Year 8 Update - Spring 1
Another successful half term comes to an end and we find ourselves already just over half way through the academic year. Year 8 continue to develop and demonstrate our CORE values and the simple gestures of saying ‘Hi Miss’ and ‘Have a good day Miss’ as students go about their day never ceases to increase the pride I feel in being their Year Lead.
Our priority remains focused on students feeling happy at school, being kind to others and supporting the development of those skills that will allow them to make the best possible progress. It is with the continued support of parents and carers that students will have the very best chance for success as they continue their journey here at NLS. It was particularly great to see so many parents and carers at the recent Year 8 subject evening, providing a fantastic opportunity to liaise with subject teachers on the progress individual students are making.
Tutor Curriculum
During tutor time this term, students have been exploring gaming. This has been an opportunity for students to have meaningful discussions reflecting on their own habits and how they can have a more balanced approach to screen time.
Next term students will looking at different types of crime, how young people may become involved and how to protect themselves from making poor choices. Students will also undertake the next Digital Literacy sessions and will be reflecting on their reported which are due to be issued in March.
During the last two weeks of this term we recognised Children's Mental Health week and National 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.
For National National Apprenticeships Week students were introduced to what an apprenticeship is and the variety of apprenticeships available
Next term students will looking at different types of crime, how young people may become involved and how to protect themselves from making poor choices. Students will also undertake the next Digital Literacy sessions and will be reflecting on their reported which are due to be issued in March. A reminder you can look at the Tutor Time Curriculum on our website.
Rewards
I have been particularly impressed by the number of rewards the students have received over the last six weeks of school. A huge congratulations to these students whose hard work and efforts are been recognised by staff.
Students with the highest number of rewards (January-February 2025)
| Student | Tutor Group | Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Adrian FJ | 8PK01 | 124 |
| Esme B | 8PK01 | 119 |
| Jasnoor K | 8BD01 | 111 |
| Kaiden T | 8PK01 | 109 |
| Eleanor S | 8PK01 | 108 |
| Freya S | 8BW01 | 106 |
| Manraj B | 8BW01 | 105 |
| Lyra G | 8BW01 | 105 |
| Nancy H | 8PK01 | 103 |
| Finley O B | 8PK01 | 103 |
| Gaia T | 8BD01 | 103 |
I am delighted to share the success of our Year 8 students selected to take part in the Faraday Challenge held here at NLS on 23 January. We had two teams take part with teams from Kenilworth, Westwood Academy and Campion.
Faraday Challenge Days are run by the IET, one of the world’s leading professional societies for the engineering and technology community, and each Challenge Day gives six teams of six students, the opportunity to research, design and make prototype solutions to real-world engineering problems. Both NLS teams performed brilliantly, with one of the NLS teams being chosen as the winners. You can read more fully about this in the Latest News section at the beginning of this bulletin and we wait to see where they place in the league tables.
Paris Trip
We are looking forward to those students able to join us for our trip to Paris in June. We will be arranging a parent/carer information evening in early April, at which point we will share more details of the trip with you including itinerary details and there will also be an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have. Please can we remind parents and carers of the need to provide up to date passport and EHIC or GHIC information as soon as possible on ParentPay.
Calendar
12 March - Year 8 World of Work Careers Event
21 March - Race for Life Event - we are looking forward to students having the opportunity to participate in our Race for life event which is a whole school event - further information will follow nearer the time.
Wishing you all a restful and enjoyable half term break.
Mrs Barley-Morey
Year 8 Lead