Last week featured a brilliant charity concert and a residential visit to St Briavels Castle. We're also proud to share an update on the litter-picking our Year 8s have been doing in the community, and some great work in Computing. We've got more curriculum trips out this week, and can't wait for Sports Day on Friday! In the warm weather, we encourage students to bring a water bottle to the Academy to stay well hydrated throughout the day. Blazers continue to be optional until further notice, and can be left at home. Please read to the end for important information about Sports Day and the upcoming Rewards Days. Subject spotlight: ComputingAs part of their studies, each curriculum area provides regular subject-specific articles for students to read. This week in Computing, Key Stage 3 have been reading an article on 'Smart Contact Lenses', followed up by a discussion on the viability of the technology and the issues around data collection and privacy. There have been some interesting discussions showing how students are aware of the advantages and disadvantages of technology. 
GCSE and A-Level students have recently taken their mocks. Results have been very pleasing with all students improving by at least a full grade from the last assessment, with some improving by several grades. - Mrs Y Smith 
Extracurricular spotlight: Charity ConcertLast Thursday, Q3 Academy Great Barr was filled with a wealth of performers, exceptional talent, and eclectic music for our Acorns Hospice Charity Concert. 
The event brought together three local bands for a mass concert: our very own Func Band led by Mr Sassons, Sandwell Jazz Orchestra led by Mr Smith, and the SIPS Youth Brass Band led by Mr Beer. 
The evening's music ranged from the Func Band's thematic set of 'One Hit Wonders', through to Sandwell Jazz Band's Latin and Jazz infused repertoire, all capped off with the regality and sartorial elegance of SIPS Youth Brass Band whose performance included The Village People, The Mandalorian, and Land of Hope and Glory. 
A massive well done to all involved as audience or band members, for their hard work, great performances, and charitable donations. An extra thank you to Miss Baines, Mr Davis, Mr Gurung, and Mr Arnull for their support on the night! - Mr Sassons 
Extracurricular spotlight: Year 8 Community Litter PickingThis half term the Year 8 tutor teams have been out in the local area, helping to keep Great Barr tidy. We have taken several tutor groups to Red House Park and have gathered lots of rubbish and helped to improve our community. 
The students have been exemplary and have received many lovely comments from the general public. A fantastic effort, well done team. - Mrs Rowe 
Educational visit: St Briavels CastleLast week we took 13 students on a residential visit to St Briavels Castle for two nights. When we arrived at the castle, students practised their skills learnt in Life Skills by making their own lunch in the self-catering kitchen; students also made their own beds when they arrived to their rooms. This was followed by fencing! 
Team games also got very competitive, and in the evening students toasted marshmallows around the fire pit. 
On the second day, students took part in orienteering, bread making, an egg-drop build, and archery. Miss Chamberlain scored a bullseye! 
The students developed their communication and team work to help them succeed. 
Our evening consisted of a medieval banquet where each member of staff chose a student they felt had worked really well in their team throughout the day to sit on the head table. The students dressed up in costumes and enjoyed numerous riddles and stories. Before we departed, we had a tour where the students learnt about the history of St Briavels Castle where King John once stayed. - Miss Reardon-Allen 
Sports Day (15 July)We're looking forward to a great day of competition on Friday, as the tutor groups compete in track and field events for Sports Day. Please help us make this event a success by preparing your child:
Rewards Days (25-27 July)Please encourage your child to check their Rewards Days bookings with their Personal Tutor. You can read full details of all Rewards Days activities. We are unable to make any changes to booked trips at this stage. However, lots of students who initially booked to remain in the Academy have now enquired about attending the free Sandwell Shine a Light Festival; if you wish to provide consent for this, please confirm this by email and include your child's name and tutor group. Upcoming Events
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