PRINCIPAL's BLOG - 7th October 2022

Welcome to my weekly blog. There are a number of important updates for parents/carers including information regarding the Year 10 and Year 7 parents evenings.

Firstly, I would like to make you aware of two events that a number of students from Year 9 and 10 have been involved with this week.

On Tuesday 4th October, Mr Nyarko, Lead Professional for Maths, had the pleasure of taking nine Year 9 students to the University of Birmingham to participate in the ongoing Forward Thinking Programme. 

The programme is targeted at gifted and talented young people from less advantaged backgrounds who are likely to have little or no knowledge of higher education, but who have the academic potential to consider future progression to university. Throughout the programme learners will participate in a range of on-campus activities, receive one to one mentoring support from undergraduates in school, and access bespoke information and advice materials to support the programme. 

It is essential that students gain the experience of what Universities offer and aspire to the opportunities ahead at Post-16 and Post-18 studies. We are very fortunate to have formed that strong link with the University of Birmingham and currently have students from Year 8 to 11 participating in the programme.

The short video below provides an insight into the experiences and activities students participate in during their time at the University.

In addition to the Year 9 visit, on Wednesday 5th October, a group of thirty Year 10 students visited the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool as part of their Religious Education/PSHEE curriculum.

The International Slavery Museum increases the understanding of transatlantic, chattel and other forms of enslavement. Through their collections, public engagement and research, the exhibitions explore their impact and legacies. 

They are a campaigning museum that actively engages with contemporary human rights issues and they address ignorance and challenge intolerance, building partnerships with museums, communities and organisations that have a shared vision.

I have no doubt you will agree that we must maintain a deep rooted commitment to discussing the lessons learnt in societies past and celebrate the change these lessons bring.

Whilst at the museum the students showed a tremendous level of attention and passion, asking numerous questions and engaging with the exhibitions on display.

Take a look at the LBS Short 3, Liverpool Slavery Museum below.

I would like to remind all parents of students in Year 7 and Year 10 we are hosting the first set of parents events on Thursday 13th October.

You son/s will have been discussing this with his teachers this week and bookings are being made ahead of the evening. 

We would like to encourage ALL parents to attend the evening as it is important that you understand the progress your son is making in school.

Appointments can be booked from 3.30pm to 6.30 pm.

I look forward to seeing you on Thursday.

• Each College has a Head of College. Mr King is the Head of Midland College and Mr Bradshaw is the Head of Central College.