Tomorrow marks the end of GCSE exams for many Year 11 students, and we look forward to celebrating this with a wonderful Leavers' Assembly! Meanwhile Year 10 and 12 mocks are well underway, and students are getting excited for the upcoming Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, Sports Day, and our end-of-year Rewards Trips. Please read to the end for important information about behaviour. Subject spotlight: MusicOur budding young musicians in Key Stage 3 have taken on the massive task of composing their own film music. The results have been amazing and students' ability to control the emotion of a scene through musical accompaniment has been really impressive! Students have been learning the tricks of the trade for composing scores to horror films and Marvel movies. 
Students honed their understanding of the film music conventions first through analysis, then through composing their own music which manipulates the musical elements such as melody, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture, and harmony. Well done to our future film composers; we look forward to hearing your music in the cinemas! - Mr Sassons 
Subject spotlight: Religious StudiesThis term in Year 7 RS we have been studying the significance and meaning of religious festivals. Often, people may focus on some negative aspects of religion but religious festivals are a positive time and they bring communities together. 
This week we have been looking at the importance of light during Diwali. The Year 7s have made their own Rangoli patterns that are used to welcome the Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi, into their homes. - Ms Colley 
Extracurricular spotlight: KS3 Performing Arts ClubPerforming Arts Group is a new extracurricular opportunity founded this academic year. The group meets weekly and focuses on both musical and dramatic performance. In this short space of time we have grown to over 30 members! On Thursday afternoons, students have honed their skills in devising, rehearsal technique, characterisation, confidence, and singing - all while having fun and making new friends! - Miss Baines 
Careers spotlight: Year 12 UCAS ConferenceYesterday, Year 12 went on a visit to the UCAS Discovery UK Tour at the NEC. Each year students, parents/carers, and advisers are invited to visit exhibitions across the country. 
The UCAS event brought together universities, colleges, apprenticeship providers, and employers, giving our students the chance to get an insight into life after A Levels. Students could participate in live application clinics, personal statement workshops, and get expert advice on how to research and choose a pathway that is right for them. 
Students were fantastic and engaged well to make the most of the experience. The Discovery Tour provided a great chance to ask questions about what the future may hold, gather information on universities, and get inspired. 
It was a very busy and informative day enjoyed by all. Students have already started their planning with the Sixth Form team and the information gained at the Tour will further support their journey into and beyond Year 13. - Mrs Noakes 
Supporting your child: Behaviour & SafetyAll of us at Q3 Academy Great Barr are working hard to create a positive, purposeful learning environment and friendly atmosphere for students and staff. Our leaders regularly visit lessons, and we're really proud of the excellent teaching and learning that takes place every day. You will also have seen from our newsletters the richness of our extracurricular offer. Your children are a real credit to the Academy. There are occasions when behaviour doesn't reach our high expectations, and we're committed to tackling these issues. For example, we have had a disappointing number of false fire alarms in recent weeks, and we've had to challenge a small number of students about vaping, mobile phones, and other unacceptable behaviour. Rest assured that these matters are taken very seriously, and we're increasing our supervision and response to maintain a safe environment for all. These are isolated cases, and not representative of the exemplary behaviour and attitudes of students as a whole. To help us maintain high standards, we have recently appointed three wonderful colleagues to form our new Pastoral and Behaviour Support Team, working alongside the Heads of Year and Assistant Heads of Year. Parents and carers, please assist us by reporting any instances of unsafe or irresponsible behaviour to your child's Personal Tutor. The more we know, the more we can support. Upcoming Events
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