HEADTEACHER'S BLOG - 10TH January 2025

🎯 Prioritising Attendance and Punctuality: 

Good attendance and punctuality remain a top priority for us at Lordswood Boys' School. We share parents and carers' views in wanting the best for your child and we are looking forward to working in partnership with you.

Your efforts, working in partnership with Lordswood Boys' School will ensure that your child will have the best chance to achieve their academic potential and have a real opportunity in further education and the world of work. It will also enable your child to:

1.Access the lessons needed to achieve their expected grades

2.Maintain friendships and develop new ones

3.Have access to social and sporting events offered by the school

4.Explore potential life skills

5.Develop world habits such as good punctuality which are essential to thrive in the world of employment.

We strive to ensure your child has the best opportunities to be the best they can be, to feel safe and supported in school, and to develop a sense of belonging both with their peers and as a wider part of our school community.

We expect all pupils at Lordswood Boys' School to attend school as regularly as possible. Our ambition for every child is 100% attendance.

We recognise that on occasion some children may experience illness or have exceptional reasons preventing regular attendance. To assist parents deciding whether their child is too ill to attend school or otherwise, the NHS have produced a guide that you may find useful:

Is my child too ill for school? - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

As parents and carers, your role in supporting your child’s attendance is invaluable. Here are practical ways you can help:

1️⃣ Establish a strong bedtime routine to ensure your child gets enough sleep.
2️⃣ Prepare for the school day ahead with a consistent evening and morning routine.
3️⃣ Ensure your child attends school every day unless there is an exceptional reason preventing this.
4️⃣ Make sure your child arrives on time by 8:20 a.m.; school begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. with literacy time.
5️⃣ Schedule appointments outside school hours whenever possible, and ensure your child attends before and after appointments if within school time.
6️⃣ Inform the school if your child is ill and too unwell to attend by calling 0121 803 8142 or emailing studentreception@lordswoodboys.co.uk.
7️⃣ Take absence seriously—if your child is not attending as expected, ask questions: Who are they with? What are they doing? Are they safe online and offline?
8️⃣ Plan holidays during school breaks to avoid disrupting learning; every day missed can impact their long-term success.
9️⃣ Speak positively about school and show interest in your child’s day-to-day experiences.
🔟 Attend parent evenings and school events to stay engaged in their progress.
1️⃣1️⃣ Praise and reward their efforts and achievements to reinforce positive behavior.
1️⃣2️⃣ Work with school staff to manage and support any challenges or difficulties your child may face.
1️⃣3️⃣ Raise concerns promptly so we can work together to find solutions; our staff is here to help.

Your efforts, combined with our shared commitment, ensure your child has the best chance to achieve their full potential and develop the skills they need for further education and the world of work. Let’s work together to make this term a resounding success!

Year 7 & Literacy updates

From Ms Russell, Assistant Principal

Year 10 Presentations: The Controversy of P.T. Barnum

Year 10 students have been working diligently on their presentations exploring the life and controversies of P.T. Barnum, the creator of the American Modern Circus and inspiration for The Greatest Showman. Through their work, they debated whether Barnum is an inspirational figure, tackling the complexities of his legacy with thought-provoking insights.

One particularly engaging element was AK's creative "Popcorn Reading," where audience members were invited to read statements selected from a popcorn bucket, adding an interactive and dynamic twist to the presentation.

The students showcased exceptional oracy skills, teamwork, creativity in design, and dedication to their homework. Their efforts resulted in a truly impressive and engaging display of learning. Well done, Year 10!

The Lordswood Lifestyle Magazine – First Edition Published!

We are incredibly proud of our Year 7 Publishing House, who have successfully written and published the inaugural edition of the Lordswood Lifestyle Magazine!

This talented group of students has crafted engaging articles on important school topics, along with exciting interviews, festive Christmas recipes, and special feature pieces.

Through hard work and collaboration, they have edited, designed, and published a fantastic newspaper that truly showcases their creativity and dedication. The final product looks absolutely amazing!

A huge well-done to all the boys involved – what an incredible achievement!

Halesowen News - Young Reporters

Check out the latest articles below from our talented Young Reporters contributing to the Halesowen News!

These budding journalists have been hard at work, showcasing their writing skills, creativity, and passion for storytelling. Stay tuned for their insightful and engaging stories that highlight their unique perspectives and dedication.

Well done to all our Young Reporters – we’re so proud of your achievements!

College updates

From Mr Insley, Assistant Principal

Welcome to Term 2! 🎉

Last term was action-packed for the LBS College System, featuring four incredible events:

• Athletic Events: Tug of War and the annual Basketball Extravaganza.

• Intellectual Events: The Inter-Literacy Group Quiz and an amazing Creative Writing Competition.

This term marks the exciting launch of Community Events, where each College will support a chosen charity through fundraising initiatives. Alongside these efforts, the next Athletic and Intellectual events will also take place—so stay tuned for more action!

We also bid a heartfelt farewell to Mr. Preece, Central College's Head, as he moves on to new opportunities. Leadership updates for Central College will follow soon, just in time to push for more points on the board in the upcoming events!

Current Scores: Stay sharp—every point counts as we dive into this term's challenges! Let’s make Term 2 unforgettable! 💪🎉

Teaching & Learning updates

From Mrs Davis-Musabayana, Assistant Principal

T&L Updates: A Vibrant Snapshot of Student Learning!

Oracy at its Best!
In Mrs Bone's, Year 9 students led fantastic presentations on their learning journey so far. It was a supportive and respectful environment, with peers offering encouragement when one student felt a bit shy. The class rallied behind him, urging him to keep going, creating an atmosphere of perseverance and positivity. It's wonderful to see students take the lead and confidently share their insights!

Stretching Minds at a Comfortable Pace
In Mr Dawkin's English lesson, Year 10 students are tackling Grade 9 terminology—an impressive feat for a lower ability group! The teacher is expertly stretching and challenging them at a pace that is just right for their learning needs. Sequenced learning and chunking of information are clearly making a difference, and the progress is evident in the students' books. They’re not just learning—they’re mastering it, step by step!

Year 11 Maths: A Journey of Understanding
In Mr Nyarko's Maths lesson, Year 11 students are demonstrating an outstanding grasp of their learning journey in Maths. They speak with clarity and confidence about where they are in their studies, as well as what they need to do to boost their Mock grades. There's a real sense of ownership in their learning, with students actively taking assessments home to use as revision tools. It's all about continuous progress!

Articulating Success and Problem-Solving
The students are not just learning—they are articulating their learning with impressive clarity. Whether they’re problem-solving or talking through their thought processes, they can explain what they’re doing and why. When discussing areas of improvement, they’re proactive, explaining how they have self-assessed, corrected mistakes, and learned from them.

Revision Resources: Unlocking Success!
Students are also well-versed in the vast array of revision resources available to them. From practice questions to online materials, they know which websites will help them ace different areas of Maths. Their ability to navigate these resources with such proficiency is a true testament to their growing independence and commitment to learning.

In all, these updates show how students are not only gaining knowledge but also developing the confidence and skills to take charge of their learning. Keep up the great work, everyone!

Year 11 updates

From Ms Bunger, Assistant Principal

Keep Working Year 11! 

A big thank you to all the parents who attended Parents’ Evening yesterday! It was fantastic to have meaningful discussions about how we can continue to work together in supporting your sons as they prepare for this crucial stage in their education. Well done for the gains made in the last set of mock examinations.

Key Reminder: The next set of Mocks will run from Monday, 24th February, to Friday, 7th March. This is an important opportunity to track progress and identify areas for improvement as we approach the final exams.

Intervention sessions are compulsory and designed to provide targeted support—make the most of them!

Keep working hard, boys! Your efforts will pay off, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Let’s keep the momentum going! 💪✨

Personal Development Updates

From Kiran Sandhu, Assistant Principal

Junior Leadership Team Visit the Houses of Parliament

On Monday, 6th January, representatives from the Junior Leadership Team set off bright and early at 5:30 AM on a snowy January morning for a remarkable visit to the Houses of Parliament. This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to deepen their understanding of democracy, governance, and the workings of the UK political system.

During the visit, the team enjoyed an hour-long guided tour of the Houses of Parliament, including the House of Commons and the House of Lords. They gained insight into the roles and responsibilities of Members of Parliament, observed how debates are conducted, and learned how discussions are managed to ensure fairness and inclusivity in decision-making.

The highlight of the visit was standing in the Prime Minister's spot, directly opposite the leader of the opposition—a moment that truly brought the experience to life!

This visit provided an inspiring and educational experience, reinforcing the importance of civic engagement and leadership. Well done to our Junior Leadership Team for representing the school so proudly!

After their guided tour, the Junior Leadership Team participated in an engaging hour-long workshop, exploring the process of petitioning and promoting meaningful change.

The students were tasked with imagining what they would do if they had the opportunity to have their petition heard in Parliament. They passionately identified issues they cared about, crafted compelling messages, and brainstormed creative ways to share their stance through social media, posters, advertisements, and even celebrity endorsements.

One group focused on raising a petition to increase NHS workers' wages, highlighting how this could inspire more people to join the workforce and ensure the sustainability of essential healthcare services. The other group chose to petition for cheaper school meals, emphasising the positive financial impact a small reduction—just 20p—could have for families.

This workshop offered a unique opportunity for our students to develop their advocacy, creativity, and teamwork skills while learning how to channel their passion into actionable ideas. The Junior Leadership Team left inspired, empowered, and ready to make a difference!

The students were also fortunate to meet two members of Preet Gill’s team, who joined the workshop to answer questions and explain their roles in supporting an MP. They shared valuable insights into what their day-to-day jobs involve and how they contribute to the political process, offering the students a unique perspective on the workings of Parliament.

To wrap up this unforgettable day, we took a scenic drive around London to see the city’s iconic landmarks. From Big Ben to Buckingham Palace, the students had the chance to appreciate the rich history and vibrant energy of our capital city.

A huge thank you goes to Mr. Mitchell for organising this fantastic event and to Mr. Atallah for providing his support throughout the trip. Without their dedication and effort, this enriching experience would not have been possible!

Safeguarding Updates

From Mrs Metcalfe-Molinari, Assistant Principal

National JoyGerm Day: Spread Happiness Everywhere!

This week, people across the country came together to celebrate National JoyGerm Day, a day devoted to spreading kindness, positivity, and joy to everyone around us. Established in 1981, this heart=warming tradition reminds us of the incredible power of a smile, a kind word, or a small act of generosity to uplift someone's spirit. Just like germs spread, joy is contagious too!

At our school, we actively celebrate and reward small acts of kindness in line with our core virtues of personal and social growth, leadership, compassion, resilience, and self-discipline. Whether it’s helping a classmate, showing patience, or encouraging someone in need, these actions reflect our shared commitment to being safe, ready, and respectful every single day.

Want to make a difference? Click the link below to discover how you can bring light into someone’s life and make their day a little brighter!

If you have any questions relating to safeguarding and need support, we have a very experienced team of Designated Safeguarding Leads in school, please get in touch using the contact details below:

• Mrs Metcalfe-Molinari, Assistant Principal/Lead DSL, d.metcalfe-molinari@lordswoodboys.co.uk

• Mr Richard Stanford, Deputy DSL, r.stanford@lordswoodboys.co.uk

NOS Updates 

The National Online Safety programme publishes a weekly #WakeUpWednesday update for parents/carers. This week's free guide focuses on supporting children’s mental health by providing 10 potential conversation starters for parents. It also offers tips on talking about mental health naturally, being open and honest, and asking twice. 

Talking to children about mental health hard sometimes: even to the point that adults can put off raising the topic, not wanting to unearth problems or discuss overwhelming subjects that we perceive our child is too young or not ready for. Rather than keeping children in the dark, however, this guide is designed to help you confidently talk about mental health, so that youngsters feel comfortable talking about their own worries and end any stigma before it begins.

In the guide, you'll find tips on talking about mental health naturally, being open and honest and asking twice.

Pastoral updates

From Miss Williams, Director of Behaviour & Attitudes

Dance, Performing Arts and Extra-curricular updates

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

🎭 Fame Rehearsals: The Excitement Continues!  🎶

As we dive into the new term, our Fame rehearsals are reaching new heights of excitement and creativity. Our talented students are continuing to shine, bringing their characters to life with incredible acting, singing, and dancing.

The sneak preview during the Winter Concert was just a glimpse of the magic—this production promises to be something truly unforgettable! 🎶✨

🎟 Don’t Forget: Booik your tickets and join us for this spectacular show.

Dates of performance:

Primary School Matinee - Monday 10th February

Evening performances - Tuesday 11th February and Wednesday 12th February

Tickets go on sale on Monday 20th January.

We can’t wait to share this amazing production with you. Stay tuned as the countdown begins! 💃🎤

GCSE PE Rock Climbing: Year 11 Students Aiming High

This week, our Year 11 GCSE PE students began their intensive Rock Climbing assessment as they prepare for the submission of their Practical Grades. 🧗‍♂️🧗‍♀️

Students are honing their advanced climbing techniques, focusing on precision, strength, and strategy to achieve the higher grade boundaries. This challenging activity not only showcases their physical abilities but also develops problem-solving, resilience, and teamwork—skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.

We’re proud of the dedication and determination they’ve shown so far and look forward to seeing their continued progress as they reach new heights—literally and figuratively! 🌟

Year 10 Basketball: A Winning Start to the Season

On Wednesday, Mr. Noble’s Year 10 Basketball Team hosted Queensbridge School for their first home game of the season—and what a game it was! 🏀

The team delivered a dominant performance, showcasing their hard work and discipline in training. Running complex offensive plays and maintaining a strong zone defense, they secured an impressive 56-14 victory! 🌟

Every member of the squad contributed to the success, with reserves stepping up and every player making it onto the score sheet. Beyond their on-court achievements, the team exemplified outstanding sportsmanship, showing respect by shaking hands with the visiting team before and after the game.

Queensbridge staff praised our facilities, the atmosphere, and the professionalism of our team, which is a testament to the strong values we uphold at LBS. We are incredibly proud of the team’s performance and conduct—what a great way to kick off the season! 👏

Talented Athlete Programme (TAP): Celebrating Our Stars

Congratulations to the students selected for this term’s Talented Athlete Programme (TAP)! 🎉

These exceptional athletes will work closely with Mr. Janes to deepen their knowledge and skills in key areas essential to sporting success, including:

• 🧠 Sports Psychology

• 🥗 Diet and Nutrition

• 💪 Resilience

• ❌ Learning from Failure

This unique opportunity will not only enhance their performance but also equip them with valuable life skills to excel both on and off the field.

We are proud of their dedication and look forward to seeing their growth and achievements throughout the term! 

🎶🎭 Exciting Updates to the Music Extra-Curricular Timetable! 🎭🎶

Hey everyone! Get ready to shine because Fame is calling! With our upcoming school production in full swing, we’ve adjusted the music extra-curricular timetable for this half term. Take note so you don’t miss out on all the fun and preparation for this unforgettable show!

🎤 Vocal Group Rehearsals
Join the whole cast and Showband for rehearsals on Tuesdays after school and Thursdays OR Fridays after school.

🎼 Showband Rehearsals
Dedicated Showband-only rehearsals will now take place on Mondays after school.

Let’s make this show spectacular! Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to be part of something amazing. For more details, chat with Mrs. Lowndes-Ford or check the Music Department noticeboard. Oh, and don’t forget to check the attached extra-curricular timetable for all the updates. Let’s make this half term one to remember! 🌟🎶

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Winter Concert Performers! 🎉

We are so grateful for your incredible performances in our Winter Concert before the Christmas holidays. Your talent and dedication truly made the event unforgettable. To show our appreciation, Mrs. Lowndes-Ford warmly invites all participating students to a celebratory gathering:

📅 Date: Monday, 13th January
🕒 Time: 3:00 PM – 3:20 PM
📍 Location: [Specify Location]

Join us for some delicious cake and the chance to view photos captured during the concert. Let’s come together to celebrate your achievements and relive those magical moments!

🎓🎶 Music Careers Seminar for KS4 GCSE Music Students
📅 Date: Friday, 17th January 2025
🕒 Time: During GCSE Music lessons
📍 Location: G15 (Music Classroom)

Join us for a Music Careers Seminar featuring Access Creative College and a guest speaker from the music industry! Learn about exciting career opportunities, especially tech-driven roles, and gain insights into skills needed for success.

Contact Mrs. Lowndes-Ford for details or to confirm attendance.

🎸🥁🎹 New Instrument Lessons Available!
Drum, guitar, and keyboard lessons now enrolling!

📅 Pick up forms: Starting Monday, 13th January
Contact Mrs. Lowndes-Ford to secure your spot.

🎶🎻🎺 Explore More Instruments!
Now offering lessons for violin, voice, trumpet, saxophone, flute, and more!

📅 Forms available: Monday, 13th January
📅 Lessons start: After February half term

Spaces are limited—apply early!

If you need more information please see me.

🎵 Arts Award Weekly Music Sessions 🎵

Every Thursday morning (8:00–8:50 AM), our students have been actively engaging in:

• Composing with YuStudio DAW: Crafting original pieces using this beginner-friendly online music studio.

• Piano Pieces: Creating and refining unique piano compositions.

• Instrumental Performances: Rehearsing and organizing performances on their chosen instruments.

Next week, these creative works will be showcased and recorded—a major milestone as students wrap up Part A of their Bronze Arts Award qualification.

Looking Ahead to Part B:
Students will step into the arts as audience members, attending and reviewing events to share their reflections.

We’re proud of their dedication and excited to see their continued growth as they progress through the award!