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 for next half term.
Success
As our Year 13 and Year 11 students will soon reach the end of their external examinations, I want to convey my gratitude towards the students for the way they have conducted themselves whilst on school site. As a staff body, we have been really impressed with the majority of students and their resilience throughout this challenging period. May they enjoy a well-deserved rest when their final examinations have taken place.
In other news, just before half term, our Year 10 Rounders team became City Champions so a huge congratulations to the students who represented the school and contributed to the team’s success.
On the 7th of June, Mr Clayton supported a number of students at the Derbyshire UK Chess Challenge. Nine students from Littleover Community School entered, and every player won at least two out of their six matches. After competing throughout the day and maintaining impressive levels of composure, eight of our players have qualified for the next stage of the competition. The students who have qualified will have the opportunity to take place in a nation-wide tournament in Manchester next month, so we wish our students the best of luck.
Over in the Science department, we have had sixty-six, Year 12 students spend a day participating in the Royal Society of Chemistry Schools Analyst competition. Students carried out a range of advanced analytical techniques, including gravimetric analysis, titrations and thin layer chromatography. They used their precision, teamwork and problem-solving abilities to identify unknown substances through a combination of forensic and cosmetic science. Congratulations to all students on their enthusiasm and hard work in the challenge.
Furthermore, twenty-one of our A level Chemistry students completed the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge on Thursday 4th June. The 90-minute paper is designed to stretch and challenge students, taking them significantly beyond the syllabus. This was a brilliant opportunity, and I want to extend my thanks to Ms Elliot for the coordination of the respective events.
Then in Maths, several of our Year 7 students had a great day attending the Rising Mathematicians Festival organised by Axiom Maths on Tuesday 8th June at the University of Derby. LCS was part of ten schools attending from across the East Midlands. The students had the opportunity to work with others, who share a passion for Maths, and
participate in a mass maths circle and work through problems collaboratively. The students also had a tour of the campus, led by undergraduates and went onto learn about how Maths is used in all fields of life including Nursing and Forensic Science. They also met with a Sport Science lecturer who talked about how the data they collect can be used to improve the performance of elite athletes. After lunch (and some cupcakes) the students had a talk from Petra Staynova, who is a mathematician that specialises in Aperiodic Tilings at the university. Axiom Maths isn’t just helping our aspiring mathematicians explore maths in interesting ways but is also helping them continue their lifelong journey of learning maths beyond LCS!
Year 7 students also had an action-packed afternoon on Friday 5th June, with students participating in team-building and practical challenges on the field, or going out to Mount Cook, where many students had the opportunity to discover leadership skills, develop resilience in the face of adversity and continue to build positive relationships with their peers. A big thank you to the range of staff who ensured that every Year 7 student had access to one of the great experiences.
Over in Geography, our Year 10 students have been out at Burbage, completing critical fieldwork for their GCSE qualification. The majority of students represented the school incredibly well and a thank you to the Humanities staff, particularly Mrs Birds, who coordinates such a significant undertaking.
Finally, over in Creative Arts, our Year 10 and Year 12 Art and Design students went to London on Friday 12th June. Students were fortunate enough to attend the Tate Modern and the National Portrait Gallery. Thanks to Mr Ashman, Mr Massey and Mrs Lowe for organising and supporting the trip.
Key Messages
On Tuesday 30th June, our Creative Arts Faculty will be hosting Littleover’s Music Festival and this will begin at 6.30pm. This is a wonderful event and the standard of our musicians is really high this year so it promises to be a very enjoyable evening.
As part of our routine communications about Safeguarding, we invite parents and carers to read through the “Stay Smart. Stay Safe” leaflet attached to this update. The information leaflet provides advice and guidance about summer safety, covering railway lines, swimming risks, moorland fires, going out at night, and signposts invaluable services that students could use if they found themselves requiring additional support.
On another note, we have been asked by Derby City Council to share the following message with our parents and carers:
Derby City Council has issued an urgent safety warning about Darley Abbey Bridge, which is at risk of collapse if anyone attempts to cross it. Despite fencing and security, several people forced access last weekend, and one person had to be rescued after becoming trapped.
The council is using emergency powers to dismantle the unsafe structure. Contractors are installing security, monitoring equipment and preparing for sheet piling, which will allow a crane to safely remove Walters Walkway, the temporary bridge installed after the original Mills Bridge closed in 2022.
The council stresses that this is a dangerous, active construction site, and the public must not enter under any circumstances. Key safety instructions include:
· Do not access the bridge
· Do not bypass fencing or enter the site
· Do not enter the water near the bridge or weir
The council acknowledges the disruption but emphasises that the priority is protecting the community and preventing serious harm.
Elsewhere, we have also been asked by the Children’s Commissioner for England, to share the following survey with our students and their parents and carers for completion: http://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/thebigfuture.
In the communication from the Commissioner, she writes, “it is crucial that I hear from children in every school and college, in every community, across the country. Without hearing from your students, their experiences, views and aspirations risk being missing from the national picture that will help shape future policy.
At a time of significant change for children and young people, it is more important than ever that their views are reflected in policy making. Through this survey, I can take the voices of your students directly to the centre of government.”
Finally, as part of our ongoing Health and Safety measures within the school, we will be rehearsing a full lockdown on Friday 26th June. Students and staff have been informed about this, and tutors have delivered a presentation to students about how to respond when the Lockdown alarm sounds. This is nothing to be concerned about, however, we want to ensure that if Lockdown procedures would need to be initiated during the school day, all members of the community understand how to respond. Therefore, if you are attempting to access or contact the site on Friday 26th June, you may experience a delay in the usual response times so please be patient as staff will respond when it is convenient to do so.
Upcoming Events
Sports Day on Thursday 18th June.
Sixth Form Induction Days on Tuesday 23rd and Wednesday 24th June.
Year 11 Leavers Celebration on Thursday 25th June.
Music Festival on Tuesday 30th June.
Year 6 into 7 Induction Meeting for Parents and Carers on Monday 6th July.
Year 6 into 7 Induction days on Tuesday 7th July to Thursday 9th July.
Cultural Capital Event for all Year groups on Friday 10th July.
Year 8 Trip to France departs on Friday 10th July.
6th Form Trip to Sri Lanka departs on Thursday 16th July.
Last day of the school year Thursday 23rd July.
Kind Regards
Mrs L Johnson
