Year 12 students had the unique opportunity to take part in a Forensic Science: CSI Masterclass, hosted by the University of Wolverhampton.

Experienced forensic scientists and a real-life CSI professional with 20 years’ experience at West Midlands Police led the session. Students took part in real life crime scene scenarios, together with forensic science examinations and analysis activities. Students particularly enjoyed the crime scene investigation activity at a bespoke crime scene house, involving evidence recovery, analysis and interpretation activities.

Students and staff alike very much enjoyed the insights gained on this taster day and valued the interactive nature of the learning tasks, helping them to really test out if not only this course, but also this career, would be suited to them. 

Our first ever Matrix Netball Tournament took place on Wednesday 22nd April, bringing together schools from across the trust for a fantastic day of sport, collaboration and competition. The event showcased the strength of sport within the trust and provided pupils with the opportunity to represent their schools with pride.

Throughout the day, all participating schools demonstrated excellent teamwork, determination and sportsmanship, contributing to a positive and inclusive atmosphere both on and off the court. It was particularly encouraging to see the continued growth of netball across the trust, including increased participation in mixed and boys’ netball, reflecting the sport’s expanding inclusivity.

The standard of play was consistently high, with many closely contested matches highlighting the talent and commitment of pupils from every school involved. While Etone College went on to secure the overall victory, the tournament was very much a collective success, celebrating the effort, enthusiasm and unity of all participants.

Thank you to every school, pupil and member of staff who took part and supported the event. Your contribution made the inaugural Matrix Netball Tournament a memorable occasion and a strong foundation for future trust-wide sporting events.

Our Year 12 students represented Barr Beacon School brilliantly at Walsall’s Youth Debate at the council chambers, engaging in local democracy and contributing thoughtful ideas on key issues such as fly‑tipping and the Walsall Waste Strategy, helping councillors explore solutions that matter to young people in our borough. We’re incredibly proud of how confidently they shared their views and supported local decision‑making.

Beacon Church on Pheasey estate has recently opened up a youth and community coffee shop, called 3:16 Coffee. The delicious drinks are already much cheaper than the chains and they’re offering a 50% discount for all pupils from Barr Beacon on hot drinks, slushies and milkshakes! There are also cakes and ice creams.

Even if you don’t want to buy anything at 3:16 Cafe, you’re very welcome here. And the Wifi is free for all! 

The coffee shop forms the entrance to the church with the aim of giving our community’s young people a place to hang out in a friendly, welcoming space and, if you want to, there are games and other activities too.

It’s open on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 9.30am to 4.30pm and Saturdays from 10am-5pm.