The Lister Bi-Weekly Update #7

We will be working hard all week, and appreciate the support of families in keeping our expectations high.

On Friday 19th December, pupils should please arrive from 8.30am for an 8.45am start. There will be no before school activities that day. Pupils will have lessons as usual, and each year group will have an achievement assembly. There will be a staggered departure as follows:

Year 7 – Main Gate, 11.30am

Year 8 – North Gate, 11.30am

Year 9 – Main Gate, 11.40am

Year 10 – North Gate, 11.40am

Year 11 – Main Gate, 11.50am

Pupils in receipt of free school meals will collect a sandwich lunch on their way out.

Pupils who need to wait for siblings may do so in the Library

We wish you all a happy and peaceful holiday.

Our cheer team had a great day at the Schools Competition at ExCel. They won a Gold award and achieved Grand Champion because they got an excellent point score. 'It was amazing as always' said Massiel (year 9)

'I loved it, especially when Olivia did the stunt where she fell forward into the squad's arms' said Hollie (Year 7)

Ms Coke and our coach, Ayana are so proud of Lister Elite. We look forward to watching their progress this year.

If your child would like to join the squad, see Ms Coke. We meet after school every Thursday.

What a fantastic atmosphere we had in the assembly hall last week! Our annual Year 11 Progression Fair was a resounding success, filled with energy, ambition, and meaningful conversations about the future.

It was wonderful to see so many of our Year 11 students engaging with representatives from across Newham Colleges. With many providers in attendance, including top-tier sixth forms, colleges, and apprenticeship providers, the "pathway possibilities" were truly endless. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly seeing so many Lister Alumni representing their current colleges and workplaces. It was a proud moment for staff to see former students standing behind the stalls, now as confident young professionals and high-achieving scholars. Many of our alumni shared how happy they were to be back in the building: "It feels so good to be back at Lister!"

The feedback from visitors was overwhelmingly positive. Representatives from colleges across London commented on how inquisitive, polite, and well-prepared our students were. Whether they were asking about entry requirements for Medicine or the specifics of a Creative Media BTEC, Lister students proved they are ready to take on the world.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to all the providers who attended. Their presentations at these events makes a significant difference in helping our students make informed decisions about their next steps.

A quick reminder to all families that the Year 11 Parents’ Evening is taking place tomorrow. This is a pivotal event in the academic calendar as we head toward the final exam season.

Event Details

• Date: Tomorrow

• Start Time: 3:30 PM

• Focus: Mock Exam Results & Progress Planning

Mock Exam Results

During the evening, Year 11 students will be given their results from the recent mock exams. We treat this as a "Results Day" experience to provide students with a clear picture of their current progress.

These results are invaluable data points. They are not just grades, but a "map" that highlights:

• Strengths: Which topics your child has mastered.

• Gaps: Specific areas or exam techniques that need more focus.

Meeting with Teachers

We strongly encourage you to check in with all of your child’s subject teachers. These conversations are the best way to determine:

1. How your child can bridge the gap between their mock result and their target grade.

2. Specific revision resources or strategies tailored to each subject.

3. Tips for managing exam time and pressure effectively.

Your support at home, combined with the feedback from tomorrow’s sessions, will be the key to your child's success this summer. We look forward to seeing you there!

We are thrilled to share details about the upcoming Newham Community Learning (NCL) Trust Debate, an inspiring event that brings together students from across our family of schools to celebrate the power of voice and logic.

As a Trust, we believe that "oracy"—the ability to articulate ideas and speak fluently—is a vital life skill. This event showcases that commitment across both our secondary and primary phases.

Secondary Schools: The Debate Mate Challenge

Our secondary students will be competing in a high-energy tournament following the prestigious Debate Mate format. This is a fast-paced, "parliamentary-style" structure that requires students to think on their feet.

• The Format: Each debate consists of two teams (Proposition and Opposition). Students must deliver structured speeches, handle "Points of Information" (interjections from the other side), and provide rebuttals to their opponents' arguments in real-time.

• The Skills: Beyond just winning an argument, our students are judged on their Style (how they speak), Content (the evidence they use), and Strategy (how they structure their case).

Primary Schools: Skill-Building Workshops

While the older students compete, our primary school partners from across the NCL Trust will be taking part in a series of Debating Workshops. These sessions are designed to introduce younger pupils to the world of public speaking in a fun, supportive environment.

Lister Leadership: We are especially proud that these workshops will be led by our own Lister students.

Our experienced debaters will be acting as mentors, teaching the primary pupils how to:

• Construct a logical argument.

• Use persuasive body language and vocal tone.

• Listen critically to others and respond with respect.

International law firm Pinsent Masons has joined up with ELBA to host a debating tournament for children from economically deprived areas around London. A number of Pinsent Masons’ clients participated in the event including BP, Zurich, Bouygues, ISG and Costain.

Eight schools from Newham and Waltham Forest each submitted a team to compete in the competition, which took place at Pinsent Masons international headquarters in London on Friday 5th December.

The teams debated one of several motions on issues that affect young people and the Lister team was excellent in their particular round. Although the team did not make it to the final debate, their skill and quality was recognised by the judging panel who said that they would have been worthy finalists. Overall it was a wonderful experience for the year 10 students who attended and at the Lister news desk, we would like to thank Ms Sivadasan for all of her efforts in coaching the team.

Dear Parents and Carers,

We will be putting all of the lost property into the agora during the next few days until the end of term. We appreciate how expensive school uniforms can be and it is a good opportunity for students to check for any items which have been misplaced. Please encourage your child to check for misplaced items - the items will be gathered in clear sections - for example, coats and jackets will be kept in one place and shoes/trainers/footwear in another.

We’re pleased to share that Newham’s Holiday Activities & Food (HAF) Programme is back this Christmas, offering all school aged children and young people, who are in receipt of FSM, a warm, welcoming place to enjoy a hot, nutritious meal and take part in an exciting range of activities across the school holidays.

With clubs running across the borough, children and young people can access sports, arts, trips, enrichment sessions and more –-all at no cost. Many of the providers are rooted in local communities and offer supportive, inclusive environments that help children and young people stay active, connected and well over the break.

The picture you can see here is taken from one of the 28 listings available from the HAF programme.

Make a booking for the Christmas HAF Programme >

We’re excited to share the December Workshop Programme at Time for Young People Newham!

This month, they're offering a dynamic mix of creative, educational, and wellbeing-focused workshops designed for young people aged 8 to 25. Whether it's building new skills, making friends, or simply having fun in a safe and welcoming space — there’s something for everyone!

The workshops aim to:

• Boost confidence
• Build resilience
• Spark creativity
• Encourage connection
• Support mental wellbeing

Please see the attached flyer for more information

The Best Start in Life Parent Hub is now live, replacing the Childcare Choices website.

The website provides a clear and accessible way for parents to understand what support they may be eligible for both now and in the future and when they need to apply. Parents can explore the site here >

This updated platform now serves as the main source of information on early education and childcare support. It offers families a wider range of guidance and resources, including:

• Eligibility for childcare offers
• Information about free breakfast clubs and Best Start Family Hubs in their local area
• Support for families from pregnancy through to starting school and beyond

The Thought for the Week this week is focused on slavery. Please discuss the thought with your child who will be looking at the thought in assembly and discussing the idea with peers and the year team.