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We have a busy and exciting end of term, with Sports Day on Friday and Rewards Days on Monday and Tuesday next week. In this last newsletter of the year, we celebrate our award-winning music department as well as inspiring outdoor learning opportunities in history and geography. Also check out our Summer Recipe Book at the end. It's been a wonderfully successful year, highlighted by the glowing Ofsted report we received in the autumn, and we can't wait to build on this success in the future. We wish all students, families, and staff a restful and enjoyable summer break. Sports Day and Rewards DaysThis Friday, all students should arrive in Q3 Academy Great Barr Sports Kit. The correct branded items must be worn as usual. We strongly encourage everyone to bring a water bottle and sunscreen, and to take hay fever medication in the morning if needed. We're looking forward to a great day of competition! Please also ensure that you have read all the information about Rewards Days which take place next week. Take particular note of the departure times, and please avoid parking in the drop-off zone as this space is needed for coaches. Start of Year ArrangementsThe first day of term for students moving into Years 7, 11, and 12 will be Tuesday 5th September. For all other year groups, the first day is Wednesday 6th September. Students should arrive at 8:45am as usual, immaculately dressed and fully equipped for the term ahead. You can see more information about term dates on our website. Jazz Legacy Inspires Q3 Academy's Budding Musicians!Q3 Academy Great Barr welcomed the internationally renowned traditional jazz band, Jazz Legacy, for a morning of performances, learning, and collaboration! 
Jazz Legacy captivated the audience with their soulful set, transporting everyone back in time as they performed Blues, Spirituals, and Swing. Students particularly enjoyed Jazz Legacy's emotional rendition of 'St James Infirmary' originally written over 100 years ago! The band raced to Q3 Academy Great Barr following a gig in Manchester as part of their tour of the UK. 
During the performance, some of our confident young musicians joined the band for some amazing performances. Sharni and Malachi gave an amazing performance of 'Amazing Grace'! 
Archie and Jack joined the band and showcased their improvisation skills as part of a traditional 12 bar blues. 
The students had a great time exploring the early years of jazz through the capable guidance of Jazz Legacy. 
Finally the day of performances was capped off with the presentation of the John Thomson Secondary Music Department of the Year Award for which Q3 Academy Great Barr is the inaugural winner. Well done to all of the music staff, music students, and all colleagues across the Academy who have supported the Music Department! – Mr Sassons 
Kenilworth Castle Capers!Last week, groups of budding historians from Year 10 enjoyed a visit to Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire as part of their GCSE studies. 
The students engaged brilliantly with the visit, despite the unseasonably inclement weather. These photos don't reflect how much rain there was! 
Students learned about how the site has evolved across the centuries – from medieval fortress, to Tudor love token, to romantic ruin. 
Although much of the castle is now ruined, there is so much evidence of how its former occupants lived and what they cared about. – Mr Mills 
The Wonders of Geography: Bringing the World to our DoorstepIn geography, we sat in our very own Q3 Academy Great Barr gardens, practising our field sketch skills. We took some time to reflect and discuss the many global concepts we have explored throughout the year. 
Starting off reflecting on our first topic of the year, Contrasting World, we discovered the polarised world of Kenya, with the Maasai Mara tribe and the natural Savannahs bordered by built-up cities such as Nairobi. We discussed the polarised landscape right in front of us, as we stood in our very own peaceful gardens overlooking an extremely busy M6. 
During our second topic of Natural World, we discovered the global importance of deserts and tropical rainforest ecosystems. Our very own mini ecosystem, the pond, offers us a unique opportunity to observe and learn from nature up close! We listened to the grasshoppers and chirping birds, and pond-dipped to find some of the aquatic creatures which call our pond home. This enabled us to discuss how important our mini ecosystem at Q3 Academy Great Barr is to the surrounding environment. 
Our student Alex remarked that "geography this year has taught me how appreciate our environment, and we should do our best to protect and preserve our wildlife". 
This term we have been exploring the disparities in development around the world. We compared the level of development in the UK to that of contrasting countries. This enabled us to reflect on how the UK's level of development impacts our own lives. It was a great opportunity to sit and discuss how the wider world concepts we have explored in the classroom are all relatable to our own lives. – Miss Perkins 
Try These Summer Recipes!I have created a summer recipe book that includes a selection of quick and easy recipes which require minimal ingredients. If you would like to create some of the dishes, it would be lovely to see photos! If possible, please email these to me. – Miss Robotham Upcoming Events
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