Today, 210 cadets & staff from our schools visited the National Memorial Arboretum as part of their historical and social enrichment package within the Combined Cadet Force. 

Thank fully the weather was clear and all of our cadets enjoyed learning about the various monuments situated around the grounds. 

We would like to thank members of the Wales & West CCF Test Team for supporting the visit, and the staff of the National Memorial Arboretum for hosting such a large group of us.

As part of this curriculum, we are looking at pupils’ safety online and how they can protect themselves when using social media. From Monday 5^th February, pupils experienced assemblies and completed work during form time to ensure pupils are equipped with the knowledge to keep themselves self and what to do if they are concerned. Pupils were encouraged to see the positive uses of the internet, but also the dangers associated with it including false news, social media and privacy settings and adding unknown individuals to their friends lists. Pupils were given strategies as to how to keep their profiles hidden and where to find the report button on different apps. Pupils have been reminded that “We are a Telling School” and should they have any concerns to report this to any staff member so they can receive the support they require.

Embark on a thrilling journey into the world of STEM with the Engineering Development Trust’s Routes into STEM Virtual Experience 2023/24! Designed exclusively for Year 9 and 10 pupils, this immersive program opens doors to the captivating realms of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics from the comfort of your classroom. Through engaging virtual experiences, students will explore cutting-edge concepts, witness real-world applications, and interact with industry professionals, igniting their passion for STEM disciplines.

Joining Routes into STEM provides students with a unique opportunity to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical insights, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The expertly curated sessions offer a glimpse into the exciting future of STEM careers, inspiring the next generation of innovators and leaders. Don’t miss out on this chance to fuel curiosity, spark creativity, and set the course for a promising future in STEM.

Speak to Mr Lowe for more information.

Thirty-four Non-Commissioned Officers from Barr Beacon School, Bloxwich Academy, Etone College, and Wednesfield Academy attended their Method of Instruction course held at Barr Beacon School over the weekend. 

The cadets learnt how to structure and deliver instructional sessions to their fellow cadets using syllabus training subjects as a basis. Each of them then had to plan and deliver two instructional periods which were assessed by the staff during the weekend. 

By the end of the weekend all of the cadets had earned the right to wear the coveted yellow lanyard and begin instructing within their contingents. Well done to all of the cadets who attended the course.

Our chair of trustees Sir Mark Aspinall has been invited to have his photograph taken to be placed in the Victoria Law court in Birmingham. Sir Mark has over 20 years’ experience in Law across banking, financial, media, NHS, Government and FTSE corporate sector and is currently a Judge and a Governor of a local authority Primary School.

We would like to take this opportunity to see your very best photography work and give you the opportunity to have your work hung in the law court for years to come. See below details on how to get involved with our Matrix photography competition.

Submission Criteria. You can submit up to three portrait style images, each image can be of the same or a different subject. Your images should be saved in jpeg format. Images should not be altered or edited, we want to see your original photograph. Cropping is allowed. Images should be sent with your full name, form group, school name and a short write up to explain your style of image. Submit your images to photography@matrixacademytrust.co.uk

Submission Deadline: Sunday 18th February 2024. Speak to your media/creative arts teacher for help and guidance.

What is Portrait Photography? Portrait photography is best defined as a genre of photography that involves capturing the identity, personality, facial expression, soul, emotions, essence, and the overall inherent character of a subject within a photograph.

Prize. The winning submission will be chosen by Sir Mark Aspinall and Mrs Draycott. The winner will receive £150 and the opportunity to take the commissioned image in Victoria Law Court in Birmingham. The winners photograph of Sir Mark Aspinall will be proudly hung in the court. The oldest image currently hanging in the court currently is over 180 year olds. This is a chance to take a photograph that will be seen in court for many years to come.

Walsall family Hubs services provides a wealth of support opportunities in the local borough. If you would like more information on the services they provide, ranging from emotion and anxiety workshops, infant feeding, dad network groups and many more, please see the booklet and visit their website: Walsall Family Hubs.

On Tuesday 12th December, 50 students across the Matrix Schools met at Barr Beacon to find out more about their “Far From Home” Italian adventure as part of the Turing Scheme. The day consisted of meeting their staff, team building activities and learning more about where they are going. This of course would not have been complete without a “surviving Italy” language taster session from a native Italian, as well as tasting some authentic Italian dishes such as ‘Melanzane alla Parmigiana’ ‘Patate, Gorgonzola e Chorizo’ and a choice of ‘Antipasti’ to awaken their taste buds. The day was finished off by writing a Christmas card back to their pen pal in our partner school in Rome, we cannot wait to visit and meet them in person!