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Inspired by Floella Benjamin

Year 10 drama pupils were starstruck after their excursion to see the premiere of a brand new play based on the inspiring life of Floella Benjamin turned into a life coaching session from Baroness Benjamin herself!
Coming To England had its world premiere at the Birmingham Rep on Thursday 31st March. It is based on the children’s book by Floella Benjamin and illustrated by Walsall-born Diane Ewen.
The book tells the story of how Floella came to England from Trinidad as a child. Floella is best known to many as the presenter of children’s programmes such as Play School, Play Away and Fast Forward and she is also an accomplished actress, singer, author, businesswoman, and politician.

After the play, our pupils met up with Baroness Benjamin and she talked with them for some time, sharing with them her advice for life. All pupils – and their teachers – were completely hooked and inspired.

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Why Our Thoughts Are With Those in World Conflict

By Charlie Birch – Deputy Head Boy

The Russian invasion of Ukraine strongly opposes the ideals of peace and unity. No wonder so many of our thoughts are with the Ukrainian people.

Vladimir Putin’s wrongful ambition to unite former USSR nations under Russian rule replicates the unwarranted behaviour of previous political leaders, such as Adolf Hitler, who embarked upon war and persecuted the lives of so many innocent civilians. The recent events lead us to also think about those who have suffered conflict in the likes of Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Palestine. Our thoughts are also with the people in all countries who may not be making the headlines right at this moment.

From these conflicts, we can develop understanding and learn from them. Here at Barr Beacon, we can develop the mentality of always treating others with respect. We can also understand that certain actions and behaviours can be unnecessary and that our behaviour can have an impact upon others. This also leads to the point that your actions will have consequences, which is currently shown by the majority of the globe sanctioning Russia. This overall, enforces a new meaning behind taking responsibility in advocating humility and kindness towards other people.

Donations exceeding £1 billion have been generated in Europe to support Ukrainians in need. Furthermore, volunteers are being deployed in camps on the borders of Ukraine and neighbouring countries, providing food, drink, shelter and medical assistance. The swift response to support those in need embodies what we at Barr Beacon School want to encourage in our pupils.

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Turing Germany – The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe

Our lucky 10 year 8 pupils, who were selected to go on an all-expenses-paid trip to Germany in summer as part of the Turing project, have started their adventure already. The excited year 8s met for the first time as a group to talk about their likes and dislikes; what they were looking forward to and what they were nervous about; and their travel history. They also had an opportunity to virtually meet the other 40 year 8s from other schools within Matrix Academy Trust who would be joining them in Germany. Approximately a month after the initial meeting, all 50 pupils had the opportunity to go on a school trip together: the group travelled to The Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham to watch The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

Pupils made the most of the opportunity to enjoy the company of the other pupils and to share in the excitement and sense of adventure of the characters in the play. Pupils represented their 5 schools brilliantly and both theatre staff and members of the public commented on the exemplary behaviour of pupils. Since then, our year 8 pupils who are going to Germany had a chance to meet the year 9s who are going to Spain at an event where parents were given more information about the trip and passports were ordered- making the trip seem very real! We look forward to more pre-departure events where pupils will taste German food and have a chance to practise their essential German phrases before we finally board the plane (for some of our pupils, for the first time) and head over to Fulda, Germany for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to remember.


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Ski Trip Loon and Canyon

Small number of places still available!

Ski USA 2023 was opened up to Year 7 pupils this term meaning that a lucky 46 pupils will get the chance to travel to USA in February half term 2023. These pupils will be able to have expert ski tuition every day as well as a one night stop in New York. We look forward to hearing about their adventures in the 2023!

We still have room for about 3 pupils to join the trip. Please contact as soon as possible via postbox@barrbeaconschool.co.uk if you are interested.

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Barhale Work Experience Day

A group of Year 10 pupils took part in a work experience day, organised by Barhale, a civil engineering and infrastructure specialist. They learnt all about the company and were then set to work on a project: designing and building a water tower. Pupils created their own bid for the project, including an environmental impact report and health and safety precautions. They had to carefully work towards a budget and under strict time constraints. Pupils then moved from design to construction of a model and presented their feedback at the end. This experience allowed pupils to develop skills of leadership, communication, innovation, adaptability and teamwork. 

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Samosa Sale

During Break time on Thursday 7th April 2022 our Sixth Formers will be selling Samosa for charity. They will be available for 50p each, please bring cash on the day if you would like to buy one.

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Dance visit to De Montfort University

14 of our pupils from Year 9 and Year 10 were selected to visit De Montfort University to have an insight into the Dance BA (Hons) course. The pupils participated in a three hour practical session, where they explored a variety of contemporary dance techniques with university lecturers and students. They were challenged with a choreography task to allow them to understand new ways of devising content. 

The pupils were also given a tour around campus by third year students who were able to answer questions that our pupils had about the course and university life.

All pupils enjoyed their visit with many commenting on how much they had gained from the experience. 


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‘Try a new Language’ Masterclass

Year 10 have made such a fantastic start to their languages GCSE courses, with over 80% of the year studying a language. 44 of our pupils who have really impressed this year were nominated by their teachers to take part in a masterclass organised by the University of Birmingham to take part in a taster session. 

Our pupils were able to listen to a talk about languages courses and combinations at the University followed by a taster session. The languages on offer included Russian, Arabic, Chinese and Japanese, as well as the two workshops our pupils took part in – Italian and Portuguese. 

Pupils enjoyed the speaking practice in the new languages, with Italian being the most popular by far! They also had a brief walk through the main campus in the sunshine. 

A ‘bom día’ (good day) for Barr Beacon’s linguists! 

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Big Quizzes at Birmingham University

Selected Year 10 pupils have so far attended three Big Quiz events at Birmingham University for Mathematics, Physics and Biology. Our Year 10 pupils have scooped numerous awards and plaudits during these events and have received lectures from leading experts in these academic fields.

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Success is yours for the taking!

Daniel Caines, ex-commonwealth 400 metre runner and record holder, came to Barr Beacon School on Thursday 24th March. During the day year 9 and Year 10 both had the opportunity to listen to Daniel speak about the difference between winning and losing, which could be a difference of as little as 0.019 seconds. What Daniel made abundantly clear, is that we are responsible for our own success, and that success is there for all of us providing that we have the right mindset.

During the day, some pupils in Year 7 and 10 were also invited to take part in workshops with Daniel, that explored team work and self belief. Pupils unanimously enjoyed the day and were grateful to have had the opportunity to have met Daniel.

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 2024 © All Rights Reserved

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