36 Students from Year 8 and 4 members of staff, were selected to attend a visit at the NMA as part of the wider World War One topic. As a veteran of the Royal Air Force I believed it be important that the students understand the meaning behind the memorials and the sacrifice of those who served in World War One beyond the battlefield.

The students were presented with sources and replicas of Victoria Cross medals that allowed them to make the link between people and movement across our Empire, Women’s role, the youth and change in technology. This was then shown through the various memorials across the vast site of the Arboretum, including the moving memorial to the 306 soldiers who were executed during the conflict.

The students also paid a visit to the Armed Forces Memorial, which houses the names of 16,000 servicemen and women who have laid down their lives since the end of the Second World War. The students also carried out an act of remembrance, laying a wreath on behalf of Wednesfield Academy and the wider trust.

The students were fully engaged within the visit, which the staff at the Arboretum said: ‘Some pupils had very good knowledge and everyone was well behaved. We were pleased to hear that most of the class said they wanted to come back. There were some very interested pupils with very positive engagement in the classroom activities and their involvement in the Act of Remembrance was exemplary.”

One of our pupils said: “I had a really good day. I want to come again. I learnt about people who gave their lives for us, and I want to come back with my family to tell them what I’ve learnt.”

Two Year 12 Historians have had the opportunity of a life time as they have taken part in the 'Lessons from Auschwitz project.' Through this project they have been exploring this challenging history by taking part in an interactive, online seminar, and on Tuesday had the amazing opportunity to visit Poland for the day to experience the infamous Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial. The students had a wonderful experience. Here are some of the photos they have shared with us from their day.

KS3 girls had the opportunity to attend the Biggest Ever Girls Football Event at Aldersley Leisure Village. 

They had four sessions run by professional football coaches. They got to take part in panna football, futsal, a goalkeeping session, and a skills workshop. 

A shout out to A Smith - Year 7 for winning a medal for the most dribbles with a football around a circuit in 30 seconds out of all the girls who took part that morning. 

The girls were amazing, they had a brilliant day and have come back with some excellent skills to use for their upcoming matches. We are once again very proud. 

Do you have a special talent you wish to showcase at our next big live event. 

You will have the chance to perform on stage in front of a live audience in Birmingham at Millennium Point in their state-of-the-art theatre on Thursday 20^th April 2022.  Whether it be singing, dancing, juggling, stand-up comedy or anything and everything in between, we want to see all your wonderful talents.

How to enter:

• Have one of your performing arts teachers record your performance (or film it yourself and email to your teacher). 
• A snippet of your performance can be submitted, please do not worry about submitting a performance in its entirety. 
• Your teacher will be able to submit your performance video to the Matrix judging panel.
• Finalists will have the opportunity to perform at our next big trust event and some school events this year. 
• Solo entries and group entries are welcome. 
• Submit your entry by 4pm on Wednesday 15^th March.