Year 9 Update - Spring 1
As we reach the end of this busy half term, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the hard work and dedication shown by our Year 9 students. They have engaged well with their studies and demonstrated a positive attitude throughout.
The majority of our Year 9 students demonstrate our CORE values every day. Their simple gestures go a long way in spreading happiness in NLS along with continuing to follow instructions and display a positive work ethic. I am so very proud of the students in Year 9. It is important to help them to feel happy at school as well as ensuring they have high aspirations. I have received a significant amount of positive feedback from staff and tutors that the vast majority of our Year 9s behave in a very mature and empathetic manner. I am hoping that they will continue to make the right decisions in the future and build / maintain positive friendships at school and in the community.
Tutor Time
During tutor time this term, we have been exploring an important topic—gaming. Sessions have focused on why young people game, the potential harms, and the challenges that can arise from excessive gaming. These discussions have encouraged students to reflect on their own habits and consider a balanced approach to screen time.
During the last two week of term we have covered Children’s Mental Health week 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 have been developing a deeper 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 and students also have had opportunities to discover a range of apprenticeships available in the different subject areas and sectors.
Rewards
I have been especially impressed by the number of rewards the students have received over the course of the last six weeks of school. Well done to all our students whose hard work and efforts have been recognised by their teachers.
Students with the highest number of rewards (January-February 2025)
| Student | Tutor Group | Reward Points |
|---|---|---|
| Joseph R | 9BW01 | 99 |
| Sarina P | 9BW01 | 91 |
| Joe B | 9MR02 | 91 |
| Nathan I | 9BW01 | 91 |
| Lily S | 9BW01 | 88 |
| Max B | 9PK02 | 84 |
| Natalia P | 9CT02 | 84 |
| Lois AR | 9MR02 | 83 |
| Iona W | 9PK01 | 78 |
| Maisie R | 9MR02 | 78 |
Options
Looking ahead, we are excited to begin the options process next term. This is an important milestone for Year 9, and whilst exciting, we are aware it also means some big decisions for our students to make. We will provide full guidance and support to help students make informed choices about their next steps. This will include subject taster lessons, information sharing and open discussions about the best options for individual students.
This will be followed by the Subject and Options Evening on 31 March. This event is designed to assist students in making informed decisions about their GCSE subject choices. Teachers and subject leads from each department will be available to discuss course content, expectations, and answer any questions. It is important to attend to ensure students make choices aligned with their interests and future aspirations. We will send further details of this event, along with all the information for supporting informed choices in the option process after half term.
Alton Towers
We are delighted to be offering Year 9 students the opportunity to attend a trip to Alton Towers in May as a reward to celebrate those exhibiting positive behaviours both in lessons and as part of the wider school community. This will be based on good attendance and excellent positive behaviour scores. Further details were in my letter sent last Friday which is also available on the website Parent/ Carers Letters - Year 9 Alton Towers Trip
Student News
Congratulations to Esme B on her selection to the England Women's U15 National Team! This is a significant achievement, and it's wonderful to see her hard work and talent recognised at the highest level. Her journey from playing at Aston Villa to representing the Lionesses is truly inspiring. We are all incredibly proud of her accomplishments and look forward to cheering her on in her upcoming matches.
Calendar
- 5–6 March - Practice and training weekend for those taking part in the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award – information has been sent in Mr Barret's Spring Update Letter
- 21 March - As a school, we will all be participating in the Race for Life event, which was postponed at the very start of this academic year due to poor weather, to support Cancer Research UK. All our students are encouraged to take part to fully to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.
- 23 March – as part of our International school programme, six Year 9 students will be visiting our partner school (Anjuman I’Islam Girls High School) in India from March 23 to 29 March and we look forward to hearing all about their trip when they share their experiences with us.
- 31 March 2025 - Subject and Options Evening
Wishing you all a restful and enjoyable break.
Alan Boyes