Year 11 Update - Spring 2
As we reach the end of this eventful term, it is a great opportunity to reflect upon and celebrate the progress Year 11 students are making. Year 11 students have consistently demonstrated an outstanding attitude in preparing for their final GCSE exams. Whether through their engagement in lessons or dedication to after-school revision sessions, I am continually impressed by their maturity, resilience, and determination. With all mocks exams now complete, and the recent Year 11 Subject Evening, students are fully focused on their final GCSE assessments and exams, and will have a clear understanding of the progress they have made, as well as where they can still improve.
It was great to see so many of you at the recent Subject Evening. I hope you found it beneficial to receive feedback on how your child is doing, and what they can do to improve. To support students with their revision and exam preparation, I’d like to remind you of when after-school sessions are available to Year 11 students (3:20 – 4:00pm).
| Day | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Geography | English | Science | Maths | Drama |
| Food Technology | History | Art | Computer Science | ||
| Product Design | German (Foundation) | French | German (Higher) | ||
| Media Studies | Photography | Business | Textiles | ||
| GCSE PE | Photography |
Tutor Curriculum
During our tutor time sessions this term, Year 11 students have primarily focused on their DTTR (Diagnose, Reflect, Review, Therapy) blocks, where they have received targeted support to develop across various subject areas. They have also had dedicated time to reflect on their Data 2 information, identifying areas for growth and setting specific goals for improvement. Additionally, students took part in their Year 11 College photos, which will be featured in their Leavers’ Yearbook. Several assemblies have also been held, providing important exam-related information and guidance, alongside information regarding Sixth Form interviews.
At the start of term we welcomed Warwickshire Police, who delivered assemblies on community safety. This initiative forms part of our wider PSHE programme as we continue to hear about knife crime and community conflict. Some useful links were also shared during the assembly to support students and were detailed in Mr Lowdell's Parent Letter 28 February which is also on our website.
Leavers Year Book, Hoodies and Celebration Day
The Year 11 Leavers Book is scheduled to be ready for distribution to students on our Celebration Day (Monday 7 July), along with any pre-ordered Leavers Hoodies. Whilst the deadline for ordering a Year Book has passed, a Leavers Hoodie can be purchased directly from Stitch-Tech (here), for £22.50, up until Sunday 1 June.
* If choosing a name for the reverse of the hoodie please ensure it is suitable and not offensive as it will not be possible to be printed.
After Easter, plans for the Year 11 Prom event will intensify, with menus and decorations being looked at. I will also write to parents after the Easter break regarding the Celebration Day and details of purchasing tickets for the Prom event.
Race for Life 2025
Our annual Race for Life took place on Friday, 21 March, with students challenging themselves to complete as many laps of our school playing field—approximately one mile—during the afternoon. Thanks to the incredible efforts of our students and staff, and the generosity of our school community, we successfully raised £2,393 through donations and sponsorships in support of Cancer Research UK. A huge thank you to everyone who took part and contributed to this important cause!
Upcoming Charity event led by the PE department - Sport Your Support
During the week beginning 28 April 2025, students will have the opportunity to swap their usual PE top for a sports top of their choice! Whether it’s a football, rugby, cricket, or basketball top, they can take part by donating £1, with all proceeds going to Prostate Cancer UK. Donations can also be made through ParentPay.
Join us in supporting a great cause while showing off your favourite sports team!
Year 11 Study Leave
Study leave will commence on Thursday 15 May 2025, after the morning Maths exam. Students who have a German exam in the afternoon will remain on-site for a revision lesson during Period 3 with their German teacher.
From Thursday 15 May, students will have the option to study at home. However, they are still welcome to attend school for additional support from teachers in their timetabled lessons until they have completed their final exam in that subject. The library will also be available for personal study, and students can come in for support, if students feel they need a base for a short period of time.
NLS Sixth Form Form Interviews
I am delighted to see so many Year 11 students have applied to remain at NLS and potentially join our Sixth Form. Interviews for this opportunity took place during the last two weeks of term and it was great to hear from members of our Senior Leadership Team and the Sixth Form team how well students conducted themselves during the process. Following their interview, students have received an email from the Sixth Form team which has a letter attached detailing information about a conditional offer, and the induction day scheduled for July.
Rewards
As always, we concluded the term with a couple of reward and celebration events. The top 30 students with the most rewards points within the year group were invited to a Rewards Celebration Event where pupils were treated with freshly baked cupcakes in the canteen.
In our end of term Celebration Assembly, a number of Year 11 students received certificates to acknowledge their achievements and successes from the Autumn Term between Data 1 (December 2024) to Data 2 (March 2025).
Certificates were awarded across three categories to the top 2 students in each college:
- Achievement (progress against own targets)
- Attainment (highest average points scored)
- Most Reward Points
The tables below show which students received which certificates. All recipients should be extremely proud of their excellent efforts and high levels of engagement across this past term!
Top two students in each College for achievement
| College | Name |
|---|---|
| Binswood | Sofia Y |
| Binswood | Adiya Y |
| Blackdown | Sophie R |
| Blackdown | Adam B |
| Croft | Sophie J |
| Croft | Willem S |
| Manor | Lily P |
| Manor | Noah M |
| Park | Laura H |
| Park | Lewis G |
Top two students in each College for attainment
| College | Name |
|---|---|
| Binswood | Archie L |
| Binswood | Grace K |
| Blackdown | Ruby P |
| Blackdown | Oscar W |
| Croft | Meredith C |
| Croft | Jonty B |
| Manor | Evie B |
| Manor | Jesse H |
| Park | Esme S |
| Park | Finn W |
Top two students in each College for Rewards
| College | Name |
|---|---|
| Binswood | Bethan B |
| Binswood | Andy R |
| Blackdown | Will E |
| Blackdown | Libby R |
| Croft | Chloe M |
| Croft | Sam E |
| Manor | Dylan S |
| Manor | Sienna B |
| Park | Charlotte B |
| Park | Andrew N |
Well done also to the students below who have received the most reward point this half term.
| Students | Reward Points |
|---|---|
| William E | 82 |
| Archie L | 78 |
| Alana R | 77 |
| Charlotte B | 70 |
| Josh L | 69 |
| Sam E | 66 |
| Katie C | 65 |
| Esther V | 65 |
| Lewis G | 63 |
| Eva H | 63 |
When students return to school in April, the summer exam season will be just days away. Before Year 11 spread their wings, Mr. Atkins, tutors, teaching staff, support staff, and I will continue to encourage that final push to help them achieve their very best. If there is anything we can do to support your child, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Finally, I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all parents and carers for their continued support over the past few weeks—I wish you all a wonderful and restful Easter break!
Mr Butler
Year 11 Lead