Tutor Curriculum

This half term, our Year 10 tutor curriculum has focused on a highly engaging and thought-provoking topic: gaming, with particular emphasis on gambling, safeguarding, marketing, and advertising. The students have shown a genuine interest and enthusiasm for the subject, leading to lively debates and deep, meaningful discussions. This approach not only encourages critical thinking but also provides ample opportunities for students to develop their literacy skills, enhancing their oracy and confidence in reading aloud.

During the last two weeks of this term we dedicated Tutor Time sessions to Children’s Mental Health Week and National Apprenticeships Week.

The theme for Children’s Mental Health week was Know Yourself, Grow Yourself. Through resources  linked to the Disney Inside Out 2 Characters the importance of self-awareness and expressing emotions was explored.  Students were able to engage in discussions, enjoy charades activities and we included signposting to the support available here at NLS and external agencies.

National Apprenticeship week offered the opportunity to deepen their understanding of what apprenticeships are through tutor time sessions, whilst gaining an insight into the range of apprenticeships available through their curriculum subjects.  Apprenticeships are a key pathway that students can choose  Post 16 and Post 18.  

Careers Fair

Year 10 students had the opportunity to speak with over 30 external education and employer providers at the Careers Fair on 16 January. In small groups they were able to ask a range of questions to our guests to learn about the opportunities that are available and gain further insight into what their next steps post Year 11 could be.  Students recorded the information they learnt at the event and used this to update their careers journey on Grofar, our careers platform. This was a fantastic opportunity for students to engage with representatives from a wide selection of companies and a range of local colleges, sixth form, and universities and the feedback from our students showed they really enjoyed the event which will help them in making informed decisions going forward in relation to their post-16 career journey.

Attendance

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate and say a huge well done to the 169 students who have achieved 100% attendance this term.  This is fantastic and demonstrates these students are truly maximising all the learning opportunities available to them for which they will undoubtedly  reap dividends in the future  with their studies and readiness for the key exam years.  A high level of attendance is essential for students to reach their full educational achievement, future aspirations, and to assist their social development.  Regular attendance has a direct impact on learning and overall success and is crucial to help students in keeping up with their coursework, participate fully in lessons, and to ensure there are no gaps in learning. Keep up the fantastic work. 

We want to continue to try to get to this level for all our young people. For those who’s attendance has fallen below 95% (the figure we strive to achieve for all ) a reminder of some key points to help.

• Prepare the night before - establish a routine that includes thinking ahead about the next school day. For example, packing a PE kit the night before can reduce stress and help students feel more prepared and confident when they arrive at school.
• Open conversations - Talking to your child about subject challenges they may feel they have can help their confidence and address any concerns they may have, reducing anxiety and improving their school experience.
• Book medical appointments outside of school hours when possible - if it is not possible to book an appointment outside of school hours and it must take place during school time, we ask that your child comes to school first, is collected for the appointment, and then returns to school afterward. This ensures minimal disruption to their learning.
• Monitor attendance regularly - through G4S you can review your child’s attendance, see updates and stay up-to-date on their progress with termly reports.  Regular engagement with their attendance records ensures there are no surprises then you review your child’s attendance and can allow for timely interventions. 

• Report absences promptly – If your child is absent, please report the absence as soon as possible. We can also ensure we manage any missed work appropriately.

If parents/ carers feel there is an issue which could affect their child's attendance, please contact me or your child’s tutor at the earliest opportunity. For any parents/ carers that may want additional support you can find further information and useful resources on our website in the Family Support section and Attendance section.

We appreciate the efforts of both students and parents/carers in making attendance a priority and we will continue to work together to encourage and support this.

Rewards

I am pleased to announce that Nadia has continued to reign supreme and achieve the highest Reward Points in year 10 this half term. However, Noah, Alex, Aeryn and Dominic are still hot on her heels, finishing within the top five. This is a fantastic accomplishment. The ability to maintain their lead demonstrates that they have been consistent in their approach to learning. Taking on leadership roles within lessons, working above their target as well as supporting others are just a few of the underlying reasons why they have managed to be awarded so many points. Congratulations to all of the students listed below. I am very proud of you all.

I am also pleased to announce that BW01 is the tutor group with the highest reward points in year 10. Well done!

Data

When reviewing the data, it is clear that we have some incredible students that continue to display an exceptional Attitude to Learning and are therefore are managing to achieve in all subject areas. The majority of year 10 students appear to have improved their Attitude to Learning in at least one subject. I am confident that by providing additional support and intervention, it will not be long before all year 10 students are achieving their target grades. Well done to all students that continue to challenge themselves and working to the best of their ability. You are all a credit to NLS.

Work Experience 

The deadline to submit details of the work experience students have secured is today (Friday 14 February.) As we have a number of students without a placement we have set a revised deadline of 21 March.  Half-term and weekends provide a great opportunity for students to work on securing their placement. We really appreciate parents/carers reminding and supporting their child to secure a placement as soon as possible. Our careers team are available in school if your childdoes need any additional help or has any questions. 

Student Spotlight 

Learning of our students successes outside of NLS is   and I am delighted to share an update on one of our Year 10 students, Paulina and her continued England football success.

Paulina is captain of the U16 Lionesses and has spent three days training for at St George’s Park in preparation for the next match against Denmark. 

Paulina’s aim is clear: to represent England in the World Cup and Euro.

We wish her well for the next match and look forward typo hearing and following her success. 

 

 

Calendar

• 3 March - Subject Evening
• 15-16 March- Silver Duke of Edinburgh Training Weekend 
• 21 March - Race for Life
• 2 April - Year 10 Revision Evening

Our Year 10 Revision Evening will focus on equipping parents to support their child on revision. It will start at 5.45pm and finish around 7.15pm with presentations from Mr Atkins and the subject leaders for Maths, English, Science and RE will all contribute with valuable information to support the preparation to be successful in these subjects. The evening aims to provide guidance and support to help your child be more successful in terminal examinations and we look forward to seeing you. 

RE Exam Dates

• Tuesday 13 May AM Component 1
• Wednesday 21 May PM Component 2
• Wednesday 4 June PM Component 3

Dates for external exams this summer are available on our website along with general advice and guidance - Exam Information on the Website

It has been a very successful half term. I applaud all the students that continue to sustain their motivation, passion and commitment to their work and year group. You all make me proud. The GCSE years can be challenging however, you have all demonstrated a level of resilience that is commendable.
Have a safe and happy half-term. Please look after yourselves and each other.

Mr Royle
Year 10 Lead