PRINCIPAL's BLOG - 15th December 2023

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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.

The Big Ambition closing date extension

Thank you so much for your incredible efforts in completing ‘The Big Ambition’ survey.

We have had an amazing response from nursery, primary and secondary schools across England and as a result I’ve decided to extend the closing date to Friday 19th January 2024 to allow even more children the chance to have their say.

This will give schools, children and young people an extra month over the festive season to take part in ‘The Big Ambition’.

Children and parents can complete the survey here: www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/thebigambition

‘The Big Ambition’ provides a much-needed opportunity for the children of England to tell policy makers what is important to them ahead of the General Election.

Let's make sure that the children and young people of Birmingham are represented in the results.

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

WMP Xmas letter 2023.pdf

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.

Lordswood Boys SLB.pdf

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.

12-top-tips-for-children-and-young-people-to-enjoy-a-tech-free-christmas.pdf

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.

Year 8 ESA Cricket

Last night we took 6 students to play against KES Camphill in an indoor league competition. We batted first and scored a mammoth 119-1 off our 10 overs. With strong contributions from Sachin (29*), Manraaj (26*), Phil (24*) and Ali (18).

We were very good with the ball, when it was our turn to bowl. Our 2 debutants, Eron and Reon made lightwork of the KES Camphill top order, reducing the hosts to 32-4 off 4 overs. With the cricket twins finishing with figures off 2-19 and 2-16 respectively. Captain Ali finished off the tailend batters with figures of 1-6. Players of the Match - Eron and Reon.

Lordswood Boys won comfortably by 41 runs. Our students' attitude was impeccable. We go into the New Year top of the league.

Cricket action continues as we head to the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on Tuesday 19th December. We wish the selected 8 students across Year 7 & Year 8 the very best of luck at the Wicketz Tournament.

Year 7 & 10 Football Training

The Year 7 and 10 students enjoyed their training on Thursday evening with another great turn out. The students have been developing their defensive skills, looking at individual body shape in 1 v 1 situations and defending in small groups, exploring recovery runs and distances.

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

WINTER SHOWCASE 2023

Join us for the Winter Showcase in our auditorium on Thursday, December 21st. Secure your tickets now!

Participants are receiving information letters, consent slips, and ticket order forms. Kindly return these promptly to ensure we can arrange seats for you, your family, and friends.

For those interested in attending the concert, please contact me directly at m.lowndes@lordswoodboys.co.uk, and I'll make the arrangements for you.

WINTER SHOWCASE FULL REHEARSALS

Final rehearsals are scheduled for Thursday, December 21st, during the day. The running order will be shared with participating students before Thursday.

PRACTICE ROOMS NEXT WEEK

Please be aware that practice rooms will be open only on Monday and Tuesday next week. This allows for recording assessments and Winter Showcase rehearsals. Rooms will be closed starting Wednesday for organization and instrument maintenance.

VOCAL GROUP

A rehearsal for all Vocal Group members is scheduled for Monday, December 18th, during lunchtime and after school. Your prompt attendance is appreciated as we work on finalizing the entire piece for the Winter Showcase.

TUNING IN PROJECT RECORDING STUDIO VISIT TODAY!

Fifteen students from Years 8-11 are currently at the Birmingham Academy of Contemporary Music, recording their composition about our school. They'll spend the day in a professional studio, shooting a video showcasing the rehearsal and recording processes. Stay tuned for the edited video! Great to see one of the Y11 students enjoying the experience below.

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

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