Year 9 and 10 Drama pupils had a fantastic time watching 2:22 A Ghost Story at the theatre

The trip gave pupils the chance to experience live theatre and explore how acting, lighting, sound and set design create tension for an audience.

This will be especially useful for Year 10 who will be writing about the production in their GCSE Drama mock exam in a few weeks. Good luck, Year 10!

We recently took 15 Year 10 Media pupils to a BFI careers event. Pupils heard from five alumni and local professionals now working in the media industry in roles such as camera operation, sound and editing. They gained a clear insight into different career pathways, the skills required and how school subjects link to real jobs. It was a valuable opportunity to ask questions and learn directly from people working in the field.

We recently took 14 pupils from Years 10 and 11 to see SIX the Musical, and it was an unforgettable experience.

Pupils were fantastic ambassadors for the school and thoroughly enjoyed the performance. The trip gave them the opportunity to experience professional live theatre, deepen their understanding of musical theatre and gain inspiration for their own creative work in Performing Arts. We are incredibly proud of how they represented the school and look forward to seeing how this experience influences their future performances and studies.

From 1st – 5th July, pupils from all Matrix Academy Trust schools, including Elmwood School who are joining the Matrix family in September, embarked on the final International trip of the 2024–2025 academic year. The 55 children experienced an unforgettable week in the heart of Italy.

During their time in Italy, students explored some of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, including the awe-inspiring Colosseum and the Pantheon. A hands-on gladiator school experience gave everyone a taste of ancient Roman life — a highlight for many, even with the heat!

Adventurous spirits were tested on the high ropes course, followed by visits to the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and the lively Piazza Navona. Although a planned trip to the Vatican was sadly cancelled due to a metro line closure, spirits remained high. Instead, the group enjoyed a sunny afternoon on the beach at Ostia, where paddling in the sea proved the perfect way to end a packed itinerary.

The behaviour of all students was exemplary throughout the trip — a real credit to the Trust and to their schools. The final trip of this year was a resounding success, leaving everyone with memories that will last a lifetime – and a lot of enthusiasm to participate in next year’s adventures!

Year 12 experiences Nottingham University life and the city itself. Pupils attended a number of subject sessions and got to speak to many lecturers gaining and insight into their possible next steps.

#RoleModels of the future.

ANNOUNCING OUR FIRST EVER TRUST-WIDE SPORTS DAY 2025!

We are thrilled to announce a landmark moment in our trust’s calendar — the very first Trust-Wide Sports Day, bringing together more than 3,000 pupils from across Matrix schools.

Venue: The iconic Alexander Stadium, Birmingham – home of the 2022 Commonwealth Games

Date: Wednesday, 9th July 2025

This incredible event will be a full day of competition, celebration, and community spirit. As part of our Healthy Competitions Initiative, the day will showcase the power of sport in promoting teamwork, resilience, and ambition. Schools have now completed their in-school heats and successful participants will receive letters to notify them of their involvement as a participant. Additionally, this event provides a unique opportunity for pupils to showcase their talents in front of athletics club scouts, potentially opening doors for future athletic opportunities.

What to Expect:

• 456 student athletes battling it out in a range of exciting track and field events
• Live performances from our talented performing arts pupils to energise the crowd
• A cheering audience of 2,600 spectators from Years 7 and 10, supporting their teams with pride and passion (details will be shared In a letter in the coming weeks)
• A chance to claim the prestigious title of Trust-Wide Sports Champions 2025

Parents and carers of participants are warmly invited to attend and spectate this exciting event! With over 2,000 spectators expected, the day promises an electric atmosphere — and your support will make all the difference to our pupils. A full schedule of events is below so you can plan when to attend to cheer on your child. Spectators will be seated in the East Stand. Tickets are available via Eventbrite at £3 per person. All proceeds will be donated to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, our Trust charity for the year.

So you can plan when you would like to arrive and watch a particular event - a schedule of events will be confirmed on the trust website HERE closer to the event. Follow us on social media for the latest timings.

Book here: https://bit.ly/matsportsday

This is more than just a sports day — it’s a celebration of talent, teamwork, and trust unity. Whether you’re competing, performing, or cheering from the stands, get ready to be part of something unforgettable.

Let the countdown begin.

Some of our Computer Science students had the incredible opportunity to step back in time and explore one of the most important sites of World War II – Bletchley Park, the home of British codebreaking and the birthplace of modern computing.

From learning about the heroic work of Alan Turing and the Enigma codebreakers to seeing the original huts and the mighty Bombe machine in action, the visit brought history, mathematics, and computer science to life in the most engaging way.

We recently took 49 pupils from Years 8 to 10 to see Dear England, a gripping National Theatre production by James Graham. The play explores leadership, pressure and national identity through the story of Gareth Southgate and the England men’s football team. Pupils thoroughly enjoyed the performance, and for at least half the group it was their first time experiencing live theatre. It proved to be a memorable introduction to the power of performance and storytelling. Members of the public praised the pupils’ behaviour and engagement, saying they were a credit to the school. We are incredibly proud of how they represented us and look forward to offering more opportunities like this in the future.

After an epic 25-hour journey, our group finally arrived in the breathtaking Austrian Alps, ready to take on the slopes of Austria. What followed was a week of incredible progress, thrilling experiences, and unforgettable memories.

From the moment we clipped into our skis, it was clear this would be a trip like no other. Beginners who had never set foot on snow transformed into confident skiers, tackling the most demanding black runs by the end of the week—a truly phenomenal achievement! Meanwhile, those with prior experience made huge leaps in skill and confidence, mastering advanced techniques and testing their speed on the slopes.

Of course, skiing wasn’t the only activity on the itinerary. We swapped ski poles for bowling balls in a round of Austrian bowling, tested our balance and precision with curling, and took time to explore the charming town of Schladming.

The week concluded with a celebratory awards evening, where we recognised outstanding performances with medals for the fastest skiers. A huge congratulations to our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners—it was a fierce competition!

Most importantly, every single pupil represented themselves exceptionally well, showing determination, resilience, and teamwork throughout the trip. Whether it was on the slopes, in the town, or during the long journey, their positive attitude made the experience truly special.