Embedded Files
📢 Open Events | 21–24 September.
📖 Turning Pages, Building Confidence: Students Thrive with Reading Mentors🌟
📖 Turning Pages, Building Confidence: Students Thrive with Reading Mentors🌟
This week, we were delighted to welcome back our Reading Mentors from Irwin Mitchell into school. The mentors are part of the National Literacy Trust and their visit was a truly positive and enriching experience for everyone involved.
During the session, the mentors spent dedicated one-to-one time reading with eight of our pupils. From the moment the session began, it was clear how much the children valued the opportunity. They were fully engaged, enthusiastic, and eager to share stories, discuss characters, and explore new vocabulary. Many of the pupils showed growing confidence as the session progressed, reading aloud more fluently and talking thoughtfully about the books they were enjoying.
We are incredibly grateful to the Reading Mentors for giving their time, energy, and encouragement to support our pupils. Partnerships such as this play a vital role in enriching our curriculum and strengthening our school community, and the impact on our children is clear to see.
This week, we have 422 Attendance Heroes who all achieved 100% attendance. A huge well done and thank you! 😃
🏆 Congratulations to all of our Year 8 students on achieving 95.5% attendance for this week. 🏆
spring foward Attendance Challenge gets underway!
spring foward Attendance Challenge gets underway!
We're excited to be able to share more details with you about our half-term 3 'Spring Forward' Attendance Challenge. Each week our students will be able to earn their place in a prize draw simply by being in school every day. Every Friday, at least 5 students in each Literacy Group will be selected at random and be part of our prize package.
Our final reward for this challenge will be drawn on Friday 13th February - definitely NOT unlucky for our winners, who'll be taking home Amazon vouchers as a reward.
Thank you for your support in encouraging all of our pupils to attend school each day and be part of our school community. We love seeing them all in school.
Week 1
SWEET TREATS
Friday 16th January - Thursday 22nd January
Week 2
PS5/NINTENDO TIME
Friday 23rd January - Thursday 29th January
Week 3
TABLE TENNIS TIME
Friday 30th Jan - Thursday 5th February
Week 4
AMAZON VOUCHERS
Friday 6th February - Thursday 12th February
Peak Performance 🗻
From Ms Russell, Assistant Principal
Our Student Enrichment and Peak Performance programme for Year 7 and Year 8 is designed to help pupils discover new interests, build confidence and develop skills beyond the classroom. Through a wide range of after-school clubs, students are encouraged to challenge themselves, work collaboratively and enjoy learning in a relaxed, supportive environment.
Popular activities include Let’s Pop, where creativity and teamwork come together through fun, hands-on projects, and Comic Book Art, which allows students to explore storytelling, illustration and character design while developing their artistic skills. For those who enjoy precision and focus, Darts Club helps improve hand–eye coordination, concentration and sportsmanship. Meanwhile, Badminton Club promotes physical fitness, resilience and healthy competition, supporting both wellbeing and performance.
Students continue to love our badminton and touch rugby clubs, which provide a fun and active way to unwind after the school day while building teamwork and confidence. The sessions are inclusive, energetic and enjoyed by students of all abilities.
Our basketball club, led by Year 11 students, has been especially successful in building positive relationships across year groups. The leadership shown by older students creates a supportive environment and a strong sense of community.
Character Education Updates
From Ms Sandhu, Assistant Principal
From Ms Sandhu, Assistant Principal
Learn with the Lords: An Inspiring Session with Lord Hampton
Y7 students recently had the privilege of taking part in an engaging and thought-provoking session as part of the Learn with the Lords programme, welcoming Lord Hampton to our school. The session provided a valuable opportunity for students to gain first-hand insight into the role of the House of Lords and the importance of active participation in democracy.
Lord Hampton spoke openly about his journey into public service, sharing his experiences within the House of Lords and explaining how legislation is reviewed, debated, and improved. Students were particularly interested in learning about the difference between the House of Commons and the House of Lords, as well as how peers contribute specialist knowledge and lived experience to shape national decision-making.
The session encouraged students to think critically about leadership, responsibility, and integrity in public life. Lord Hampton emphasised the importance of standing up for personal values, listening to different viewpoints, and using one’s voice to create positive change. Students asked thoughtful questions about law-making, representation, and how young people can become more engaged in political and community life.
This enriching experience supported our curriculum work in Citizenship, PSHEE, and British Values, reinforcing themes of democracy, respect, and individual liberty. It also inspired many students to consider how they can play an active role in shaping their communities, both now and in the future.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Lord Hampton and the Learn with the Lords programme for providing such an insightful and memorable learning experience. Opportunities like this help bring learning to life and empower our students to become informed, confident, and responsible citizens.
College Updates
From Ms Insley, Assistant Principal
From Ms Insley, Assistant Principal
Central College Roundup – Mr Preece
Central College Roundup – Mr Preece
Central College has made a strong start to the year, with positive performances across academics and sport. Students finished the term strongly in basketball and achieved first place in the KS3 Spelling Bee. A special congratulations goes to Amaan Munir, Standout Student for Term 1, recognised for significant improvements in attendance, attitude, and for being the top speller in a highly challenging competition. Cardinals are our Literacy Group of the Half Term, showing excellent attendance, resilience, and commitment since joining in September. A strong foundation has been set, with exciting opportunities ahead.
Midland College Roundup – Mr Calder
Midland College Roundup – Mr Calder
Midland College has made a positive start to the academic year, with improving attendance reflecting growing pride and commitment among students. The Spelling Bee was a standout academic success, with students showing confidence, preparation, and strong peer support. The basketball event further highlighted Midland’s teamwork, resilience, and determination. As the term continues, the focus remains on attendance, excellence, and supporting one another. If this momentum continues, Midland College has a very promising year ahead.
Mercia College Roundup – Mr Noble
Mercia College has enjoyed a successful and positive half term, with students demonstrating commitment, teamwork, and pride across all areas. In inter-college events, Mercia finished a close third in Basketball and achieved joint second place in the Spelling Bee, reflecting strong effort and academic focus. Mercia continues to lead the school in behaviour and attendance, a credit to students’ consistently positive attitudes and responsibility. Looking ahead, students can look forward to the upcoming debate competition and the much-anticipated football event. Well done to all students and staff for a fantastic half term — let’s keep pushing forward.
Westerly College Roundup – Mr Mitchell
Westerly College Roundup – Mr Mitchell
Westerly College has had an excellent half term, celebrating victories in both the Spelling Bee and Basketball. These achievements highlight students’ focus, preparation, teamwork, and determination across academic and sporting events. While these successes are impressive, Westerly is not yet top overall, providing motivation to continue striving for excellence. With football and the debate competition coming up, students have more opportunities to build on this momentum. Keep working hard, staying focused, and representing Westerly with pride.
Safeguarding Updates
From Ms Metcalfe-Molinari, Assistant Principal
From Ms Metcalfe-Molinari, Assistant Principal
The Children’s Commissioner for England has published “What I Wish My Parents or Carers Knew” — a practical guide designed to help parents and carers navigate children’s digital lives with confidence. The resource offers clear advice on talking about online safety, setting healthy screen time boundaries, and understanding digital challenges young people face today, based on insights directly from children themselves. It also includes conversation starters and tools to support ongoing family discussions about the online world.
The Children’s Commissioner for England has published “What I Wish My Parents or Carers Knew” — a practical guide designed to help parents and carers navigate children’s digital lives with confidence. The resource offers clear advice on talking about online safety, setting healthy screen time boundaries, and understanding digital challenges young people face today, based on insights directly from children themselves. It also includes conversation starters and tools to support ongoing family discussions about the online world.
Please use the contact details below:
Please use the contact details below:
Mrs Metcalfe-Molinari, Lead DSL d.metcalfe-molinari@lordswoodboys.co.uk
Mr Stanford, Deputy DSL r.stanford@lordswoodboys.co.uk
Weekly Sports Round-Up & Schedule
Weekly Sports Round-Up & Schedule
From Mr Janes, Director of Sport
From Mr Janes, Director of Sport
Year 9 Football
The Year 9 Football team were in action on Tuesday evening as they hosted Queensbridge, Colmers and Dame Elizabeth School in a 9 A-Side Tournament. The boys faced Dame Elizabeth in their first game, a game decided by a penalty which was converted by the away team. We then faced Queensbridge in what was a close encounter, with both teams having big chances bit failing to convert. The game ended in a stalemate at 0-0, both teams defended very well and showed organisation in their back line. The final game was against the favourites in Colmers, who had won both of their games heading into this one. Despite a spirited performance, Colmers ran out 2-0 winners with two well taken goals. The LBS students pushed all the way until the end as they tried to find a way back into the game, but a physical Colmers back line proved to be the difference. Players of the Match were Grayson Khan and Ziad Tresie. Both students are in Year 8 and have really impressed which is why they have been asked to play up a year. Grayson and Ziad showed fantastic composure in their performances, they were comfortable in possession and tactically very disciplined.
GCSE Rock Climbing
Year 11 GCSE Physical Education students took part in their first Rock Climbing session which will support their practical scores. Due to the technical nature of the activity, we utilise a key contact of the PE Department to come and co-teach students in order to maximise their progress. The progress made in the first session was absolutely brilliant, students really applied themselves and developed their knowledge around how to effectively climb. Students will take part in a three week cycle, developing the basics in relation to safety and technique. Later in the term, students will be taken off site to visit a more advanced facility in order to meet the higher grading criteria.
If you have any questions relating to the details above, please use the contact details below:
Ms Morroll, Director of Learning - SCP Faculty, k.morroll@lordswoodboys.co.uk
Mr Janes, Director of Sport, d.janes@lordswoodboys.co.uk
Weekly Music News & Schedules
Weekly Music News & Schedules
From Mrs Lowndes-Ford, Director of Music
From Mrs Lowndes-Ford, Director of Music
🎶 Year 10 GCSE Students Shine in a Week of Creative Composing 🎶
The music department has been buzzing with creativity 🎨 and collaboration 🤝 this week. Students across all year groups have thrown themselves into composing original pieces 🎼 and rehearsing in small ensembles 🎻🎹, exploring a wide range of musical styles 🎷 linked to their current topics of study.
A huge well done 👏 goes to our Year 10 GCSE Music classes, who have made an outstanding start 🌟 to their composing journey this year. Working in pairs 👥, every student has successfully created a structured melody 🎶 — a fantastic achievement and a real testament to their hard work 💪 and musical imagination ✨.
🌟 Launching Our New Modulo Joint Music Ensemble! 🌟
Today marks an exciting step forward as I visit Holte Secondary School to begin planning our brand‑new Modulo Joint Music Ensemble 🎶. This inclusive project will bring together 15 students from Lordswood Boys’ School and 15 from Holte, creating a vibrant musical community built on collaboration, creativity, and shared experience.
Over the coming weeks, students will rehearse within their own schools, developing their parts and building confidence. Later, both groups will join forces to form a larger ensemble, giving them the chance to blend their sound, learn from one another 📚, and prepare for performances scheduled throughout the year.
The project doesn’t stop there. Students will also have opportunities to rehearse alongside other schools and professional musicians, expanding their musical horizons and gaining valuable ensemble experience 🎶. We’re proud to run this initiative in partnership with Orchestras for All UK, whose mission to make high-quality ensemble music accessible to every young person aligns perfectly with our goals. A brilliant journey is about to begin, and we can’t wait to see what our young musicians create together 🎶.
A huge congratulations to Mahdi in Year 8, who has shown remarkable dedication and creativity over the past few weeks. Working independently, he has composed a beautiful modern classical piece that showcases both musical maturity and real artistic flair.
The composition features piano 🎹 supported by a range of orchestral instruments 🎷🥁🎺, resulting in a piece that is not only ambitious but also impressively high in standard 🌟. This is an exceptional achievement for a young composer, and Mahdi should feel incredibly proud 😊 of the work he has produced.
Well done, Mahdi — your hard work and talent 🌟 are shining brightly!
📅 Upcoming Dates for Next Term!
Thursday 29th January: Y10 Parents' Evening
Thursday 5th February: Y9 STEM Day
Thursday 12th February: Whole School production
“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.”
At LBS, every day is an opportunity to grow, and reading plays a vital role in that journey. Strong reading habits help students build knowledge, expand vocabulary, improve writing, and develop the confidence needed to succeed across all subjects. The more we read, the more we understand the world around us, and our place within it.
This is a chance for students to raise the bar for themselves. Show determination in your learning, pride in your conduct, and belief in your potential. Even small, consistent reading habits, a few pages a day, can lead to significant progress over time. Challenge yourself to read widely, think deeply, and aim high.
If you have any questions or need any support, please feel free to reach out to me directly at: r.kang@lordswoodboys.co.uk.
With warmest wishes,
Mrs. Rajdip Kaur Kang
Headteacher
Lordswood Boys' School
Lordswood Boys' School • Hagley Road • Harborne • Birmingham • B17 8BJ
Tel:0121 464 2837
Email: enquiry@lordswoodboys.co.uk
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