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Prom was a fantastic celebration for Year 11 students, giving everyone an opportunity to relax after examinations and reflect back on their five years of learning and growth at Q3 Academy Great Barr. In this newsletter, we also share exciting updates from a recent Summer Arts Festival, virtual reality cadet training, monoprinting in art lessons, fable-writing with our upcoming Year 7 students, an incredible residential visit, and teamwork development with the Royal Navy. Prom 2023What an amazing way to celebrate 5 wonderful years of this excellent year group. 
On Friday 30th June 2023, 160 Year 11 students arrived at Bescott Stadium, Walsall in their finery. 
Students looked amazing and it was clear a lot of time and effort had been put into preparations for the evening (staff included!) 
Students danced, took photographs, and celebrated their time at Q3 Academy Great Barr in such a mature and respectful way, and had a lot of fun whilst doing it! 
We are going to miss this amazing year group and look forward to seeing you all again on Thursday 24th August at Results Day. 
Have a safe, well-earned, restful summer break. For the students leaving Q3 Academy Great Barr, we wish you all the best in your future endeavours. For the students returning in September for Sixth Form, your first day will be Tuesday 5th September 2023 at 8:45am. 
You can see our full photo album here. Year 11... it's been a blast! – Mrs Ward 
A Musical Extravaganza at Little Rascals Summer Arts FestivalOn a wonderfully warm Saturday, the sun was shining as students from Key Stages 3 and 4 performed at Little Rascals Nursery as part of their Summer Arts Festival. The students performed a broad selection of music spanning genres such as Pop, Classical, Rock, and Film Music. The Music Department is exceedingly proud of our young performers especially those for whom this was their first live performance. – Mr Sassons 
Virtual Reality Takes Cadet Training To New HeightsCadets from our CCF contingent have been using flight simulators to help supplement their flying training in a year where real flying has been limited due to a combination of poor weather and technical difficulties with the aircraft. 
Two of the flight simulators accurately replicate the Grob Tutor training aircraft and the area surrounding RAF Cosford, so they can learn the effects of controls on the aircraft and practise navigation and flying aerobatic manoeuvres. Soon the systems will be linked together, allowing cadets to fly in formation with each other and practise communicating between them and with Air Traffic Control. 
The third simulator features state of the art virtual reality and can replicate a number of modern-day jets including the Hawk T1a, Harrier GR8, and the Eurofighter Typhoon, as well as historic fighters such as the Spitfire and Mustang; flying them in realistic combat missions to test their skill and nerve. Cadets and staff are currently working to build a replica Eurofighter cockpit with functioning panels and switches to further enhance the realistic experience. – Mr Burlace 
Insect Art: Year 9s Master MonoprintingYear 9 have been completing a woodland project and over recent weeks have been looking at the different ways of depicting insects. This week they have experimented with a new technique called monoprinting. 
Monoprinting is a technique where ink is rolled onto a surface and used to create a one-off image. 
Monoprinting is a form of printmaking where the image can only be made once, unlike most printmaking which allows for multiple originals. 
Year 9 eagerly embraced the challenge of mastering monoprinting with excitement and determination. They produced some really interesting outcomes and were very proud to share their work. 
Students worked hard to perfect this new technique, and reviewed and refined their practice until successful. 
We are proud to showcase these photos in the newsletter, demonstrating students' fantastic work. – Miss Jeanneret 
A Fable-ous Day at the AcademyLast week, we had the pleasure of meeting our new Year 7 students on Transition Day, and we explored fables. 
The students delved into the fascinating world of fables, uncovering their purposes, historical origins, and the timeless messages they convey. 
Students were then given the moral 'Always tell the truth' and had the chance to write their own fables! – Miss Russell 
Mission Accomplished: Students Become Super Spies!On Monday 3rd July, we took 13 students to YHA Castleton Losehill Hall for two nights. All students joined in activities to the best of their abilities and developed key skills including teamwork, resilience, and social skills. 
Students dived into thrilling challenges including archery, orienteering, and missile making, and honed their survival skills through shelter building and fire lighting – all essential skills for a super spy! The students thoroughly enjoyed lighting and maintaining their own fires, and toasting marshmallows was definitely the highlight. 
The trip formed part of our Life Skills intervention curriculum where we aim to prepare students for adulthood. Students developed their independence by making their own lunch upon arrival, baking, cleaning the kitchen, making their beds, changing bed sheets, developing time management skills, and embedding good hygiene routines. Students also took part in various team challenges which got very competitive! 
Students enjoyed a walk to the local visitors' centre, seeing numerous animals along the way whilst enjoying the picturesque views of the peak district. We are incredibly proud of all students for passing their secret missions and becoming super spies! You can see our full photo album here. – Miss Reardon-Allen 
Year 8 Students Tackle Royal Navy ChallengesSome of our Year 8 classes had the opportunity to take part in activities such as "Gutter Ball" and "Skis" with the Royal Navy recently. Students worked in teams to overcome leadership challenges. 
Students said that they found the lesson to be fun, and although it was initially challenging they enjoyed the new experience. 
It was lovely to see our students gaining confidence, developing leadership skills, and learning to communicate and work as a team while problem-solving to beat these challenges. Thanks to the Royal Navy for their continued support. – Mrs Meredith 
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