School Newsletter | December 2016 | Student name:_______________

In this issue….In this issue….

Plus much more...Plus much more...

Aspire Aspire Believe Believe AchieveAchieve

Lealands RemembersLealands Remembers

Student VoiceStudent Voice

Year 9 Blue Peris TripYear 9 Blue Peris Trip

Lealands High School, Sundon Park, Luton, LU33AL

Tel: 01582 611600 Fax: 01582 612227 Email: admin@lealands.luton.sch.uk

@Lealandshighschool @LealandsHigh www.lealands.luton.sch.uk

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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

In This Issue….In This Issue….

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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

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Headteacher’s Introduction ~ ContinuedHeadteacher’s Introduction ~ Continued

Success In ComputingSuccess In Computing

Year 7Year 7 Year 8Year 8 Year 9Year 9 Year 10Year 10 Year 11Year 11

Derycka Reid

71DZ

Hannah Jeans

75HS

Jamie Harvey

82MW

Ciara Paul-

Joseph

82MW

Jevean

Barryclough

95DW

Kacper Kurylowicz

92DW

Davin Mistry

108VA

Abraham Otitoju

103KA

Alex Browne

116KH

Congratulations to the following students for their success in computing:

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

Parent Governor Election Result Parent Governor Election Result

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)

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Dates For Your DiaryDates For Your Diary

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

£ £ £ Online Payments£ £ £ Online Payments

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:

Events, Trips and Visits Voluntary Contributions Other

Technology Years 7,8,9

Textiles Year 10 and 11

Resistant Materials Year 10 and 11

Food Contribution Year 10

Music Lessons

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.

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How to Get Updates From LealandsHow to Get Updates From Lealands

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.

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Outstanding AchievementsOutstanding Achievements

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!

School Reception Opening HoursSchool Reception Opening Hours

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

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Value of the MonthValue of the Month

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Christmas Jumper DayChristmas Jumper Day

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.

International Schools Award ~ UpdateInternational Schools Award ~ Update

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Medical InformationMedical Information

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.

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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

Contact Information Contact Information

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 admin@lealands.luton.sch.uk

Lots of information is sent home via these methods and if contact details are incorrect,

unfortunately, important information may not get passed on.

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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…

Points Rank Form

71DZ 580 1st

77SL 546.2 2nd

73MP 436.2 3rd

Accelerated Reader UpdateAccelerated Reader Update

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Book Review CornerBook Review Corner

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

Points Rank Form

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

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Lexia ReadingLexia Reading

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

College and Sixth Form Open DaysCollege and Sixth Form Open Days

Oaklands Tues 7th Feb 2017

5-8pm St Albans

Weds 8th Feb 2017 Welwyn Garden City

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

Luton 6th Form College

Tues 10th Jan 2017

5.30-8pm Luton 6th Form College Weds 18th Jan 2017

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

North Herts College Thurs 9th Feb 2017 5-7.30pm

Hitchin/Stevengae Sat 28th March 2017 10am-12pm

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EE--CadetsCadets

Children In NeedChildren In Need

On Friday 18th

November, Lealands'

catering staff baked

some 'spotacular'

biscuits, buns and cakes

for lunch, all in aid of

Children In Need!

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

England. 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

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Lealands RemembersLealands Remembers

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.

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In The World of MathsIn The World of Maths

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.

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Sports News ~ ResultsSports News ~ Results

Girls

Netball Results

Year 7

Lealands 17 - 2 Icknield

Lealands 5 - 14 Cardinal Newman

Year 8

Lealands 26 - 0 Icknield

Lealands 23 - 2 Cardinal Newman

Year 9

Lealands 7 - 20 Cardinal Newman

Year 7

Lealands 20 - 8 Cardinal Newman

Lealands 46 - 2 Challney Girls

Year 8

Lealands 50 - 14 Cardinal Newman

Football Results

Year 7 - Girls Football Tournament - 2nd Place

Table Tennis Results

Boys

Basketball Results

Year 7

Lealands 20 - 2 Chalk Hills Academy

Lealands 28 - 8 Icknield

Year 8

Lealands 17 - 20 Chalk Hills Academy

Basketball Results

Year 7

Lealands 4 - 3 All Saints Academy

5-a-side tournament - 4th Place

Year 8

Lealands 3 - 1 Linslade

Year 9

Lealands 9 - 0 Stratton

Football Results

Year 7 and 8 Tournament - 1st Place

Year 7 and 8 County Tournament - 6th Place

Year 9,10 and 11 Tournament - 2nd Place

Table Tennis Results

Year 7 and 8 Tournament - 1st Place Year 7 and 8 Table Tennis County

Tournament - 5th Place

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Sports News ~ Sports CaptainsSports News ~ 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 following students have been nominated by their Tutor Group to be Sports Captains:

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.

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Student VoiceStudent Voice

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

Chairperson

Keisha

Deputy Chair

Ellis

Secretary

Mia

Deputy Secretary

Raphael

Chairperson

Saruna

Deputy Chair

Maria

Secretary

Harmoni

Deputy Secretary

Abdul

Chairperson

Nitin

Deputy Chair

Kacper

Secretary

Holly

Deputy Secretary

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

Charlie

Chairperson

Nevada

Deputy Chair

Kisima

Secretary

Jahmar

Deputy Secretary

Year 11

Shauna

Chairperson

Sophie

Deputy Chair

Natalia

Secretary

Nana

Deputy Secretary

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Student VoiceStudent Voice

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.

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Student VoiceStudent Voice

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

* * *

23

Student VoiceStudent Voice

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

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Student Voice Christmas Toy AppealStudent Voice Christmas Toy Appeal

25

Are You A Former Lealands Student?Are You A Former Lealands 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.

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Great Big Dance OffGreat Big Dance Off

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

Games Maker ConferenceGames Maker Conference

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 Bedfordshire

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.

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Year 7 ScienceYear 7 Science

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!

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‘Griffins Den’ Enterprise Day‘Griffins Den’ Enterprise Day

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 history and overview of a global company which has roots embedded in the local area.

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Young EnterpriseYoung Enterprise

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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Blue PerisBlue Peris

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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Blue PerisBlue Peris

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