Summer Term Highlights 2023 Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust

Our Section 10 Open Event for Coseley Technology Primary was a resounding success in May. The event, hosted at Coseley Cricket Club, served as a platform for community members and prospective families to learn more about our exciting plans for our new primary school, and have their questions answered by members of the Trust.

We were delighted to see so many people attend our event, and would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who attended and showed their interest and support. We look forward to serving the community and working closely alongside them to grow Coseley Technology Primary.

We look forward to be welcoming the primary school to the Trust family, prospective families and or first cohort of students in September 2024.

It has been another busy term for the Trust Enrichment Team with a whole range of inspiring activities taking place at our schools.

Families Attend Women in Business Empowerment Event

As part of our weekly Passport to Success family offer, parents had the opportunity to attend the prestigious Women in Business Empowerment Event at the Hyatt Regency in Birmingham.

Parents received a complimentary ticket to the gathering, with the feedback being resoundingly positive. The event provided a unique platform for attendees to exchange ideas, experiences and expand their professional networks. Families commented on what a wonderful experience it was and how much confidence and inspiration it has given them.

At our Trust, we strongly believe in providing opportunities that go beyond traditional education, with our Passport to Success programme being just one example of our commitment to personal development. By connecting families with opportunities and events such as the Women in Business Empowerment, we aim to inspire, empower and equip families with the tools to not only empower themselves, but also their children, both for now and the future.

As we continue to strive for excellence in education and family engagement, we look forward to offering more opportunities that foster personal and professional growth.

9 Es Excellence Plan Workshops

Our 9 Es Excellence Plan, delivered through Passport to Success, has been generating excellent attendance and interest levels from parents and families at our Trust schools. The plan includes tailored, holistic workshops around personal development, positive growth, and mindset, empowering families to support their children's education while also promoting their own growth. Workshops are currently hosted in our primary schools at the following times:

Monday: Holyhead Primary Academy, 9.00 - 10.00am

Tuesday: Tameside Primary Academy, 9.00 - 10.00am Shireland Technology Primary School, 2.00 - 3.00pm

Our workshops for Lightwoods Primary Academy and Wallbrook Primary Academy are currently hosted online, with weekly online workshops also available to all of our schools on Tuesday evenings 7:00-8:00pm.

For more information or to sign up for Passport to Success, visit our website: https://www.shirelandcat.org.uk/support-for-families/passport-to-success/

This past term at Holyhead has been nothing short of exhilarating, with pupils across all our year groups engaging in a wide array of immersive experiences.

Sports Day brought out the true sportsmanship in our young athletes in Early Years and Key Stage One. Congratulations to all our champions and well done to everyone for participating, what a fabulous day!

In celebration of Father's Day, pupils invited their dads to school for a heart-warming event. It was a special occasion filled with appreciation and dedicated time to showcase the deep bond shared between the children and their fathers. Precious memories were created, leaving everyone with an abundance of joy and gratitude.

Exploring the great outdoors took centre stage for year 3 and 4 during their immersive forest school sessions. From climbing trees to building shelters, playing outdoor games and letting their imaginations soar, pupils embraced the wonders of nature. The highlight was when year 4 embraced their inner Vikings, delving into activities such as pottery-making, wool-spinning, and captivating storytelling around a campfire.

Year 2 embarked on an amazing creative project titled 'The Planets' in collaboration with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO). Guided by artist and educator Benny Simp, our students collaborated with world-class musicians to compose their own music inspired by their planet-themed artworks. Some of CBSO's musicians even paid them a surprise visit, helping the children refine their instrumental skills for a special performance.

We have been buzzing with excitement this term as our pupils have been actively engaged in a wide range of activities this term!

During our Environment Week, pupils embraced sustainability and environmental awareness through various hands-on activities. They created an impressive 'eco area,' crafted beautiful planters, experimented with natural dyes for bunting, planted seeds, and took recycling to new heights. Year 5 also showcased their creative thinking by devising innovative solutions to environmental challenges, such as footballs dispersing seeds during play. Their ingenuity and potential as future designers, scientists, and inventors were truly amazing and their enthusiasm for looking after the environment truly inspiring.

In June, we introduced the Little Book Club, a fantastic project made possible by the generous support of the National Literacy Trust. The club's opening week was a resounding success, with parents and children cherishing the special moments spent reading together. And of course, the addition of chocolate biscuits made the experience even more delightful!

In celebration of His Majesty's Coronation, we organized a delightful picnic that was initially postponed due to rain but eventually enjoyed under the warm sunshine.

Year 4 embarked on an educational visit to Tamworth Castle, where they delved into the world of the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings through an engaging archaeological workshop. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly their re-enactment of different battle tactics, which fuelled their curiosity and deepened their understanding of history.

We have embarked on some incredible learning journeys this term, filled with exploration, cultural immersion, and acts of kindness within our community.

In Year One, our young explorers have ventured into the enchanting wonders of Brazil using our interactive globes. They've delved into the Amazonian Rainforest, discovering its diverse wildlife and the incredible animals that call it home. They also embraced the vibrant spirit of Rio de Janeiro's colourful carnivals, trying their hand at carnival dancing and bringing its essence to life here at STP.

In our exploration of animals through the "Creepy Crawlies" and "Brilliant Bodies" themes, we were thrilled to welcome the animal lady who brought a range of fascinating creatures for our children to observe and learn from. From fox cubs to snakes, the children had the opportunity to engage closely with these animals, leaving a lasting impression on their young minds.

Our Key Stage Two and nursery pupils embarked on a visit to Thimblemill Library, where they discovered the wealth of resources and immersed themselves in the limitless world of books and literature. They learned how to navigate different sections of the library, locate books of interest, and received their own class library cards to borrow books that they could enjoy at school. The librarians were very impressed with their exemplary behaviour and engagement.

During our coronation celebrations, pupils demonstrated remarkable kindness by helping transform the living spaces at Fountain Court Care Home with their own crafted pictures and bunting, bringing joy to the residents. They also participated in planting seeds and litter-picking activities in our bid to help support and care for our environment.

We are thrilled to announce the wonderful success of our fundraising event, which raised an impressive £856 for Libby Mae's Little Angels! This small, family-run neonatal charity plays a vital role in supporting new-borns in need of specialist intensive care across eighteen neonatal units in the Midlands.

The funds raised will contribute to the charity's essential work, including the renovation of accommodation rooms that provide a comforting; welcoming environment for families staying at the hospital during their baby's treatment. We are proud to have made a meaningful impact on this inspirational cause.

The fundraising event featured a range of engaging activities such as raffles, a sponsored non-uniform day and Connect 4 tournament for both staff and pupils. The competition reached its climax during a lively whole school assembly, where the Connect 4 finalists battled it out for the title of School Champion. The final amount of £856 was announced with much excitement and gratitude.

This achievement showcases our strong sense of community at Tameside, where we prioritize close partnerships with families and the wider community. Our caring and inclusive atmosphere extends beyond the school walls, demonstrating our commitment to commendable causes and events. It is a testament to the dedication, compassion, and collective effort of our school community.

It is also reflective of the school's continuing success after having recently an Ofsted judgement of good with outstanding features.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in making this fundraising event a resounding success. Together, we have made a significant difference in the lives of new-borns and their families, exemplifying the spirit of compassion and community that defines Tameside.

We had a fantastic Pyjamarama Day in June here at Wallbrook, and we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the families who generously supported the Book Trust charity. It was a delightful day filled with sharing favourite books, highlighting the importance of literacy, and emphasizing the benefits of reading at home for children's development.

We introduced a new role to our Pupil Leadership Team: school librarian, and were thrilled to receive over 100 applications for the position! Selecting from such a talented pool of candidates was no easy task. We extend our thanks to all our pupils who applied and offer our congratulations to the newly appointed school librarians. We have no doubt that they will excel in their roles and make Wallbrook proud!

Our year 5 pupils had an unforgettable experience visiting the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, where they immersed themselves in the captivating world of theatre and opera. The children's impeccable behaviour, unwavering enthusiasm, and active engagement were a true joy to witness, and we are immensely proud of each and every one of them.

Our Debate Mate team have done us proud at the West Midlands Secondary Core Debate Competition, securing an impressive 2nd place! This achievement places them among the top 50% of participating schools and has earned them a well-deserved spot in the prestigious National Novice Core. We are immensely proud of our students' accomplishments and eagerly await their continued success as they embark on the next phase of the competition. Their dedication and skill have positioned them as strong contenders for the title of UDL National Champions 2023 at the upcoming Urban League Finals.

In another remarkable achievement, one of our year 8 teams won the 'People's Choice Award' at the Apps for Good 2023 Showcase. Their innovative app, 'Sanitary', designed from scratch, addresses the critical issue of period poverty and aims to improve access to essential products and resources for young women and girls across the UK. Not only have they created an empowering app, but they have also worked towards breaking down barriers and social stigmas associated with this important topic. Congratulations to both of our inspiring teams for their remarkable contributions.

We also say goodbye to our year 11 students with a heart-warming leavers assembly and a special shirt signing ceremony. As a parting gift, we have also revamped the basketball backboard in the playground with the winning design by Sakiou from our recent competition, along with signatures from the team. This will serve as a lasting tribute, commemorating their time at Shireland and the impact they have made on our school community. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours and look forward to hearing about their continued success.

It has been an extraordinary term for our students at Thorns, filled with remarkable achievements and inspiring moments that have left us bursting with pride as a school community.

Incredible feats of athleticism were witnessed as Zach embarked on a 40-mile cycling challenge, raising a staggering £400 for the incredible charity Canine Partners. This organization provides life-changing support to individuals by pairing them with assistance dogs. Meanwhile, Ari has secured a prestigious two-year scholarship with Sheffield Wednesday FC, paving the way for an exciting future in football. Ruby showcased her exceptional swimming skills at the West Midlands Long Course Regional Swimming Championships. Her outstanding performance has earned her a place in the City of Cardiff International Open Meet, bringing her one step closer to her dream of representing England at the Olympics.

Our talented dancers also took the stage by storm this term. Olivier's team achieved an impressive second place at the World Championships held in Ireland, showcasing their artistry and skill, with Flo's remarkable talent earned her an invitation to perform at His Majesty's Theatre in London.

Beyond sports and the arts, students demonstrated their commitment to community well-being. Six of our Key Stage Three students joined the EKHO Collective, a local initiative dedicated to enhancing community outcomes through the Five Ways of Wellbeing. They created a therapeutic outdoor environment at the Hawbush Community Garden site, and engaged in activities including campfire cooking, planting, and constructing various structures for bird feeders, climbing frames, and ground posts. Their efforts have made a positive impact on the local community, and we commend their dedication to making a difference. 

Inspiration took centre stage as we welcomed guest speaker Stephen Seki to our school. Stephen shared his awe-inspiring journey from poverty to a flourishing career, imparting valuable lessons on gratitude, hard work, and resilience. His message resonated deeply with our students as he guided them on the path to overcoming failure, striving for personal growth, and unlocking the five key ingredients for a bright and successful life. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Stephen Seki for his visit and for igniting a sense of limitless potential within our students.

Our students have left us bursting with pride yet again this term, as they showcase their talents and achieve some very impressive milestones across a variety of fields.

Year 9 students Miracle, Garry, and Isaac were selected as finalists for the prestigious Poetry By Heart's 2023 Grand Finale. They represented their school at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London where they performed their mixed media rendition of John Agard's "Checking Out Me History."Our finalists were awarded with an exclusive tour of the world renowned Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, and had the opportunity to witness performances by professional poets. This included a presentation of William Shakespeare's "A Comedy of Errors".

Meanwhile, the Scholars Programme provided a platform for students to delve into the world of higher education. Through university-style lectures and interactive seminars, students gained valuable insights and a taste of degree-level studies as they explored Middle Leadership in the Business Sector followed by an essay writing challenge. Students proudly received their certificates of completion in a special graduation ceremony at Warwick University.

Year 8 students Tanaya, Winni, Callan, and Shibana also shone brightly at the Apps for Good 2023 Showcase Finals with their app "Never Forget," which secured the "Judge's Favourite Award." This remarkable achievement builds on the success of the previous year, where our students won both the "Community Champions" and "Judge's Favourite" categories with their app, A-Z Safety.

Year 8 students Tanaya, Winni, Callan, and Shibana also shone brightly at the Apps for Good 2023 Showcase Finals. Their app, aptly named "Never Forget," secured the "Judge's Favourite Award." This remarkable achievement builds on the success of the previous year, where our students won both the "Community Champions" and "Judge's Favourite" categories with their app, A-Z Safety.

"Never Forget" was designed to support caregivers and patients facing Alzheimer's, dementia, and mental health challenges while providing a supportive community platform. The app's mission to bridge the information gap and offer the right level of support aligns with the pressing need to assist the estimated 994,000 individuals living with dementia in the UK, as highlighted by Alzheimer's Research UK.

This term has certainly been a special one for us here at Shireland Biomedical UTC, where we have partnered with Birmingham City University (BCU) to transform healthcare training in West Bromwich.

Students will have regular opportunities to visit BCU's City South campus, known for its advanced simulation facilities and extensive training of healthcare professionals, including access to exceptional additional training facilities and expert academic guidance. The partnership also offers work experience opportunities and special lectures from BCU's renowned experts.

The partnership also involves representatives from BCU joining Shireland Biomedical UTC's board of governors to ensure a comprehensive educational experience for our future healthcare, education, and social care professionals.

To mark the beginning of our partnership, our year 12 students had the opportunity to visit BCU's Faculty of Health, Education, and Life Sciences. During their visit, they engaged in practical workshops and lectures, broadening their horizons and informing their career choices.

Birmingham City University (BCU) and Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust are united by a shared commitment to excellence in education. Together, through our partnership, we strive to empower our students and nurture the potential of our aspiring future healthcare professionals.

In other news, our very own science technician, Rebecca Platt-Harper, has achieved a significant milestone in her sporting career., where she has been selected to join England's Women's Senior Squad in dodgeball, and will be competing at the highest professional level. Rebecca will be proudly representing her country in one of the fastest-growing sports.

The selection process for the 17-member dodgeball team was highly competitive, requiring Rebecca to face off against some of the nation's top players. After rigorous trials, fitness tests, including playing against the previous year's European Championship team, she received the exciting news of her selection for the Women's Senior Squad.

Reflecting on the challenges encountered during the selection process, Rebecca emphasized the intense competition among the best of the best and the mental and physical barriers she had to overcome. Her determination, coupled with exceptional dodging skills, propelled her success on the court.

Rebecca's dodgeball journey began over three years ago with the Leamington Spartans, leaders in the Women's Super League. Her long-cherished dream of representing her country in a major sporting event has now become a reality, inspiring students and staff at Shireland Biomedical UTC alike. Congratulations!

This summer, we welcomed Minister for Arts and Heritage, Lord Parkinson, for an exclusive tour of the Academy and its tailored facilities as building work and preparations continue in the run up to the school’s opening in September.

The Minister met with representatives from Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) and staff from the school. Conversations centred on the Academy’s unique partnership with the CBSO, and its commitment to achieving academic and musical excellence through an innovative and comprehensive music-based curriculum.

The Academy offers a unique approach to education for young people across Sandwell and the wider West Midlands. It will deliver a high-quality education that follows the successful framework of Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust schools, combined with expert guidance from the CBSO and a number of other partners.

George Faux, Director of Secondary Education at Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust and Principal of West Bromwich Collegiate Academy, said: “Shireland CBSO Academy promises to be a pioneering partnership between an outstanding Trust, a world class orchestra and the free schools programme. It will provide opportunities to students who may have found these difficult to reach without this type of ground-breaking institution.

“This school has the potential to provide a pathway for students to the very top of Britain’s outstanding Arts sector. As a Trust, we are incredibly proud to be a part of this journey and instil a love of music and the arts that students can carry with them for a lifetime.”

The Trust’s commitment to the arts is recognisable in its schools across the Black Country, which incorporate and promote cultural activities and events as part of their curriculum delivery.

David Green, Principal Designate of Shireland CBSO Academy, said; “We are excited to be opening in September and look forward to welcoming our first cohort of students.

“We are confident that they will achieve great things here at the Academy and are excited to be a part of their journey.”

Our children have been enjoying their new, exciting theme of 'Animal Magic' here at First Steps. The nursery has been abuzz with a range of engaging activities and experiences that have brought the world of animals to life for our young learners, captivating and sparking their curiosity about the animal kingdom.

We had some special furry visitors, ranging from dogs and birds, where the children got to engage in some joyful interactions and foster their love for animals and had fun creating their own mini zoo, farm and underwater settings. We have also been fostering our connection with nature by taking regular walks around the school and local community, with a special focus on bird spotting.

Our Babies and Toddlers embarked on a memorable trip to Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park, where they could observe and learn about a variety of fascinating wildlife species up close, sparking their interest in conservation and the natural world.

The Pre School children had an equally memorable day at the Thinktank Museum in Birmingham, where they delighted in exploring the animal exhibits which showcased the wonders of science and technology.

In July we hosted our Pre-School Graduation, where we celebrated our children's growth and achievements during their time with us here at First Steps as they prepare for their new adventures at primary school. It is very mixed emotions as we bid farewell to our children, who will be missed by everyone at nursery. We wish them all the very best for their futures and every happiness in their journeys.