HEADTEACHER'S BLOG - 17TH January 2025

Year 7 & Literacy updates

From Ms Russell, Assistant Principal

Debate Club

The brand new Year 7 debate club launched on Tuesday as part of the Peak Performance initiative! Students showcased some amazing oracy and communication skills as they took it in turns to debate the topic of mobile phones in schools. They learned all about formal debating and how to counter 'Points of Information'. We already can't wait for next week! 

Year 11 Literacy Teachers

Year 11 students have been planning their own presentations on the AQA Power and Conflict Poetry Anthology and have taken over teaching the classes! They have learned from the best and have planned their own starter, main lesson content and a Red Zone Writing activity for the other students to complete. 

They have been supporting each other with their revision and learning - such an amazing display of literacy skills and we think we have found the next generation of teachers! 

Superstar Readers

Year 8 have delved into the world of detective fiction and are absolutely loving reading 'The Speckled Band' by Arthur Conan Doyle - a famous Sherlock Holmes story! 

They loved it even more when Ms George organised some hot chocolates in the classroom.. nothing better than a hot chocolate and a good book! 

College updates

From Mr Insley, Assistant Principal

⏰ Punctuality and Attendance Matter! 🌟

Every day in school is a step closer to success. Being on time and attending school every day helps you stay on track, learn more, and achieve your goals. Plus, your efforts earn Class Chart points that boost your college’s score and help lead us to victory! 🏆

Let’s make every moment count—arrive ready, stay focused, and keep striving for greatness. Your commitment today shapes your success tomorrow!

#BeThereBeReady #CollegePride

Teaching & Learning updates

From Mrs Davis-Musabayana, Assistant Principal

T&L Updates

In Mr. Ahmad’s lesson, the effective use of technology stood out as a key support for students tackling challenging skills like programming. The resources were considered to  create an environment where students could engage with complex concepts.

Meanwhile, Ms. Dawson’s Year 10 photography session was a fantastic showcase of literacy in action. Students were highly engaged from the start, confidently articulating their last assessment task and providing a clear description of the course structure, demonstrating a solid understanding of their learning journey.

Additionally, teachers collaborated to share best practices, focusing on students' books to evaluate learning journeys and marking. This reflective approach underscored the importance of supporting student progress and highlighted the collective commitment to enhancing teaching and learning at LBS.

T&L Updates: Food Technology Launch Success

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the launch of our Food Technology lessons such a success! The students were absolutely buzzing with excitement as they got hands-on preparing delicious dishes. 🥳 It was fantastic to see their enthusiasm and creativity come to life in the kitchen!

A special thanks to all for your support. The boys thoroughly enjoyed the experience! I’ve attached a few photos from the session for you to enjoy. 📸

Year 11 updates

From Ms Bunger, Assistant Principal

Mocks and Intervention: Paving the Way for Success 

Mock exams are just around the corner, running from Monday 24th February to Friday 7th March, and they are a critical milestone in every student’s journey! These exams do so much more than test knowledge—they help close gaps in understanding, boost confidence 💪, sharpen exam techniques ✍️, and provide invaluable expert feedback.

Attending intervention lessons ahead of the mocks is a game-changer. These sessions equip students with the tools and strategies they need to approach their exams with confidence 🚀, using the mock period as a springboard to assess readiness and refine their approach.

However, we understand that some students may feel hesitant about intervention lessons due to time pressures ⏳, peer influence, or a lack of motivation. It’s important for parents, teachers, and students themselves to see these lessons as an investment in future success. A little extra effort now can lead to big rewards later 🎯.

Encourage your child or students to embrace these valuable opportunities. The dedication they show now will reap dividends down the line, unlocking doors to further education 🏫, career aspirations 💼, and a bright, successful future! 🌟

Personal Development Updates

From Kiran Sandhu, Assistant Principal

This Week in Assembly: British Values and Our School Virtues 🌟

• This week, Miss Ali delivered a powerful and thought-provoking assembly that focused on four of the five British Values: Individual Liberty, Rule of Law, Respect, and Tolerance 🏛️🤝. These values closely align with our school virtues for this half term: Self-Belief 💪 and Compassion 💖, reminding us of the importance of standing up for what’s right while showing care and understanding for others.

Miss Ali highlighted the pressing issue of Honour-Based Violence, challenging stereotypes and exploring the legal, moral, and ethical dimensions of this topic. Through compelling case studies and hard-hitting statistics, we were reminded of the devastating consequences faced by young women who have tragically lost their lives too soon.

The assembly served as a poignant call to action, encouraging us to uphold respect and tolerance in all we do while fostering self-belief and compassion within ourselves and our community 🌍.

If any student needs to talk about the sensitive issues discussed in the assembly, please reach out to Ms Sandhu, Ms Ali, or the Safeguarding Team in school. We are here to listen and support you 💬💖. 

A heartfelt thank you to Miss Ali for delivering such a memorable and meaningful assembly. Your words and insights leave a lasting impact on us all 🙏✨.

Safeguarding Updates

From Mrs Metcalfe-Molinari, Assistant Principal

🌟 Support for Families This January 🌟

January can feel tough, with cold weather, storms, and rising living costs affecting many of us. If you or someone you know could use a little extra support, here are some great local resources:

💬 Street Support Network:
This directory helps you find the assistance you need—from a warm meal and friendly chat to legal advice or medical help. 

🍴 Big Feed Community Cafés:
Enjoy delicious, nutritious meals made from surplus food that’s saved from going to waste. These FREE meals are available to everyone, providing a warm space to connect with others. Locations include Ladywood and Balsall Heath—plus more! 

Let’s support each other this winter. Together, we can make January a little brighter for everyone. 💛

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 social media and mental health. It highlights a number of tips such as how to hide content, setting daily limits and discussing what children have seen online. 

An estimated one-third of children have a social media account, so it’s important that trusted adults know what content young people are consuming; what they’re posting; and what interactions they’re having. On social media, it can be easy to go down a rabbit hole that isn’t beneficial to our wellbeing. As platforms grapple with managing ‘legal but harmful’ content, lives are being impacted – sometimes to tragic effect. We might be daunted by the scale of the tech giants and their content which enthrals young people, but we can still help children to be mindful of their mental wellness: recognising when something isn’t OK … and knowing what to do about content that upsets them. 

Pastoral updates

From Miss Williams, Director of Behaviour & Attitudes

🎯 Prioritising Attendance

We kindly ask for your continued support in ensuring that your son attends school every day. Consistent attendance is crucial to his academic success and personal development. At Lordswood Boys' School, we expect all pupils to attend school as regularly as possible, and our ambition for every child is 100% attendance.

Regular attendance helps students stay on track with their learning, builds strong habits, and ensures they don’t miss out on valuable lessons and opportunities. We appreciate your partnership in encouraging your son to be at school every day and to make the most of his education.

Why is school attendance so important and what are the risks of missing a day?

Being around teachers and friends in a school or college environment is the best way for pupils to learn and reach their potential. Time in school also keeps children safe and provides access to extra-curricular opportunities and pastoral care. (www.gov.uk)

How does attendance affect outcomes for pupils? 

Research shows that pupils who performed better both at the end of primary and secondary school missed fewer days than those who didn’t perform as well. However, being in school is not only important to your child’s achievement, but also their wellbeing, and wider development.

What are the risks of missing a day of school? 

Every moment in school counts, and days missed add up quickly. For example, a child in Year 10 who is absent for three days over a half term could miss 15 lessons in total.  The higher a pupil’s attendance, the more they are likely to learn, and the better they are likely to perform in exams and formal assessments.

What if my child needs to miss school?

Parents and carers have a legal duty to ensure your child gets a full time-education. Usually, that means going into school from the age of 5 to 16. There are only a small number of circumstances where missing a school day is permitted. Your child must attend every day that the school is open, unless:

· Your child is too ill to attend.

· You have asked in advance and been given permission by the school for your child to be absent on a specific day due to exceptional circumstances.

· Your child cannot go to school on a specific day because they are observing a religious event.

· Your local authority is responsible for arranging your child’s transport to school and it’s not available or has not been provided yet.

· Your child does not have a permanent address and you are required to travel for work. This exception only applies if your child attends their usual school or another school where you are staying as often as possible. This must be 200 half days or more a year if they are aged 6 or older.  

Thank you for your ongoing support! 🌟

Dance, Performing Arts and Extra-curricular updates

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

Developing Skills Through Collaboration in Drama

Our students showcased their growing confidence as they performed and reflected on their peers’ skills. This dynamic environment highlighted their ability to demonstrate key values such as respect, teamwork, and effective communication.

The sessions not only nurtured their oracy skills but also fostered a culture of mutual support and constructive feedback. Watching our students engage with such enthusiasm and purpose is a testament to their commitment to personal growth and collaborative learning.

🎭 Fame: The Excitement Continues!  🎶

There are 25 days until the cast of Fame perform this spectacular production! Tickets will be on sale next week. The students are rehearsing with the band and putting in great effort to sing and dance at the same time. It is fantastic to see students from different year groups collaborating and coming together. KS4 students have been supporting our Year 7 students in learning choreography and memorising their lines for the performance. Jamie in Year 11 has also contributed to directing, working alongside Mrs. Davis-Musabayana and Mrs. McKeon to bring the show to life. 

Remember: Book 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! 💃

🎭🎶 Fame School Production Rehearsals 🎶🎭

A big thank you to our dedicated students attending rehearsals – your commitment is truly appreciated! 👏

📅 Next Week’s Rehearsals:
🎵 Monday (After School)
Fame Showband: 3:00 - 4:30 PM in G15

🎵 Tuesday (After School)
All Cast & Fame Showband: 3:00 - 4:30 PM in the Auditorium

🎵 Thursday (After School)
All Cast & Fame Showband: 3:00 - 4:30 PM in the Auditorium

Please arrive on time and be ready to shine as we prepare for an unforgettable performance! 🎤🎷

Thank you Mrs Lowndes-Ford and Ms Jeffs for all your support!

We have some talented and enthusiastic Year 7 students that have been showcasing their understanding and skills in their new Drama topic ‘Silent Movies’. Year 7 have been exploring performance skills in the style of Mime and have demonstrated excellent exaggeration and comic timing in their sketches. Our Performing Arts lessons focus on developing students transferable skills such as creativity, teamwork and communication which are imperative in supporting both personal and academic development. 

⚽ Year 11 Football Team Victory! ⚽

A huge congratulations to our Year 11 Football Team for their fantastic 1-0 win over Colmers in the Birmingham School's Cup Quarter Final! 🙌 It was a hard-fought, competitive match, and the team showed incredible determination to secure the victory. 💪 Amara Ganess picked up the Man of the Match Award with a solid display in midfield, he also set up the winning goal with some great vision. 

They’re now progressing to the next stage of the competition, and we’re just waiting for a couple of games to be played to determine who they will face next.

Please join us in congratulating the team when you see them! 🎉

A special thank you to Mr Noble for his support and leadership in overseeing the team for this fixture. 

Year 10 ESA Basketball Update

Mr. Noble’s Year 10 basketball team showcased their skills in a friendly fixture against West Brom on Tuesday, earning a commanding 44-9 victory. This much-needed game time allowed the team to fine-tune their performance ahead of their upcoming league matches.

We’re excited to see them back in action in the league in the coming weeks and wish them continued success!

Primary Provision – Regional Football Competition

On Thursday evening, we proudly hosted a cluster of our local feeder schools for a Regional Football Competition. It was fantastic to see such a great turnout, with many parents coming to LBS to support and cheer on their children.

Mr. Janes took the opportunity to connect with a few parents, who expressed how impressed they were with the school’s excellent facilities. Events like these not only foster a love for sports but also strengthen our ties with the local community.

GCSE PE – Rock Climbing Session

Tuesday saw our GCSE PE students return to the climbing wall for the second session of their Climbing Block. During the session, students continued to refine their technical climbing skills while also enhancing their belaying competence.

A key focus was on communication, as students worked collaboratively to support their peers on the wall, demonstrating teamwork and trust. It’s been fantastic to see their progress and growth in both skill and confidence!

Athletics Provision – Strength & Conditioning

Monday saw students return to athletics action with a focused Strength & Conditioning session. The training emphasized developing balance and strength through dynamic exercises, aiming to enhance overall athletic performance.

This new provision has been met with enthusiasm, as students work to improve their athleticism and gain an edge in their respective sports. It’s fantastic to see their dedication and progress in these sessions!

Talented Athlete Programme (TAP)

The LBS Talented Athlete Programme (TAP) is officially underway for the term! This week, participating students gathered to receive their TAP badges and review the programme's content.

The initiative encourages students to reflect on their sporting performance and behaviours, fostering a commitment to excellence as they strive to reach their full potential. Excitement is high as these talented athletes embark on their journey to be the best they can be!

🎉 Congratulations Bronze Arts Award Music Students! 🎶

A massive well done to all our dedicated Music students who have been hard at work this week, completing Part A of their Bronze Arts Award qualification! 👏

You’ve been honing your skills in your chosen areas of Music, from mastering instruments and refining vocals to exploring production techniques. Your commitment and progress are truly inspiring.

Thursday morning marked the start of a wonderful showcase of your musical talents, and your performances have been a joy to witness. We’re excited to see this phase conclude next week with an exciting review of your learning.

Looking ahead, the next stage of your Bronze Arts Award journey begins in two weeks. Keep up the momentum and continue striving for excellence – your hard work is paying off!

Well done, everyone! 🎵✨

🎶 Exciting Music Careers Seminar Day in the Music Department! 🎉

Today, we are delighted to welcome two inspiring guest speakers for our Year 10 and 11 Music Careers Seminars:

✨ Sam Robson
Hailing from Suffolk, Sam brings rich, firsthand industry experience to inspire and educate our students about the opportunities available in the dynamic music field.

✨ Simon Hobbs
From Access Creative College, Simon will share invaluable guidance on pathways into music and creative careers.

This is an incredible opportunity for students to learn about the diverse options in this ever-expanding industry and gain the knowledge to succeed. Let’s make the most of this exciting experience!

🎭🎶 Updated Music Extra-Curricular Club Timetable 🎶🎭

This half term, the Music Extra-Curricular Club Timetable has been adjusted to accommodate rehearsals for our thrilling Fame School Production!

🎹 To find out more:

• Check the Music Clubs Timetable displayed around the school.

• Visit the "What's On in Music?" board in the Music Department.

Thank you for your understanding as we prepare for an outstanding production. Let’s keep the music alive! 🎵✨