We are thrilled to share the inspiring experience our talented Key Stage 3 pupils recently enjoyed at the Barr Beacon War Memorial during the 80th anniversary celebration of VE Day. Our school was honoured to be one of only three schools invited to participate in this significant event.

In the lead-up to the celebration, our pupils were given a special creative challenge: to design a piece of artwork commemorating VE Day. Rising to the occasion, our Year 8 and Year 9 artists collaborated to create a stunning patchwork quilt-inspired artwork. Through independent research and passionate dedication, they produced a beautiful tribute that captured the spirit and history of this important day.

The event was attended by council members, veterans, and distinguished guests. Our pupils respectfully observed the two-minute silence and listened attentively to moving speeches from organisers and veterans alike. A highlight of the day was when Gracie Jones was honoured to hoist the flag as the National Anthem played, marking the formal close of the ceremony.

Following the official proceedings, the atmosphere became more relaxed and joyful. Pupils enjoyed a delightful picnic and engaged in traditional games popular during the wartime era. They also explored a display of authentic World War II vehicles, including Land Rovers and Jeeps, while listening to captivating stories shared by veterans and guests.

Despite the chilly weather, our pupils displayed exceptional behaviour and were outstanding ambassadors for Barr Beacon. This unforgettable experience offered a meaningful connection to history and a celebration of courage, community, and remembrance.

Glorious weather awaited our Sixth Form Students as they took part in our annual Colour Run. 

Over 100 students took part, raising a grand total of £145.66 for charity. 

Our students have truly showcased their generous nature and community spirit. 

Special thanks go to the students who made this possible with their hard work collecting donations: Z. Barkat, A. Muraleedaran, A. Bains, P. Balu and D. Malik. 

We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible success of our very first Trust-wide Spelling Bee – a vibrant event that brought together pupils from all our schools, in a showcase of linguistic talent, nerves of steel, and community spirit.

Over 40 brilliant spellers from Key Stages 2 and 3 took to the stage, each tackling an impressive word list of more than 150 challenging entries. From phosphorescent to megalomaniac, cantankerous, chihuahua, frittata, and hieroglyphics, the competition tested not only vocabulary but also memory, focus, and composure under pressure.

The atmosphere was electric, with supporters gripped from start to finish, watching each round unfold on the edge of their seats. In an extraordinary finish, two winners were crowned – a testament to just how high the standard was. Huge congratulations to our co-champions: one from Etone College and the other from Bloxwich Academy Primary.

Both of them had to complete the tie breaker, spelling as accurately as possible a fearsome word which they had not been told in advance: ANTIDISESTABLISHMENTARIANISM. Both of them spelled it correctly!

This inaugural event marks the beginning of what we expect to become a favourite in the Matrix events calendar. A huge thank you to all the pupils, staff and supporters who made this possible. We’re already looking forward to next year’s Spelling Bee!

All schools across our Trust have been working collaboratively to recognise and celebrate key dates in the PSHE calendar. These are in addition to other events that will also be taking place in our individual schools. We are very proud to share our Matrix Academy Trust Personal Development Calendar which gives details of the events where our schools have come together to produce a wide range of activities for our pupils. These events will be recognised through a combination of assemblies and form time activities as well as their importance being widely publicised through our social media platforms and in schools through displays, posters and TV screens. For some events, there will be additional activities planned such as competitions to engage our learners in the real meaning of these days.

There is a wide range of days recognised to acknowledge different faiths and groups as well as promote very important themes such as equality, diversity, wellbeing and British Values. This project epitomises the real spirit of collaboration in our school as well as our commitment to ensuring that our pupils have the knowledge and skills to not only keep themselves safe but be ready and able to make a valuable contribution to society.

Our Gold Duke of Edinburgh Team for 2025 began their expedition training refresher and practice expedition this weekend.  They spent Saturday in school for a classroom based day recapping emergency procedures, the countryside and Highway Code and first aid.  On Sunday they spent the day at Errwood Reservoir focussing on navigation training.  They've just finished day 1 of their practice expedition.  The weather has been beautiful and all are in high spirits.