What a fabulous night at our Year 11 Prom! We are so proud of all of our Year 11 and what you have achieved over the last five years. Our pupils went all out with some amazing dresses and suits as well as fabulous heels. We saw some spectacular entrances from pupils. Everyone had a great time dancing the night away and we wish you all the best for the future and GCSE results day in August!
Year 8 pupils with the top praise points in their year were rewarded with a trip to the Inspiring the Black Country event at Wolverhampton Racecourse. Pupils had the chance to explore a vast array of interactive careers exhibits, allowing them to explore careers in construction, hospitality, security, healthcare and many more.
One of our students, Jamie, was complimented by representatives from the construction company Equans for his “highly advanced building and problem solving skills”. Whilst pupil Gabriella said: “It was really fun. There was so much to do and I learnt about lots of new careers.”
The first of our Year 7 university taster days took place at Aston University, where pupils enjoyed exploring the vast campus and then used this as inspiration to design their own university. Pupils learnt all about the benefits of higher education and degree apprenticeships, taking part in quizzes to learn about university life and meeting current students. We were even lucky enough to be toured around the university by a former Barr Beacon pupil, Hibbah, who is enjoying her studies of Politics with Economics and about to enter her year in industry.
On Thursday 8th June, Birchfield Harriers invited Barr Beacon to participate in the West Midlands Inter-school athletics competition, held at The Alexander Stadium. John Billingham and I took 19 pupils to represent Beacon in the following events: 75m, 100, 150m, 200m, 800m, shot put and long jump. For many of the pupils, it was their first time to The Alexander Stadium, and they were amazed by the sight and buzz of the stadium.
First up, was the warmup. This was led by a Birchfield Harriers Level 4 Athletics Coach, which involved a run around the 400m blue synthetic surface track, then bounding and stretching activities. Then the following events took place and our pupil’s positions and times were:
The day was a HUGE success with Barr Beacon pupils coming:
1st in 7 events,
2nd in 10 events,
3rd in 7 events and
4th in 1 event.
Barr Beacon narrowly came second overall with pupils making top 5, 25 times.
Pupils represented Barr Beacon impeccably, with their physical performance and social behaviour around the stadium.
As with every organisation there are always inspections, for the Combined Cadet Force we have the Biennial Review. So on 7th June 2023 our Staff & Cadets were honoured to host the Regional Commandant for the Wales & West Region, Group Captain R Simon who this year was our Reviewing Officer (RO). The Group Captain was accompanied our Headteacher Mrs Hibbs, and Major Simon Cuthbert (School Cadet Expansion Officer West Midlands) for the duration of his review visit.
The review began with a working lunch where all of the contingent staff were given the opportunity to discuss cadet force issues both within the school and the wider organisation. The Group Captain was pleased to see and hear that the staff were in good spirits and that the cadet forces within Barr Beacon School were thriving, both from the number of students taking part but also the rapid expansion of activities that we were able to offer throughout the year.
We moved on to the main event – the reason why we were all here, to see the cadets taking part in activities delivered by our staff. The RO was escorted by our very own Flight Sergeant’s K Owen & J Martin (two of our 6th Form Students), who were asked all sorts of relevant questions about life as a cadet here in Barr Beacon School – both good and bad. This was the first time that either of them had been involved in a high profile visit, especially one by the Commandant of the region.
There were a series of activities that all of our cadets displayed throughout the afternoon which demonstrated the scope of what the school offers for our youngsters Activities that were on display included Drill, Command/Team Building tasks, First Aid, Target Shooting and Fieldcraft. At each station the Group Captain observed the activity, asked questions to the instructing staff and then more importantly asked for feedback from the cadets directly. It was a great opportunity for RO to gain vital feedback from the cadets about how they see the CCF in school. The RO especially was impressed by the high standard of our cadets target shooting, something that we have spent time improving throughout the year. Mr Best and A/Plt Off Garner displayed how our cadets learn to problem solve, and lead teams with a range of difficult command tasks. Group Captain Simon was then shown our latest project – the fieldcraft training area here on the school site. It has been the newest addition to the CCF here at school and allows the cadets to practice all of the skills we teach them in a safe bespoke area. The last stand of the day was the Fieldcraft activity, where I had the pleasure of passing on some of my knowledge and skills in camouflage & concealment, Patrolling formations, and tactical awareness to our students. The cadets all enjoyed practising with cam-cream, and displaying their knowledge of why things are seen to the visiting staff. The RO even allowed the cadets to judge my camouflage skills.
Sadly the afternoon had finally reached the end and we all formed up for a final parade and a few words from the Group Captain prior to his departure. All of our cadets showed what an amazing opportunity the CCF is through the wide range of activities it has to offer our students. A very big well done to all of our cadets and staff!!!
Staff Sergeant Doble DJ
Senior School Staff Instructor
RECRUITING NOW!!!!
We are now recruiting for the new school year. For application forms or more information please speak to SSgt Doble/Flt Lt Muller in school or contact us at postbox.
ARMY CADETS – COMING SOON TO BARR BEACON SCHOOL.
If your child would like to join the Combined Cadet Force here at school, you would like to know more about our RAF cadets, or the impending Army Cadets please get in touch at: postbox@Barrbeaconschool.co.uk
Year 10 pupils with an interest in engineering attended a Taster Day at In-Comm Training, where they learnt more about the apprenticeship routes into these careers. Following a factory tour, pupils put their maths and science skills to the test, designing their own functioning arm using hydraulic and pneumatic power. Their models were then presented to two apprentices and a winner chosen. Each team created a successful model and took a unique approach.
The pupils said:
“I really enjoyed the tour and getting to see everyone at work.”
“I enjoyed making the model as we were given materials but no set way to build it, so we could be creative.”
“I learnt about the different types of engineering and the skills I need to talk about at interview to get a job.”
“I liked having the chance to build a functional device with a supportive team.”
Our Year 13 students formally marked the start of their Study Leave by attending a farewell assembly on Friday 26th May.
Students enjoyed a continental breakfast whilst reading ‘good bye and good luck’ messages from their teachers.
They were then taken on a trip down Memory Lane, through a series of photographs, reminding them of their first day with us, which for most of them was back in September 2016.
It was an emotionally reflective morning where staff and students celebrated the end of an era by sharing stories, photographs and video clips. Students also expressed their gratitude for their teachers.
It has been a pleasure watching our youngsters grow into confident young adults. We wish them well for the remainder of their exams and we are looking forward to celebrating with them on Results Day.
Class of 2023 – you will be missed! We look forward to hearing from you for many years to come, updating us on what the future has in store for you.
Year 9 pupils took part in a workshop delivered by HS2 and the Smallpeice Trust. Pupils were introduced to the range of job roles in STEM that HS2 has to offer and had the chance to complete a number of challenges, including designing their own train station and building a sustainable bridge prototype. The winning bridge designs had to hold a heavy weight, with the most successful entries being from Team 1: F. Houghton, J. Keogh, G, Grant and K. Kapoor and Team 2: Y. Rayhaan, J. Gillon, T. Fajimi and D. Earl.
Pupils enjoyed the chance to test their engineering abilities with some requesting more careers days like this in school in future.
We have been very lucky to be joined by a doctor, nurse and paramedic at Barr Beacon School this term. Pupils met with the healthcare professionals and asked them questions about their careers. It was a chance to hear about the inspiring work they undertake each day, but also to hear about the realities of the profession to help our pupils decide if this career is for them. For pupils in Year 9, it was a chance to consider their career path after reflecting on their GCSE option choices; and for students in Year 12, who will shortly be approaching their university and apprenticeship applications, it was an opportunity to gain that all-important advice to help them make their final decisions.
On the afternoon of Wednesday 17th May, Sixth Form students took part in a Charity Colour Fun Run. Students enjoyed time having fun with their friends whilst getting some physical exercise – a welcome break from examination preparation.
We raised £84 which will be split between the two charities that we are supporting this year: Promise Dreams and Freedom From Torture.
Here are a few comments from students after the event:
“The colour run was a fantastic event: fun, loving and freeing. It was inclusive, well organised and it allowed us to let our hair down in a relaxed environment. I would definitely do this again!”
‘The colour run was, once again, a blast! I made some great memories and like last time, I got covered in a plethora of colours. It was a wonderful and stress-free way to end the day during the exam season!’
“I thoroughly enjoyed the colour run. It was fun, full of laughter and was an experience I will never forget. I enjoyed both the run and the photographs afterwards. I cannot wait to do it again!”
“It was a fantastic afternoon which the whole year group enjoyed. It was great to get the whole of the Sixth Form together in some warm weather. It was worth the strange looks I got on the bus on my way home!”
“The colour run was a really fun experience with all my friends. It was a great event to do before our mock exams start. Hopefully we can do it next year!”
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
