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Every day at the Academy matters. Even a few days missed can significantly affect your child's education and future. Recent research from the Department for Education shows a clear link between attendance and achievement. Year 11 students with near-perfect attendance are twice as likely to achieve grade 5 in English and Maths GCSE compared to those attending 90-95% of the time. Missing just ten extra days a year can reduce their chances by half. 
Students frequently absent during secondary education could earn around £10,000 less by age 28 compared to those with near-perfect attendance. Every additional missed day between Years 7 to 11 can cost a student approximately £750 in lifetime earnings. As a parent or carer, you play a crucial role. Only keep your child home if they're genuinely too ill. Book medical appointments and holidays outside Academy hours whenever possible. If you have attendance concerns, please talk to us. 
Always inform the Academy before 8:45 am if your child is absent. We may follow up on voicemail messages, request medical evidence for frequent absences, and will contact you daily if we haven't heard from you. If we can't reach you, we may use emergency contacts or visit your home. Continued attendance issues may lead to support meetings, referrals to external agencies, or involvement from the Local Authority. – Mrs Ruby A Magical Journey through HistoryLast week, our Year 10 History students were learning about the belief of witches and the supernatural with Mr Davies. 
The students explored a wide a range of historical sources and texts, and were tasked to produce a newspaper article detailing how and why the belief in witchcraft was so strong in the 16th and 17th centuries. 
Year 10 have really enjoyed learning about this topic and the complexities of life during the Early Modern Period. A big thank you to young historians Billy, Charlotte, Archie, and Lexi for showcasing their excellent work! – Mr Davies 
Excellent Team Spirit at Mercian Trust Netball TournamentLast Tuesday, we took a team of Year 7 and Year 8 girls to compete in the first Mercian Trust Netball Tournament, hosted by Q3 Academy Langley. The standard was amazing, with club and county players from Queen Mary's and Q3 Academy Langley. This was a fantastic opportunity for our less experienced players to challenge themselves and grow. We managed to hold defensive play and get some shots past, but did not win. 
The final match was against Q3 Academy Tipton, and this was a more even match. The girls were true assets to the team and outstanding ambassadors for the Academy. Netball club has now finished for the year, but keep an eye open after Easter for Year 7, 8, and 9 Rounders Club! – Mrs Ward 
Bringing Scripts to Life!Our Year 7 students have been diving into the world of theatre in their weekly drama lessons, exploring how to take a script from page to stage. Recently, they have been working with extracts from Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, using their characterisation skills and a range of dramatic techniques to bring the magical world to life. 
Throughout the year, students have developed their confidence in both scripted and improvisational drama. They have experimented with physical theatre, soundscapes, and other performance strategies to create dynamic and engaging scenes. By stepping into characters different from themselves, they have expanded their creativity and performance skills. 
We are incredibly proud of the progress Year 7 students have made, and we look forward to seeing their performances continue to grow! – Mrs Karim 
Students Embrace Post-Mocks Growth in MathsWhile our students are understandably exhausted after an intensive few weeks of assessments and mock exams, they recognise that it is a crucial time for reflection, adjustment, and re-engagement with the learning process. Assessments are a valuable learning tool to develop students' knowledge and skills. 
As our Year 11 and 13 students settle back into their lessons, we've been helping them regain focus, identify areas of improvement, and approach upcoming topics with a renewed energy and confidence. Our Year 11 students will be spending time revisiting the topics that caused the most trouble by working through additional practice problems and examples. 
To help students re-engage with their studies, we have incorporated a variety of resources and strategies. Students have enjoyed working together to solve problems, share ideas, and explore multiple solutions. Working in groups has enabled students to see a variety of problem-solving techniques, broadening their perspectives, within a safe environment to share ideas without fear of judgment. – Mr Machin 
WMCA Brings Career Insights to Year 11 StudentsYear 11 students enjoyed a presentation from the Events and Stakeholders Team at the West Midlands Combined Authority. They shared not only their career pathways, but also the local labour market information, including details about who the WMCA are and how they support projects to boost the local economy, such as public transport, building homes, and creating jobs. – Mrs Meredith 
Years 8 and 10 Dive into Naval Science AdventuresWe were thrilled to welcome the Royal Navy back to take over science again! This time, they had sessions with Years 8 and 10. This gave our students an insight into the life of a naval officer and careers. Year 8 also explored engineering and created helicopters. The students enjoyed the lessons and showed particular interest through their questions. How many countries have you visited? Over 40! 
Year 10 students explored careers and learned that the Royal Navy is like all forces rolled into one as they are on the land, under the land, and over the sea. It was fascinating to learn that all naval personnel are trained to be firefighters, and we were heart-warmed to hear about the humanitarian aid during a typhoon that our visiting officer had been involved in. We were also excited to learn about the opportunities available if you play sport or are a musician, as you compete and travel. – Mrs Meredith 
Year 9 Mental Health WorkshopsThe Ethos Team recently facilitated workshops on the topic of mental health. Students watched a dramatised scenario about a woman who was impacted by internal struggles that caused her issues engaging with her family. The second part of the workshop further explored the scenario and how she overcame by getting support. The team also offered signposting to various organisations. – Ms Anderson 
Year 9 Boys Triumph in Sandwell Cup ClashYear 9 put on a fantastic performance in the latest round of the Sandwell Cup, securing a well-deserved 3-0 victory against Bristnall Hall Academy. From the first whistle, the team showed great determination and teamwork, dominating possession and creating several chances early on. 
The first goal came early in the first half, thanks to a well-placed shot from Freddie. Two more goals followed during the duration of the game. The second goal came from William and the third goal was fantastic – Ezra scored from a free kick from 30 yards out. The defence remained solid throughout, ensuring a clean sheet and giving the opposition few opportunities. 
This result sees Year 9 progress further in the competition. The team should be proud of their efforts and the way they represented the Academy. We look forward to seeing how far they can go in the tournament. – Mr Hennings 
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