On Friday, 27th January 2023, it is Holocaust Memorial Day. It is a time of reflection and respect to those who gave up their lives, fighting against prejudice and discrimination. Despite this being in the past, it’s significant to learn from the Holocaust and find how we can challenge prejudice today. This is because not only was the Holocaust a historic tragedy, but a human tragedy. This year, the theme is ordinary people and it is important to acknowledge how ordinary people were not only witnesses and bystanders but also rescuers and persecutors. At Barr Beacon School we have been reflecting on how we, as ordinary people, have the potential to challenge prejudice and discrimination in today’s society. As part of our Beacon Values to act responsibly and to never discriminate we can spread awareness and share testimonies of those who sacrificed their lives during the Holocaust; sharing a part of history which we should all learn from-for a better future.

“Whoever hears a witness, becomes a witness.”-Elie Wiesel (Survivor)

Dilraaj Kang – 6^th form leadership team

Following a successful 2022, which saw a large increase in icentre book loans we welcome in 2023. 

The New Year brings new readers, and new books to accommodate! For our fans of football trivia, a fresh selection of ‘Football School’ seasons to bring our readers back to the pitch while the grass is buried in snow. This series encompasses a range of topics, from the rise of football icons, to the top moments in the history of the sport and practical tips for the forward-thinking player. Following the success of the Scholastic Book fair, the school has been happy to purchase some of the latest additions to the Five Nights at Freddie’s literary universe including ‘Lally’s Game’ and the Fazbear Frights graphic novelisation—one series you won’t read before bed.

As our Sixth Form dives back into their preparations for exams and university life, we’ve highlighted some student-requested texts for study skills geared towards those readers looking to balance their workflow between the academic and vocational. ‘Deep Work’ and ‘The 4-Hour Work Week’ both aim to cut through distraction by providing a blueprint for efficient working that takes into consideration the competing pressures of modern life. Alongside these practical primers, as we pass five years since the breaking of the Windrush Scandal, Barr Beacon would also like to highlight some of the Lit in Colour collection that we feel are particularly relevant to the modern discourse surrounding our global society and the intersectional awareness which we pride ourselves on in our school.

The countdown to the summer examinations has begun!  On Monday 9^th January, Year 11 and Year 13 started attending Period 6, their focused group sessions, between 3:15pm and 4:00pm to ensure that they are fully prepared for the road ahead.  Staff have worked hard on analysing student mock results, so they know what gaps are present and have grouped these sessions accordingly.  There are over 100 booster sessions running per week and students have found them very useful in supporting them to meet or exceed their targets.  Thank you to the dedicated staff who are giving up their time to go above and beyond to ensure that students are fully supported at this time.

In preparation for their trip to Japan, students in Year 12 enjoyed a theatrical meal at Shogun Sushi Bar and Teppanyak in Birmingham. They gained a taste of some of the flavours ahead, practised their chop stick skills and even had a go at cooking Shogun style, learning some impressive tricks. It was a great opportunity to meet the other students across the Matrix Trust who will also be travelling to Japan, and to get excited about the adventures ahead.

On behalf of Mrs Cornwall, Mrs Hibbs and Great Barr Food Bank we would like to say a MASSIVE thank you to all the pupils and staff who brought in donations as part of our Reversed Advent Calendar Christmas Charity Appeal. 

Tony from Great Barr Food Bank said “this was one of the largest collections from a school he has ever seen and that it will do tremendous good for local families this Christmas. Barr Beacon should be extremely proud of themselves.” In total Barr Beacon collected 302 kgs of donations which is nearly a third of a ton! These donations will be shared with local families over Christmas and into the New Year. 

Barr Beacon School have been celebrating the achievements of a number of our staff. Whatever role they have to play in the smooth operation of the school all of our staff do a fantastic job to make the Barr Beacon vision of ‘Proud to Succeed’ a reality. From the amazing work of the site team, catering staff and admin department to the teachers in the classroom delivering on that promise for high quality education. We really couldn’t do it without the diligence, support and determination from all of our team who work tirelessly, continuingly looking for ways to adapt and develop to ensure they deliver the very best in whatever job they do.

To mark this the Matrix Academy Trust have recognised the achievements of a number of our staff across the year. Whilst it would be true to say all of our team deserve awards of some description and we are immensely proud of all, these individuals have stood out particularly as helping to make Barr Beacon what it is today. Barr Beacon wouldn’t be Barr Beacon without each and every one of these members and the rest of the staff body. We thank you for all of your support as Barr Beacon stakeholders throughout this year and invite you to wish our staff a huge Well Done for an extremely successful 2022!

Following our ‘How to Support your Most Able child workshop’ many parents asked for the resources from the session to be shared. These resources can be found below.

Donations for our Christmas Charity appeal for our local food bank have started to flood in. Pupils in 8C1 have already collected a large variety of food and sanitary products to help local families at this special time of year. We are extremely grateful for all contributions made to this very worthy cause. The last day for donations is Thursday 15^th December. 

Dance students from across the Matrix Academy Trust came together on Monday 21^st November at Turves Green Boys School to perform in a collaborative project. Each school was assigned a section of ‘Celebrate’ by Pitbull to choreograph and perform, before all coming together as one to learn and perform the final section. The event saw over 100 students come together and share their passion for dance. Students thoroughly enjoyed the experience of performing in front of others and making new friends. The overall performance shows the motivation and commitment that these students have for the subject.