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This week at the Academy, we had our Leavers Assembly for Year 11 – what a lovely and memorable occasion! Our Year 10 students are preparing for their Work Experience placements next week, following their recent mock exams. Well done to all the students who worked hard and prepared for their assessments. In addition, we visit the Nature Club and English Club, and hear how well a cohort of our Year 9 students did on their recent trip to The Hawthorns. Lastly, as we reach the end of the academic year, there is a reminder of what students need to be eligible to take part in the Rewards Days trips they've booked. We encourage students to work hard as to continue to earn Q-Points! Celebrating Our Year 11 StudentsAs the academic year draws to a close for Year 11, we find ourselves on the cusp of a significant milestone: the Year 11 Leavers' Assembly. This cherished tradition marks a poignant moment in the lives of our students, as they prepare to transition from the familiar corridors of the Academy to the broader horizons of their futures. The assembly is not merely a farewell, but a celebration of their journey, growth, and achievements over the past five years. 
The atmosphere in the Performance Theatre was fantastic, filled with a mixture of excitement, nostalgia, and a touch of apprehension. Staff from throughout the Academy gathered to honour the accomplishments of our Year 11 students, who have shown remarkable resilience and determination, particularly in the face of the challenges posed by the global pandemic. 
The assembly began with a heartfelt headteacher's speech reflecting on the unique journey of this cohort. Mr Arnull spoke of their collective spirit, their adaptability, and their unwavering commitment to their studies and personal development. 
As the service progressed, we were treated to a performance from our staff band, led by none other than Head of Year 11, Miss Baines! This performance was followed by speeches from both students and staff, each offering their own perspective on the past five years, and a look ahead to what is to come next. 
As the assembly drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of pride and accomplishment in the air. The students, dressed in their celebration shirts, gathered for photographs and shirt signing with their friends and teachers, capturing memories that will be cherished for years to come. 
As we bid farewell to our Year 11 students, we do so with a sense of optimism and hope. The assembly has reminded us all of the incredible potential that lies within each of our students. We are confident that they will go on to achieve great things, guided by the knowledge, skills, and values they have acquired during their time with us. 
To the parents and carers, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your unwavering support. Together, we have nurtured a generation of young people who are ready to make their mark on the world! 
You can see our full photo album here. – Mr McDowell 
Spring into gardening in Nature Club!This spring has been exceptionally productive and educational. Students have rolled up their sleeves and have been getting stuck in with gardening. Students have dedicated themselves to the hands-on experience of gardening, and litter picking around the Academy. 
Students have been working hard this spring, sowing seeds in the greenhouse. They have been learning about the various types of seeds, including tomatoes, lettuces, corn, spring onions, and even sunflowers, and learning about the optimal times of the year for planting them. This hands-on experience has been both educational and enjoyable for the students. They have taken great pleasure in watching the seeds sprout and grow. 
Once the seedlings were strong enough, the students eagerly transplanted them into the outside flower beds, transforming these spaces into vegetable patches. This project has not only enhanced their understanding but also instilled a sense of accomplishment, and pride in their efforts. – Mrs Leadbeater 
English ClubOur English Club was established to provide extra support for students across Years 7 and 8, involving varied reading and writing activities to fill any gaps in knowledge and skills across the term. Invited students have been really engaged with the sessions, reading excerpts from The Maze Runner and A Series of Unfortunate Events, and watching the short films Road's End and The Facts in the Case of Mr Hollow to inspire some descriptive and creative writing. 
Attendees across the term have included: John, Fallon, Jay, Nicholas, Daisy, Jake, and Ibrahim. They have produced some great work inspired by what we have read and watched, as well as getting involved in discussions to enhance their speaking and listening skills. 
It's been great to listen to and read their work, which always shows intelligence, perception, creativity, and maturity. They have also conducted themselves with courtesy and thoughtfulness, respecting each others' contributions and building on ideas and opinions. Well done to all those who have attended and I hope it has been valuable and enjoyable! – E Banks 
Year 9 Shine at SHAPE EventLast Wednesday, the Year 9 Student Voice Representatives visited West Bromwich Albion's football ground for a SHAPE Event. SHAPE is an initiative that focuses on staying safe, being healthy, enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution, and economic wellbeing and is aimed towards young people within Sandwell. During the day, the Year 9 representatives were able to engage in four different workshops that varied from Transport Safety to Revision and Exam Tips. 
The students engaged enthusiastically in a Budgeting workshop, which encouraged them to understand the importance and logistics of budgeting not only for the future, but for right now. They were able to offer brilliant suggestions of choosing to go for store-branded items as well as using deals and discounts to their advantage in order to save money. 
A special treat to conclude an enlightening and engaging day saw the students being able to sit in the stands, and take in the awe of the football pitch before heading back to the Academy. – Mr McGeough 
Year 10 Work Experience is here!Next week our Year 10 students will be out of the Academy and experiencing the world of work. This initiative is designed to provide our students with a valuable opportunity to experience the world of work, gain new skills, and develop a better understanding of potential career paths. While this is an exciting time for our students, we understand that it can also be a bit nerve-wracking. We hope that each student will have a rewarding experience and come away with new insights and skills that will benefit them in their future endeavours. Students will be expected to dress appropriately to their position and maintain the timekeeping and attendance confirmed with the employer. If your child is unable to attend for any reason, please ensure that they notify their employer in good time, and that you report their absence to the Academy too through the usual absence line. Students will all have a reference sheet for them to ask to be completed which they can then use when looking for work in the future! 
We are confident that this week will be a beneficial and enriching experience for all of our Year 10 students. We appreciate your support in helping them prepare for this important opportunity. Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us. – Mrs Meredith Miss Hickman celebrates ZAFTA win!Zog spent the week in the English Department following his delight in seeing so much deliberate practice in Miss Hickman's lesson! – Mr Mills 
Rewards Trips – Q-Points ReminderThis is the final stretch for students to achieve Q-Points to ensure that they have a positive Rewards balance in the ClassCharts Student app. They must have a score of 0 or above to take part in the exciting Rewards Days planned! A reminder that all of the important details regarding the Rewards Days trip, including departure and return times can be found by clicking here. Upcoming Events
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