Dear Parents and Carers,
I am writing to update you on recent events at Littleover Community School, share some important messages as we move through the autumn term, and outline key dates for the weeks ahead.
Firstly, I would like to congratulate our Year 11 students on an exceptionally successful Work Experience programme. An impressive 91% of Year 11 students successfully completed their placements, gaining valuable insight into the world of work while developing important personal and employability skills. Feedback from employers was overwhelmingly positive, with many commenting on the professionalism, confidence and maturity demonstrated by our students. Experiences such as these play a vital role in preparing our young people for their future careers and educational pathways.
As a school community, we were also incredibly proud to support the national Hello Yellow campaign. Through a range of fundraising and awareness activities, students and staff worked together to raise over £1,100 in support of youth mental health. This was a fantastic achievement and reflects the caring nature of our school community. Thank you to everyone who contributed, but particularly Ms Boulton for leading on this event.
We have also had one of our designated Key Stage 3 Reading Weeks and it has been wonderful to see so many students engaged in reading throughout the school day. Developing strong literacy skills remains one of the most important ways we can support academic success across all subjects, and I would like to thank parents and carers for continuing to encourage reading at home.
Our Year 9 students continue to make excellent progress with their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions. The challenge, resilience and teamwork shown by participants has been impressive, and we wish those students with upcoming expeditions every success.On 8th October, we welcomed a record number of students and families to our Sixth Form Open Evening. The event showcased the many opportunities available within our highly successful Sixth Form, and it was wonderful to see so many prospective students exploring the next stage of their educational journey. My thanks go to the Sixth Form team, subject staff and student ambassadors who helped make the evening such a success.
Academic enrichment opportunities continue to thrive at Littleover Community School. We have seen particularly strong participation in this year's Senior Maths Challenge, with students engaging enthusiastically in a demanding national competition that develops resilience, logical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Within the Sixth Form, our Year 12 students have recently completed their ALIS assessments, providing valuable baseline information that will help staff support students in achieving their academic potential over the coming two years. Meanwhile, many of our Year 13 students who submitted early university applications have already started receiving offers from universities. This is always an exciting milestone and reflects the hard work, ambition and commitment that our students continue to demonstrate.
Key Messages
As we move into the next focus of The LCS Way, our attention turns to the principle of Work Hard. We want all students to recognise that hard work is not simply about academic effort. It is about showing commitment, being prepared, supporting others and making a positive contribution to the community around them.
To emphasise the importance of this message, students have recently participated in assemblies focused on the importance of community and the role each individual plays in contributing positively to the wider school environment. The final assembly of this half term will see students participating in assemblies celebrating the strength and diversity of our community and this is particularly timely as we recognise and celebrate Black History Month.
I would like to remind families of the importance of students arriving at school on time each day.Students should be on site by 8:35am, ready for the school day to begin promptly at 8:40am. Being punctual helps students establish positive routines, reduces anxiety at the start of the day and ensures they are ready to learn from the first lesson. After half term, we will be introducing Late Gates. Students who arrive late to school without a valid reason will receive a same-day detention. The purpose of this approach is not punitive; rather, it is to reinforce the importance of punctuality and to establish habits that will serve students well throughout their education and future professional lives. Being on time is a fundamental expectation in both education and employment, and we ask for parents' support in helping students arrive punctually each day.
During this half term, we have seen students sustain injuries near school during busy arrival and departure times. I therefore ask all parents and carers to take extra care when driving around the school site and surrounding roads. Congestion inevitably increases at the start and end of the school day, but the safety of our students must remain our highest priority. Please ensure that parking and drop-off arrangements are considerate of other road users and, most importantly, our students who are walking to and from school.
The coming weeks are particularly important for our Year 11 students. Our Year 11 Parents' Evening will take place on Thursday 5th November on School Cloud. This event provides an invaluable opportunity to discuss progress, identify strengths and agree priorities for the months ahead. I strongly encourage all families to attend.
Students should also be preparing for their mock examinations, which begin on 23rd November. By this stage of the year, students should be establishing a consistent revision routine, reviewing classwork regularly and making effective use of resources provided by staff. Small, regular periods of revision now will make a significant difference as the examination season approaches.
Alongside their studies, Year 11 students should also be actively exploring their Post-16 options. Whether considering A Levels, vocational pathways, apprenticeships or alternative routes, it is important that students begin planning for their next steps. Any parent or student requiring support should contact Ms Taylor, our Careers Coordinator, who will be happy to provide guidance and arrange additional support where needed.
Important Dates
Thursday 22nd October - Students break up for half term
Friday 23rd October - INSET Day (school closed to students)
Monday 2nd November - Students return to school
Thursday 5th November- 4:15pm-6:45pm - Year 11 Parents' Evening
Thursday 19th November- 4:15pm-6:45pm - Year 7 Settling-in Evening
Monday 23rd November - Year 11 Mock Examinations begin
Friday 27th November - Common Closure Day (school closed to students)
Thursday 3rd December- 4:15pm-6:45pm - Year 13 Parents' Evening
Thank you, as always, for your continued support. The success of Littleover Community School depends upon the strength of the partnership between school and home, and I am extremely grateful for the support our families continue to provide. I wish you all a restful half-term break and look forward to welcoming students back on Monday 2nd November.
