Day 1

• Day 1 the students arrived at the hotel and enjoyed the facilities (of course played on the hotels football pitch)​
• Students had their first training session and met the FC Porto coaches – who they got on with extremely well​
• The lads were committed, enthusiastic and willing to learn ​
• We went to the FC Porto stadium (Estadio Do Dragao) and watched FC Porto defeat 1899 Hoffenheim 2-0​
• Tired and content from their first day students arrived back at the hotel and rested before their second day

Day 2

• Day 2 the students arrived at the FC Porto ground for training at the private training area at the ground. ​
• Students enjoyed various sessions from their coaches and was able to enjoy time getting to know their coaches. ​
• Students then had time at the hotel to relax and prepare for their first match against FC Porto academy. ​
• We arrived at our first match and prepared for the matches. ​
• Wednesfield played two matches against an FC Porto academy, unfortunately we lost but there were plenty of positives to take from both the matches. ​

Day 3

• Day 3 the students arrived at the first training session, where they enjoyed several training sessions and applied everything they have learnt to game scenarios. ​
• Students had some free time where we went to a seaside resort and an all you can eat restaurant which the students were fascinated by the robot which delivered food. Students who felt home sick were helped as plenty of students said ‘this is like cosmos at Bentley Bridge’​
• We then went to our second training session of the day – students were very tired but appreciated all the effort of the coaches and teachers

Day 4

• Day 4 the students arrived at Porto city centre. ​
• The students enjoyed time looking around the city and visiting the famous PORTO sign.​
• Students managed to find a sports shop and looked at all the replica kits Portugal had to offer​
• The shop assistants were very keen and offered the students Ronaldo masks which were a big hit with the lads ​
• Following a quick detour, we managed to walk over the famous ‘The Don Luis 1st bridge’ which overlooked the River Douro between the cities of Porto and Vila Nova.​
• We then arrived at our second match location and supported Smestows matches before we played ours. ​
• We was unfortunate in our first match but won our second match which all the lads were buzzing about – beating an FC Porto academy team in Porto was definitely the highlight of the trip​

Day 5

• Day 5 the students arrived at FC Porto ground (Estadio Do Dragao) for a tour of the stadium ​
• Students were able to walk along the side of the pitch, visit the changing rooms, learn information about the FC Porto history, visit the presidents VIP area and sit in the home and away dug outs. ​
• Students were able to do a press conference in the conference room based on their past four matches, which the students loved ​
• Students then had the opportunity to visit the FC Porto museum, looking at the history of the club and visiting their massive trophy cabinet

Year 8 and 9 students had an incredible time in our songwriting workshop with Lex Gibbon, developing creativity, collaboration, and musical composition skills. They loved expressing themselves through music and working together to create original songs! 

On Friday 18^th October a group of our Year 11 pupils were given the opportunity to visit Girton College at the University of Cambridge as part of our careers provision in school.  Pupils had a tour of the campus as well as the opportunity to meet current students and lecturers.  The pupils were amazing with many now considering Oxbridge as a route post 16.  Thank you, Wolverhampton Grammar School, for the invitation. 

We are proud to announce that we are now a Music Mark school, recognised for our dedication to music education and participation in both internal and external events. This achievement reflects the hard work of staff and pupils and will further enrich our music program. Pupils will gain skills in performance, composition, collaboration, and develop a deeper understanding of musical theory and culture.

On Wednesday 9th October, our Year 13 students had the exciting opportunity to attend the Royal Television Society Careers Fair in Birmingham. The event was a fantastic chance for students to explore careers in the TV and film industry, meeting with leading companies such as ITV, BBC, and the Birmingham Ormiston Academy (BOA). They also engaged with freelancers who specialise in key areas like sound, lighting, production, and more.

The students were able to see firsthand the wide variety of roles involved in bringing TV and film projects to life. From technical skills in lighting and sound to creative roles in production and writing, they gained a deeper understanding of the industry and its many career pathways.

Talking directly with industry professionals helped the students broaden their horizons and consider new opportunities that they hadn’t thought about before. Many came away inspired, realising that the skills they are developing now could lead to exciting careers in television and film industry. The fair was a valuable experience, offering insights into the behind-the-scenes work that powers the entertainment industry and helping our students plan their futures with newfound confidence.

Year 8 pupils used their drama skills in today’s English lesson to bring Chapter 4 of Animal Farm to life! Re-enacting key moments from the Battle of the Cowshed, they captured the intensity and emotion of the animals’ fight for the farm. From Snowball’s leadership to Boxer’s strength, they explored the themes of power and rebellion through still image. Amazing work, Year 8!