Curricular highlights for you, we hope you enjoy watching it. Please encourage your son to join a club after the holidays.

Sport fixtures and training schedules for week beginning 8 April 2024

Year 10 Basketball

Mr Noble's Basketball Team have made the Regional Finals after winning their respective League. The boys will face KE Camp Hill with the venue and date to be confirmed. This is a fantastic achievement and the students have worked tirelessly in training with Mr Noble. 

Physical Education Provision

Students in PE have been enjoying their Gymnastics Unit of work with Mr Deeks and Mr Preece. Gymnastics has added further value to our broad and ranging Curriculum, our philosophy of exposing students to as many opportunities as possible is at the forefront of everything we deliver. 

Year 7 & 8 Football Training

The students were back in again yesterday for training as they prepare for more Fixtures in Half-Term 5. Students have shown great dedication and commitment to develop their game technically and tactically.

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

ELECTRIC VIOLIN CLUB ANNOUNCEMENT

Announcing the launch of our brand-new Electric Violin Club! We're excited to offer this opportunity, with only 7 spaces available. To secure your spot, please visit Mrs. Lowndes-Ford at your earliest convenience for registration.

Rehearsal details will be provided once registration is complete.

WORLD CULTURE DAY PREPARATIONS

Today marked an exhilarating day for our music department as we immersed ourselves in preparations for the upcoming World Culture Day, scheduled for Friday, April 12th.

The highlight of the day will be a joint music and dance concert in the afternoon, featuring vibrant performances representing various cultures worldwide. From the melodies of China and Japan to the rhythms of West Africa, India, and Jamaica, it promises to be a celebration of global music diversity.

A reminder that there will be a rehearsal for all participants of the concert on Tuesday, April 9th, from 3 to 5 p.m. Please mark your calendars accordingly.

EXTRA CURRICULAR CLUBS UPDATE

Following the Easter break, our music clubs will resume their weekly rehearsals. Stay tuned for further details on timings and schedules.