Drama: King Lear

This term, pupils in Drama Club have taken part in an immersive and highly creative exploration of Shakespeare’s King Lear. Through drama, movement, sound, and storytelling, pupils engaged with key themes from the play, including trust, honesty, betrayal, forgiveness, and power.

Sessions were carefully structured to be accessible and engaging, using sensory elements such as storm soundscapes, torchlight, props, and performance spaces to bring the story to life. Pupils explored characters through still images, short scripted scenes, monologues, and group discussions, gradually building their understanding of Lear, his daughters, and the consequences of their choices.

As the project developed, pupils were encouraged to make predictions about the story’s ending, investigate clues, and work collaboratively to solve a dramatic “mystery” inspired by the play. The final session culminated in a treasure hunt around the school, where pupils discovered the ending of King Lear step by step before reflecting on its key message: that truth and love matter more than power and flattery.

Maths: Chess In Schools

SMBS has been working with the charity Chess In Schools and Communities (CSC) over the last term, providing a chess intervention in Year 10 maths lessons.

The lessons have enabled the students to develop their chess skills, through learning the names and movements of the pieces, and strategies on how to best defend and attack. The students have really taken to the experience, asking great questions and enthusiastically taking on new challenges.

Art: Exploring Expression Through Edvard Munch

This term, Year 9 students have been delving into the work of Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, with a particular focus on his iconic painting The Scream. As part of their study, students investigated the range of emotions expressed in the artwork, discussing how colour, composition and exaggerated form convey intense feelings such as anxiety, isolation and fear.

Inspired by Munch’s expressive style, students then set out to design, construct and decorate their own Scream-influenced masks. Each piece reflects a personal interpretation of emotion — some bold and dramatic, others subtle and abstract — demonstrating how art can communicate feelings in powerful visual ways.

Through this project, Year 9 have developed both practical making skills and a deeper understanding of emotional storytelling in art. Their masks are vibrant, creative and wonderfully individual, showing just how effectively young artists can reinterpret classic works through their own lens.

Festive Window Art

The Year 11s took up the challenge of decorating their form room windows with festive artwork inspired by Keith Haring’s iconic graffiti art. Students sketched their designs directly onto the glass, giving up their break and lunch times to bring their creations to life. The bold, vibrant designs look fantastic — well done, Year 11!

Ice Skating

Year 8, 9 and 10 pupils went ice skating at Somerset House in November thanks to a generous donation of tickets by City Lions.

On the 17th December we took a train to Somerset House. It took about 8 or 9 stops to get there. When we arrived we watched them cleaning the ice. Then we put our ice skates on. I was so afraid of the ice being slippery and tripping me over that I held onto the bars. I loved the ice skating trip because it was so fun but especially during lunch when another student sat in the baby seat on the swings. It was really funny. I would recommend this trip to others because they would probably find it fun and it could be a cool adventure for them.

By Leo (y9)       

Cinema trips for Into Film

In November, Year 7 and 11 students got to enjoy a free movie at the Cinema thanks to the Into Film Festival which encourages young people to access cinema. Year 7 had an amazing time watching Kensuke's Kingdom and the year 11 enjoyed watching Karate Kid: Legends.                

Pony Centre Trip

Key Stage 3 girls visited the Pony Centre last week.

On Thursday 11th December the girls in year 7, 8 and 9 had a special trip to Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre. When we got there we met the staff there who showed us how to say hi to a pony. You have to be calm and not stand behind the ponies as they can kick.They also showed us how to groom. First you use a curry comb which you move in circles to get the dirt out. Then you finish with the softer brush. We groomed three ponies including Miss Piggy and Mr Darcy. I enjoyed everything about the trip and I enjoyed showing my friends the stables where I volunteer at the weekends.

By Dorothy (y9)

Year 7 Wallace Gallery Art Project

This term, our Year 7 students have been taking part in an exciting Friday afternoon art programme in collaboration with the Wallace Gallery. Throughout the term, they have been exploring the theme of armour, drawing inspiration from historical designs and decorative styles.

Using a range of printing techniques, students have been developing their own ideas and experimenting with pattern, texture and colour. The project culminated in the creation of unique decorative breastplates, each showcasing the students’ imagination and creativity in a striking and individual way.

This experience has allowed students to express themselves artistically, experiment with new approaches, and produce work they can be proud of. We look forward to sharing more of their inspiring creations later in the year. 

Year 11 Leadership Team

Over the past few weeks, our KS4 students have been applying for a variety of prefect roles within the school. We have been extremely impressed by the enthusiasm, confidence, and maturity shown throughout the application process. By putting themselves forward, students demonstrated courage and a clear commitment to contributing positively to school life, the community and acting as role models for younger pupils.

Prefect roles include positions such as Year 7 Monitor Prefect, Sports Prefect, Library Prefect, and other leadership responsibilities that play an important part in supporting our school community. The number of applications highlighted the dedication and thoughtfulness of our students.

We are incredibly proud of all those who applied. Their willingness to take on responsibility and show leadership reflects the strength of our KS4 cohort and the positive culture within our school.

Panathlon Event

A group of 6 students participated in the Panathlon event at the Moberly Leisure Centre. The event consisted of over 8 activities, testing the students' accuracy, finesse, concentration and strength

Despite just losing out on 1st place, the two SMBS teams still managed to finish on the podium, all the while demonstrating excellent sportsmanship and kindness to the other schools. All of those involved said that they had an enjoyable experience, and represented SMBS proudly.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Please take a look at the School's Mental Health Bulletin here to find out more about how pupils' mental health and wellbeing are being supported.

Free access to audio books

We would like to highlight to families these sites where children and young people can access audio books free of charge:

https://www.calibreaudio.org.uk/

https://help.libbyapp.com/en-us/6103.htm
Audio books are available for free but membership of a local library is required.