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GCSE Results Day

Our Year 11 pupils have been celebrating a collection of superb results.  The long wait for results following the last exam is always a tense time for everyone, but this morning has seen both relief and jubilation. 

We are proud of the hard work and commitment our year 11 pupils showed when completing their key stage 4 studies culminating in the exams.

We wish everyone good luck as they embark on their next steps post 16 many of whom have chosen to study at our Sixth Form.  We look forward to hearing about their future successes.

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A Level and BTEC Results 2023

Our Year 13 students have been celebrating their A level and BTEC results today.  They are progressing onto some exciting pathways. 

Below is a selection of some of the undergraduate courses that they will be pursuing:-

Psychology at the University of Sheffield

Law at the University of Liverpool and the University of Birmingham.

Chemistry at the University of Warwick

Mathematics at the University of Birmingham

Film Making at BIMM University

Chiropractic Studies at AECC University

Architecture at Nottingham Trent University

Optometry at Aston University

Cyber Security at Lancaster University

Psychology at the University of York

We also have a record number of students are embarking on apprenticeships, which include:-

Accounting at McIntyre Hudson

Manufacturing at Jaguar Land Rover

Personal Trainer with the Royal Air Force

Flight School with Ryan Air

Travel and Tourism with TUI

Physiotherapist Assistant with the NHS

We are extremely proud of all our students and the hard work they have put into their studies during their time with us.  We wish them well for their next steps and look forward to hearing from them in years to come.

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Year 12 Work Experience Week

Year 12 students have been enjoying getting an insight into the working world. Whether it is seeing the healthcare industry first hand at hospitals and pharmacies, working with and supporting migrants who Walsall Football Club are hosting, getting hands on in the manufacturing industry or baking bread with Year 5 pupils at a local Primary School. 

These placements are a chance for students to confirm if a certain career is right for them, to get a taste of working life or to give back to the local community. We are however delighted to hear that so many of our students have impressed their employers so much that they are being invited back or encouraged to consider future apprenticeships.

Our students have said:

“I’m having an amazing week! I’ve worn scrubs, saw a C-section and have also observed a number of different clinics, from pain management to skin conditions.” R Cook, working at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

“I have been shadowing a foundation year dentist and I have learnt so much.  I have observed her undertaking different types of treatment.  I have even arranged another week’s experience during the summer.” H Rai

“I have loved working this week!  It has made me realise that I am more of a hands-on person, so I think I will be applying for an apprenticeship next year.” Z Turner, working in manufacturing.

“I’ve had a variety of tasks from working with hospitality and booking events, to looking at individual sponsorship for football players.” K Wade, working at Birmingham City FC. 

“ I have learnt how important patient confidentiality is and how you have to change the tone of your voice when speakers to customers. You also need to be very patient! I want to go into nursing and I feel this week has confirmed that decision.” M Edu, working at a local Pharmacy. 

Prior to my work experience I was struggling to decide whether I wanted to teach primary or secondary school, but after this week I can happily say that my heart is definitely set on primary school. I absolutely loved seeing how much the children adore their teachers and it just made me so excited and I honestly cannot wait for that to hopefully be me one day.” N Merhban

“One of the things I’ve been concentrating on is Data Analytics. I thought you would need high level maths for this but I’m doing well and finding it really interesting.” Y Crook, working at Veolia.

We have also received some wonderful feedback from employers: 

B Padham is working in a local pharmacy. His employer has said “He is fantastic! He is pro-active and keen to learn different aspects of the role, so we have offered him a range of experiences.”

J Heir had an exceptional report from High Spec Windows: “He has been amazing! He wants to learn and has enjoyed the role. He is hardworking and in a few days he has learnt 60% of the software programme that we use. Your school is lucky to have him as a student. We are going to miss him!”

R Mardenborough secured her experience at an accounting firm who have said: “She is amazing!  She is very smart in appearance and she is a hard worker – a perfect addition to the team!  We will be giving her details about our degree apprenticeship.”

H Lobb and T Griffith have been supporting local primary schools for the week. Their employers have said that “(H Lobb) is very confident. She has worked with Years 1, 4 and 5 already and will be with Reception and Year 2 for the rest of the week. She has had great feedback from all the class teachers.”.  For T Griffth, her employer said “She has worked hard with our Year 3 class this week. She has supported them with their English and Maths transition work in preparation for Year 4. The children have loved reading to her – she is really lovely with them.”

L Fewtrell has been working at a digital printers: “She has been involved in a range of tasks this week and has impressed us with everything that she has done. She is confident and friendly and has asked lots of questions to make sure that she gets the job right.”

J Doherty has gained experience of the hospitality industry: “She is confident and raring to go! She is hardworking, inquisitive and has enjoyed the perks of the corporate world (free lunch every day!)”     

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Sixth Form Induction Programme

We were delighted to welcome back over 130 Year 11 students who returned to school to take part in the Sixth Form Induction Programme.  They arrived smartly dressed in business wear and the week started with a formal assembly where information was shared about expectations, dress-code and the mindset required to be successful in the next important part of their educational journey.  Students spent 3 days attending lessons for their chosen courses, allowing them to get a feel for post-16 life; they experienced Study Hall sessions learning about how they are required to develop their independence and take ownership of using this time effectively; current Year 12 students shared their experiences and offered their top tips; and the week ended with a Team Building Day.  The heavy downpours that day meant we had to move the activities indoors but the students still enjoyed taking part in each of the tasks, allowing them to develop their commination skills, confidence and logical thinking.

The students enjoyed the week and commented on how helpful it has been in preparation for September, when they will be starting their Key Stage 5 journey with us.

We are looking forward to seeing them again on GCSE Results Day – Thursday 24th August 2023.

Comments from students:

I found the Induction Week very useful and it has helped me feel less nervous about joining Sixth Form in September.  Not only did I experience taster lessons for my chosen subjects but it also helped me to understand what Sixth Form life will be like.  The Team Building Day was enjoyable – I had fun completing all the tasks with my friends.  It was a shame about the weather though!”  Zach Thursfield-Smith

I enjoyed the Sixth Form Induction Programme. I liked seeing all my friends again and experiencing what Sixth Form will be like. It was interesting to learn about what I will be doing in my chosen subjects and the Team Building Day was so much fun!”  G Carlin

I really enjoyed my Sixth Form Induction Week.  My lessons were interesting, especially Sports and Exercise Science. I love how independence and organisation become a main priority and I have learnt lots of useful information and what is required in order to be successful in Sixth Form.”  L Thorp

I thought the Induction Week was great! It gave me a realistic idea of how Year 12 will be in September and I really enjoyed my lessons. I also thought it was helpful to know what I needed to do over the summer, like the summer tasks, and what stationery to bring in September. The Team Building Day was a fun and relaxing way to end the week!”  H Herbet

The Team Building day consisted of many tasks that required thinking, listening and leadership skills to guide us through. I managed to use these skills and work as a team with my friends as well as with some people who I don’t usually speak to. It was an enjoyable day despite the rain!”  J A Rajput

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Results Day Information

A Level Results Day – Thursday 17th August 2023

Year 13 results will be available from 8:00am. Arrival from 7:45am


GCSE Results Day – Thursday 24th August 2023

Year 11 results will be available for collection between 8.00am -9.15am

Sixth Form Applicants should go to the Hall. If pupils have not applied to the Sixth Form, they should go to the Sports Hall.

Applicants from other schools: If you wish to take up your place at our Sixth Form, please bring your examination results and either your birth certificate or passport (original documents only) to school between 11:30am and 12:30pm.


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Matrix ‘Far From Home’ – Turing 2023-24

Sweden, Italy, Peru

We are delighted to announce that, for the third year running, Matrix Academy Trust has had another successful Turing bid.

The Turing Scheme is the UK government’s programme to provide funding for international opportunities in education and training across the world. It supports Global Britain by providing an opportunity for UK organisations from the higher education, further education, vocational education and training and schools sectors to offer young people  life-changing experiences.

This year, pupils in Year 8 from across Matrix schools will be visiting Sweden. Year 10 will be exploring ancient history in Italy. Year 12 students will be travelling around the world to Peru.

We chose ‘Far From Home’ as the name of our 2023-24 Turing project because we are committed to promoting an international outlook with our pupils. For our young people to be successful, we need to do whatever we can to broaden their horizons – and one way of doing this is to take them ‘far from home’. We will be making sure the pupils who are selected to go on these visits will be those that will benefit most from them.

More information about these opportunities will be shared in September.

Read our report on last year’s Matrix visit to Japan here: https://matrixacademytrust.co.uk/japan/

Find out more about the Turing scheme here: https://www.turing-scheme.org.uk

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Year 9 Take Your Child To Work Day

Pupils in Year 9 had the chance to go to work with a parent, relative or trusted family friend for the day. This was potentially their first taste of the world of work. Our feedback from parents showed pupils were really making the most of the opportunity:  

G Bruerton was on his feet all day working at Ember Inns. His mother said “He has been doing a bit of everything, running food to tables and potwash. He’s loving his day working.” 

T Clive worked with his father at Royal Mail, who said that “He’s loving it. He’s been on reception and working with the redirections team. He has enjoyed seeing the behind the scenes of Royal Mail.” 

E Harris went to work with his mother at a local primary school: “He’s done brilliantly; he’s got on well with the younger children, taken part in loads of activities and made resources. He is now considering it for a future career.” 

H Beesley had a great day at Headway Charity Shop, with her parent saying “She is working really well. She has used her initiative to organise some areas and is speaking to customers really well.” 

E Maher worked with her mother, a community midwife: “”Had a very cheery E Maher helping us Community Midwives today. She helped set up, took part and helped tidy up after a very busy Parent Education Class this morning where we had over 20 patients. She also helped the patients coming into Postnatal clinic this afternoon, answering doors, showing them where to go and generally making them comfortable prior to their appointments. She is a lovely young lady and smiled all day long which made us all happy as well. She was happy to do any tasks asked of her no matter how small.” 

J Nath worked with his uncle in the manufacturing industry, where he showcased his excellent listening and speaking skills: “He enjoyed the experience, asked a lot of questions and was an attentive listener. He also had the chance to design his own cup.” 

A Neal worked as a nursery nurse and did so well, she has been extended a future offer of employment: “She has been amazing, worked hard and had a fantastic attitude.” 

B Broadmore had a very active experience with the Fire Service. His dad said “He is having a good day. He’s been out in the fire engine and tried the breathing apparatus on.”

Those in school took part in a virtual work experience with Next Gen Makers, where they designed their own video games and put their artistic skills to the test, deigning their own character for the movies. Another group of pupils in school also took part in a live work experience session with the Civil Service. We were joined by Jack (a former Barr Beacon student) and Gemma, who both work in trade. After an insight into the many different roles within the Civil Service, pupils were then set a challenge to take part in their own mock trade negotiation. It was a tricky task that really tested our pupils’ communication and problem solving skills, as well as their ability to think on their feet.  

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Year 8 Speed Networking

Every pupil in Year 8 took part in a special careers event that allowed them to meet numerous local employers and many of our Alumni. Our Speed Networking event gave pupils the chance to meet with our guests and speak to them about their careers and educational journeys, gaining important advice for their futures. Each small group of pupils had 5 minutes to speak to a guest, before we swapped the guests over. Pupils were therefore able to meet with at least 6 new people, developing their confidence communicating. It was also wonderful to welcome so many of our former Barr Beacon students back to the school, who are always so keen to volunteer and give back to the school that once supported them.  

Pupils met a veterinary surgeon, a conductor, an Assistant Cultural Heritage and Archaeology Consultant for WSP, a Wholesale Credit Underwriter for LE Capital UK, a mental health professional and Thoughtful Impact lead for Birmingham universities and hospitals, a Railway Engineer, a Junior PR and Content Executive for WPR Agency, a CIPD Lecturer at Wolverhampton College, site managers at Kier Construction and a freelance speaker and writer, specialising in psychiatric system change. 

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Cambridge Open Day

Year 12 students with aspirations to apply to Cambridge enjoyed attending their recent open day. Students viewed a series of taster lectures, ranging from medicine through to Computer Science, and toured some of the colleges. It was a great opportunity to meet current students and hear their advice, as well as to listen to the professors and academics. The students also had time to explore the beautiful city of Cambridge.  

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

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