📚"Year 7 Settling In: Parents’ Evening & Peak Performance!"  📚

Exciting news for Year 7 parents! 📢 On Monday, your child will bring home a letter about our Year 7 "Settling In" Parents’ Evening, happening on Thursday 17th October from 3:30pm to 6:30pm in the library.

This is your chance to meet your son's new teachers, chat about his learning and progress, and get familiar with all the great things happening this year. Plus, we’re introducing an exciting new enrichment programme for Year 7—Peak Performance! 🌟 There will be presentations about it at 4:30pm and 5:30pm.

Make sure to read the letter and confirm your attendance. We look forward to seeing you there!

Year 11 updates

From Ms Bunger, Assistant Principal

Y11 Mock Exams, Intervention & Parents Information Evening

Academic Intervention for targeted Y11 students started Monday 23rd September. Thank you for supporting your sons in encouraging the students to attend the Interventions; attendance is mandatory as it will provide the students with additional bespoke support for the upcoming mock exams. Please continue to remind and support your son to attend these sessions.

"Mockvember is Coming!" 

Get Ready for Success!"

Mock exams are just around the corner! 📝 They run from Monday 18th to Friday 29th November, and the timetable was handed out last Friday (it's also attached here). These exams are crucial, as the results will be used in applications for 6th Form, Colleges, Apprenticeships, and jobs. So, it's time to start prepping early! 📚

Attendance is key! Make sure your son is in school 100% of the time to give him the best shot at success. More info will be shared during the Year 11 Parents Information Evening on Thursday 10th October, with sessions at 4:00–5:15pm and 5:15–6:30pm. You’ll get details about the exams, a performance report, and a pack containing lots of free revision resources at the event!

Y11 Prefects
This week, 21 Prefect applicants impressed in their interviews with ideas, maturity, and compassion. Head Boy candidates will give speeches Monday, and the final list of Prefects, Deputy Head Boy, and Head Boy will be announced next week! Stay tuned! 🎓

🗓️ Reminder of Important Dates 🗓️

• Thursday 10th October: Year 11 Information Evening for parents, carers, and students

• Monday 18th November – Friday 29th November: Year 11 Mock Exams

College updates

From Mr Insley, Assistant Principal

NOS Updates - 20th September 2024

The National Online Safety programme publishes a weekly #WakeUpWednesday update for parents/carers. This week's free online safety guide focuses on looking at ways that trusted adults can encourage open conversations with children and young people about their digital lives. It outlines useful tips such as being as honest as possible, discussing how misleading the online world can be and creating a ‘family agreement’. 

Most parents frequently chat with their child about how things are going at school or what’s happening in their friendship groups – but those discussions often doesn’t extend to youngsters’ online activities. In fact, National Online Safety conducted a recent survey which found that only slightly more than half (54%) of parents regularly talk to their children about staying safe online. 

It can be an awkward topic. However, just checking in with your child about their digital life can get them thinking about online safety and alert you to any issues they might be having.

In the guide you'll find a number of useful tips such as being as honest as possible, discussing how misleading the online world can be.

Pastoral updates

From Miss Williams, Director of Behaviour & Attitudes

Dance, Performing Arts and Extra-curricular updates

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

🎉🏆 Leading the Way: Year 9’s Epic Half-Term Adventure! ⚽🧗‍♂️ 

This half-term, our amazing Year 9 students have been sharpening their leadership skills in the most thrilling ways through football and climbing! Let’s dive into the action! 🌟

In football, the stars of 9.1 have stepped up as captains, taking charge of warm-ups and setting an energetic vibe for each session. With the responsibility to plan tactics, adapt formations, and make split-second decisions during matches, these young leaders have learned the art of managing team dynamics, communicating like pros, and keeping their teammates motivated on the pitch! 🙌⚽

On the climbing wall, leadership took on a new twist! Students partnered up to tackle challenging routes, where they had to analyze paths, give each other constructive feedback, and ensure everyone’s safety while climbing high. This not only honed their tactical decision-making skills but also built confidence and a sense of responsibility. 🧗‍♀️💪

Well done boys! 

Mr Deeks (Director of Learning SCP - Sport, Creative and Performance)

⚡Electrovibes Violin Club 🎻

Last week, we welcomed three new members to our Electrovibes Violin Club, and this week, our numbers have more than doubled! It’s fantastic to see students arriving bright and early at 7:45 AM, ready to practice. This morning, they worked on their bow holds and began playing on two strings, culminating in a lively group performance with an electronic house beat. Keep it up, violists! 🎶

Exciting Highlights from Our Music Department! 🎉🎤

Today was a blast! Our brilliant Year 7 students rocked the DJ workshop led by Birmingham-based DJ Toni Grehan! They showed off their creativity on the decks and learned some fantastic new skills. We couldn’t be prouder of their enthusiasm and talent! Stay tuned for our next blog post, where we’ll share photos of the students in action! We look forward to more visits from Toni in the future! 🌟

⚡Preparing for our School Production Auditions 🎭

Just a reminder: our school production auditions are happening next Tuesday at 3 PM! To prepare, you’ll need to learn a song. Join Mrs. Lowndes-Ford for a song-learning session during the Vocal Group rehearsal on Monday, October 7th, from 3-3:30 PM in the main music classroom (G15). Rehearsals will continue until 4 PM, so come ready to sing your hearts out! 🌟🎤

Launch of the Feel The Beats Percussion Club 🥁

Thursday afternoon was alive with rhythm at our Feel the Beats Percussion Club! Led by our drum kit teacher, Mr. Gaze, students explored lively activities using bucket drums. It was great to see so many students participating, and we can’t wait for even more to join next week! 🎉

LBS MUSIC 250 🎖️

We’re thrilled to see our Year 7 students diving into our music clubs and already earning LBS Music 250 loyalty badges! These badges are awarded for attending clubs, supporting events, helping out in the music department, and participating in workshops. A huge congratulations to our Year 7 student who has already achieved both his bronze and silver badges! 🎊

Keep up the amazing work, everyone! Let’s keep the music alive! 🎶❤️ 

Music Ambassadors - Interviews Next Friday!

Interested in becoming a Music Ambassador? Interviews will be held next Friday, 11th October, from 3-4pm after school.

As a Music Ambassador, you'll:

• Participate in leadership activities

• Help maintain the music environment

• Influence the department (Student Voice)

• Assist with clubs and organize concerts and events

The interview is a 10-minute group session with Mrs. Lowndes-Ford and current Ambassadors. After the interview, you're free to leave.

For more info, speak to Mrs. Lowndes-Ford. We look forward to hearing from you!

Flute, Saxophone, and Clarinet Lessons

Great progress is being made in woodwind lessons! Mrs. Lowndes-Ford and Miss Jeffs are thrilled with the enthusiasm of students in their saxophone, flute, and clarinet sessions. Keep up the excellent work!