Punctuality is a crucial habit that creates a positive first impression and sets students up for success. When students arrive at the Academy and their lessons on time, they demonstrate that they are ready to learn, respectful of other people's time, and responsible for their own timekeeping and organisation. In a community of over 1200 people, punctuality plays a vital role in the smooth running of the day.
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On Time, Every Time!

Punctuality is a crucial habit that creates a positive first impression and sets students up for success. When students arrive at the Academy and their lessons on time, they demonstrate that they are ready to learn, respectful of other people's time, and responsible for their own timekeeping and organisation. In a community of over 1200 people, punctuality plays a vital role in the smooth running of the day.

Three students in uniform outdoors, one holding a clock

We greatly appreciate your ongoing support in encouraging your child to leave home promptly each morning. A consistent morning routine not only helps students develop good time management skills but also reduces stress and sets a positive tone for the day ahead. By reinforcing the importance of punctuality at home and in the Academy, we will equip students with a lifelong skill.

Students in school uniforms holding a large clock outdoors

Efficiency Experts: Business in Action!

This week, Year 11 students have been applying their subject knowledge to consider how we can maximise efficiency at the Academy. They have explored the ways that businesses can improve their operational processes in order to become more efficient. 11R/Bn1 can be seen here demonstrating their understanding and coming up with their own ideas!

Miss Nicklin and 11R/Bn1 showcasing their ideas

Students have also been hard at work with the mock exam season. They have been actively participating in recall and revision activities that will set them on the path to success.

Jody revising for his mock exams

In order to be prepared for their upcoming mocks and GCSEs in the summer, students are given the opportunity to respond to feedback on practice exam questions. Here we can see Taran responding to his feedback and making continual improvement on his exam-style responses. – Mr Richards

Tarandeep responding to feedback on his deliberate practice!

Celebrating Curiosity: British Science Week

We are delighted to share the highlights of our recent celebration of British Science Week. This year's theme, Change and Adapt, inspired a series of engaging and educational activities throughout the week. Our students enthusiastically participated in assemblies, hands-on science experiments, and special lessons focused on adaptation. The high level of participation during demonstrations, activities, and experiments was truly remarkable.

Miss Bloomfield and a student conducting a science experiment with methane bubbles

On Thursday, during the first and second breaks, our students had the opportunity to witness a demonstration of a combustion reaction. This experiment, held in the Design Centre, showcased the burning of ethanol, a type of fossil fuel. During the combustion process, ethanol reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water, releasing energy in the form of heat and light. The demonstration was a fantastic way for students to observe the principles of chemical reaction.

Mr Stephenson performing a combustion reaction: Burning ethanol

After hours, 30 enthusiastic students gathered to watch Miss Smith perform a fascinating dissection of a cow's heart and lungs. This hands-on demonstration provided a unique opportunity for students to explore the anatomy and functions of these vital organs up close. Miss Smith expertly guided the students through the dissection, explaining each part and its role in the circulatory and respiratory systems. Students were also given the chance to take a closer look and handle the specimens.

Miss Smith and a Year 9 student dissecting a cow's heart

Students have been busy at home, crafting bath bombs and designing waste-free crisp packages, as well as creating posters. It's not too late to submit your entry! Please check Teams for more details. The last day to submit your entry is Friday and winners will be announced the following week. If any parents or carers would like to get involved next year, please contact me. You could assist with experiments, investigations, or even presenting in assemblies about careers in science. – Mrs L Schwald-Samuel

A Year 7 student's bath bombs which he made at home

Year 10 GCSE Music: Live Performances and Inspiration

This week, our Year 10 musicians travelled with Mrs Schwald-Samuel and Mr Sassons to the University of Birmingham for a VIP tour and an impressive Lunch Time Concert which featured music from our Area of Study 2: Concerto Through Time.

Year 10 students and a teacher standing in a hall with stained glass windows

The students began their visit with a tour of the Music Department, exploring its vast instrument stores, state-of-the-art practice rooms, advanced recording studios, and stunning performance spaces.

Year 10 students standing next to a University Music banner

During their tour of the Great Hall, students observed the Baroque and Classical architectural features, noting how the ornamentation, balance, and detail reflected the musical characteristics of these contrasting periods.

Students and a teacher in a concert hall near a large organ

On the tour, Yves performed Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven on one of the rehearsal grand pianos! Students enjoyed the tour and the opportunity to see and hear many orchestral instruments such as a full set of orchestral percussion including marimba, timpani, and much more.

A student playing the piano in a music room

Prior to the concert, the students all walked through the exclusive performers' areas and onto stage through the performers' door. Mr Sassons and the GCSE Music students in Year 10 would like to thank Mrs Schwald-Samuel for all of her amazing support on the day, as well as Eoin, Jo, and Celia at the University of Birmingham for making the bespoke day so enriching. – Mr Sassons


Honouring Ramadan as an Academy Community

Ramadan is considered the holiest month for Muslims. It is a time for fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, refraining from eating and drinking. Ramadan is not just a time of fasting but an opportunity for spiritual growth, community, and acts of charity, all of which strengthen both individual and societal faith.

A lovely group of boys observing Ramadan and praying in school! Well done

Many of our students have been observing Ramadan for several weeks now. They have shown incredible resilience – for some, completing mock exams while fully participating in Academy life. Soon we will be marking the end of Ramadan with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr! – Miss Khanam


Mr Machin asking all the right questions with Zog!

Mr Machin hosted Zog in the Maths department this week, following his excellent display of questioning skills. Where will he go on his travels next? – Mr Mills

A teacher with a toy dragon on their head, sitting in an office

Upcoming Events

  • 10-21 Mar - Year 11 and 13 Mock Exams
  • 31 Mar - Year 7 Parent Consultation Evening (Online)
  • 10 Apr - Term ends at 12:45pm for all students
  • 11 Apr - Staff Training Day (Academy closed to students)
  • 11-15 Apr - Year 8 Paris Trip
  • 12-27 Apr - Easter Holidays
  • 28 Apr - Year 10 Parent Consultation Evening (Online)
  • 1 May - Junior Maths Challenge
  • 5 May - Bank Holiday
  • 13 May - Year 8 HPV Immunisation
  • 16 May - Year 13 Summer Leavers' Event
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