Issue 12: 01.12.2023

Coming Up Next Week…

Year 11 and 12 Mocks:

Continue this week until 8 December.

A Christmastide Celebration: Saturday 9 December

A seasonal concert in Coventry Cathedral including performances by Heart of England Students from Choir, Chamber Choir and Score singing groups.  Saturday 9 December 6pm.  See poster for more details.

School Christmas card Photographic competition!  6 December

Each year we produce an official school Christmas card and this year we’re looking for a photograph to use for the card.  An excellent opportunity for students to submit a photo which depicts the season of winter/Christmas. Closing date: Wednesday 13 December.

Year 10 Food Sales

Food made by year 10 students continues to be sold during lunchtimes in H109.  Cookies (2 for £1) Tuesday 5 December.  After that it will be mince pies on Friday 15 and Tuesday 19 December.  Bring £1 to purchase a bake!

Notices

Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards Evening: Monday 11 December 7:30pm-8:30pm

Students from last year’s programmes will be receiving their certificates and the Gold students will present on their summer canoeing expedition experiences.

Year 8 Assessments

Year 8 Classroom Assessments: from Monday 11 to 17 December

Sixth Form Open Evening 2023

Wednesday 13 December 2023 18:00-20:00.  For students looking to join us in September 2024 for post 16 education after GCSEs.

Christmas Concert: Thursday 14 December, 19:00

Thursday 14 December, 19:00 – Hall.  Tickets (£3/£4) available from Ticket Source

Choir Performance at Cannon Park: 15 December

The choir will be singing at Cannon Park in Coventry on the morning of 15 December

Careers Live Talks and Video library

Speakers for School Live broadcasts – a great way for students to hear leading figures on a range of topics with an opportunity to ask questions via a Q&A. See the Live Broadcasts Schedule or on the Library drive.  Regular updates weekly.  Students can register for talks by selecting ‘other’ rather than teacher.

Maths Intervention

  • Year 10 Maths: Wednesday (Week 1) 15:30-16:30 – room H121, JW
  • Year 11 Maths (Ratio and problem solving): Thursday 15:30-16:30, H121.  Click/tap for session details…

Balsall Common Bugle and Meriden Magazine

Keep a lookout for the latest editions of the Balsall Common Bugle and the Meriden Magazine with lots of local news and our very own pages.

Clubs, Activities and Revision and Study Sessions

Check out the new Clubs and Activities page on our website to see a list of extra-curricular opportunities for students.  It includes all sorts of clubs including sports clubs, performance clubs and revision/study sessions.  Updated weekly.

Careers: Up-coming Events

  • Years 7-9 – Careers lessons in PSHCE
  • Years 10 & 11 – Application and CV writing workshops – rescheduled for after Christmas
  • Year 12 – Whole year group trip to Coventry University. Date tbc
  • All Students – Apprenticeship and T-Levels assembly – January 2024

Term Dates

  • Term Ends: Friday 22 December 2023

From the Heart: Well-being Podcast

From the Heart discusses Connecting to the Positive:  seeing the good in ourselves and others.  With our Well-Being Practitioner Mrs Troughton and guest Mr Ritchie.  All our episodes are available on SoundCloud.

Links

Issue 11: 24.11.2023

Coming Up Next Week…

Year 11 and 12 Mocks:

Continue this week until 8 December.

Notices

Year 10 Food Sales

Food made by year 10 students continues to be sold during lunchtimes in H109.  Cookies will be sold on Friday 1 and Tuesday 5 December.  After that it will be mince pies on Friday 15 and Tuesday 19 December.

Balsall Common Lions

  • Unwanted glasses? Any old spectacles (no cases) can be donated via the box in school reception
  • Food Bank: Saturday 25 November. The Lions are taking Food Bank donations in Santa’s Sleigh which will be parked up at Balsall Common Co-op.  Drop by and make a contribution if you are able
  • Peace Poster:  read our blog post about the Lion’s Peace Poster competition

A Christmastide Celebration: Saturday 9 December

A seasonal concert in Coventry Cathedral including performances by Heart of England Students from Choir, Chamber Choir and Score singing groups.  Saturday 9 December 6pm.  See poster for more details.

Sixth Form Open Evening 2023

Wednesday 13 December 2023 18:00-20:00.  For students looking to join us in September 2024 for post 16 education after GCSEs.

Christmas Concert: Thursday 14 December, 19:00

Thursday 14 December, 19:00 – Hall.  Tickets (£3/£4) available from Ticket Source

Bus Pass Sales: 180, 181, 184

Bus pass sales for the 180, 181 and 184 winter term are now open.  Payment via ParentPay.

Careers Live Talks and Video library

Speakers for School Live broadcasts – a great way for students to hear leading figures on a range of topics with an opportunity to ask questions via a Q&A. See the Live Broadcasts Schedule or on the Library drive.  Regular updates weekly.  Students can register for talks by selecting ‘other’ rather than teacher.

Maths Intervention

  • Year 10 Maths: Wednesday (Week 1) 15:30-16:30 – room H121, JW
  • Year 11 Maths (Area and perimeter): Thursday 15:30-16:30, H121.  Click/tap for session details…

Balsall Common Bugle and Meriden Magazine

Clubs, Activities and Revision and Study Sessions

Check out the new Clubs and Activities page on our website to see a list of extra-curricular opportunities for students.  It includes all sort of clubs including sports clubs, performance clubs and revision/study sessions.  Updated weekly.

Careers: Up-coming Events

  • Years 7-9 – Careers lessons in PSHCE
  • Years 10 & 11 – Application and CV writing workshops – December
  • Year 12 – Whole year group trip to Coventry University. Date tbc
  • All Students – Apprenticeship and T-Levels assembly – January 2024

Up-coming Events

  • Year 8 Classroom Assessments: from Monday 11 to 17 December

Term Dates

  • Term Ends: Friday 22 December 2023

From the Heart: Well-being Podcast

From the Heart considers Burnout: what does it mean and what can be do about it?  With our Well-Being Practitioner Mrs Troughton and guest Mr Ritchie.  All our episodes are available on SoundCloud.

Links

Issue 10: 17.11.2023

Coming Up Next Week…

Year 11 Mocks:

Continue this week.

Year 7 Assessment Week

Baseline assessments for Year 7 this week.

PTA: AGM 23 November, 7.30pm

  • AGM on 23 November at 7.30pm with cheese and wine. New members most welcome. Meet in Reception
  • Donations for Christmas Raffle welcomed! Please drop into reception or contribute via ParentPay

Bus Pass Sales: 180, 181, 184

Bus pass sales for the 180, 181 and 184 winter term will open on the Friday the 24 of November at 5pm.  Payment via ParentPay.

Notices

Balsall Common Lions

  • Unwanted glasses? Any old spectacles (no cases) can be donated via the box in school reception
  • Food Bank: Saturday 25 November. The Lions are taking Food Bank donations in Santa’s Sleigh which will be parked up at Balsall Common Co-op.  Drop by and make a contribution if you are able
  • Peace Poster:  read our blog post about the Lion’s Peace Poster competition

Careers Live Talks and Video library

Speakers for School Live broadcasts – a great way for students to hear leading figures on a range of topics with an opportunity to ask questions via a Q&A.  See the Live Broadcasts Schedule or on the Library drive.  Regular updates weekly.  Students can register for talks by selecting ‘other’ rather than teacher.

Arbor: Parent Portal Launch

Many parents/carers are now using our new Arbor Parent Portal.  If you haven’t received your login, fill in the online form to ensure your contact details are correct.  More information soon about parent briefings on the new portal.  Use the link to complete the contact update form:

Maths Intervention

  • Year 10 Maths: Wednesday (Week 1) 15:30-16:30 – room H121, JW
  • Year 11 Maths (This week – Percentages: increase, decrease, change, reverse, compound interest): Thursday 15:30-16:30, H121.  Click/tap for session details…

Clubs, Activities and Revision and Study Sessions

  • RHS Gardening Club: (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) M035
  • Bake Off Club (Years 7-9): Wednesdays 15.30-16.30 H109

Check out the new Clubs and Activities page on our website to see a list of extra-curricular opportunities for students.  It includes all sort of clubs including sports clubs, performance clubs and revision/study sessions.  Updated this week.

Careers: Up-coming Events

  • Years 7-9 – Careers lessons in PSHCE
  • Years 10 & 11 – Application and CV writing workshops – December
  • Year 12 – Whole year group trip to Coventry University. Date tbc
  • All Students – Apprenticeship and T-Levels assembly – January 2024

Sixth Form Open Evening 2023

Wednesday 13 December 2023 18:00-20:00.  For students looking to join us in September 2024 for post 16 education after GCSEs.

Up-coming Events

  • Christmas Concert: Thursday 14 December, 19:00 – Hall. Tickets (£3/£4) available from Ticket Source
  • Year 11 and Year 13: GCSE and A Level mocks. 27 November – 8 December

Term Dates

  • Term Ends: Friday 22 December 2023

From the Heart: Well-being Podcast

Listen to the latest chat about Intent and Manifesting.  Wary of the current vogue of ‘manifesting your desires’ – we go a little deeper talk about clarity, your vision and knowing your intention.  With our Well-Being Practitioner Mrs Troughton and guest Mr Ritchie.  All our episodes are available on SoundCloud.

Links

Issue 09: 10.11.2023

Coming Up Next Week…

Key Stage 3 Assessment Weeks:

Starting from Monday 13 November

Parents’/Carers’ Safeguarding November Newsletter

Notices

Bus Pass Sales: 180, 181, 184

Bus pass sales for the 180, 181 and 184 winter term will open on the Friday the 24 of November at 5pm.  Payment via ParentPay.

Careers Live Talks and Video library

Speakers for School Live broadcasts – a great way for students to hear leading figures on a range of topics with an opportunity to ask questions via a Q&A.  See the Live Broadcasts Schedule or on the Library drive.  Highlights include:

  • NHS 75th anniversary talks: Tracy Nicholls Paramedic and Chief Executive,on the reality of being a paramedic
  • Andrew Rostron, Head of Public Health Commissioning and Operations Antenatal and Newborn Screening, NHS England,on how the NHS is a place to grow your career

Students can register for talks by selecting ‘other’ rather than teacher.

Mrs Williams, Careers and Destinations Lead

Year 10 Food Sale

Year 10 are selling their food products at £1 each in H 109 at lunch times on the following days:

  • Friday 17 November – Fruit and cheese scones (jam and cream will be supplied)
  • Tuesday 21 November – Cupcakes
  • Friday 1 Dec – cookies
  • Tuesday 5 December – cookies
  • Friday 15 December – mince pies
  • Tuesday 19 December – mince pies

Don’t miss out!

Arbor: Parent Portal Launch

Many parents/carers are now using our new Arbor Parent Portal.  If you haven’t received your login, fill in the online form to ensure your contact details are correct.  More information soon about parent briefings on the new portal.  Use the link to complete the contact update form:

Maths Intervention

  • Year 10 Maths: Wednesday (Week 1) 15:30-16:30 – room H121, JW
  • Year 11 Maths (This week – Trigonometry): Thursday 15:30-16:30, H121.  Click/tap for session details…

Clubs, Activities and Revision and Study Sessions: Updates this week!

  • News Clubs!
    • RHS Gardening Club: (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) M035
    • Bake Off Club (All Years): Wednesdays 15.30-16.30 H109

Check out the new Clubs and Activities page on our website to see a list of extra-curricular opportunities for students.  It includes all sort of clubs including sports clubs, performance clubs and revision/study sessions.  New revision sessions been added this week.

Careers: Up-coming Events

  • Years 7-9 – Careers lessons in PSHCE
  • Years 11-13 – SEND Careers sessions – November 2023 more information to follow
  • Years 10 & 11 – Application and CV writing workshops – December
  • Year 12 – Whole year group trip to Coventry University. Date tbc
  • All Students – Apprenticeship and T-Levels assembly – January 2024

Sixth Form Open Evening 2023

Wednesday 13 December 2023 18:00-20:00.  For students looking to join us in September 2024 for post 16 education after GCSEs.

Up-coming Events

Term Dates

  • Term Ends: Friday 22 December 2023

From the Heart: Well-being Podcast

Listen to the latest chat about Intent and Manifesting.  Wary of the current vogue of ‘manifesting your desires’ – we go a little deeper talk about clarity, your vision and knowing your intention.  With our Well-Being Practitioner Mrs Troughton and guest Mr Ritchie.  All our episodes are available on SoundCloud.

Links

Issue 08: 27.10.2023

Next Week

Half-Term Break

School is closed next week due to the half-term break.

  • Half-Term: Monday 30 October to Friday 3 November 2023

Halloween and Bonfire Night

This is a message on behalf of West Midlands Police. As Halloween and Bonfire Night approaches, we would like to encourage you to talk to your child about staying safe and sensible during this time.

You can download our free parents’ guide of safety tips here:

If you want to report something suspicious call 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Coming Up After Half-Term…

New Catering Menus

New catering menus start on Monday 6 November when we return after half term.  Menus available on our website.  New menu starts on catering week 2.  There is also a special Bonfire theme day on 6 November.

A Level and GCSE Mocks (Years 13 and 11)

  • Starting from 6 November

Year 11 Personalised Mock Timetable

Parents/carers have been emailed a personalised mock examination timetable for your child. Please check your inbox.  Mr Haston

Year 13 Physics Olympiad

  • Physics Olympiad: Year 13 (selected students) 10 November

Notices

Balsall Common Lions Charity Fireworks Extravaganza

Fireworks display on Saturday 28th October, 2024.  See here for details.

Top Ten!

Congratulations the top 10 students in each year for gaining the most engagement and behaviour points this half term.  Well done to everyone especially top scorers Charlie, Jack Alex, Peter and Jacob who have received a £15 Amazon voucher.

Music Tour to Belgium

Students who are involved in any of our choirs have the opportunity to travel to Belgium to perform in July.  Please contact Mrs Henton for a letter.  Extension to initial deadline for consent and deposit to be paid by Friday 10 November.

Arbor: Parent Portal Launch

Parents/guardians have been sent login details for our new Arbor Parent Portal.  If you haven’t received yours, fill in the online form to ensure your contact details are correct.  More information soon about parent briefings on the new portal.  Use the link to complete the contact update form:

Maths Intervention

  • Year 10 Maths: Wednesday (Week 1) 15:30-16:30 – room H121, JW
  • Year 11 Maths (This week – Trigonometry): Thursday 15:30-16:30, H121.  Click/tap for session details…

Clubs, Activities and Revision and Study Sessions: Updates this week!

  • News Clubs!
    • RHS Gardening Club: (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) M035
    • Cooking Club (Year 9): Wednesdays 15.30-16.30 H109

Check out the new Clubs and Activities page on our website to see a list of extra-curricular opportunities for students.  It includes all sort of clubs including sports clubs, performance clubs and revision/study sessions.  New revision sessions been added this week.

Careers: Up-coming Events

  • Years 7-9 – Careers lessons in PSHCE
  • Years 11-13 – SEND Careers sessions – November 2023 more information to follow
  • Years 10 & 11 – Application and CV writing workshops – December
  • Year 12 – Whole year group trip to Coventry University. Date tbc
  • All Students – Apprenticeship and T-Levels assembly – January 2024

Up-coming Events

  • Key Stage 3 Assessment Weeks: starting from 13 November
  • DofE Silver Orienteering: 12 November
  • Christmas Concert: Thursday 14 December, 19:00 – Hall. Ticket sales to be announced (£3/£4)

Sixth Form Open Evening 2023

Wednesday 13 December 2023 18:00-20:00.  For students looking to join us in September 2024 for post 16 education after GCSEs.

Term Dates

  • Term Ends: Friday 22 December 2023

From the Heart: Well-being Podcast

Listen to the latest chat about Ego with our Well-Being Practitioner Mrs Troughton.  This episode includes a 10 minute meditation.  Coming next time; Positive Energy.  All our episodes are available on SoundCloud.

Links