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We've enjoyed welcoming everyone back to the Academy this week, and hope you all had a lovely half term. In the run-up to Year 11 and 13 mock exams, it's been great to hear so many students telling us about their immersion in revision as they endeavour to perform at their best. We really appreciate the support of parents and carers in instilling a strong work ethic and creating a purposeful environment to study at home. 
If you have a child in Year 11 or 13, please encourage them to study for their mocks just like they will for their real exams. We've provided free revision guides in most subjects, and students should also make use of online platforms like Sparx and Seneca, flashcards, and practice exam papers. If, similar to many students in this age group, your child struggles with self-motivation, then strong parental routines, boundaries, and high expectations are invaluable. 
Unraveling Creativity: Join Our Knitting and Crochet ClubKnitting and Crochet Club has officially restarted for this academic year. We warmly welcome back our returning students and are equally excited to welcome new members who have joined us. The club is a fantastic opportunity for students to learn new skills, express their creativity, and work together on a variety of projects. 
Whether you are an experienced knitter or completely new to these crafts, there is something for everyone. In addition to knitting scarves and learning crochet techniques, students also have the chance to explore cross-stitch sewing, providing a wide range of activities to suit different interests. 
This term, some of our returning members are working on an exciting latching project, where they will create their very own handmade handbags. We can't wait to see the amazing finished projects they create. – Mrs Noakes 
Unleashing Creativity at Craft ClubThe Ethos Team has continued to run Craft Club this year. This is held in Room 135 on Mondays. Students of all ages are attending the club and there are a variety of things to make and create that they can take away with them. Students, if you are interested or would like more information, please speak to me. We would love to see you there! – Ms Anderson 
Chill and Play at the Ethos Drop-InThe Ethos Team run a Drop-In Club every day during different lunchtime slots. For details about which day is for your Year Group, look on the Ethos board or on the door to Room 135. Please remember to get your Ethos Pass from reception. It is a space to chill, eat your lunch, and play games. – Ms Anderson 
Aston University Inspires Year 10 with Future PathwaysWe are thankful to Aston University for introducing our Year 10 students to Higher Education. The highlights of their presentation were the benefits of HE, choosing a university course, and the importance of GCSEs. With exams approaching in the near future, this truly sparked students' curiosity and imagination. Our students were amazed to hear there are over 60,000 courses to choose from, and how university could lead to increased earning and improved career prospects. – Mrs Meredith 
Year 10 Triumphs in Torrential RainThe Year 10 boys commenced their football season with an impressive 3-1 victory over Phoenix Academy. Despite battling through torrential rain, the team secured a well-deserved win in their first match of the year. We dominated from the outset, consistently challenging the Phoenix defense. However, breaking the deadlock proved challenging. 
The first goal emerged from an excellent sequence of play down the right wing, culminating in Alfie effortlessly slotting the ball into the net. Around the 20-minute mark, Charlie extended the lead with a superb strike from outside the box, beyond the reach of the outstretched Phoenix goalkeeper. The team continued to press their advantage and, in the second half, Dylan rose highest from a corner to powerfully head in our third goal. 
A late surge from Phoenix Academy prevented us from securing a clean sheet. Nonetheless, it was an excellent start to the campaign, promising much from this talented team. – Mr Hard 
Culinary Adventures with the Royal MarinesYear 10 students enjoyed a different experience cooking with The Royal Marines! The session kicked off with a bang as students eagerly listened to and observed the exciting food demonstration. This not only highlighted the nutrition in food such as chicken, vegetables, and spinach, but also encouraged students to start thinking of their career paths and how what they do now will affect their future. 
Showing that they listened carefully to the instructions, students prepared healthy ingredients, chopping with precision. 
They cooked their creations and were encouraged to taste and enjoy them afterwards. The students said it was a really good session and they made chicken wraps, of course! One student exclaimed "I don't usually like mushrooms but I am excited to try"! 
The Royal Marines showed off their uniform and kit and the students enjoyed trying it on, although were surprised at the weight of the backpack and helmet. – Mrs Meredith 
Preparing for The FutureOn Monday 21st October, a group of Year 10 and Year 11 students went to Walsall College. The visit was designed to support students in their transition to post-16 education, helping them explore their options and gain valuable insights into life at college. During the trip, students had the opportunity to explore the college environment, ask questions about courses they had researched during their life skills interventions, and develop their communication skills. 
They also worked on essential life skills such as planning the visit, considering what they needed to bring, and how we would travel there. Additionally, students practised key road safety skills and gained experience using public transport. Overall, the visit was a great success, and we are proud of how our students engaged with the experience. They demonstrated maturity and enthusiasm, and we are confident that this trip has helped them feel more prepared for their next steps after Year 11. – Miss Reardon-Allen 
Netball Stars Compete in TournamentOn recent Wednesdays, we brought two teams, one Year 7 and one Year 8, to play in a big tournament with nine other academies hosted by Q3 Academy Langley. 
In the Year 8 tournament, unfortunately it started to rain so we went indoors which resulted in fewer games. Standout moments were from the Q3 Academy Great Barr solid defense, which was so difficult for all teams to get past. In every game the girls played well and represented the Academy brilliantly with their excellent conduct. 
The Year 7 tournament was fine to be outside and we finished 7th overall. The level of play was brilliant but despite our best efforts, scoring proved challenging, resulting in us not going further ahead in the tournament. 
Netball club is on Thursdays after hours and we welcome any new Year 7 and Year 8 members. We have lots more competitions ahead so come along and give netball a go! – Mrs Ward 
Connect with Sandwell ParentLineIf you would like confidential support or advice from a Sandwell Nurse on the topics of behaviour, toileting, diet and healthy lifestyles, or general and physical health, then you can text Sandwell ParentLine on 07312 263756. Vaccination UK: Your Role in eConsentThis week we welcomed Vaccination UK to the Academy to deliver flu immunisations to students in Years 7-11 as part of the NHS winter programme. When these are offered, we send the eConsent links to parents/carers on behalf of Vaccination UK ahead of their visit. An increasing number of parents/carers are not completing the eConsent forms to either accept or reject the immunisation, which causes significant disruption as it means the nurses need to speak with each child to determine their ability to give their own consent. To ensure that parent/carer wishes are respected and to minimise the disruption to learning, please ensure that in future the eConsent form is completed promptly in advance (we recommend completing it as soon as you receive it). We are unable to respond to any enquiries relating to vaccinations and immunisations as an Academy. We are simply the venue in this process. Therefore, please see FAQs and contact details here for Sandwell's team for any queries or questions that you may have. Mrs Karim scoops ZAFTA win!Mrs Karim encouraged Zog's inner thespian this week as she hosted him in Drama in recognition of her excellent teaching practice. Tune in next time to see where Zog spent half term! – Mr Mills 
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