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University of Birmingham Christmas Lectures

To celebrate its 125th anniversary, the University of Birmingham hosted a special event. The Year 12 Christmas Lectures showcased six different areas of study through bite-sized lectures, allowing students to experience what university learning is really like, with some sessions featuring a festive twist. Students engaged with a wide range of subjects, from Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences to STEM disciplines.

The day began with a psychology professor examining mental health support on TikTok, followed by a lecture on the ethics of the pop song “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” and another exploring horror in Christmas films, delivered by a Film Studies lecturer. In the afternoon, a physics professor spoke about his research in Antarctica, where his team’s exoplanetary exploration is searching for life on new planets. Students then learned about the role of “superhero” platelets in the blood and the cutting-edge research aiming to prevent heart attacks. The day concluded with a palaeontology professor discussing the discovery of unusual spiky fossils in Morocco, which led his research team to identify the so-called “punk rock dinosaur”.

The event not only gave students a taste of university learning but also highlighted the exciting research that takes place at Russell Group universities.

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Houses of Parliament Visit

Our Sixth Form students with a keen interest in politics had a rare and exciting opportunity to visit the Houses of Parliament. Students walked in the footsteps of hundreds of historical figures, influential politicians, and royalty as they explored the House of Commons and even had the chance to watch the House of Lords debate the Assisted Dying Bill, witnessing history in the making.

Later, students took part in a Snap Election, devising their own policies for newly created political parties. They focused on issues important to them, such as university tuition fees, free school meals, and travel costs to school.

This was a special trip with a highly engaged group of students who are excited to begin exercising their right to vote.

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Year 11 Mock Interviews

Three years ago, we started a new tradition at Barr Beacon School. One of our Year 13 students was observing the Careers Adviser conduct a mock interview with a Year 11 pupil when the student asked if he could have a go himself. Drawing on his recent experience of interviews for university, apprenticeships, and leadership roles within school, his involvement had such a positive impact that we decided to trial this approach on a larger scale.

Now, every year, our Year 13 students who have successfully completed multiple interviews support our Year 11 pupils by offering advice and tips from their own experiences. This is something that the Year 13 students have really enjoyed, as it allows them to give back to the school, and the Year 11 pupils have found it very beneficial.

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Awards Evening 2025

Barr Beacon School hosted its annual Awards Evening 13th November at Sutton Town Hall,  we welcomed parents, carers and staff to celebrate the achievements of our pupils. The evening opened with a  performance from the school choir, who performed followed by a solo performance from Miley, Year 10.

The guest speaker, former Barr Beacon student Ethan Saunders, shared his inspiring journey of overcoming setbacks, and self-doubt, which shaped his resilience and confidence. He highlighted the importance of taking opportunities, seeking support and pushing yourself when things feel difficult. Ethan now works for the BBC as a journalist in radio and broadcasting.  He inspired his young audience with his message of reassurance. 

The ceremony celebrated excellence across a wide range of achievements, including the prestigious House Cup Awards which were awarded to: Bredon House to Clark, Clent House to Finley, Malvern House to Leya and Wrekin House to Rohan all pupils are in Year 11. 

Special awards presented included Victrix Ludorum to Keira, Year 11, Resilience Award to Alexandra, Year 11, Services to the School Award to Krisha , Year 11, Rising Star Award to Ro-Ann, Year 11, Clive Mills Award for A Level Mathematics to Joshua, Year 13, Cadet of the Year to Isabelle, Year 12 and 100% Attendance to Gurleen Year 13.  Gurleen has achieved 100% attendance over 5 years!

The evening was a wonderful celebration of student talent, hard work and dedication, highlighting both academic and extracurricular successes across the school community.

ALL WE WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS (2)

All we want for Christmas is you!

All we want for Christmas is you! There are just two weeks to go to maintain your excellent attendance and get your name in our fabulous prize draw. The draw takes place during the final week of term and only those present that day are eligible for one of our fabulous prizes.

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Christmas Decorations

Pupils came together this week to reflect on what they are grateful for.  Pupils made a donation towards our Trust Charity Papyrus to make Christmas decorations for our school Christmas Tree.  Over 200 pupils from across the school participated to raise £206.00 in just one hour towards our school total.  Here are some photos of the designs and the final display.


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KS4 Artwork

We're now able to share some of the superb work that our Key Stage 4 students produced for their course last year.  


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Next Steps Day

Our Y11 pupils took part in our annual Next Steps Day event, heading out to BMET colleges to explore the wide range of post-16 courses available to them. From Architecture and Engineering to Sport and Performing Arts, pupils were able to experience first-hand the incredible variety of pathways open to them after Year 11.

We’re also proud that many our pupils chose to stay on-site to learn more about the fantastic Key Stage 5 courses available here at Barr Beacon School. Staff were on hand to answer questions, discuss subject options, and ensure each pupil felt confident about the next stage of their educational journey.

Well done, Year 11—you took full advantage of the opportunities, and we couldn’t be prouder!

Christmas Appeals

This year we’re giving back for Christmas. To support our local community, we are inviting pupils, families and staff to donate an item required by our local food bank. If you would like to take part please pick up a tag from our tree in reception and make your donation by 12th December.


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Annual Lord Mayor’s Sixth Form Mega Quiz

Our Year 13 students once again had a great time participating in the Lord Mayor’s Sixth Form Mega Quiz, which sees teams of students from Sixth Form’s across the West Midlands compete in 10 tricky rounds of questions. Topics this year covered Geography, Music, Mathematics, Physics, Modern History and more. It was a lovely opportunity for our students to not only raise money for charity but also to meet students from other Sixth Forms in the local area.

Contact Info

Barr Beacon School
Old Hall Lane
Aldridge, Walsall
West Midlands
WS9 0RF

T: 0121 366 6600
postbox@barrbeaconschool.co.uk

Monday - Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 3:30 pm

Copyright 2025 © All Rights Reserved

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