Year 7 & Literacy updates

From Ms Russell, Assistant Principal

📖✨Celebrating Our Year 9 Published Authors: A Story of Creativity and Success! ✨📖

I am thrilled to share the exciting news that 13 of our Year 9 students have achieved the remarkable milestone of becoming published authors through their participation in the Mission Chaos Short Story Writing Competition. This incredible accomplishment showcases their creativity, hard work, and passion for storytelling.

Their short stories were selected for publication by Young Writers and are now featured in a professionally published book—an outstanding testament to their talent and dedication.

We are proud to display a complimentary copy of the book in Ms. Russell’s office. Staff and students are warmly encouraged to stop by, view the book, and celebrate the achievements of these talented young authors.

To capture the joy and pride of this moment, I’ve attached a couple of photos that beautifully highlight their excitement and sense of accomplishment. Congratulations to all involved!

📚✨ Book Fair Success Update! ✨📚

This week, we’ve absolutely loved hosting the Scholastic Book Fair in school! Students have been buzzing with excitement as they browsed through some of the best new books on offer. 📖✨

A huge thank you to our amazing Junior Librarians for keeping everything running smoothly—especially Alan and his trusty spreadsheet! 🖥️👏 What would we do without you?

It’s been a fantastic week celebrating the joy of reading! 🌟

College updates

From Mr Insley, Assistant Principal

🏀🔥 Basketball Frenzy Coming Monday! 🔥🏀

We’re so excited as we approach our next athletic event, Basketball Frenzy, is happening this Monday, 9th December! Get ready for a thrilling day of 4v4 half-court games and a free throw competition.

Students, don’t forget to wear your PE kit and bring your A-game to score big for your college! It’s going to be a fun and action-packed event. The competition is on, and we can't wait to see who will come out on top of the leader board! Let’s make this event unforgettable! 

Teaching & Learning updates

From Mrs Davis-Musabayana, Assistant Principal

🌟 Foundation Studies – Highlights to Celebrate! 🌟

At Foundation Studies, we’ve had some amazing teaching moments this week, and we wanted to share the highlights with you!

Mr Amjad
👏 Super Supportive! Mr. Zam is a pro at knowing when students need a little extra help and adapts his teaching on the spot. He also uses group work to get everyone collaborating and learning together—it’s teamwork at its best!

Ms Sillis
🎲 Games Galore! Miss Rsi has been keeping lessons lively by turning recall activities into fun team competitions where students earn points. A great mix of focus and fun!

Ms Shergill and Ms Cociasi
💡 Making Learning Stick! With an engaging curriculum and tailored support, these two are fantastic at knowing what each student needs to succeed. Every child feels seen and supported!

Year 11 Exam Prep with Mrs Ali

✍️ Getting Exam Ready! Year 11s are busy honing their skills with practice questions, class reviews, and marking. Miss Sal is all about those “small wins,” helping students gain confidence by picking up quick, easy marks—a brilliant way to prepare for exams! 

PDCE updates

From Ms Sandhu, Assistant Principal

🎭 Year 11 Theatre Trip – A Festive Adventure! 🎄

On Thursday, 5th December, 57 of our Year 11 students set off to The Rep Theatre to watch Charles Dickens' timeless tale, A Christmas Carol.

The journey started with a bit of drama—our transport got stuck in a muddy field! But, just like Scrooge himself, we persevered with determination and an open mind, making our way to the city centre.

Once there, we were rewarded with an unforgettable experience. The stunning set design, intricate costumes, and dazzling special effects brought Dickens’ legendary novella to life.

Here’s what some of our students had to say:
🎄 “Spectacular!” – Ibrahim
🎭 “I enjoyed the way they used the original text but brought it to life.” – Joel

A truly magical day that left us all inspired and in the festive spirit! 🎉

Year 11 updates

From Ms Bunger, Assistant Principal

Year 11 Shining Stars in the Trade Game!

This week, while some Year 11 students were enjoying the theatre trip, a group back at school engaged in an interactive and thought-provoking activity: The Trade Game. Guided by encouragement from Dorien Bajer, this simulation challenged students to produce and trade paper shapes for money from the World Bank, starting with unequal resources.

The game sparked engagement, teamwork, and some impressive synoptic thinking as students drew on knowledge from other lessons and subjects—including sharp mental maths skills. While everyone did brilliantly, three students truly stood out:

• Ali Haider: Displayed exceptional leadership, guiding his team to an early lead. He managed team dynamics positively, negotiated fiercely with the bank, and demonstrated outstanding business acumen by balancing his team’s debt ratio with strategic production.

• Mohammed Junaid: Took on the critical role of UN Peacekeeper, ensuring smooth and peaceful trading between teams. His diplomatic approach maintained order and upheld the rules with integrity.

• Omar Ganesi: Led his team to an incredible comeback victory despite starting at a disadvantage. Through consistent effort, strategic management, and sheer determination, he inspired his team to success—all while keeping their integrity intact (a notable feat given the team included the spirited Jaineet and Isa Haqmal!).

A huge thank you to Mrs Truman for facilitating the games. Congratulations to the students for their skills, leadership, and teamwork. They have set a fantastic example of what can be achieved through hard work and collaboration.

Well done, Year 11! 🎉

Safeguarding Updates

From Mrs Metcalfe-Molinari, Assistant Principal

Food Boxes
Birmingham City Council, through the winter Bring it on Brum! programme, is offering families winter food boxes with cupboard essentials, fresh produce, and recipes for four meals. All boxes are vegetarian. To request a box, go to www.bringitonbrum.co.uk  Boxes are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Christmas Holiday Activities
Bring it on Brum! holiday clubs will run from Monday 23 December to Friday 3 January (excluding weekends and Bank Holidays) for young people aged 4-16 eligible for benefits-related free school meals. Bookings are now open and can be made at  www.bringitonbrum.co.uk on a first-come, first-served basis.

Important Safeguarding Alert

We have been informed by West Midlands Police of an attempted abduction involving a Year 5 pupil in the Handsworth Wood/Lozells area of Birmingham on 4 December 2024.

The incident occurred yesterday morning as the child was walking to school, when they were approached by an unknown individual. Details remain limited as the police investigation is ongoing.

Please remind your school community about staying safe and being vigilant. Kindly share your Stranger Danger letter with parents and carers. If needed, an example letter is attached for your reference.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact West Midlands Police via Live Chat (8 am–midnight) or by calling 101.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. Should you require further assistance, please contact the team at school.support@birmingham.gov.uk.

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 brings you up-to-speed on the risks associated with mental health apps, while also letting you know how to safeguard any children and young people using these services. 

The rise in awareness of mental health issues has given way to several easily accessible services to help with such problems – for example, wellbeing apps promising to serve as an assistive tool for anyone in need of support. While these can be useful to some, there are a few risks which are important to consider – especially if a child or young person is using the app.

Of course, it can be tricky to know exactly where the safety concerns lie with a service intended to help and support its users – and it can be harder still to safeguard younger users. This free guide breaks down the online safety risks of mental health and wellbeing apps, before letting you know how best to keep children and young people safe if they ever wish to use these services.

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

🎭 Week 5: Fame Rehearsals in Full Swing! 🎭🎤💃

We’re now in our fifth week of Fame rehearsals, and the energy is electric! Our talented students are working hard, sharpening their acting, singing, and dancing skills to bring this amazing production to life.

Monday: The band is giving their all, rehearsing the opening number, Hard Work. The music sounds incredible, setting the stage for an unforgettable show!
Tuesday: Under the expert direction of Mrs. Davis-Musabayana, students are fine-tuning every scene, carefully making notes to perfect their performances.
Thursday: The cast is mastering choreography and bringing together acting, singing, and dancing in flawless performances.

The dedication and effort our students are putting into this production are truly inspiring, and we can’t wait to share it with you. Stay tuned for more updates as the show continues to take shape!

Year 8 Cricket Triumph: LBS vs. KEFS – 3rd December

What a match! Our Year 8 team faced off against King Edward’s Five Ways (KEFS) on Tuesday night in a thrilling game that went right down to the wire.

After winning the toss, we opted to bowl first, with KEFS putting up a solid 79 runs in their 8 overs. The chase was intense, but LBS held their nerve, clinching victory with just one ball to spare and a single wicket remaining. Talk about a nail-biter!

Special shoutout to our Player of the Match, Reon Wellappuneidelage, who shone with an unbeaten 30* and a stellar 3-wicket haul. A true captain’s performance—well done, Reon!

Congratulations to the entire team on a fantastic win! 🏏🎉

Elite Cricket Academy - A Farewell Round Up from Mr Preece

As I prepare to move on and start my own new adventure at the end of this term, it feels fitting to reflect on the journey we’ve shared in the Elite Cricket Academy and the enduring value of sport in all our lives.

Sport, and particularly cricket, is so much more than a game. It teaches us resilience, discipline, and teamwork, qualities that shape who we are both on and off the field. Beyond the skills and match results, sport provides a sense of belonging, and its role in fostering mental well-being cannot be overstated.

In cricket, there is a unique focus and simplicity: the only worry you have is the next ball to face, bowl, or field. That clarity of purpose is a powerful antidote to the stresses of modern life. Cricket sharpens the mind, builds character, and reminds us to stay in the present moment.

Extra-curricular activities, like the Elite Cricket Academy, are vital for personal growth. They challenge you to push beyond your comfort zone, to embrace competition, and to discover what you’re capable of achieving. Attending sessions, making time for practice, and committing to a team is where transformation happens—not just as cricketers but as individuals.

My ultimate goal for each of you has always been to see you take your love for cricket beyond these walls and into local clubs. It is there, in that wider world of cricket, that you will truly develop. The Academy is a launchpad, but your growth lies in continuing to play, learn, and compete in club environments. This has always been my vision for the Academy, and I am proud to have seen so many of you rise to that challenge.

Leading the Elite Cricket Academy has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. Watching you grow as players and as people has brought me immense pride and joy. While my time here is coming to an end, I leave confident in the Academy’s future and excited to see how it continues to thrive.

To every player, thank you for your dedication, your energy, and your passion. It has been an honor to be part of your cricketing journey. I wish the Academy every success in the seasons to come and hope that cricket continues to be a source of strength and inspiration for all of you.

🏃‍♂️ ACE Athletics Session Off to a Flying Start! 🏋️‍♀️

What a fantastic start to the Athletics Development Session! 🎉 Over 30 students attending the first session is a brilliant turnout and a testament to their enthusiasm and commitment. 💪 The ACE Programme’s focus on enhancing speed, power, and athleticism is a valuable addition that will benefit our students across all sports. ⚡️

This initiative has great potential, and I’m excited to see how it evolves and impacts our school’s athletic performance. 🏅 Well done to everyone involved in launching this program! 👏

🏀 Basketball Provision Update 🏀

Mr. Noble has the team back in action this week, gearing up for their upcoming fixtures. 💪 The boys will open their season on Tuesday with an away game against King Edward Camp Hill.

Mr. Noble is eager to see the players apply all the skills and strategies they've been honing in training to real game scenarios. 🏆 Let’s wish them the best of luck as they hit the court and represent our school with pride! 👏

⚽ Football Provision Update ⚽

Mr. Gibson has been putting in fantastic work with Year 8 over the past few weeks, helping them develop their football skills. This week, the focus was on shielding and protecting the ball, progressing into 2 v 1 attacking scenarios. 💪

The students have shown great enthusiasm and truly enjoyed their lessons with Mr. Gibson. Well done to all involved—keep up the excellent work! 👏

🎷 Jazz Band at Symphony Hall! 🎶

Our talented Jazz Band is gearing up for a special performance at Symphony Hall, Birmingham!

📅 Event Date: Thursday, 12th December
🕕 Audience Entry: From 6:00 PM

Schedule for the Day:

• 3:30 PM: Depart school

• Afternoon: Rehearsal and sound check

• 6:00 - 8:00 PM: The main event featuring top Birmingham musicians 🎵

This is a performance not to miss—come support our Jazz Band! 🎟️

🎤 CBSO Open Rehearsals – Don’t Miss Out!

Are you a young singer looking to elevate your talent? 🎶 Join the CBSO Children’s and Youth Choruses for their Open Rehearsals:

📅 When: Monday, 9th December
📍 Where: CBSO Centre, Birmingham, B1 2LF

For Children’s Chorus (Years 3-8):
🕔 Time: 17:30–18:45
🌐 More Info on Children’s Chorus

For Youth Chorus (Years 9-13):
🕖 Time: 19:00–21:15
🌐 More Info on Youth Chorus

No sign-up needed—just show up and sing!

Why Join?
🎼 Perform with CBSO musicians
🏛️ Appear at Symphony Hall
🎤 Work with renowned conductors
📖 Free music lessons and vocal health checks
💸 Full bursaries available

Spread the word and encourage students to seize this exciting opportunity! 🎵

🎉 Winter Showcase – Save the Date! 🎉

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of creativity and talent at our Winter Showcase on Thursday, 19th December, starting at 6:30 pm! 🎭🎶💃

The event will feature a vibrant selection of music performances, alongside captivating Drama and Dance pieces. It's a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the incredible hard work and artistry of our students.

🎟️ Tickets are free and will be available from early December, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Parents, friends, family, students, and staff are all warmly invited to share in this special evening.

Don’t miss out—mark your calendars and secure your tickets early! 🗓️✨ We can’t wait to see you there!