This week we hosted our first ever trust wide football competition between all our schools. The competition was hosted at Etone College and utilised the outstanding facilities and Football Academy provision to implement a very competitive and fun filled event. The day consisted of high quality and competitive football from Year 8 pupils from each of our schools. Our pupils showcased sportsmanship of the highest quality and their passion for football shone through as pupils enjoyed playing and meeting people from across the trust.

It was evident as soon as the group stages started, the games were going to be decided with a bit of magic, an error, or the dreaded penalties. The group stages ended Bloxwich Academy, Dame Elizabeth Cadbury, Etone College and Turves Green Boys’ School progressed to the semi-final stage.

The 7th and 8th placed playoff was a competitive affair which saw the Etone B team victorious over Wednesfield Academy on penalties. The 5th and 6th placed game saw Barr Beacon win the game 1-0. In the semi-finals there was very little difference between the four schools in what was a very competitive high-quality game and again the dreaded penalty shoot-out came into force, Etone College and Bloxwich Academy progressed to the final and Turves Green and Dame Elizabeth went into the third and fourth playoff game

The 3rd and 4th playoff game was a very exciting game that saw both teams miss chances and played some free-flowing exciting football, unfortunately both keepers were to remain unbeaten, and Dame Elizabeth took the third place on penalties. The final consisted of Bloxwich Academy and Etone College in which was anyone’s to win after the two teams had played out a 0-0 draw earlier in the day. Etone started quickly and scored an absolute thunderbolt into the top corner to make it 1-0, Bloxwich to their credit competed fiercely and played some fantastic football and deserved their equaliser to make it 1-1. With both teams going for the win Etone caught Bloxwich on the break to open them up and scored 3 late goals to take the game and the title 4-1.

A huge well done to all pupils and staff involved and a big thankyou to all those that contributed to the event. We are looking forward to getting the next event booked into the calendar to see where the shield will end up next year.

"Bloxwich Academy Year 8 Football team took part in the Matrix Trust’s first ever all day football tournament hosted by Etone College. Playing against some strong opposition within the Trust, Bloxwich managed to reach the Final of the competition. A superb effort! They lost in the final to the host School, Etone. The students really enjoyed the experience and conducted themselves in a fantastic manner throughout the event J.Lyons (Year 8, Stephenson) was awarded Goalkeeper of the tournament, and B. Lindop (Year 8, Watt) scored a freekick in the Final from 30 yards out and worthy of the goal of the tournament contender!"

Pupils at Bloxwich Academy will join millions of people across the World learning about Martin Luther King Day. Pupils will be having assemblies, taking part in Form Time Activities discussing the impact that Martin Luther King had on equality and diversity and anti-discrimination. Pupils will be relating “I have a Dream” to our own Bloxwich Values and how they can support themselves and others to make a valuable contribution. The Art Club are currently in the process of completing their masterpiece, inspired by Martin Luther King. Please keep checking back on our social media platforms to see the progress of this. #MLKDay #CivilRights #Equality #IHaveADream

We would like to remind you that you can now report your child’s absence through the Weduc app. A letter with detailed instructions on how to use the app for this purpose was sent to all parents on 4th December. If you haven’t had a chance to review it, please find the link attached below. When reporting absence can you ensure you provide the reason, e.g. Not attending school today due to having a high temperature and fever.

https://weduchelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-gb/articles/14181580731921-How-do-I-report-an-absence-for-my-child

To ensure the safety and well-being of our students, it is important that absences are reported promptly. If we do not receive a report of absence via the Weduc app or through a phone call, a Weduc message will be sent in the morning requesting you to contact the school.

If you are unsure of whether your child is too ill for school please find the link attached for NHS guidance.

Is my child too ill for school? - NHS

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