The Lordswood Publishing House: RJ's First Published Article!"

We are thrilled to announce that RJ, a Year 10 student, has had his very first article published in the Halesowen News as part of the Young Reporters Scheme! 🎉📰 We’re incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication he put into this achievement. Please take a moment to read his article and congratulate him on this fantastic milestone.

At the end of the year, the top articles will be submitted for a national competition 🏆, and RJ will continue to write one article every month with his editor. Stay tuned for more exciting updates from our Young Reporter! ✍️👀

Click here to see RJ's article on The Halesowen News Website

💥🎉 Let the Games begin: Welcome back college events! 🎉💥 From Mr Insley, Assistant Principal

We’re kicking off this year with a bang as we launch our College Events—and trust us, it's going to be EPIC! This year, we’ve split the fun into 3 awesome categories: Athletic, Intellectual, and Community! 🏆💡🤝

First up in the Athletic series is none other than... Tug of War! 💪🚨 Mark your calendars for 18th October because every year group will be battling it out to prove their strength. Timetables are on the way, so get ready to pull your weight (literally!). 😜

🔥 Extra points alert: Show up in your school PE kit and rack up bonus points just for attending! 🔥

Get pumped, and enjoy the warm-up video for a sneak peek of the action! Let the tugging begin!

SCience, Technology,

maths & engineering (stem)

"Powering the Future with Lemons: STEM in Action!"🎯

Last week in science, students explored how to create lemon batteries by using copper and zinc to generate electricity from the citric acid in lemons, powering a small light bulb. This hands-on STEM experiment demonstrated how simple chemical reactions can produce electrical energy, sparking curiosity and fostering innovation. The activity showcased the practical application of science, inspiring students to think creatively and build skills for future discoveries!

Engineering Like the Romans: Catapult Design Fun! 🚀  

This week, our classroom turned into a battlefield of creativity as pupils took on the challenge of designing their very own catapults! 🛠️💡 Just like the Romans, who didn’t invent the catapult but made the Greek design even better, our students explored all sorts of catapult styles and materials to bring their ideas to life. 🎨🪵 They built, they tested, and they’re already plotting their next improvements for next week! 💥💡 Who’s ready for some epic launches and even bigger upgrades? Stay tuned for the next round of catapult craziness! ⚔️🎉 

📚"Year 7 Settling In: Parents’ Evening & Peak Performance!"  

Exciting news for Year 7 parents! 📢 We're excited to launch the Year 7 enrichment programme, Peak Performance, starting Tuesday, 12th November. This initiative offers students a range of activities, including LBS Cadets, creative writing, mindfulness, French singing, school production, and touch rugby, all designed to enhance academic and personal growth. Please choose your child's preferred activity and join us at the Year 7 Parents' Evening on Thursday, 17th October to learn more! 

Make sure to read the letter your son has brought home, shown below and confirm your attendance. We look forward to seeing you there!

Year 11 updates

From Ms Bunger, Assistant Principal

Y11 Parents Information Evening 

We had an incredible turnout for our Parents Information Evening on Thursday, 10th October. It was heartening to see so many supportive parents working in partnership with the school to help guide the boys through this important academic year.

Mrs. Kang welcomed families and students, sharing the impressive journey and upward trajectory of GCSE outcomes at LBS. Mrs. Greatrix emphasized the crucial role of high attendance in improving academic performance and post-16 career opportunities.

The Directors of Learning for English, Maths, and Science provided an overview of the exams for each subject and highlighted the support available to students. Before parents and students spoke with subject staff for further guidance, Miss Bunger shared the fantastic provisions, including academic mentoring, designed to help students thrive.

Students also received a free revision pack filled with useful resources—revision tips, Class Chart login details, the mock exam and intervention timetables, exam information, and even some stationery!

For your reference, we have attached the presentation below.

Y11 Intervention 

As a reminder, our Academic Interventions for targeted Year 11 students began on Monday, 23rd September. These sessions are mandatory and provide tailored support to help students prepare for their upcoming mock exams. Please continue to encourage and remind your son to attend these crucial sessions.

"Mockvember is Coming!" 

Get Ready for Success!"

Mock exams commence on Monday 18th November for Y11; 15 school days away! Please look at the mock exam timetable and support your son with a quiet place to revise at home and follow a timetable with plenty of time to study hard and take important wellbeing breaks. These mock exam results will be what your son will use on applications to 6th form, College, Training and Apprenticeships after the boys leave us and we want doors fully open for the boys with some outstanding results. 

Attendance is key! Make sure your son is in school 100% of the time to give him the best shot at success. 

Y11 Prefects: Announcement Coming Soon!

We are thrilled to announce that the list of Year 11 Head Boy, Deputy Head Boy, and Prefects has been finalised! However, it’s only right that the boys hear the news first—so the official announcement will take place during Assembly on Monday, 14th October.

The students truly impressed us with their applications, contributions to the Macmillan Coffee Morning, their support during Open Evening, and their interviews. I couldn’t be prouder of them all! A huge thank you to Mr. Noble, Mr. Williams, Mrs. Kang, Mrs. Greatrix, the Directors of Learning, Mrs. McKeon, Mr. Insley, Mrs. Metcalfe Molinari, and Miss Russell for helping with this important process.

Stay tuned for next week’s blog, where we will reveal the Prefect team names—though I’m sure word will get out before then!

🗓️ Reminder of Important Dates 🗓️

• Monday 18th November – Friday 29th November: Year 11 Mock Exams

• Friday 20th December: Year 11 Mock Exam Results Day.

• Thursday 9th January: Year 11 Parents' Evening

Celebrating Mental Health Week: A Focus on Wellbeing 

This week, we proudly celebrated Mental Health Week in support of the Young Minds charity, with staff showing their solidarity by wearing yellow! 🟡 At Lordswood Boys’ School, we are committed to prioritising the wellbeing of both our students and staff.

In line with this commitment, we held our first staff Wellbeing gathering, encouraging everyone to ‘Pause and Recharge’. With delicious treats 🍪 and warm tea and coffee ☕, the afternoon was a well-deserved break for all. We can’t wait for the next one!

NOS Updates 

The National Online Safety programme publishes a weekly #WakeUpWednesday update for parents/carers. This week's free online safety guide focuses on YouTube. It highlights a number of risks such as connecting with strangers, inappropriate content and high visibility. 

YouTube is a video-sharing social media platform that allows billions of people around the world to watch, share and upload their own videos with a vast range of content – including sport, entertainment, education and lots more. It’s a superb space for people to consume content that they’re interested in. As a result, this astronomically popular platform has had a huge social impact: influencing online culture on a global scale and creating new celebrities.

In the guide, you'll find tips on avoiding potential risks such as connecting with strangers, inappropriate content and high visibility.

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

🏃‍♂️ Year 9 Students Jump into Parkour! 🏃‍♀️ 

This week, Year 9 students have been learning the actions and skills needed for Parkour. Practicing Parkour teaches a variety of skills and lessons beyond just physical movement. Throughout these lessons, students have been encouraged to demonstrate our school virtues and prioritize safety in the space.

Key Highlights:

• Teamwork & Problem-Solving: Students have learned to work well together and navigate obstacles effectively.

• Resilience & Growth: The focus has been on the importance of practice and overcoming failures, highlighting that progress often involves trial and error.

Year 9 has made a fantastic start to the year in their Dance lessons—well done! 🌟

Rugby Skills in Action: Tackling the Term! 

Our students have been working hard this Half-Term, honing their rugby skills with Mr. Janes and Mr. Gibson. 🏉 This week’s focus was on contact, with students learning how to tackle safely and accurately. They’ve embraced this exciting part of the game, and we’re looking forward to seeing their skills continue to grow next week! 

Year 10 Football: A Strong Fight in the Cup Fixture 

Mr. Mitchell's Year 10 Football team traveled to Park Hall on Tuesday for a challenging Cup Fixture. The boys represented the school brilliantly, staying competitive throughout the match. Trailing 2-1 in the final stages, they pushed hard for an equaliser, but Park Hall capitalised on the counterattack, scoring two late goals to secure the game.

Player of the Match: David Ake. Well done to the team for their effort and determination! ⚽👏

🎶 Woodwind Clubs Show Great Progress! 🎶

• Our KS3 and KS4 Woodwind Clubs are thriving, with students mastering new notes each week.

• These talented students will soon join after-school music ensembles to further develop their skills.

• Now is the perfect time to get involved if you’re interested!

🎶 Instrumental Lessons Registration Open! 🎶

• Registration for instrumental lessons is open for the final week of this half term.

• Lessons are chargeable with flexible payment options. Forms must be returned by Friday, 18th October.

• Lessons will start after half term, and we offer a wide range of instruments (see full list below).

• Space is limited, so students may be placed on a waiting list where necessary.

Available Instruments Include:

• Violin | Viola | Cello | Double Bass | Singing | Clarinet | Flute | Saxophone

• Bassoon | Recorder | Oboe | Trumpet | Trombone | Tuba | French Horn | Tenor Horn

• Euphonium | Cornet | Flugel Horn | Baritone | Piano (not Mrs. Lowndes-Ford's lessons)

• DJing | Drum Kit | Tabla | Dhol | Sitar | Harmonium | African Djembe

• Bass Guitar | Electric Guitar | Classical Guitar | Keyboard

Don't miss out—sign up next week!