A Warm Welcome

I am thrilled to introduce myself as the new author of the Lordswood Boys' School Blog. 🌟 Taking over after Mr. Williams' remarkable tenure is no small feat, but I am ready to dive in and continue steering our ship towards excellence. 🚀 With your support, I’m confident we’ll keep the wind in our sails and navigate towards even greater success. ⛵️

A standout feature of our school is the incredible partnership we’ve built with you, our dedicated parents and carers. This collaboration has been instrumental in ensuring our boys not only meet but exceed their academic and personal goals. 🎓 It’s clear that we’re all rowing in the same direction, and that’s a mighty force to be reckoned with. 💪

Let’s keep this momentum going! Together, we can continue to create an environment where every student can shine. 🌟 Your engagement and involvement is our secret weapon, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve as a united front. Together, we’ll make Lordswood Boys' School even more extraordinary. 🌟

I’ll be keeping you fully informed with our weekly blog, so stay tuned for the latest news and successes. 📰

Kindest Regards,

Mrs. Kang  

Headteacher

SCience, Technology,

maths & engineering (stem)

Last week, our STEM club students embarked on a creative and scientific journey, making lava lamps. Guided by Mrs. Sethi and Mr. Foric, they explored the principles of density and chemical reactions using simple household ingredients. This hands-on experiment not only sparked curiosity but also provided practical learning, demonstrating how science can be both fun and educational. 

Speaking of fun, why did the scarecrow become a successful scientist? Because he was outstanding in his field! 😂 😂 😂

This week, our STEM class dived into the fizz-tastic world of bath bombs! These delightful effervescent balls of wonder transform an ordinary bath into a luxurious, spa-like experience, filled with vibrant colors and soothing scents. But what exactly goes into making a bath bomb, and what's the science behind the fizz?

Ingredients and Chemistry: Our budding scientists learned to combine simple household ingredients to create bath bombs. The key components include:

• Epsom salts: For relaxation and soothing sore muscles.

• Citric acid: A natural acid found in citrus fruits.

• Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda): A common kitchen ingredient that acts as a base.

• Food colouring: To add beautiful hues to the bathwater.

• Essential oils: For fragrance and aromatherapy benefits.

• Vegetable oil: To bind the ingredients and provide skin nourishment.

• Water: To help mould the bath bomb into shape.

The Reaction: When a bath bomb is dropped into water, a chemical reaction occurs between the citric acid and sodium bicarbonate, producing carbon dioxide gas. This gas creates the delightful fizzing effect, while the other ingredients dissolve to release their colours and scents, enhancing the bath experience.

Market Potential: Bath bombs have become a popular product in the personal care market, with a growing market share in the beauty and wellness industry. Their popularity is fueled by the trend towards self-care and the desire for at-home spa experiences.

Entrepreneurial Opportunities: Students also explored the potential of turning their new skills into a business. With a little creativity and marketing savvy, making and selling bath bombs could be a lucrative venture. Personalised scents, unique moulds, and eco-friendly packaging are just a few ways to stand out in the market.

This hands-on project not only taught students about chemical reactions and the properties of different substances but also inspired entrepreneurial thinking. Who knows? The next big bath bomb brand could be born right here in our classroom!

Stay tuned for more exciting STEM adventures! 

Lordswood Boys School Attends The Big Bang Fair 2024 at NEC, Birmingham

In an exciting educational excursion 🎒✨, Mrs. Sethi and Mr. Jackson from Lordswood Boys School were fortunate enough to take a group of enthusiastic learners to The Big Bang Fair 2024 🚀🔬, held at the NEC in Birmingham. This renowned event, dedicated to inspiring young minds with the wonders of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) 🌟📚, proved to be an enriching experience for the boys.

Event Highlights 

The Big Bang Fair 2024, held from June 20th to June 22nd 📅, showcases a myriad of interactive exhibits, workshops, and presentations designed to ignite curiosity and passion for STEM subjects among young learners. The event features:

Interactive Exhibits 🧪: Cutting-edge technology and innovative projects were on display, allowing students to engage with hands-on experiments and demonstrations.

Workshops 🛠️: Expert-led sessions offered practical insights into various STEM fields, from robotics and coding to environmental science and engineering.

Career Talks 💼: Professionals from leading STEM industries shared their career journeys, offering guidance and inspiration to the next generation of scientists, engineers, and technologists.

Competitions 🏆: Exciting challenges and competitions encouraged students to apply their knowledge and creativity in real-world scenarios.

Educational Benefits 📈

For the learners from Lordswood Boys School, the Big Bang Fair 2024 was more than just an exciting day out; it was a transformative educational experience. Here's how the boys benefited from attending the event:

Enhanced Understanding of STEM 🧠: The interactive nature of the exhibits and workshops allowed the students to deepen their understanding of complex STEM concepts in a fun and engaging way.

Inspiration and Motivation 🌠: Meeting professionals and seeing real-world applications of STEM subjects inspired the boys to consider pursuing careers in these fields.

Skill Development 🛠️: Participation in hands-on activities and competitions helped the students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.

Networking Opportunities 🌐:The event provided a platform for the boys to connect with peers from other schools and professionals from various industries, broadening their horizons and expanding their networks.

A Memorable Experience 🌟

Beyond the educational advantages, the boys from Lordswood Boys School had an unforgettable time at the Big Bang Fair 2024. The atmosphere was electric ⚡ with excitement and curiosity, and the students were visibly thrilled to be part of such a prestigious event.

Mrs. Sethi and Mr. Jackson, who chaperoned the trip, expressed their delight at seeing the students so engaged and inspired. "It was wonderful to see the boys' faces light up as they interacted with the exhibits and participated in the workshops. This experience has truly sparked their interest in STEM," said Mrs. Sethi.

Mr. Jackson added, "The Big Bang Fair provided our students with a unique opportunity to see the possibilities that STEM fields offer. It was a fantastic day filled with learning and fun, and we're grateful to have been able to provide this experience for them."

Looking Ahead 🚀

The success of this trip has paved the way for future educational excursions to similar events. Lordswood Boys School is committed to providing its students with opportunities that broaden their learning experiences and inspire them to achieve great things.

The Big Bang Fair 2024 was not just an event but a significant stepping stone in the educational journey of these young learners. As they returned to school, the boys carried with them newfound knowledge, inspiration, and memories that will undoubtedly influence their future academic and career choices. 🎓🌠

Year 9 Students Shine at 'Talk the Talk' Oracy Workshop 🎤

Selected Year 9 students had an excellent day last week, participating in the 'Talk the Talk' Oracy workshop. Funded by the Britford Trust, the workshop focused on developing public speaking and presentation skills. By the end of the day, students confidently delivered presentations, even those who initially doubted their ability to do so. The workshop leaders praised the students for their supportiveness and newfound confidence. Smiles abounded as students received their certificates, celebrating their achievements.

Celebrating Success: Year 11 Trip to Alton Towers

On Wednesday, 19th June, some Year 11 students went to Alton Towers to celebrate the end of their GCSE exams and a remarkable year.

The day had an amusing start as we listened to a student sing what were once regarded as classics with his own unique vocal interpretations on the drive all the way to Alton Towers. 

Thankfully, Aurangzeb's vocal performances did not cause a downpour, and the students enjoyed wonderful weather, waffles, ice cream, and hot dogs in between enjoying the rides and buying themselves a very cute cuddly penguin. The students conducted themselves exceptionally and were a wonderful asset to the school. A huge thank you to Miss. Bunger, Mr Atallah and Miss Bone, who accompanied the students on the trip as well.

A huge thank you to all parents who have been a much-appreciated support at home for the boys during the exam period. We are looking forward to seeing them again on results day on Thursday, 15th August, to celebrate their results. 🌟🎓

NOS Updates - 21 June 2024

The National Online Safety programme publishes a weekly #WakeUpWednesday update for parents/carers. This weeks update relates to 'W App'.

W App is a social networking site aimed at teens, marketed as a platform for zero negativity. While its positive messaging and focus on a safe environment are commendable, there are still several potential risks and considerations for parents and carers to be aware of.

Key Points for Parents/Carers:

Fake Accounts: Be vigilant about the potential for fake accounts, which can be used to deceive young users. Encourage your children to only accept friend requests from people they know in real life.

Catfishing: Discuss the dangers of catfishing and emphasise the importance of knowing who they’re interacting with online. Remind them never to share personal information with strangers.

Profile Oversharing: Educate your children on the importance of limiting the amount of personal information shared on their profiles. This helps protect their privacy and personal safety.

Spamming: Teach your children how to recognise and handle spam messages. This includes not clicking on suspicious links or providing personal information to unknown sources.

Repeated Use: Keep an eye on the amount of time your children spend on W App to prevent excessive use. Encourage balanced online and offline activities to support their mental health and well-being.

By staying informed and having open discussions with your children, you can help them navigate W App safely and responsibly. 

I hope this information is helpful.

Dance, Performing Arts and Extra-curricular updates

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

Here is a reminder regarding our Extra-Curricular provision. Please find the timetable below of the clubs that we offer. This timetable has been amended slightly for the remainder of this half-term.

Sport fixtures and training schedules for week beginning 17th June 2024