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Secondary Parents' Bulletin 23.01.26


Head of Secondary's Message


Last week, we were proud to host the Leicester City Heads’ meeting at Avanti Fields. This provided an opportunity for school leaders from across the city to visit our school and see learning in action. They were extremely impressed by our students, in particular, how confidently and thoughtfully they articulated their learning and ideas during learning walks. Visitors also commented positively on how clearly our ethos and values were visible both inside and outside the classroom. 

Our Year 11 students have now had an assembly focused on the upcoming February mock examinations, which will take place from Monday 2nd February to Friday 13th February. The mock exams timetable has been shared with students. Please encourage your child to use the effective revision strategies discussed in assembly and reinforced by teachers in lessons. It is essential that Year 11 students arrive in school no later than 08:10 in full uniform during the mock period so they are ready for a prompt start to morning mock registration, as we must adhere to JCQ examination regulations. 

A reminder that our Year 8 Virtual Parents’ Evening will take place on Thursday 29th February from 14:00 - 19:00. On this day, all Secondary students will finish early at 12:50. Remote learning for periods 5 and 6 will be uploaded to Microsoft Teams for students to complete and submit. 

Our Year 9 Options Evening will take place on Thursday 12th February, 16:30 - 18:00. This event provides an important opportunity for students and parents to meet with curriculum leaders and subject teachers to discuss Key Stage 4 subject choices and pathways. Further details about the evening will be shared with Year 9 parents via email next week. 

Thank you for your continued support. 

 

Warm regards

Ms N Kholia 


Calendar Updates 

  • Wednesday 28th January: Y9 & Y10 Intermediate Maths Challenge  

  • Thursday 29th January: Y8 Parents Consultation Evening Secondary (Early finish for all Secondary students at 12:50) Remote work will be uploaded on Teams tiles for periods 5 and 6 for students to complete.

  • Thursday 29th January: GCSE exam certificate final collection (14:30 – 17:30) 

  • Friday 30th January: KS4 Health Fair  

  • Monday 2nd February - Friday 13th February: Y11 PIP2 Mock examinations

  • Thursday 12th February: Y9 Options evening (16:30 - 18:00)  

  • Friday 13th February: School INSET day. School closed to students (ONLY Y11 GCSE Art students required to attend).

Department / Students Updates


UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge 

On Wednesday 28th January, 43 students from years 9 to 11 will be taking part in this year's UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge. It is a great opportunity for students to showcase their love of curiosity and problem solving.



Year 8 Ceramics 


Year 8 Art students are all making Clay Thumb pots (inspired by Contemporary artists who’s inspiration comes from Underwater) in their Art lessons this week and next. Ask students about what they have created and maybe watch The Great Pottery throwdown on Sunday evening on Channel 4 to find out more about working with clay. 

 

Art Mock Exam: Friday 13th February 09:00 – 15:00

All GCSE Art students will be completing their 5-hours Art mock Exam on Friday 13th February. This mock exam is part of the students’ exam project and will also prepare students for the 10-hour exam that will take place over 2 days in March (23rd and 27th March).


  

GCSE Food and Nutrition Practical  Exam

The GCSE students will be completing their 3-hour NEA2  exam on 27th January and 28th January.

The assessment will last for  3 hours. Students are advised to bring a small snack (ethos friendly only) for break time.

The NEA2 exam is worth 35% of the overall GCSE grade, therefore attendance is compulsory.

 Students sitting the NEA2 exam on Tuesday 27th January must arrive at school by 08:05. The assessment will begin at 08:20.

 Students sitting the exam on Wednesday 28th January must arrive at school by 08:45. The assessment will begin at 09:00.


Please note that separate emails have been sent to the relevant parents regarding the above assessments.


Year 10 and 11 ‘Macbeth’ Production


On Thursday 22nd January, the Avanti Fields English Department proudly hosted live performances of Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ for our Year 10 and Year 11 students by the Dickens Theatre Company. This unforgettable experience brought the GCSE text to life, transforming the classroom page into a dynamic, immersive theatrical world.

 

Students had the rare opportunity to witness professional stagecraft up close, experiencing the tension, atmosphere and dramatic power of Shakespeare’s work exactly as it was meant to be seen. The performances not only deepened their understanding of key themes and characters but also boosted their confidence and enthusiasm as they prepare for their GCSE examinations.

 

It was an inspiring day that showcased our commitment to enriching learning through memorable, high‑quality experiences. A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful PTFA for generously funding this invaluable experience and for their continued dedication to championing the Arts within our school community.

 


Year 11 Health Fair: Friday 30th January 

We are pleased to share with you that we have some external agencies holding a Health Fair for our Year 11 students on Friday 30th January.  Students will have access to talk to professionals from the School Nursing team, Mental Health Support, Turning Point and Young Carers.   We will also be extending the offer to any parents who may wish to visit in the main hall from 15.45 - 16.15. These agencies can offer a range of advice and signposting for both students and families. 


  

Berberine Patches and other supplements available online


Young people have access to the internet in the palm of their hands and whilst this is an amazing tool, however, it also has many dangers.  Something that is trending currently are appetite suppressants.  These are often marketed by famous celebrities and appear on Facebook and Tik Tok algorithms. 

These products are not always safe and are not recommended for people under the age of 18.

Please talk with your children and encourage open conversation around body image and healthy lifestyle choices.  


Exam Stress Pop-Up stand

 

This initiative was very well received by students earlier in the week, with many engaging positively and expressing appreciation for the support provided during a particularly stressful period. Students found the resources and conversations helpful, reassuring, and timely, and the overall atmosphere was calm and supportive.

 

Thank you to Mrs Martin for facilitating and supporting this initiative. Enabling initiatives like this make a meaningful difference to student wellbeing, and its success reflects the value of prioritising mental health during exam periods. NHS Wellbeing team



CyberFirst Trailblazer Event

The next CyberFirst Trailblazers event for Year 8 is happening on Saturday 7th February 2026.  

This free half day event is designed to showcase the varied opportunities that can be achieved through the understanding of how technology is used in the workplace. This is the second in a series of CyberFirst events which will start each student on the exciting path of considering which GCSE’s they will take and how Computer Science can play a key role in future career prospects. Sessions will be delivered alongside a DMU open day, so the whole family can enjoy the day.


The session aims to acheive the following learning outcomes:

  • Develop an understanding of how technology is used in the workplace

  • Identify how Computer Science can play a key role in future career prospects, not just within programming and coding

  • Consider Computer Science as a subject at GCSE

  • Demonstrate Computer Science at University


Please click on the link below for further information:

 

Parents and Carers resources for Spring Term

Please see link below to register for the live parents and carers webinars and access resources:


Bitesize video link

'Bitesize' 15-minute videos about common mental health difficulties in adolescence: anxiety and low mood.


Leicester Open Exhibition at New Walk Museum

There is still time to see a selection of our student work on display at New Walk Museum until 30th January. Congratulations to our students in Year 10 and 11 whose work was selected for display.

 

LOROS Charity: Valentines Day Sweet sale 

A Super Sweet Sale ahead of Valentines Day will take place in 0.131 (Mrs Winter’s art room) at break times on Mondays and Tuesdays from 26th January until Valentine’s Day.  

Candy Kittens Vegan sweet packets will be on sale for £3 each. Treat yourself or a special person to a packet of gourmet sweets!  

Anonymous delivery to a person of your choice with a message of love or friendship will cost an extra £1. All money will go to LOROS as part of our fundraising for the charity following the painting of our LOROS elephant. 


PTFA Events


‘Macbeth’ Production


The PTFA arranged a performance of Macbeth at school yesterday. This production links directly to the English GCSE curriculum and gave students a valuable opportunity to visually engage with Shakespeare’s play, helping them to better understand the story, characters, and themes.

 

Thanks to the funds raised by the PTFA, we were able to invest £3,000 in this performance. This is exactly how we aim to use PTFA funds - supporting activities that directly benefit students’ learning and outcomes.

 

We would love your continued support at future PTFA events, so that we can keep arranging enriching experiences like this for our students, especially as they prepare for their GCSEs.

H Tejura

PTFA Chair


Maestros of Music Concert



🎶 Dev Joshi Live in Concert – A Musical Tribute 

Date: Saturday  7th February

Following previously sold-out concerts throughout the UK, Dev Joshi brings to you an unforgettable live performance.

Dev and his talented musicians will re-imagine and celebrate the timeless music of the Maestros - Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Mehdi Hassan, Mohd Rafi, and Jagjit Singh.

Featuring a stellar line-up of musicians, each artist brings their mastery to create a journey unlike anything you’ve heard before. Prepare for a night of hypnotic melodies, soul-stirring rhythms, and unforgettable energy.


PTFA Presents: A Gujarati Comedy Natak



“Wife Happy Toh Life Happy” 😂

PTFA is proud to bring you another hilarious Gujarati comedy natak that will have you laughing from start to finish!

 5-star reviews in India Performed by a talented cast travelling from India. A fun, family-friendly play with a meaningful message

Date:  28th February 2026 Time: 7:30 PM prompt start

 

External Community Events


Supporting a child with ADHD

For further information please click the link below:




Monthly Parent Coffee and Advice Mornings

On the 1st Thursday of each month, Zinthiya Trust hold a free coffee morning at the Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre.  Each month there will be a range of advice groups available to help with support on things such as welfare rights, crime, mental health, housing, and much more.   The coffee mornings run between 10am and 12pm and start on Thursday 5th February.


 Coffee Mornings by Zinthya



 
 
 

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