School Newsletter | December 2016 | Student name:______

AspireAspire BelieveBelieve AchieveAchieve

InIn thisthis issue….issue…. LealandsLealands RemembersRemembers StudentStudent VoiceVoice YearYear 99 BlueBlue PerisPeris TripTrip

PlusPlus muchmuch more...more... , , , LU33AL Tel: 01582 611600 Fax: 01582 612227 Email: [email protected]

www.lealands.luton.sch.uk @Lealandshighschool @LealandsHigh InIn ThisThis Issue….Issue….

Content Page Introduction from Headteacher Mr Burridge 3-4

Dates for your Diary 5 How to Get Updates from Lealands 6

Reception Opening Hours 7

Value of the Month 8

Christmas Jumper Day 9

Medical Information 10-11

Accelerated Reader Update 12-13

Lexia Reading 14

E-Cadets 15

Lealands Remembers 16

In the World of Maths 17

Sports News 18-19

Student Voice 20-23

Christmas Toy Appeal 24

Are You A Former Lealands Student? 25

Games Maker Conference 26

Year 7 Science 27

‘Griffins Den’ 28

Young Enterprise 29

Blue Peris 30-31

2 Introduction from Headteacher Mr Burridge

Dear Parents/Carers,

Welcome to the last newsletter of 2016. We have had such a busy and productive first term of this academic year. September seems a long time ago now – when we welcomed all of our new students into Year 7 and the school was more full than it had ever been. Year 7 students have settled in really well and are already making good progress in their learning. There have been many highlights this half term for you to read about in this edition. We were all particularly proud of the entire school on Remembrance Day – always a stunningly moving occasion at Lealands and this year was no exception as the whole school observed two minutes silence together with perfect respectful behaviour from everyone. It has also been fantastic to see so much that our students have been taking responsibility for. Year 11s arranged and ran a fantastic disco for Year 7 students to raise money for their Prom. And our very enterprising Year 11 students have had great success in their Young Enterprise work. Our student voice teams have really been getting active and showing great initiative. In addition to all this, there has also been some very adventurous activity with a group of Year 9s visiting Blue Peris, in North Wales, for a week. It also feels like Lealands has been on a winning streak with so many sports team wins. We have some very talented and dedicated students who have worked hard and enabled us all to join in celebrating their successes. Our very strong focus on reading and literacy continues as the key to successful learning throughout the curriculum. Not only is the Accelerated Reader programme continuing so well, we also have a wide range of support and interventions to enhance the reading of all our students. Peer readers are doing a fantastic job, every week, of supporting their fellow students lower down the school. If you are following us on Twitter or Facebook, you will be aware that there is so much going on all the time as we do our very best to enhance the educational experience for all our students. As we come towards the end of term, we are looking forward to the Christmas Concerts and I hope we will see many of you there. You will also be able to see the 5 Christmas trees we have in the Atrium this year. There is one for each year group and they are

3 Headteacher’sHeadteacher’s IntroductionIntroduction ~~ ContinuedContinued

covered in our students’ Christmas wishes. May I take this opportunity to wish you and your family an enjoyable Christmas time and Happy New year from everyone at Lealands.

Mr J Burridge Headteacher

ParentParent GovernorGovernor ElectionElection ResultResult

Following elections for a new parent governor, I would like to inform you that Mrs Angela Herbert has been elected following a count of the ballot on Tuesday 6th December. A large number of ballot papers were received in this election and I would like to thank, on behalf of the Governing Body, both candidates for their interest and application for this important role. Thank you to all those who voted and for your continued support of our school. Mr J Burridge (Headteacher)

SuccessSuccess InIn ComputingComputing

Congratulations to the following students for their success in computing:

Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Derycka Reid Jamie Harvey Jevean Davin Mistry Alex Browne 71DZ 82MW Barryclough 108VA 116KH 95DW Hannah Jeans Ciara Paul- Abraham Otitoju 75HS Joseph Kacper Kurylowicz 103KA 82MW 92DW

4 DatesDates ForFor YourYour DiaryDiary

Year 9 Parents’ Evening - Wednesday 25th January 2017 Year 10 Work Experience - Monday 30th January 2017 - Friday 10th February 2017 Year 7 Parents’ Evening - Wednesday 22nd February 2017 Dance Show - Wednesday 1st March 2017 Year 9 Options Evening - Wednesday 15th March 2017 Term Dates School will be closing on Friday 16th December 2016 at 12.30pm for the Christmas period and starts again on Thursday 5th January 2017. Staff Training Day: Wednesday 4th January 2017 Spring Term: Thursday 5th January 2017 - Friday 31st March 2017 Half-Term: Monday 13th February 2017 - Friday 17th February 2017 Training Days Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th December 2016 Wednesday 4th January 2017

££ ££ ££ OnlineOnline PaymentsPayments

Don’t forget you can pay online using the ‘Parents’ Payment’ link which now appears as a £ sign on the slideshow of our website: www.lealands.luton.sch.uk. If you do not have your link code to login, please contact the school Finance Office on 01582 611600. The following is currently available for payment online:

Voluntary Contributions Events, Trips and Visits Other Technology Years 7,8,9 Music Lessons Textiles Year 10 and 11 Resistant Materials Year 10 and 11 Food Contribution Year 10

The school also prefers for all school meals to be paid for online. This gives you the flexibility to top up your child’s account at home using a debit or credit card rather than having to use cash or cheque. Further details and an online payments instruction manual can be found on our website: www.lealands.luton.sch.uk under the ‘Parents’ Information’ section.

5 HowHow toto GetGet UpdatesUpdates FromFrom LealandsLealands

There are now even more ways to keep up to date with what is going on at Lealands High School. As well as this half-termly newsletter, we have our redesigned website, the School News App, Facebook Page and now we are also on Twitter. Website

Visit our redesigned website at www.lealands.luton.sch.uk for all the information you need about Lealands, including: Latest News, upcoming events on the School Calendar, general school information in Our School, online links to Parents Payments, Show My Homework, Accelerated Reader etc. School News App

The School News App can be downloaded for free from the iOS and Google Play App Stores. The app is linked directly to our website and will notify you of updates to Lealands’ latest news, calendar events and gallery photos. For full details about the app and how to use it, please visit the website. Facebook and Twitter

Lealands has active Facebook and Twitter pages which are used as a resource to connect with our community: sharing news, achievements, information, updates and photographs. We would encourage parents/carers and students to ‘like’ our Facebook page and ‘follow’ us on Twitter as we use it as a tool for communication, sometimes at short notice. @lealandshighschool @LealandsHigh

Text and Email

Lealands uses text and email to send reminders, updates and letters, sometimes which might be at short notice. Please ensure the school has an up to date mobile telephone number and email address for you so this information is not missed. Letters

Many important letters which are sent home are available to download from the ‘Letters to Parents’ page of our website, www.lealands.luton.sch.uk/letters.

6 SchoolSchool ReceptionReception OpeningOpening HoursHours

The school reception is open between the hours of 8am and 4pm Monday to Friday. We have an answerphone service that will be checked each morning. If you are waiting to collect a student after school please ensure these arrangements are set in advance as they will need to wait outside of the school gate for collection. To ensure students’ safety, we politely ask that parents do not park in the visitors parking area unless previously agreed due to safety/mobility reasons. Students are not allowed to wait in the school reception before or after school hours due to the variety of visitors that may be in the area at any time. Again, please ensure collection times are arranged in advance for outside of the school’s main gates. Thank you for your cooperation, Mrs Goslin, School Business Manager

OutstandingOutstanding AchievementsAchievements

Year 9 student William, plays Cricket for Caddington Cricket Club Under 14s. This season he was selected to play a number of games for the senior team. William managed to take one wicket in each of his first two games. He would have had three wickets in his second game but there were two dropped catches! William was awarded this trophy in recognition of his bowling achievements this season. Congratulations on an outstanding achievement!

7 ValueValue ofof thethe MonthMonth

8 ChristmasChristmas JumperJumper DayDay

InternationalInternational SchoolsSchools AwardAward ~~ UpdateUpdate

On Monday 14th November, Mr Slatter went to the British Council's offices in London to receive our re- accreditation of the International Schools Award for 2016-19. The award was presented by Sir Ciaran Devane - Chief Executive of the British Council.

9 MedicalMedical InformationInformation

GUIDELINES FOR VISITS TO THE MEDICAL ROOM

 Our trained Medical Officer can administer minor first aid and will contact parents/ medical services for more serious cases.

 All accidents and visits to the medical room are recorded and monitored.

 All visits should be made during break/lunch time, unless it is an emergency.

 Any student attending the medical room during lesson time without their learning diary being signed by a teacher will be sent back to class.

 If a student is causing a real concern or is in distress, a visit to the medical room is at the teacher’s discretion.

 It is very important to ensure that we do not dehydrate. Students should ensure they bring a bottle of water with them to school – this can be refilled at the water fountains. Students will not be permitted to leave lessons to visit the medical room to get a drink.

 Any fizzy drinks or energy drinks WILL BE CONFISCATED.

 Students should not be leaving lesson to use the toilet unless it is an emergency or they have been issued with a toilet pass due to a medical issue. Please speak to Matron if you have any concerns. MEDICINES IN SCHOOL Prescription medicines MUST be supplied to the Medical Room in a container labelled by the pharmacist. All other medicines must be provided in their original packaging. All medicines held and dispensed by the Medical Room must have a parent’s/carer’s written consent. Medication prescribed for 1 / 2 / 3 doses a day should not normally require administration during the school day, unless times are specifically stated by their GP. The medication should generally be taken at the following times:- 1) before school 2) on arrival home from school 3) before bedtime Asthma Inhalers Inhalers for the relief of asthma must be immediately available and should be carried in school by pupils who use them. Please ensure the child’s name is on the inhaler. A spare inhaler should be left in the Medical Room in case of emergency.

10 Paracetamol Paracetamol can only be given to students who have returned their permission slip. Tablets will only be given at break, lunch time and at change of lesson unless the school has been informed the student suffers with migraine or is on the Medical List. Students must not carry pain relief tablets. If students are caught carrying medication in school, the tablets will be confiscated and the Senior Leadership Team will be informed. 48 HOUR RULE Could I please remind you that any child who has had diarrhoea and / or vomiting should be kept at home for 48 hours from the LAST episode of diarrhoea or vomiting. This directive comes from the Health Protection Agency – Guidance of Infection Control in Schools and other Child Care Settings. MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS Whilst we realise that some of these are unavoidable, please try and book appointments before or after school and ensure proof is supplied to ensure a two hour appointment time is authorised. Students should not be taking the whole day off school to attend appointments. For longer appointments (ie London hospitals), please speak to Matron direct as a longer absence can be authorised in exceptional circumstances. Matron

ContactContact InformationInformation  

As the days gets colder, please can we remind you that it is extremely important that we have up to date contact information for all students. If there was any reason that we had to close the school, for example due to heavy snow, we would need to be able to contact home at short notice. If there are any changes to a student’s address, parental contact telephone numbers or email addresses, please can you inform Mrs Lawes in the Finance Office as soon as possible on 01582 611600 or email [email protected] Lots of information is sent home via these methods and if contact details are incorrect, unfortunately, important information may not get passed on.

11 AcceleratedAccelerated ReaderReader UpdateUpdate

What a brilliant start to Accelerated Reader already! We’ve decided to heat up our reading challenges by including lots of different competitions. This has already proved successful as a tutor group have already accumulated over 600 points! The different competitions include, “Who can beat our librarian Ms Rezaei and read the most books?” Unfortunately for Ms Rezaei she is losing; lots of students are in the lead!, Reader of the Week (most improved student) and of course, the ever so competitive tutor group competition, whereby the tutor group with the most Accelerated Reader points wins a tin of chocolates to share with their form tutor!

We believe that these competitions not only help skills such as team building, progress and initiative, but also literacy, which we understand is imperative to students’ learning. During Year 7 Tutor Evening, it was pleasing to hear many parents and carers enjoyed reading with their child and having conversations about what book it is they are reading. Here at Lealands, we try to encourage students to discuss books they have enjoyed to create a reading atmosphere. This leads me to another competition… the “Shelfie” challenge, where members of staff upload their bookshelves and students have to guess which member of staff it belongs to! A great way to encourage book discussions!

Here are the top 3 classes in each year group participating in Accelerated Reader. Congratulations to 71DZ and 86MH who are currently in the lead! But remember, it can take only one quiz to boost your way to the top…

Form Points Rank

71DZ 580 1st

77SL 546.2 2nd

73MP 436.2 3rd

12 Form Points Rank

86MH 644.5 1st

83WS 563.2 2nd

85HR 466.1 3rd

Are you part of our Millionaire’s Club?

Congratulations to the following students who have read over a million words since the start of this year and have joined our Millionaire’s Club!

Maryam Azeem 83WS Evie Herbert 71DZ Prislla Brako 77SL Dawud Khan 85HR Meghan Scott-Simons 87CB

BookBook ReviewReview CornerCorner

Book Review Corner: X Isle by Steve Augarde X Isle is a fun, action packed adventure book. It is about a boy named Baz who lives in a flooded world. One day Baz gets to X Isle where he meets another boy called Ray and befriends him. X Isle is a horrible island where people try to kill Baz, so he and Ray try to escape for a better life. The book is extremely tense, as I was not sure if Baz and Ray would manage to escape, or if they had to stay on the X Isle island forever! I would recommend this book if you like a gripping story that is full of adventure. By Oskar Karaszkiewicz 71DZ

13 LexiaLexia ReadingReading

Every day, during tutor time (apart from Tuesday), 40 Year 8s go to the Technology computer room to do Lexia. Lexia is a good way to learn literacy skills we have struggled to learn before. For me it would be spelling rules. I have never understood spelling or spelling rules but now I am starting to get what I have to do. On Lexia we have a target and that target is to get over 100 minutes a week and if we do, the top three students get a treat from Mr Furkins. After you do the main test you are placed on a level. At the moment I am on level 14. The levels get harder and harder every time you pass one. I enjoy doing Lexia as it helps me with my learning and I know that it will help me in the future. By Daniel Williams, Year 8

CollegeCollege andand SixthSixth FormForm OpenOpen DaysDays

Tues 7th Feb 2017 St Albans Oaklands 5-8pm Weds 8th Feb 2017 Welwyn Garden City

Central Beds College Weds 22nd March 2016 4pm Kingsway,

Tues 10th Jan 2017 Luton 6th Form College Weds 18th Jan 2017 5.30-8pm Luton 6th Form College Thurs 26th Jan 2017

Bedford College Weds 25th Jan 2017 5-8pm Bedford College

Shuttleworth College Sat 28th Jan 2017 9.30am-12.30pm Shuttleworth College

Thurs 9th Feb 2017 5-7.30pm North Herts College Hitchin/Stevengae Sat 28th March 2017 10am-12pm

14 EE--CadetsCadets

E- Cadets have been together since 10th of November 2016. We have been signed up and logged ourselves into the E-Cadet site. Using the site we have found each other on the bubble map. We can also see who else is online in the UK, although we have only seen people in . There is a league table in which we are second. We are working on making presentations on ‘How to stay safe using technology’ and are hopefully going to share these with our tutor groups. We meet every Thursday after school in ICT 3. The e-Cadets are: Saif, Aryan, Parker, William, Aaron, Jamie, Leah, Jemma and Hannah. Look out for us if you need any help. By Hannah, Year 7

ChildrenChildren InIn NeedNeed

On Friday 18th November, Lealands' catering staff baked some 'spotacular' biscuits, buns and cakes for lunch, all in aid of Children In Need!

15 LealandsLealands RemembersRemembers

On Friday 11th November at 11am, students and staff, gathered together around the school’s memorial garden to observe a two minute silence to remember those who have given their lives during conflict. The school community bowed their heads as the silence was introduced by music teacher, Mr Patterson playing the 'Last Post'. Following the silence, Head Girl, Lucy and Head Boy Romael, recited the poem 'The Inquisitive Mind of a Child', and Headteacher, Mr Burridge, laid a poppy wreath next to the Lealands memorial tree. A representative from each tutor group stepped forward and planted poppies and poppy crosses alongside the wreath. Students were given access to the garden for the remainder of the day, if they wished to lay their poppies privately.

16 InIn TheThe WorldWorld ofof MathsMaths

Here in the world of maths at Lealands High School, many exciting and enticing mathematical opportunities abound! The National Cipher Challenge “When are we ever going to use maths in real life?”. How many times have you asked yourself this question? There is an infinite amount of answers to that question, one being: the National Cipher Challenge. The National Cipher Challenge is a nation-wide, online code-breaking competition that several Lealands students are participating in. The NCC heavily involves deciphering patterns and coding, which have very real-life applications in the larger world. The NCC uses a specific form of coding, but general coding can be found in any and all Internet-based applications; from building constructs in Minecraft, to liking a friend’s new picture on Instagram; all websites, apps, and online resources are dependent on coding. Math Games and Activities Club Interested in having some in-school fun with maths? Come to Maths Room 7 during lunch on Thursdays to play problem-solving and logic games! Everyone is welcome, from maths superstars, to maths novices, bring your friends and have a blast! If you’re not incredibly mathematically-inclined, the MGA Club is holding a poster design competition for the club; all entries are welcome! Maths Stars of Excellence As the Autumn Term wraps up, the Maths Department would like to acknowledge, praise, and thank several students who displayed excellence in abilities, exceptional progress, and/or a positive, persevering attitude.

17 SportsSports NewsNews ~~ ResultsResults

Girls Netball Results Year 7 Year 8 Lealands 17 - 2 Lealands 26 - 0 Icknield Lealands 5 - 14 Cardinal Newman Lealands 23 - 2 Cardinal Newman Year 9 Lealands 7 - 20 Cardinal Newman

Basketball Results Year 7 Year 8 Lealands 20 - 8 Cardinal Newman Lealands 50 - 14 Cardinal Newman Lealands 46 - 2 Girls Football Results Year 7 - Girls Football Tournament - 2nd Place Table Tennis Results Year 7 and 8 Tournament - 1st Place Year 7 and 8 Table Tennis County Tournament - 5th Place Boys Basketball Results Year 7 Year 8 Lealands 20 - 2 Chalk Hills Academy Lealands 17 - 20 Chalk Hills Academy Lealands 28 - 8 Icknield Football Results Year 7 Year 8 Lealands 4 - 3 All Saints Academy Lealands 3 - 1 Linslade 5-a-side tournament - 4th Place Year 9 Lealands 9 - 0 Stratton Table Tennis Results Year 7 and 8 Tournament - 1st Place Year 9,10 and 11 Tournament - 2nd Place Year 7 and 8 County Tournament - 6th Place 18 SportsSports NewsNews ~~ SportsSports CaptainsCaptains

The following students have been nominated by their Tutor Group to be Sports Captains:

Year 7 Year 9

71DZ Kyra Scott 91NA Meghan Davis 72NK Melissa Gibbs 92DB David Afolabi 73MP Gabrielle O'Connor 93SM Annalisa Bruce-Spalding 74VM Leyla Karabogo 94CG Kaylyn Harris 75HS Osei Boffah 95DW Jaheim Bakinson 76AK Jaden Brown 96CC Chelsea Mafuva 77SL Dylan Reeves 97IM Kanu Gudza 78KM Kyle Malcolm-Antoine 98HJ Ashalette Daley Year 8 Year 10

81WY Terry Offeh 101AM Shania Hamilton 82MW Ellie-Jo McGonigle 102LS Mia Lewis 83WS Kenan McNaught 103KA Sophie Hayton 84IF Gracjan Drak 104MG Shakeya Prosper 85HR Trevor Nkata 105GR Kirstie Wilson 86MH Danny Mathias 106SZ Faith Douglas 87CB Andre Edwards 107CK Kisima Jenneh 88RP Jack Clerkin 108VA Jayda Francis

The role of the Sports Captain involves:

 Co-ordinating and managing their tutor group's teams in inter-form competitions including sports day.

 Attending half-termly meetings with the PE department.

 Discussing fixtures, extra-curricular activities (including the extra-curricular timetable) and sports events throughout the year with their tutor group and reporting back to the sports council

 Having the opportunity to become the sports representative for the year group (1 student per year group).

 Promoting good sporting behaviour and fair play.

 Working alongside Student Voice to discuss PE related matters.

19 StudentStudent VoiceVoice

Student Voice has been re-vamped and re-launched this term. All Year Groups have now elected representatives for each Tutor Group and those reps have subsequently elected an Executive Committee. The Student Voice Executive Committee

Year 7

Jack Keisha Ellis Mia

Chairperson Deputy Chair Secretary Deputy Secretary

Year 8

Raphael Saruna Maria Harmoni

Chairperson Deputy Chair Secretary Deputy Secretary

Year 9

Abdul Nitin Kacper Holly Chairperson Deputy Chair Secretary Deputy Secretary

Year 10

Charlie Nevada Kisima Jahmar Chairperson Deputy Chair Secretary Deputy Secretary

Year 11

Shauna Sophie Natalia Nana Chairperson Deputy Chair Secretary Deputy Secretary

20 StudentStudent VoiceVoice

Student Voice Rationale: • To create a better school life for the students of our school. • To provide students with leadership opportunities and to develop a sense of responsibility. • To encourage the students in the school to become more aware of how the school is run. • To contribute to overall school development. • To communicate between the students and the teaching staff and management. Topics of discussion so far have been diverse to say the least. We had the expected requests for changes to our uniform policy and the ubiquitous mobile phone questions but we also had numerous suggestions that students believed would genuinely help improve school life for all of our school community. Each year group is currently deciding what topics they should focus their efforts on but Year 10 have already begun work on an appeal for toys and sweets for children that will be spending Christmas at Addenbrookes Hospital. Year 11 are working very hard to raise money for their Prom and are keen to work with Student Voice to achieve this goal. Mr Ashby’s Sports Captains will be attending SV meetings in the New Year to discuss extra-curricular clubs and activities and plans are being made to bring back lunchtime football on our 3G pitch.

What Student Voice means to me

I joined Student Voice because it gave me the chance to voice other students’ views to the people who can make change happen. I wanted to positively affect students’ lives because of something that I am a part of.

To me Student Voice is the democracy of the school. Student Voice is where you can express your opinions in order to make the changes to the school that need to be made. It’s here to make overall life at Lealands better for everyone. Student Voice organises fundraising and events. I feel this is an important aspect of school life as it makes it more entertaining, also it gives us an opportunity to help local and worldwide charities. Student Voice allows the representatives to develop a sense of leadership and responsibility. It also allows the students to become more aware of how the school is run. We can contribute to overall school development by being involved in school policies. It also creates co-operation between students, SLT and staff. This makes a better school environment as everyone is a team. 21 StudentStudent VoiceVoice

To me, Student Voice is where we can openly express how we feel the school needs to be changed. It gives the students a voice, which I believe is very important. By Yasmine and Jessica-Anne, Year 10.

* * *

I joined Student Voice as I wanted to have a say in what happens in the school and to relay students’ valued opinions. I wanted to be the person who is not afraid to show his views, and was courageous enough to question what we thought could be improved in the school. So many people would moan and complain about some things that were very inconvenient or not well suited enough to students within our school; so one day it occurred to me that if everyone was coming to me with these issues, then I need to do something for them. That something was giving them someone who would listen to what they say, understand them and make an action after considering what they said. For this, the only job I could think of was Student Voice. No other club would allow me to truly express what both, I and others thought about what needs to happen.

Student Voice is important due to the impacts it can have on student life within school. One small change to the smallest of things and a student’s school life can become much easier and stress free. It allows students to really express their greatest feelings about school and what needs to be done to allow stress to be taken off of students, so they can really focus on studying hard and achieving their goals. Goals are an essential part of Student Voice, they allow students to set goals for themselves to do certain things and when you then achieve them, it makes you want to achieve more of your goals.

Finally, Student Voice is essential to work inside the classroom, during lessons. An example of this is the classroom code of conduct that was “made for students, by students”. This allowed the school to understand what us students thought about rules within the classroom, the school listened and the two worlds collided, giving students what they want, with what the school also required. Further more we are able to relay more about lessons and how we think lessons can be improved in general. Furthermore it allows students to feel valued, it allows students to not feel as rebellious as the school is no longer seen as the “bad guys”, and they are seen as part of the solution. The cohesion between the student and school is greater increased, due to this and so is the trust shared between each other.

By Nitin, Year 9

* * *

22 StudentStudent VoiceVoice

Student Voice (as a group), helps the school improve and help fit the rules to a student’s approval. For me to be in Student Voice is a great opportunity to make school a more exciting place. At Student Voice we are lucky to have good people with good minds that can make the school better. In Student Voice we also aim to suggest clubs to people and make lunch and break times fun. Being the Chairman of my Student Voice Year Group, means I need to think of lots of ideas.

By Raphael, Year 8

* * *

I believe that the Student Voice is important as it allows us as students to have a chance to introduce new ideas to the school and make the school better. The Student Voice is a good way to get involved with the school. It also allows us to meet new people and helps us, Year 7s to learn. I enjoy being a member of the Student Voice as it gives me responsibility to do many things: informing the year group of our discussions, introducing Year 7s’ opinions into the meetings and more. In addition, it also allows us to improve classes to make them fun and informative. Despite the fact that Lealands is currently a great school, there is still room for improvement and I think that the Student Voice is the best way to improve the students’ experience at this school. Many students always want a say in the school’s decisions and choices, therefore us members have the responsibility to ensure that their opinions are mentioned. Lealands’ Student Voice helps me to build confidence in all ways and teaches me to share my thoughts rather than keeping them to myself. Also, it gives me an all-round better experience of Lealands High School. I appreciate my role in the Student Voice.

By Jack, Year 7

* * *

For the full list of Student Voice representatives, visit: www.lealands.luton.sch.uk/studentvoice

23 StudentStudent VoiceVoice ChristmasChristmas ToyToy AppealAppeal

24 AreAre YouYou AA FormerFormer LealandsLealands Student?Student?

Were you a student at Lealands High School? We would like to reconnect with you! Lealands High School would like to reconnect with former students to share success stories and achievements with our current students. The objective is to create a picture of life beyond Lealands High School - to illustrate the many career paths and opportunities that former students have taken, building on their education and experiences at Lealands. As relatable role models, sharing these successes helps inspire and support the subsequent generations of Lealands. If you are a former student of Lealands High School and would like to get in touch, please visit www.lealands.luton.sch.uk/careers and click the ‘Lealands Alumni’ tab on the left of the page to access the contact form.

25 GamesGames MakerMaker ConferenceConference

In November, a group of Year 9 students were invited to a games maker conference at Bedford University. The students worked with students from other schools to analyse performance of sport teams through media coverage. The students had a very busy day in and out of lectures as well as work shops looking at the effect of media on sport. The students worked extremely well and positive comments were made about their attitude from the course leaders. Year 9 Game Makers: Jacey, Nea, Jayleigh, Meghan, Sean, Rhys, Nicole, Shannon, Jaheim Bakinson and Kanukayi.

GreatGreat BigBig DanceDance OffOff

Thirty selected Year 8 and 9 students will be representing Lealands High School on Monday the 16th January 2017, to compete in a national dance competition called ‘The Great Big Dance Off’. This is a very popular national dance competition, open to schools across England and Wales. It is the only national dance competition aimed solely at schools. Prior to the competition, the students need to be shortlisted through a video submission by Friday the 16th December to be able to compete in the regional heat. The Lealands dance team are working with the theme of War and Conflict, exploring a fusion of styles consisting of mainly street, contemporary and contact work. So far, all students have shown outstanding dedication and teamwork throughout the rehearsal process, working extremely hard participating in weekly rehearsals during lunchtimes and after school. Also, I would like to say a massive thank you to Miss Hambleton, Mrs Hyland and the Year 10 students who have been helping with this project. Miss Miller

26 YearYear 77 ScienceScience

Following a week of learning all about animal and plant cells in science, Year 7 students from two classes were set homework to create realistic, 3D, labelled models of either cell to present in lesson. The results were fantastic!

27 ‘Griffins‘Griffins Den’Den’ EnterpriseEnterprise DayDay

Fifty Year 8 students showcased their entrepreneurial skills during a recent enterprise project called 'Griffins Den'. Assisted by a team of Vauxhall undergraduates and apprentices; the students were tasked to design, create and market a new car for a young, female, festival goer. The students followed the brief given to them carefully, ensuring that all their ideas would come in on a budget that the client could afford, yet still make a good profit. Once the cars were designed and marketing campaigns created, the students had to pitch their car to their peers and the Vauxhall undergraduates and apprentices. There were prizes for the best overall car and also for the best pitch. The ultimate aim of the day was to promote engineering and manufacturing as an attractive profession, as well as giving the students a brief and overview of a global company which has roots embedded in the local area.

28 YoungYoung EnterpriseEnterprise

A team of Year 11 students pitched a stall at Bedford Trade Fair on Saturday 26th November to sell their branded t-shirts and caps as part of Young Enterprise. Young Enterprise is a charity that works with young people, their teachers and parents to help them build a future for themselves with the aid of education and training programmes. The team, including Lealands’ Head Boy Romael and Head Girl Lucy, created their enterprise ‘Certified King’. The business is described as a brand that seeks to innovate the arts, media and fashion world. Their aim is to set up events for young people in the hidden creative economy to give them the opportunity to showcase their talent to the public. They also produce hats and t-shirts and are hoping to expand this in the future to designing their own range of clothes with the aim of getting them manufactured. As part of the process, the team had to compete at Bedford Trade Fair alongside other Young Enterprise companies. The students took along their branded t-shirts and caps to sell to help raise awareness of the brand. Over the course of the day the Young Enterprise traders were being judged on various categories. When trading closed, the team had made a total of £96 and won two categories; the best stand and the best customer service. Congratulations to all involved. They have shown fantastic commitment to the programme with all of this going on outside of school time. Certified King: Romael, Kamaal, Nana, Joash, Karris, Lucy, Sarah, Sophie, Jesse and Levi.

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On the morning of Sunday 13th November 2016, a group of excited Year 9 students eagerly departed on the annual trip to Blue Peris Mountaineering Centre in North Wales. The week was full of fun outdoor activities which would challenge them and teach them important life skills, including; mountain climbing, gorge walking, sea level traversing, abseiling, mining and raft building. They all showed great team work and resilience to complete the tasks put in front of them, many built confidence and overcame fears. It proved to be an extremely enjoyable and valuable experience for all involved. The students returned exhausted, but in great spirits, ready to transfer their new skills both at home and in the classroom. Well done to all the students and staff who took part. * * * ‘While I was at Blue Peris my first impressions were good. The house was tidy and it was easy to get around. There were multiple places that we could socialise with our friends. When it came to the activities, I think they were fun and adventurous. I enjoyed them a lot. I liked every single activity but the hardest one was the mountain walk as it took us around 5 hours to walk up and then back down the mountain. The night activities were really fun. My favourite one was the nightline, where we were blindfolded and had to follow a rope through tyres and in between tree trunks. That was the best night activity for me’.By Amelia Jarema For more photos from the trip, please visit the Gallery Page of our website.

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