Dear Parents and Carers,
I am writing to update you on the recent events at Littleover Community School; provide some key messages regarding school life and to inform you about the upcoming events during this half term.
Learn, Care and Succeed
Before half term, students in Year 9 participated in workshops led by staff members from Derby and Burton Colleges. This event allowed students to gain a greater understanding of post-16 provision, particularly the differences between academic and vocational courses, as well as an understanding about how day to day life is different when attending a college environment.
A number of our Year 11 students had their 6th Form interviews with members of the Senior Leadership and Sixth Form Teams. We were really impressed by the manner in which so many of our Year 11 students conducted themselves, showing both focus and determination to perform well. It was also a wonderful opportunity to see their Records of Achievements as so many of our students decided to include certificates and medals from their interests and hobbies outside of Littleover Community School.
On Saturday 7th February, four teams of Year 12 debaters went to the University of Nottingham for the annual school debating competition. The standard was exceptionally strong and included two teams who are currently on the national debating squad. After a long day, over eleven hours in fact, our students had learned a lot and acquitted themselves well, with two of our students missing the novice final by just one point! We have also heard from the Derby District Law Society regarding the Year 10 debate competition. The Year 10 students were 2nd in the round robin, so they will debate against Derby Cathedral School in the semi-final on 4th March. Best of luck to our Year 10 students!
I had the absolute privilege of seeing our Year 7 Chess students in action on the final day of half term; the tension was high as our students competed against each other to win the tournament. A huge thank you to Mr Clayton, who runs this club, because it offers our students a brilliant opportunity to develop their chess skills and their sportsmanship.
Our young performers were in action again on Thursday 12th February, delivering a range of musical acts to parents and families. A huge well done to all of those who had the courage to contribute and perform, and thanks again goes out towards the Creative Arts department for providing the time and space for students to present their talents in this manner.
Finally, the students on our ski trip have returned safely, having had a great time on the slopes. A final thanks to the staff who spent their February half term supervising this trip and ensuring that the students had a wonderful time.
Standards and Messages
As we have had the February half term holidays, we would expect all our Year 7 to Year 11 students to return in full uniform. A reminder that students should not be wearing leggings, but formal trousers which are ankle length. In addition, skirts should be a practical length; both examples of acceptable skirts are displayed on page three of the uniform policy and neither image depicts skin-tight or mini skirts which are not acceptable. Students should be wearing plain black school shoes and not trainers. Furthermore, as I have stated in previous updates, one simple, small stud or sleeper earing per ear is permitted; but no other forms of body piercings, including multiple ear piercings or nose piercings are permitted. There are no exceptions to this, and staff will be consistent in reinforcing the policy and sanctioning where required.
The link for the ‘Parent and Carer’ Survey will be sent out later this week, and this will be an opportunity for parents and carers to provide their views on many aspects of school life, including uniform. Last year, the school had 249 responses, yet we have over 1800 students on the school roll, so we are really hoping that when the survey goes out, parents and carers will take the time to complete the survey, so we can get a comprehensive sense of the views of our parents and carers to inform future planning for the school. Please look out for the letter and link which will be sent out via Parent Pay this week.
Unfortunately, I received an email from one of the business owners in Littleover Village, expressing frustration about students loitering withing the village after school hours and blocking the pavements. I will be reiterating messages about responsible citizenship within the assemblies this week, but it would also be really helpful if parents and carers could reinforce this message and encourage students to be efficient in their return journeys from school to home.
Upcoming Events
Key Stage Three students will have the opportunity to participate in the school’s reading week, during the week beginning 2nd March. Students should have a reading book with them as they will be given dedicated curriculum time to engage in the pleasure of reading.
Our Year 11 students will begin their second round of mock examinations this half term, and we wish them the best of luck. It is great to see so many students utilising the support from staff members afterschool, particularly the additional Maths sessions and
the Past Paper sessions in English on a Thursday evening. If your child felt disappointed with their previous results, it is important that they alter their routine to ensure that they have completed sufficient and purposeful revision in anticipation of the second round. We want students to achieve well in the upcoming mocks to provide that positive momentum before they enter their final weeks of curriculum content.
Finally, please take note of the parents’ evening dates below. They will be delivered through School Cloud.
Year 7 Parents’ Evening on Thursday 5th March 2026
Year 12 Parents’ Evening on Thursday 26th March 2026.
Kind Regards,
Mrs L Johnson
