Please ensure that you have the ClassCharts Parent App installed on your mobile device, or save a bookmark to the ClassCharts website on your computer. If you don't yet have an account, contact us and we will send you the code to get set up. We recommend regularly looking at the app with your child to praise them for their Q-Points and discuss any negative points or detentions accrued.
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Q3 Academy Great Barr Logo

Encourage Positive Behaviour with the ClassCharts App

Please ensure that you have the ClassCharts Parent App installed on your mobile device, or save a bookmark to the ClassCharts website on your computer. If you don't yet have an account, contact us and we will send you the code to get set up. We recommend regularly looking at the app with your child to praise them for their Q-Points and discuss any negative points or detentions accrued.

Class Charts behaviour score breakdown pie chart

Your child's pie chart should always be predominantly green. As an Academy, we issue far more positive points than negatives. Remember that in order to attend the Rewards Trips at the end of the year, students must have an overall positive balance.


Safety First: Why We Closed Yesterday

Thank you for your understanding during yesterday's closure and today's delayed start. We always seek to remain open where possible, even in inclement weather. However, yesterday a number of teachers had left early for work and were nonetheless unable to get in due to unsafe road conditions in their areas. We would not have been able to safely supervise students, and so we made the difficult decision to close. We are pleased to have been able to reopen today.

Academy sign with a snowy backdrop

We hope to open at the usual times for the rest of the week. If this situation changes, we will contact you by text message. On Thursday and Friday, students may continue to wear sturdy footwear instead of their usual shoes, and we advise everyone to bring warm clothing for their journeys to and from the Academy.

Playground covered in snow

Explore New Opportunities at Our Sixth Form Open Event!

Join us for our Sixth Form Open Event on Thursday 28th November from 6pm to 7:45pm. Learn about our exciting re-launch and discover our new post-16 pathways. This is a fantastic opportunity to hear directly from our students, explore A-Level subject stands, and tour our Sixth Form study room. Take advantage of this opportunity to see what makes GB6th unique and how we can help you achieve your academic goals!

Our Sixth Form Open Event 23/24

We are delighted to announce the appointment of our new Sixth Form Senior Prefects, Thomas Howl and Navneet Dhillon. These outstanding students have been selected for their leadership qualities, dedication, and commitment to our Academy community. Navneet and Thomas will be easily identifiable around the Academy by their distinctive yellow pin badges. We encourage all students to approach them with any questions or concerns they may have. – Mr Crawford

Our new Sixth Form Senior Prefects!

Unbeaten Year 9 Football Stars

The Year 9 football team have had an outstanding start to this academic year, remaining unbeaten and showcasing their talent and teamwork in every match. Their impressive performances have led to a string of excellent results, with the team consistently demonstrating determination and skill on the pitch.

Two students in school uniforms standing side by side

Since joining the Year 9 football team, Jack has quickly made a name for himself as a key player. Although he wasn't part of the original squad when it formed in Year 7, his impact this academic year has been undeniable. Jack's hard work and dedication have earned him a vital role in the team, and his contributions on the pitch have been instrumental in their unbeaten run. His energy, skill, and positive attitude has strengthened the team massively.

Student in school uniform smiling

Bobby has truly stepped up for the Year 9 football team this year, excelling in his role as goalkeeper. His shot-stopping ability has been nothing short of fantastic, with several crucial saves helping to maintain the team's unbeaten record. However, what sets Bobby apart is his exceptional outfield experience, which allows him to play confidently with the ball at his feet. His passing range from the back has been a key asset, enabling the team to build play from defence. – Mr Hennings

A student in a school uniform smiling

Students Discover Voting Methods

Year 12 students engaged in learning about several different voting systems in their politics lessons this week. They explored how alternative methods of voting can give us wholly different outcomes when we go to the ballot box.

Students writing in notebooks during a lesson

The students learned about methods such as First Past The Post, Supplementary Voting, Additional Member Systems, and finally Single Transferable Vote.

Student placing paper in a ballot box

Out of all the systems they studied (and voted on), Supplementary Voting came out on top. This is where voters get to choose their two preferred candidates. A winner is announced once a candidate reaches a 50% majority of either choice 1 or 2. The students believe this was the fairest outcome as at least those who vote have voted for an overall winner. Thank you to the Year 12 Politics class who have been working incredibly hard since the beginning of the year, keep it up! – Mr Davies

Students and a teacher with ballot boxes in a classroom

Year 10 Tackle Tough Ethical Questions

In GCSE Religious Studies, students are required to study four ethical units. This term we have been learning about Crime and Punishment, ending the unit debating whether the death penalty is an effective and moral form of punishment. Students studied case studies of serious crimes which have resulted in the death penalty. They completed knowledge acquisition tasks to understand contrasting arguments.

Students learnt about countries which still use the death penalty as a form of punishment

Studying RS at GCSE gives students the tools to build a well-structured, evaluative argument. They put their reasoned arguments into a whole-class debate. Various issues surrounding the use of the death penalty were intelligently and thoughtfully argued by the group. They explored the issues of the expense of the death penalty in the USA and the moral dilemma of punishing the crime of taking a life by the state taking the perpetrator's life.

Students presented their informed argument in a debate style task

Students' bookwork is beautifully presented, detailed, and competed with pride. Their books will be an invaluable revision aid when they finish the course in Year 11. Well done Year 10 – you should be very proud of the fantastic work you have completed this term! – Ms Colley

Beautifully presented and detailed GCSE work

Join the Adventure with Our Christmas Production

Our drama and music students from Year 7 through to the Sixth Form have been working tirelessly since September to bring a festive, fun-filled production of Treasure Island to the stage. They are ready to dazzle audiences with their hard work, talent, and passion for the performing arts. Mark your calendars for two public performances on Tuesday 10th December and Wednesday 11th December at 6pm!

Students in costume for Christmas Panto rehearsals

Students have dedicated themselves to creating a truly memorable show, filled with lively comedic acting, skilful dance routines, and the rich sounds of a live band all set to transport you to the adventurous world of Treasure Island. This production has been a collaborative effort from students across all year groups, with everyone putting in remarkable commitment, energy, and enthusiasm.

Teacher and student playing saxophones

In addition to our evening performances, our cast will also present a special matinée on Monday 9th December for local primary school audiences. This outreach performance is a wonderful opportunity for our students to spread holiday cheer, showcase their talents, and inspire younger students with the magic of theatre.

Two students in colourful costumes holding inflatable palm trees

Tickets will go on sale through ParentPay starting on Monday 25th November. We look forward to welcoming you to an unforgettable evening that will bring us all into the holiday spirit. – Mrs Karim

Students playing musical instruments in a rehearsal

Dissecting Miss Smith's ZAFTA win!

Miss Smith hosted Zog for the week, following the recognition she received for her wonderful teaching in Year 7 Science. Stay tuned to find out where Zog goes next! – Mr Mills

A teacher holding a dragon toy stands in front of a trophy display case

Upcoming Events

  • 11-22 Nov - Year 11 and 13 Mock Exams
  • 25 Nov - Shrewsbury Prison Trip
  • 28 Nov - Sixth Form Open Evening
  • 29 Nov - Year 7 Jack and the Beanstalk Trip
  • 5 Dec - Year 9 Party (5-7pm)
  • 9 Dec - Sixth Form Parent Consultation Evening (Online)
  • 10-11 Dec - Treasure Island Pantomime
  • 13 Dec - Term ends at 12:45pm for all students
  • 14 Dec-5 Jan - Christmas Holidays
  • 6 Jan - Staff Training Day (Academy closed to students)
  • 13 Jan - Year 11 Parent Consultation Evening (Online)
  • 20-31 Jan - Year 12 Mock Exams
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