Two Year 5 classes came over to experience a flavour of learning at our Academy by taking part in a science workshop delivered by our staff specialists – Ms Qamar and Ms Payne. The visit was a continuation of the King Edward VI Foundations’ work on fostering links between primary and secondary schools. The children got to further develop their prior learning and experience specialist labs and equipment, by taking part in a bespoke Masterclass on the topic of Space. Students had the opportunity to design, construct, and launch their own rockets to experimentally investigate and the theoretical principles of forces. As you can see from the photos of the sessions, the children enjoyed the experience and their excitement and engagement evident! We look forward to carrying on making links with a range of primary schools in our area and giving students a taste of what secondary school is like in preparation for making school choices in Year 6.

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We are hugely proud of Mrs Baker, Miss Joyner, Miss Hopkins and Miss Orton who won prestigious awards at our Foundation Awards Evening. Thank you for everything you do for our school and community!

As a reward for all their hard work as student librarians, we took a trip to visit the Library of Birmingham, where students could learn about how large libraries work and what they have to offer.

As the Library of Birmingham building also supports sustainability, some dedicated Year 7 Geographers joined the trip to see the sustainable efforts in place. Just across the road, The Exchange held an AI exhibition, which the students got to see. There were questionnaires about AI intelligence, origami making games, among others and of course, the old underground vault to be explored.

Students learnt a great deal, had the opportunity to explore the books and have a read, speak with staff and do their own research. For some, it was their first visit to these buildings but we're sure it won't be the last.

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'Read aloud session'

A group of Year 7 students went to Birmingham Dogs Home to read to puppies at the home. Not only did the puppies love being read to, but research has shown that reading aloud to dogs (and other pets) can help improve reading. It can be a very calming activity, helping to increase empathy and associate reading with a positive feeling.

It can also take away from some concerns over adults correcting them and focus more on building on the enjoyment that can come from reading. The home staff were really impressed with the students and commented on how relaxed the puppies were after their afternoon story time. A huge thank you to Natalie at #birminghamdogshome for this wonderful opportunity and supporting the session.

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The Easter raffle draw took place today to win 48 Cadbury Crème eggs. Both students and Staff across the Academy have supported the Student Council to raise funds for World Vision and a total of £112.00 was collected. Congratulations to the winner – Cole in Year 9. The runners up prize of a large box of chocolates goes to Mrs Middleham. A big thank you to all those who supported this worthy cause.

We are delighted to announce that King Edward VI Sheldon Heath Academy has achieved a Gold Equalities Award! The Gold Award process enabled us to showcase our commitment to Equality across all areas of the school. It is fantastic to have this work recognised with this prestigious award. Having a Gold Award demonstrates that our commitment to equality is well embedded throughout our setting at all levels. Whilst now is a time to celebrate this achievement, rest assured we are also looking ahead, and remain committed to this important work.

Well done to Year 7 and 8 English groups. We have some amazing readers and book quizzers. A few photos of our top quizzing teams! A huge shout out to Karson, for becoming our first word multi-millionaire this year. Karson has read a staggering 2,344,408 words since he started at KESH! Is anyone up for the challenge to try and catch him up, or will he be crowned the word warrior?

Once again, it was that time of year when the students of KESH with the support of their families supported our local food bank – an array of key items were collected which will really help towards giving some comfort to those who are struggling over the winter months.

The Reverend Susan Larkin and volunteer Janet Bare visited us today to collect our donations for the St. Thomas Church Garrets Green Food Bank initiative. Student Council representatives met with Susan and Janet to hand over the significant donations collected throughout the school.

Many thanks to our students, families and staff that helped to support the appeal so generously, especially during these difficult times. The support for our local school community has been amazing. We are so proud of you all! Thank you.

We are now in the final month of the dining room extension project. Works have been progressing well to date.

The building is now water tight so we are starting to see the final fit out of the space take shape. Solar panels have been fitted to the roof structure in order to reduce the Academy's carbon footprint. Roof lights to allow both natural light and natural ventilation into the space have been installed. The new servery area has started to be formed, mechanical and electrical services installation have commenced along with plastering and floor finishes.

We are currently on track to open the new facilities to students when they return from the Christmas Break.

The Student Council have been into assemblies this week to let our school members know that we are going to support St Thomas Garret’s Green Food Bank appeal this half term as our charity of choice. This local charity was supported last year and our school successfully supported their foodbank initiative. Let’s see if we can do the same this year! All pupils can bring in one item from the list, where possible, and give it to their Form Tutor. The appeal will run until 8th December 2023. St Thomas Garett’s Green Food Bank appeal supports our local community and families and can be accessed each Wednesday morning 9.30am -11am. If this time is not suitable other time slots can be arranged by calling the telephone number 0121 743 7040.