Our Stockholm Turing trip was an exciting and memorable experience for our year 8 student from all Matrix secondary schools, giving pupils the opportunity to explore a new city, develop their independence, and experience Swedish culture firsthand. 

The trip began with travel from their school to Heathrow Airport before flying to Stockholm and getting settled in their rooms before heading to dinner. Pupils enjoyed buffet style dinner and together getting to know each other across the different schools. 

Throughout the week, pupils visited many of Stockholm's famous attractions. They explored the Paradox Museum, took part in an interactive Scavenger Hunt through the historic streets of Gamla Stan (Old Town), visited the Avicii Experience, and discovered fascinating exhibits at the Swedish National Museum of Science and Technology. They also enjoyed a visit to Djurgården, where groups explored the Police Museum and Sports Museum. They explored the famous group of ABBA though their museum and also spend the day at Skansen, experiencing Swedish history, culture, and wildlife. 

One of the highlights of the trip was spending time in Stockholm's vibrant city centre. Pupils walked many miles throughout the week, exploring different districts, parks, shopping areas, landmarks and food choices. This gave them a real appreciation of the city while encouraging resilience and independence. A key achievement for many pupils was confidently using Stockholm's excellent public transport network. They quickly became familiar with travelling on the Metro (Tunnelbana), buses and trams learning how to navigate the city safely and efficiently. For many pupils, this was also their first experience travelling on a public boat, with ferry journeys providing a unique way to see Stockholm's beautiful islands and waterfront. 

Alongside the educational visits, pupils enjoyed eating out together, park evenings, shopping, games at the hostel, and time to socialise with new friends made on the trip. They represented Matrix Academy Trust exceptionally well throughout the trip, showing respect, maturity, and enthusiasm at every venue visited, which many commenting on how well behaved and polite our pupils were. 

Pupils returned with wonderful memories, increased confidence, new friendships, and a greater appreciation of another culture. The trip was a fantastic success and provided experiences that many pupils will remember for years to come. 

What an incredible night at Bilston Brook Barn! Our Year 11 pupils celebrated in true rodeo style with a pizza buffet, candy floss, games, prizes, and even a rodeo bull! 🎉🍕🍭

The dance floor was full all evening, with glow sticks lighting up the room as everyone celebrated together one last time before exam results arrive in August. 💃🕺

A fantastic evening filled with laughter, memories, and friendship. We wish all of our Year 11 pupils the very best of luck for the future – we're so proud of you all! ❤️🌟

This term, a group of Year 7 and Year 8 pupils took part in an AQA-accredited course in partnership with the RSPCA. Throughout the programme, pupils developed their knowledge and understanding of animal behaviour, biodiversity and horticulture through a range of engaging practical activities. They had the opportunity to walk rescue dogs, learning first-hand about animal welfare and responsible care, as well as planting broccoli and exploring the importance of growing food sustainably. Each week, pupils continue to demonstrate increasing resilience and confidence as they take on new challenges, work collaboratively and develop practical skills in unfamiliar environments. The course has provided valuable hands-on experiences, helping pupils build self-belief, gain new skills and develop a greater appreciation for the natural world and the work of the RSPCA.

On Friday 26th June, our Year 13 students celebrated their leavers’ prom, marking the end of an unforgettable chapter in their journey at Barr Beacon School.

Held at a stunning venue in Birmingham city centre, the evening was a fantastic occasion enjoyed by all. Students danced the night away, shared memories, and reflected on the friendships and experiences they have built over the past seven years.

We wish all of our Year 13 students a wonderful summer and look forward to seeing them again in August for results day. Best of luck for the future—we are incredibly proud of everything you have achieved.

Our recent Design a Book Cover Competition was a fantastic success, with pupils from across the school taking part and showing off their creativity and imagination.

The challenge was simple but exciting: pupils had to imagine that they had just become a famous author who had published their very first book. Their task was to design an eye-catching cover that would encourage readers to pick up their book and discover the story inside.

We were delighted to receive so many wonderful entries. Pupils came up with a wide range of imaginative book ideas, from exciting adventures and magical tales to mysteries and heart-warming stories. The effort, creativity and artistic talent shown by everyone made the judging process very difficult.

After careful consideration, our judges selected the top three designs:

🥇 1st Place – Shreeya Year 9

Shreeya received a certificate, a skip-the-queue pass, and a book prize.

🥈 2nd Place – Baani Year 7

Baani received a certificate and a skip-the-queue pass. 

🥉 3rd Place – Inaayah Year 7

Inaayah received a certificate for her excellent entry.

Congratulations to our winners for their outstanding book cover designs! We would also like to thank every pupil who entered the competition by awarding each with a praise point. The high standard of work and enthusiasm shown by all participants was truly impressive.

Well done to everyone who took part and helped make the competition such a memorable event. We look forward to seeing more of your creative talents in future competitions.

Last week, we held our final Millionaire Club Breakfast of the academic year, celebrating the fantastic reading achievements of 11 invited pupils. 

The special breakfast rewarded children who have shown outstanding commitment to reading throughout the year. Pupils enjoyed a delicious pastry and a hot chocolate while celebrating their success with friends and staff. 

Children who achieved 250,000 read words were invited to the breakfast and received a Skip the Queue Pass as recognition for their hard work and dedication. 

Those who reached an impressive 500,000 words or more received all of the above, as well as the opportunity to choose a book from our Book Vending Machine to continue their reading journey. 

Our highest achievers, who read an incredible 1 million words or more, received all of these rewards plus a £10 Waterstones gift card to celebrate their exceptional accomplishment. 

We are incredibly proud of all 11 pupils who earned their place at this final Millionaire Club Breakfast. Their enthusiasm for reading and commitment to developing their literacy skills have been outstanding throughout the year. 

We are Open. While the temperatures are high, we are making adaptations in school to support pupils and staff.  

Pupils can wear their uniform or Barr Beacon School PE Kit. 

Please remember to send your child to school with a refillable water bottle and to apply sunscreen. 

Tuesday 23rd to Friday 26^th June pupils are permitted to wear full Barr Beacon PE kit (not leggings as this will provide no benefit from the heat) to include Barr Beacon PE top and Barr Beacon PE shorts.  Alternatively, pupils should wear school uniform.  Pupils do not need to wear their blazers if they are wearing school uniform.  Pupils are not permitted to wear a mixture of different uniforms.  

Please remember to send your child with a refillable water bottle.