Student Well-being Workshop: Year 8 & 9 Kick Off Their First Session! 🎉

Last Thursday, a fantastic group of nine students from Year 8 and Year 9 took part in their first well-being workshop, which focused on boosting both mental and physical health through fun activities and sports! The workshop wasn't just about getting active – it encouraged teamwork, personal growth, and leadership as the students took on a series of team-based challenges (all captured in some great photos and videos 📸).

Through these activities, students developed important life skills such as collaboration, communication, and leadership, all while promoting their own well-being and that of their peers.

But now comes the real challenge! These students are tasked with running their own well-being project aimed at supporting the Year 7 students. Keep an eye out for updates on how they’ll be making a positive impact in our school community – exciting things are on the horizon! 💪🌟 Thank you Mr Deeks for facilitating this opportunity.

Lordswood Boys' School Earns Prestigious Silver Award for Wellbeing

Lordswood Boys’ School is proud to announce that we have been awarded the prestigious Silver Award for our outstanding wellbeing provision. This recognition reflects the commitment of our entire community—students, staff, and parents—who work tirelessly to support the wellbeing of our young people.

As we celebrate this incredible achievement, we are already setting our sights on the Gold Award. Together, we will continue to place wellbeing at the heart of everything we do, striving for excellence in creating a positive and supportive environment for all.

🎉 Inter-College Quiz: The Competition Heats Up! 🎉

It’s been an absolute pleasure for Mr Noble, Mr Mitchell, and Ms George to host the first-ever Inter-College Quiz! Each year group has performed brilliantly, showcasing the perfect mix of respect and competitiveness (with just a few tears along the way! 😅).

🥇 Congratulations to Year 7! Westerly came out on top after a strong final two rounds, overtaking Mercia with an impressive score of 22/25 (40 points)! Mercia finished in 2nd place with 20/25 (30 points), followed by Midlands in 3rd with 19/25 (20 points), and Central in 4th with 17/25 (10 points).

A big shoutout to Mr Mitchell for stepping in to host the Year 8 quiz! 🎤 The results were a complete reversal of the previous day, with Central taking 1st place with a fantastic score of 23/25 (40 points)! They were followed closely by Midlands in 2nd with 21/25 (30 points), Mercia in 3rd with 20/25 (20 points), and Westerly in 4th with 18/25 (10 points).

🤩 Year 9 was incredibly competitive! Westerly and Midlands battled it out for 1st place, which was decided by a nail-biting tie-breaker! Westerly emerged victorious with a score of 21/25 (40 points), while Midlands also scored 21/25 but placed 2nd with 30 points. Mercia came in 3rd with 18/25 (20 points), and Central rounded out the results in 4th with 15/25 (10 points).

🏆 Overall Standings:

• 1st - Westerly: 90 points 🎊

• 2nd - Midlands: 80 points 🎉

• 3rd - Mercia: 70 points 🎈

• 4th - Central: 60 points 🎁

With everything still to play for, Westerly holds a slight advantage heading into the final round, with RJ leading the charge! 🚀 The final result will be revealed after half term. Let’s see who will take home the ultimate bragging rights! 🏅🎊

Year 7 updates

From Ms Russell, Assistant Principal

Year 7 Settling In: Parents' Evening & Peak Performance 

We are pleased to share that our Year 7 Settling In: Parents' Evening went really well. It was fantastic to connect with so many of you and hear about your child’s positive start to the school year.

We are now eagerly looking forward to the Peak Performance activities, which will commence on Tuesday, 12th November. These events are designed to further support your child's growth, both academically and personally.

Thank you once again for your continued support.

Year 11 updates

From Ms Bunger, Assistant Principal

Attendance, Dedication, and Conduct – Well Done! 👏

I’d like to extend a huge heartfelt well done and thank you to the following students for their outstanding behaviour and commitment this half term. These students have shown exemplary behaviour, maintained excellent attendance, earned at least 100 positive Class Charts points, and have attended every intervention session assigned to them. A little treat with lots of well deserved goodies and revision aides was dropped off during Literacy Time this morning – you all deserve it! 🎉

Bengals: Ernesto and Serdar
Cardinals: Devonjeet, Karol, and Yaseen
Commanders: Abdullah, Isa S, Kamran, and Sukhshinder
Ravens: Amey, Danyal, Hammaad, Owais, Sarkar, Shayaan, Sulayman, and Yuvraj
Steelers: Demarco, Demario, Dorian, Hammad, Muhammad Alyan, Muhammad Also, and Rachit

Mockvember Preparation 📝

Mockvember is fast approaching! Exams will take place from Monday, 28th November to Friday, 29th November. I hope your sons have been sharing the revision resources they’ve received from their teachers, and that they're using these to prepare at home during half term. Each student has also been provided with a revision timetable template to help them organise their study time.

Your continued support at home is invaluable. Encourage your son to take well-being breaks, but keep those phones away while they’re revising! These mock exams are critical, as they will be used for their post-Year 11 applications. Intervention sessions will continue after half term to further support their preparation.

After the exams, a much-appreciated reward will be waiting... but I’ll share more details with the boys first! 😊

Thanks again for your ongoing support and encouragement!

Year 11 Prefect Team Announcement 🎓

The moment has finally arrived! During Monday’s assembly, I had the pleasure of announcing the Year 11 Prefect team. You may have already heard the news, but here are the official appointees:

Head Boy: Isa Shamraze
Deputy Head Boys: Shayaan Kapadia and Jamie McDonald
Prefects: Danyal Daud, Leason Foster, Amey Goyal, Sulayman Saeed, Karol Puczylowski, Ayaan Zaman, Yuvraaj Kang, Musa Zeeshan, Musa Hussain, Demarco Campbell, Devonjeet Bharaj, and Ibrahim Secunder

This team is now part of the Student Leadership at Lordswood Boys' School, and I’m confident they will have a positive impact on the student body. Their passion, integrity, and brilliant ideas—ranging from mentoring and well-being support to charity work and sports guidance—make me incredibly proud and excited for the work they will accomplish.

🗓️ 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

Joint Police/Schools Letter: Darker Nights, Halloween & Bonfire Night 2024

The police have shared their annual "Darker Nights" letter with us, offering important guidance for staying safe during Halloween and Bonfire Night celebrations. Stay informed and make this season fun and secure for everyone!

NOS Updates 

The National Online Safety programme publishes a weekly #WakeUpWednesday update for parents/carers. We are very pleased to share that Mr Insley, Assistant Principal is sharing his expertise and insights in this week's guide. It explores the risks of children being exposed to horror films and other age-inappropriate content – letting you know how to safeguard young people against this material. 

Many children and young people enjoy exploring new and exciting genres and themes in the films and TV they consume – and as they grow, the maturity of this content will likely increase with them. However, without proper supervision and safeguarding, youngsters looking for a new title to enjoy – especially in the horror genre – might get a little more than they're ready for.

The emotional and psychological impacts of viewing age-inappropriate content can be severe. It's vital for parents and educators to know how to keep the children in their care as safe as possible while young people explore new, potentially grittier or darker, pieces of media. This free guide breaks down the risks of viewing age-inappropriate content, with a particular focus on horror, and offers expert advice on how to limit youngsters’ exposure to material that might upset or disturb them.

Pastoral updates

From Miss Williams, Director of Behaviour & Attitudes

PSHE Updates

From Miss Ali, Lead Professional for Religious Education & PSHE 

Dance, Performing Arts and Extra-curricular updates

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

Dancing with Inspiration: Year 8's Creative Journey! 

Year 8 have been looking at stimulus work in dance and developing their creativity through group work. 

Stimulus work in dance refers to the use of various stimuli—such as music, visuals, emotions, or even concepts—to inspire movement and choreography. It can involve:

1. Musical Stimuli: Choreographers often use specific pieces of music to guide the mood, rhythm, and structure of a dance.

2. Visual Stimuli: Imagery, art, or film can evoke emotions or ideas that dancers express through their movements.

3. Emotional Stimuli: Personal experiences or feelings can lead to more authentic and expressive performances.

4. Conceptual Stimuli: Themes or narratives can be explored through movement, allowing dancers to convey stories or ideas.

5. Physical Stimuli: Interaction with the environment, such as using props or exploring different surfaces, can influence movement.

Incorporating these stimuli can deepen the creative process, resulting in more dynamic and engaging performances. Here are some examples of their assessment pieces this week.

7.1 Swimming Success at Harborne Leisure Centre! 🏊‍♂️

As part of the PE curriculum, students in 7.1 have just successfully completed their first block of swimming lessons at Harborne Leisure Centre. Over the course of the lessons, they learned the basics of swimming techniques along with essential water safety skills. Well done to all the students for their hard work and progress!

Next up is Class 7.2, who will be starting their swimming lessons in the next half term. We can't wait to see their progress in the pool! 🌊👏

🎶 Updated Extra-Curricular Music Club Timetable 🎶

• We’re excited to announce an updated version of the Music Department Extra-Curricular Club Timetable after half term! Look out for the new timetable displayed around the Music Department, and be sure to check the information below as well.

• Please take note of the days and times of rehearsals as we’ve added exciting new clubs and made a few changes to the existing schedule. We can’t wait to see you continue developing your musical skills in the new term! 🎵

🥁 New Year 7 Dhol Drumming Club! 🥁

We are thrilled to launch a new Dhol Drumming Club for Year 7 students after half term!

When? Every Tuesday from 3-4pm in the Music Department, starting Tuesday, 12th November.

The club will be run by one of our very own talented Year 11 students, Harveer Wilku. With only 4 spaces available, don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

Interested? Please see Mrs. Lowndes-Ford to register during the first week after the break. We’re excited to see how this group develops—don’t miss out on being part of something special! 🎶

🎹 Reminder for Keyboard Lesson Students 🎹

A reminder to all students taking part in keyboard lessons: Please return your keyboard loan forms to Mrs. Lowndes-Ford or Miss Lucas after half term. Once the forms are returned, you’ll be provided with a keyboard on loan to take home and practice on.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your skills! We look forward to seeing your progress! 🎵