Last week we supported Anti Bullying week, this year the theme was Choose Respect.

During tutor time students discussed what respect means and sessions also reminded students who they can speak to at school if they have any concerns. Our Anti Bullying week activities culminated with students able to wear odd socks to school on Friday to promote individuality, acceptance and tolerance to show that we are all unique and different.

This morning, the whole of North Leamington School came together outside in the school courtyard for a Remembrance Service.

The service saw approximately 1,500 students and staff congregate as a whole school to reflect, contemplate and remember the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community from Britain and the Commonwealth along with young people from our school.

Head Teacher Mr Lowdell, opened the ceremony with an address to the school followed by a Remembrance poem read by Senior Student Leaders, Millie and Will. Year 11 student, Martin, played The Last Post on the euphonium before the whole school observed two-minute. Our cadet students then laid a wreath.

Mr Lowdell said I am so proud of our staff and students coming together to show their respect at this remembrance event every year.  Today is a day of reflection and remembrance for those who fought in the great wars, as well as those who have given their lives in recent conflicts around the world. They each leave us with a legacy of courage, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to the cause of peace and freedom.

As we remember those who served in the two great wars, we also turn our hearts to those who have served—and continue to serve—in more recent conflicts. From the challenging landscapes of Afghanistan to the deserts of Iraq, the forests of Africa, and the towns and cities across Eastern Europe, our servicemen and women have answered the call to protect vulnerable populations, uphold democracy, and restore peace to war-torn regions.

These modern conflicts may feel different from those of the past, but they demand the same level of bravery and resilience from those who serve. Every deployment, every mission, brings new risks and sacrifices for our soldiers, sailors, and air personnel, who serve not only for the safety of our own nation but also for the safety of people around the world.

Let us also remember those who have returned from service bearing visible and invisible scars. They carry with them memories of conflict and loss, but they also carry stories of compassion, brotherhood, and resilience. For their bravery in the face of unimaginable hardship and their continued commitment to protect and serve, they deserve our deepest respect and gratitude.

As we reflect, let us hold in our hearts the families who have borne the weight of these sacrifices. The mothers, fathers, children, and loved ones left behind carry on with resilience and strength, supported by our communities, bound by shared loss and pride in the service of their loved ones. Please do take time to look at our own school plaque that lists the fallen of our community. It is a constant reminder that, in part, you have what you have today because of the efforts of previous generations.

On this day of remembrance, we pledge never to forget. We remember the fallen, who made the ultimate sacrifice; we honour the veterans who continue to serve in different ways; and we commit to supporting those currently on duty as they work to create a safer, more just world.

As an International School we want to provide opportunities for all of our students to experience the world in different ways. As such, this week our Year 7 students enjoyed an exciting and informative trip to Birmingham Botanical Gardens. 

On Thursday 10 October, World Mental Health Day, students, and staff, enjoyed participating in Hello Yellow, supporting YoungMinds.

Students were encouraged to wear a yellow accessory alongside their usual NLS uniform to raise awareness and funds for this important cause.

A fantastic array of cakes were baked or donated by students for sale during break time. Donations from the cake sale, wearing a yellow accessory along with being able to donate via a dedicated ParentPay page we raised over £800 for Young Minds.  Additionally, donations could also be made by card direct to Young Minds.

Information evenings for our Year 7 & Year 12 parents are taking place on Monday 16 September from 4.30-6.30pm.

Year 7 Information Evening

We are delighted to invite you and your child to the Year 7 Information Evening. During the evening parents and carers will meet their child’s Form Tutor and receive key information from their Form Tutor and Senior Leaders. Parents and Carers do not need to book for this evening; please arrive at the front of school and our staff will meet you.  This is an opportunity for parents and carers to receive information about how we can work together towards the best success of our young people.

Parents, Carers and students will attend a central presentation from leaders followed by a further presentation and Q&A with individual Form Tutors. There is a choice of sitting. The first will take place at 4.45pm and this will then be repeated at 5.30pm to allow parents/carers the flexibility to attend the session that best suits them.

The event as a whole will run from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. Please arrive at 4.30pm to attend the first presentation cycle, or at 5.15pm if you would prefer to attend the later sitting.

The Marketplace will be available through the evening from 4.30pm through to 6.30pm with a small number of tables led by key members of our support staff and will be an opportunity to gain information and ask additional questions to support your child’s well-being and progress outside of the classroom as well as specific learning needs, along with checking and help with some admin including Parent pay, G4S, Free school meals, uniform and parental contacts.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Year 12 Information Evening

The Year 12 Information event begins with an ‘informal gathering’ in the Common Room and Mezzanine spaces, staff will be available in reception to meet you, at 4.30pm.  The informal gathering is a chance to speak with some of our student leaders, meet other parents and to talk socially with the tutors and members of the Sixth Form Team. From 5 to 6/6.30pm, there will be a more formal presentation by your child’s Form Tutor around expectations, support processes and what we offer.

Please indicate you plan to attend by completing this MS Form:  Form to show planned attendance at Meet the Tutor Evening

From 4-4.30pm (prior to the main event), there are optional meetings available to meet your child’s tutor or a member of the Sixth Form Team if there is a specific Wave 1, 2 or 3 issue you would like to discuss – these need to be booked in advance so please see the MS Form above. If any optional meeting is likely to take more than the allotted 10 minutes or if the available slots become fully booked you can arrange an alternative meeting on another day by emailing sixthform@northleamington.co.uk separately.   There is guidance on the MS Form as to who you should speak with about specific issues should you elect to need an optional and additional meeting.

Please complete the MS Form by 8.00pm on Wednesday 11 September to support planning.

We look forward to seeing you there.