On Friday 10 November, our NLS community gathered for our annual Remembrance Service. I wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate our fantastic students who took on key roles during the service both as part of the wreath laying ceremony and for providing the music for The Last Post, which marked the two minutes of silence.

As part of the lead up to Christmas, our Year 7 tutor groups have taken part in the Community Christmas Hamper initiative. It was wonderful to see students considering who they felt were most in need of these hampers and how they could bring joy to members of their community. The students decided on a range of recipients, including local care homes. Students were also invited to wear their Christmas Jumpers on Friday 15 December and it was fantastic to see so many students joining in and raising money for Save the Children.

College Fortnight
Each term, we see a focus on our College system at North Leamington School through our College fortnights. Our Colleges encourage a sense of pride, belonging and healthy competition. It was wonderful to see all students engage with our first College Fortnight of the year this half term. Students in Year 7-13 attended a College assembly with their College Leader and Year 12 College Leaders; this presented an opportunity to reflect and celebrate the successes of the College so far and to look forward to the fortnight where there would be a range of opportunities to engage in college activities.

Students were able to take part in sports and a quiz after school. Within the College assembly, students also found out the winners of the College noticeboard competition, judged by the Year 9 and Year 13 Marketing Leaders, and the winning tutor group for each College received a prize! The criteria groups were assessed on were tutor group identity, creativity, general aesthetic appeal. Well done to two of our Year 7 Tutor Groups  who were winners.

Manor 7MR01                                                               Park – 7PK01                                        

      

Rewards and Recognition
We are really pleased that Year 7 have 43800 reward points so far this year. Students are rewarded with R1-R5s for a range of positive behaviours in lessons and as part of the wider school community. To recognise some of those students who are such a positive member of our school community, on Thursday 7 December, the top 50 in each year group were invited to a festive cinema afternoon in the main theatre.

A further well done to the Top 10 students in Year 7 and the top 2 students in each College in terms of reward points achieved who were celebrated and recognised as part of our Celebration Assembly on the final day.

Outstanding students tutors have nominated based on tutor time and their report.

Huge congratulations also to 7PK01 who have the highest reward points in the year group and were also recognised in our Celebration Assembly at the end of term.

Year 7 College Day
On Friday 24 November, the Year 7 students spent a morning in their Colleges where they took part in a range of College-based activities which tested their team work. The first activity was a quiz, using the web app Quizizz; in teams, students answered questions on a range of topics including NLS history and general knowledge. Students then took part in a scaling task where they were challenged to draw a section of their College logo in teams, and then work together to build the full image. Finally, students took part in a mascot competition where they were provided with a range of junk and challenged to build the best College mascot. It was an incredible morning, well-supported by our fantastic Year 12 College Leaders and provided a great opportunity to embed our Year 7s in to their Colleges. A special well done to Croft College who were worthy winners!

    

  

  

 

    

Tutor Curriculum
Year 7 have looked at a variety of topics throughout the term. This has included an insight into Politics and Parliament, Digital Literacy, Black History, Anti Bullying, Numeracy and Finance as well as completing an International Schools project. I have been particularly impressed by the development of student leadership across all tutor groups, as well as the respect that students show towards the student leaders as they develop their skills.

Calendar
News
The Transition questionnaire showed that 100% parents/carers felt that their child was well supported through their transition to NLS; 96% felt that their child feels safe in school.

Upcoming events
Year 7 Subject Evening -  29^th January 2024 
Year 7 Explore – The World of Work Careers Event

We will continue to focus on uniform, attendance/punctuality, and behaviour as we know these all impact on the outcomes for our young people. Tutors and support staff will continue to provide support to help guide Year 7 as they continue on their journey to being the very best versions of themselves. 
We also look forward to the Whitemoor Lakes trip coming up after Easter. 
We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Sarah Barley-Morey
Head of Year 7