Please use the links below to view information about the virtual Progress Evenings forthat will take place on Thursday 25th April 3:30 pm – 6:30pm.

During the virtual event, you will have the opportunity to discuss the progress your child is making in each of their subjects and their attitude towards learning. 

Important change to process for booking appointments

Whilst School Cloud will continue to serve as the platform for booking and conducting appointments, parents and carers will no longer require a separate login or PIN code for the system. The School Cloud software can now be accessed directly via Weduc.

Year 8: https://bit.ly/444jyc2

KS5: https://bit.ly/4aYAS4C

Yesterday afternoon saw the team travel to Sutton Coldfield to play a competitive game against a good Academy side.

The game started well and within 8 mins we had worked the ball out well to the left hand side of the pitch, F.Williams made a run from central midfield and delivered a pinpoint cross to K.Perry who provided a classy but yet calm finish to put us in front, 1-0.

Without the ball we continued to work hard and made it difficult for the opposition to play. But, in the 22^nd minute they managed to work the ball centrally and created an opportunity for their forward to finish, J.Gyan-Baffour rushed out to close the space, the forward went over and a penalty was given, 1-1.

Half time 1-1

It was important that we started well in the second half, unfortunately, we didn’t and within 15 minutes we found ourselves 5-1 down!

As the half went on we got better in possession and started to find passes in central areas, this allowed us to work the ball out to wide areas were we looked dangerous when attacking. Half way through the half and we continued to press without the ball, M.Kaba chased down a back pass to their goalkeeper, forced an error and scored, 5-2.

We continued to push forward and with 10 mins left were awarded a penalty, this could get us back in the game and really put the opposition under pressure. K.Perry had the confidence to take the penalty but their GK pulled off a fantastic save low into the bottom corner.

Full time – Lost 5-2

Goals

K.Perry – 1

M.Kaba – 1

Player of the Game – J.Gyan-Baffour. A fantastic performance in goal, saving one penalty.

As part of our RSHE curriculum, we are looking at pupils’ ability to acknowledge personal safety and understanding the development of themselves, their bodies. On Monday 15^th April, Rebecca Jennings from Raise Education came into Bloxwich Academy, both primary and Secondary to deliver a range of workshops to our pupils.

The range of workshops were age appropriate and covered content as below:

Year 5: Friendships and raising self-esteem

Year 7: Female Genital Mutilation and personal boundaries

Year 8: Healthy relationships and gender identity

Year 9: Pornography and sexual harassment

Year 10: FGM and the law surrounding sexual relationships

The Department for Education requires us to deliver the statutory guidance for Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE). This, alongside other key areas such as RE, Citizenship and Careers, makes up our personal development curriculum which is delivered at all Key Stages through assemblies and form time activities.

Details of our RSHE Policy can be found on our website. This content is now statutory and forms a key part of our provision at school. Should you have any queries, please contact Miss Williamson in Secondary and Mrs Hatton in Primary.

We are excited to launch our brand-new Careers Guidance Pupil Website. 

Pupils need to be prepared for the evolving working world and so, at the heart of our Careers Programme, is a focus on building up essential lifelong employability skills.

Visit our new website to access a wealth of careers guidance, designed to support both pupils and parents.

With our brand-new resources, you can…

• Choose a subject you love and see where it might lead
• Explore your options for when you leave school
• Gain valuable advice on applying to university, apprenticeships and jobs
• Practice your interview skills
• Discover alternative options like gap years or starting your own business

Visit https://matrixcareersguide.co.uk/

It was 1 hour 15 to get to our destination which was Leek Town Football Club. A fantastic venue to play a football match but the trip had taken its toll on the players legs.

After being forced to complete a 5 min warm up before the game began, we found it hard within the first 15 mins. Stoke were pushing us further back and scored from a resulting corner. Within 5 mins we conceded another, 2-0 down.

It was becoming evident that our midfield 2 were struggling against their extra man in midfield but before we could change they scored a third, 3-0 down after 25mins.

We now faced an up hill battle, did the players have the belief and the determination to succeed?

We changed from a 1-4-4-2 to a 1-4-5-1 out of possession but in transition would change to a 1-4-3-3, playing quickly when attacking. It was this tactic that helped when we won the ball back, P. Nsoah dribbled inside from the right, he looked to switch the ball which found K. Perry making a run through, with precision he struck the ball into the bottom corner, 3-1!

Half time 1-3

We spoke at half time the importance of doing our correct jobs and staying with players when defending. The team did just that and looked much better when not in possession.

When on the attack F. Williams got fouled due to his fantastic quick feet. K. Perry took the resulting free kick, struck with curling venom he hit the bar! A.Jones followed this in and put the ball into the back of the net!! 3-2! Was the come back on? 

After pushing Stoke back we won another corner. Miss Knight organised from the side as Mondays practice focused on 3 attacking corners. The team set up in a line on the edge of the area, K.Perry took an in swinging corner, M. Oginni rose like Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Junventus, and provided a bullet header into the back of the net!!! 3-3!

Just when we fought we could get a winner we didn’t clear the ball and they scored, 4-3 down.

With 15 minutes left we changed formation and played 3 at the back, we now had the bit between our teeth. 

On the attack we won another free kick, K.Perry stepped up and slammed it against the bar, K. Ampofu, now playing wide midfield, scored from the rebound! 4-4!

With 5 minutes left we were pressing for the winner, M. Oginni went down with cramp and had to come off. Whilst walking round the pitch with him, Miss Knight orchestrated another attacking corner. It got half cleared, F. Williams got on the ball on the edge of the box, cut inside and stuck it hard low into the corner with his right foot! The crowd went wild! 5-4!!

With 5 mins left, we dropped back into a back 4, K. Perry playing left back and then centre half, we cleared all balls deep into the oppositions half. We stayed compact and were determined to see the game through. A great team performance.

Full time – 5-4!

Just like Man Utd Vs Liverpool, we believed in ourselves and took our chances, what a win!!

Everybody played brilliantly but in particular we had stand out performances from A. Kielczewski, J.Opoku, M. Oginni.

However, K. Perry with 1 goal and 3 assists gets this weeks MVP.

Goals

K.Perry – 1

M. Kaba – 1

A.Jones – 1

K.Ampofu – 1

F.Williams – 1

18th March

As we approach the end of this half term, we want to remind you that we’re in the final week of our exciting “Eggcellent Attendance” challenge. 

The countdown has begun, with just 5 days left!

We’ve witnessed incredible dedication from our pupils over the past weeks, and we want to encourage  them to give their best for this final stretch.

 Achieving perfect attendance not only supports their learning journey but also puts them in the running for a fantastic reward at the end of the term.

Parents, your continued support has been invaluable, and we’re grateful for the positive atmosphere around our school. Let’s finish this “Eggcellent Attendance” challenge on a high note!

Here’s to a fantastic final week!

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11th March

As we head into the second week of our “Eggcellent Attendance” theme, we want to extend a big ‘Well Done!’ to all the amazing pupils who have been consistently attending school on time.

Your children’s commitment to their education is truly commendable! 

As we enter this phase, we’d like to remind you that there are only 10 days of full attendance left to qualify for the exciting reward at the end of the term. The finish line is in sight, and we’re confident that our students will continue to rise to the occasion.

Thank you for your continuous support, and here’s to another week of success in our “Eggcellent Attendance” journey!

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4th March

We’re thrilled to introduce our new attendance theme for the remainder of this half term – “Eggcellent Attendance”! 

Starting today, every student who attends school regularly and is not late will have a crackin’ chance of winning an eggciting prize on the final day of this half term! 

Encourage your child to be present every day and on time to maximize their chances of taking home a special prize. 

Thank you for your ongoing support, and we can’t wait to see every student shine bright with their “Eggcellent Attendance”!

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29th February

We are delighted to share some fantastic news regarding our students’ commitment to attendance at school. Since the beginning of the spring term, we have witnessed a remarkable improvement in the attendance of 60 pupils across various year groups.

Each of these 60 pupils will be receiving a well-deserved congratulations letter in the post. We are immensely proud of their dedication and commitment to their education.

A special shoutout goes to form group 10T2 for achieving the best attendance for the past week with 93.8%. Your collective effort and commitment to attending classes regularly have not gone unnoticed – well done! 

Additionally, we extend our congratulations to Form 7B2 for achieving the highest attendance among all forms-96.5%. Your consistent presence contributes significantly to creating a positive and supportive learning environment for everyone.

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26th February

We would like to thank all parents for supporting their child in arriving to school  by 8:30am each day.

However, we have several pupils arriving after 8:30am and missing line up and form time. As a result, pupils miss out on important notices and form activities to help improve their progress in school. 

Punctuality is not just a virtue within the school setting; it is a habit that carries immense significance in the wider world and future employment. 

Professionalism: Punctuality is a hallmark of professionalism. In the workplace, arriving on time demonstrates a strong work ethic and respect for colleagues and employers. It sets a positive tone for the day and reflects well on an individual’s reliability.

Time Management: Punctual individuals tend to be more effective at managing their time. This skill becomes increasingly valuable as students transition into adulthood, balancing work, family, and personal responsibilities.

Dependability: Punctuality builds trust. Whether in academic collaborations or professional projects, being dependable by showing up on time fosters a sense of reliability and trust among peers and colleagues.

Encourage your child to view punctuality as a habit that extends beyond the school gates. Discuss the importance of being on time in various aspects of life and how it contributes to personal and professional success.

By instilling the value of punctuality now, we are equipping our pupils with a skill that will serve them well throughout their lives. 

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22nd February

We would like to welcome back all our pupils after the half term break and thank all parents for supporting your child in making every day count, by promoting the importance of attendance.

Each week pupils with 100% attendance will receive an attendance postcard as recognition of their commitment to school and 5 positive achievement points. Pupils with 100% attendance from the previous term will also be selected to attend a reward activity during this term. Further information for applicable pupils will be sent out in the coming weeks.

We’re aware medical and dental appointments are unavoidable. However, we encourage all parents to make appointments out of school hours where possible. Where this is not possible, parents should get the school’s agreement in advance and the pupil should be out of school for the minimum amount of time necessary for the appointment.

Pastoral staff will require confirmation of appointments to ensure your child’s absence is coded correctly. If parents do not provide this information and request to remove their child from school, their absence will be unauthorised. Parents are required to collect their child for any medical and dental appointment.

If you have any further questions please contact the school at attendance@bloxwichacademy.co.uk 

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19th February

As we approach the upcoming mock examinations, we would like to emphasize the crucial role that regular school attendance plays in your child’s academic success. Mock exams are a vital part of their preparation for future assessments, and attending school during this period is instrumental in ensuring they get the most out of this valuable experience.

Pupils who did not achieve grade 9 to 4 in English and maths GCSEs in 2019 had an overall absence rate of 8.8% over the key stage, compared with 5.2% among pupils who achieved a grade 4 and 3.7% among pupils who achieved grade 9 to 5 in both English and maths.

Generally, the higher the percentage of sessions missed across the key stage at KS4, the lower the level of attainment at the end of the key stage.

We understand that the exam period can be a stressful time for pupils. To support them in managing any stress or anxiety they may be experiencing, our dedicated team of class teachers, form tutors, and Heads of House are here to help. They are available to provide guidance, answer questions, and offer support tailored to your child’s individual needs.

For further support we recommend the following links

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/advice-for-parents/help-your-child-beat-exam-stress/

https://www.mind.org.uk/for-young-people/feelings-and-experiences/exam-stress/

https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/coping-with-life/exam-stress/

If you have any specific concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Attendance@bloxwichacademy.co.uk

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5th February

In our ongoing efforts to ensure that every student receives a full-time education, the school has conducted a total of 550 home visits to families where we have been unable to establish contact or receive a valid reason for their child’s absence. These home visits were initiated to provide support, address concerns, and ultimately improve attendance.

We understand that various factors may contribute to a student’s absence, and our goal is to work collaboratively with parents and guardians to overcome any barriers that may exist. It is crucial for us to emphasise that our primary focus is the well-being and educational progress of your child.

Regrettably, despite our best efforts, we find ourselves in the unfortunate position of having to take legal action in 8 cases. Court prosecution is not a step we take lightly, but it becomes necessary when all other avenues have been exhausted, and a child’s education is at risk. Additionally, 20 families have been referred to the local authority due to persistent absence concerns.

We want to assure you that our intention is not punitive but rather to ensure that every child can thrive academically. We believe that regular school attendance is a critical factor in achieving this goal.

To continue our collaborative efforts and provide the necessary support, we encourage families to reach out to us at attendance@bloxwichacademy.co.uk. Our dedicated attendance team is available to address any concerns you may have, offer assistance, and work together to remove any barriers affecting your child’s attendance.

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18th January

At Bloxwich Academy, we understand that each family faces unique challenges, and we want you to know that we are here to support you every step of the way. Your child’s well-being and education are of utmost importance to us, and we want to ensure that every student feels supported and can thrive in our school community.

If you find yourselves facing difficulties related to your child’s attendance, please know that you are not alone. We recognise that various factors can contribute to attendance issues, and we are here to help overcome any barriers together.

Our school is equipped with a team of qualified and caring staff members who specialise in supporting students and families facing challenges related to attendance. These dedicated individuals have the expertise to address a range of concerns and provide personalised assistance to help your child succeed.

We encourage you to take a proactive step towards resolving any attendance-related concerns by reaching out to your child’s Head of House. The HOH is here to assist you and can provide valuable insights, support, and guidance. By working collaboratively, we can identify strategies to improve attendance and create a positive and nurturing environment for your child. Our commitment to your child’s well-being extends beyond the classroom, and we are dedicated to working together with you to create the best possible learning experience.

To schedule a meeting with the HOH, please contact attendance@bloxwichacademy.co.uk

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9th January

We hope this message find you well and that you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. As we embark on a new year and fresh start, we are delighted to welcome back our pupils.

As we commence this half term, we would like to emphasise the importance of good attendance. Regular attendance plays a crucial role in a pupils’ academic success and overall well-being. It sets the foundation for a successful learning experience and helps pupils to build a sense of routine and responsibility.

Consistent attendance also ensures that pupils stay on track with the curriculum and do not miss out on important lessons and activities. By being present in class, pupils are better positioned to actively participate in discussions, ask questions and seek clarification on challenging topics. This engagement is vital for their academic progress and helps develop essential skills for the future.

Our dedicated staff are here to support both you and your child in navigating any obstacles that may affect attendance.

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29th November

We are thrilled to share that school attendance has significantly improved compared to last year, thanks to your unwavering support. Persistence absence continues to decrease, showcasing the positive impact of our collective efforts.

Your commitment to your child’s education has played a pivotal role in this achievement. We sincerely appreciate your dedication to fostering a culture of regular attendance.

As we celebrate this progress, we want to assure you that our commitment to supporting students and families remains a priority. If you have any concerns or require further assistance, our doors are always open.

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23rd November

Encouraging Full Week Attendance for Student Success

We would like to take a moment to emphasise the significance of your child attending school on Fridays and completing a full week of classes.

Consistent attendance is a key factor in academic success, and we have observed that some pupils are not completing full weeks, which can impact their overall attainment. Attending school regularly ensures that students benefit from continuous learning, engage in important classroom discussions, and maintain a routine that supports their academic development.

To motivate and recognise our students for their commitment to attending school regularly, we are implementing a new attendance reward system. Starting now, students will be rewarded on a weekly basis for completing the full week of classes. Additionally, we are excited to announce that students will have the opportunity to work towards attendance rewards that include family vouchers.

We believe that by incentivising regular attendance, we can create a positive environment that fosters academic growth and instills a sense of responsibility in our students. Your support in encouraging your child to attend school consistently will contribute greatly to their overall success.
Thank you for partnering with us in nurturing a culture of regular attendance and commitment to learning. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

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22nd November

Legal Implications of School Attendance 📚

We hope this message finds you well. Our school has recently conducted 339 home visits to ensure the welfare and academic progress of our pupils. We understand that various challenges can impact attendance, but it’s crucial to be aware of the legal consequences.

As of now, £1800 in penalty notices have been issued, and 14 families are facing prosecution due to persistent non-attendance. The law mandates regular school attendance, and failing to comply can result in severe consequences for both parents and students.

We urge you to prioritise your child’s education and work collaboratively with the school to overcome any barriers to attendance. Communication is key, and we are here to support you. Let’s ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive academically and build a bright future.

Please contact the school at attendance@bloxwichacademy.co.uk for further support.

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17th November 2023

Punctuality Matters

We have noticed that some parents, due to various commitments, rely on their older children to drop off younger siblings at school. While we understand the challenges that come with busy schedules, we’ve observed that this practice is causing some children to arrive late.

Prompt arrivals are crucial for a smooth start to the school day, ensuring that every student can maximize their learning opportunities. We kindly request parents who currently depend on older siblings for drop-offs to consider alternative arrangements or coordinate with fellow parents to ensure that all children reach school on time.

Your cooperation in addressing this matter will greatly contribute to maintaining a punctual and organised school environment. If you have any concerns or if you need assistance in finding alternative solutions, please feel free to reach out and contact us via attendance@bloxwichacademy.co.uk 

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14th November 2023

Building attendance together

We would like to thank all the parents in attendance at the most recent parent advisory forum last week. Your engagement and insights are crucial in shaping the path forward for our school community. We appreciate your commitment and collaboration and look forward to our next meeting.

Bloxwich Academy would like to continue to work with families and pupils to support your child’s attendance. For support, please contact attendance@bloxwichacademy.co.uk 

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10th November 2023

Celebrating Perfect Attendance!

We are thrilled to announce and celebrate the remarkable achievement of several of our dedicated pupils who have achieved a great milestone: **100% Attendance**! Their commitment to learning and unwavering dedication has been truly inspiring throughout this half term. By attending every single day of school, these students have demonstrated exceptional perseverance and a true passion for education.

Their accomplishment reflects not only their hard work but also the support and encouragement provided by all of you, their parents. Your commitment to their education has played a vital role in this success.

Let’s continue to encourage and motivate all pupils to strive for excellence in both attendance and academic pursuits.

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23rd October 2023

Parent Forum – Attendance success

We would like to thank all parents who attended the Parent Forum last Thursday evening, where we informally discussed attendance- it was a great success!

The input from parents sparked some insightful conversations around attendance to which we will now look to build on, to extend our support to you and your child. This was the first opportunity this year for parents to collaborate in progressing attendance within the school. We look forward to the next one.

We will be sending invitations out next half term to allow more parents to have their say. We welcome the opportunity for you to get involved and continue this informal conversation over a hot drink and cake.

If you are interested in joining us at the next forum, please raise your interest through the attendance email: attendance@bloxwichacademy.co.uk

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17th October 2023

Absence due to mock exams and assessments

Working alongside parents and pupils to support your child’s attendance is a key priority at Bloxwich Academy. We encourage all parents/carers to raise any concerns they have with their child attending school, to allow us to support and address any barriers they may face.

We know that parents worry about their children’s mental health. Parents and carers must remember that mild anxiety, whilst sometimes a difficult emotion, is normal. In many instances, attendance at school may serve to help with the underlying issue more than being away from school, which might exacerbate it.

Rather than keeping your child away from school during this time we would much rather you encourage your child to attend school and you let us know about your worries so that we can work together on supporting your child.

It is important to us that all children feel safe and supported when attending school and we are keen to work with you to ensure they feel this way when attending school.

We would love to meet with you to discuss avenues for support. Please contact attendance@bloxwichacademy.co.uk to make an appointment or arrange a phone call.

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3rd October 2023

Excellent Attendance Reaps Rewards

Well done to the vast majority of pupils who have attended school every day this year so far; Year 7 are certainly leading the way and Year 11 are a close second (especially important with the forthcoming examinations on the horizon).

After talking with a number of pupils over the last few weeks, we are about to launch a new package of rewards for great attendance, alongside also rewarding pupils with improved attendance – watch this space!

We know that pupils fall behind their friends and classmates when they miss school. At Bloxwich Academy, we want the amount of missed education to be reduced as much as possible. We believe that our community is stronger together, with all of our pupils in school, on time, every day. We are building life skills, life-long friendships and preparing your child for future success.

Please email attendance@bloxwichacademy.co.uk if there is anything we can do to support you or your child.

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27th September 2023

Outstanding Attendance underpins Academic Success

 During the summer, we were delighted to report another set of excellent results for our Year 11 pupils, which saw a significant number of our pupils achieve fantastic grades.  Our analysis has shown that:

We know that parents have a significant effect and we would really appreciate your help and support ensuring that your child comes to school every day so that they can get the best possible outcomes.  We want to work with you to achieve this –please email attendance@bloxwichacademy.co.uk if there is anything we can do to support you or your child.

Further NHS Guidance can be found here: Is my child too ill for school?

Bloxwich Academy had the exciting opportunity to welcome The Mercians to perform and speak to our Year 8, 9 and Sixth Form pupils.

The band spoke about their journey and their Spotify and Apple Chart success, taking the top spot from Billie Eilish. Pupils were able to experience a fantastic live performance, a first for many. Following this, the band spoke about their own personal experiences of mental health.

The Mercians spoke about the difficulties with mental health and how to seek support and speak out to protect themselves and others. They discussed the signs to look for when supporting their peers and who they can report their concerns to. This was followed with who they can speak to in school. A key part of the message, was not only about mental health but also protecting themselves and their digital footprint. This highlighted the importance and awareness needed when posting online, including any comments relating to discrimination and misogyny.

Thank you for the experience and important messages shared today.

Bloxwich Academy have planned a fantastic opportunity to support Year 11 pupils with their last-minute revision through a Free Easter Revision Programme taking place from Monday 25^th March- Thursday 28^th March. Each day will run from 10am-2pm. Pupils will be provided with a snack and a hot lunch free of charge.

In the morning, pupils will have the chance to work with specialist teachers over the Easter break to cement the focus areas of knowledge, which can be applied to their exams in May. Not only this, in the afternoon, they will have an option of enrichment activities, continue their revision, or take park in a sporting activity.

On Thursday 28^th March, Bloxwich have arranged for an indoor inflatable assault course and an inflatable disco hub to be on site. This will allow pupils to wind down and enjoy their time with their peers following the hard work during the week.

Pi Day 2024 Competition

How can you represent Pi in real life?

Use your imagination to illustrate a real-life example of Pi.

Examples might include; running 3.14 miles, recycling 3.14kg of waste, using art to illustrate Pi, using nature to illustrate Pi and the history of Pi.

Entries must be submitted by the end of the day on March 14^th 2024

You can enter as an individual or as a group entry, there will be one prize for each school with an overall winner for the trust.

Prizes will be a £10 amazon voucher with a £30 amazon voucher for the trust winner.

Entries to be emailed from your school email to matrixmathscompetition@matrixacademytrust.co.uk