Pupils in Year 8 enjoyed a visit to the University of Birmingham this week. Pupils took part in a quiz in the Great Hall that tested their knowledge on the Commonwealth Games. Rounds included flags and countries of the Commonwealth, a history of the games and a very tricky round on game mascots. Pupils competed against other schools and found early success by winning the poetry competition. Destiny, Yaye, Isabel and Lesi composed a wonderful poem celebrating the diversity of the Commonwealth. Later on in the day, Physiotherapy academics ran a session on how they were supporting athletes through the games. Max, Arrjun, Isabel and Tillie all volunteered to take part in strength tests, with Isabel and Tilly winning a spot prize for their efforts. Every pupil who attended had an enjoyable day and got fully involved in the spirit of the event.

As part of their focus on future career paths, our Year 12 students attended the open day at the University of Birmingham.  They experienced taster lectures for subjects of their choice, went on a tour of the campus and viewed the Halls of Residence.  This opportunity gave them an in-sight into university life and a chance to develop their independence.

The Year 7 University Tour continued on Tuesday with a visit to Birmingham City University. Pupils met current students and professors and enjoyed a tour of the City Centre and Arts Campuses. We visited modern and airy learning spaces, 360 degree lecture halls, the library, cafes and we got a sneak peek at an art exhibition. As well as getting a feel for the university, pupils learnt about the benefits of higher education and created their own university society. Ideas included an Industrial Building Society, Games Club, a Food Society and a Nerf Gun Society. Some of these ideas were very similar to real university societies; for example we learnt that many universities have their own Quidditch teams which compete against each other.

Year 7 pupils visited Staffordshire University for a taster day to learn more about the benefits of higher education. The day started with pupils meeting university students studying a range of  interesting courses, from psychology and photography to E-sports and gaming. 

Pupils then had a tour of the whole university. We visited libraries, learning hubs, accommodation, sports centres and lecture theatres. In the afternoon, pupils were tasked with designing their own Superhero Student. Ideas included supersonic ears to hear lectures clearly, cloaks to help them fly across the vast campus and even an LGBTQ+ hero, spreading happiness and awareness of Pride Month with rainbow lasers. 

A group of Year 10 pupils experienced a taster day of Oxford University. This included tours of both Oriel and Keble college, a chance to meet Oxford students and a session on everything the university has to offer. Following this, pupils had a tour of city and visited some of its most famous landmarks, including The Bodleian Library, The Radcliffe Camera and The Bridge of Sighs.

Year 7 pupils have been out visiting local universities and getting a taste of university life. Pupils have visited University of Birmingham and Aston University, getting to tour the universities, meet their students and take part in activities to learn all about the benefits of higher education. Pupils on the recent visit to Aston university were able to get an exclusive sneak peek into the university accommodation on their tour. In the coming months, more pupils will venture out to Staffordshire University, Birmingham City University and Newman University. 

Year 10 pupils who took part in a workshop from Aggreko are the proud winners of a competition to design their own renewable home. 

Pupils first took part in a workshop where they discovered more about Aggreko, their renewable energy solutions and their power delivery for big events like the Commonwealth Games. Following this pupils were tasked with creating their own renewable home and presenting their ideas to the group. Pupils were not only competing against other Barr Beacon teams, but also other local schools.  Four pupils impressed Aggreko so much that they won the competition! They have each won tickets to Edgbaston Cricket Ground this summer to watch a Commonwealth Games match. Congratulations to Lewis, Mataeo, Kuran and Arjan!