The theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day on 10th October is ‘mental health in an unequal world’, asking us to think about the issues that cause mental health inequality both locally and globally.

Stigma and discrimination towards those with mental health issues is one key reason for these inequalities.

Almost 9 out of 10 people with mental health problems say that the stigma surrounding mental health has a negative impact on their education, work and personal lives.

The stigma around mental health can make it more difficult for those having difficulties to seek help.

To raise awareness of World Mental Health at Bloxwich Academy, the pupils completed various form-time activities and the whole school took part in a virtual assembly presented by Sandra Vaughan, who is the chief executive of Black Country Mental Health. Sandra explained what Mental Health and the different forms of mental health as well as what the theme for this year called Unequal World meant to our pupils. The pupils asked a wide range of questions throughout the session, so they could improve their understanding of Mental Health. Our Academy, is following up this assembly by training peer supporters and we sold doughnuts at break time to raise money for Black Country Mental Health to help them continue their work in our local area.

On Wednesday 6th October, 30 Year 11 pupils attended The University of Wolverhampton’s Campus Experience Day organised by ‘Aspire to HE’.

During this visit, pupils completed a workshop looking at making informed decisions. This was an interactive and engaging session that helped the pupils to understand why it is important to make informed decisions and what process they can follow to make the right decisions for them. Pupils left this session feeling enthused, positive and prepared to step outside of their comfort zone and tackle each decision they may encounter.

Matrix Academy Trust can proudly announce that we have been successful in two bids for the new Turing Scheme. We will therefore be able to offer experiences across all five Matrix secondary schools for 100 pupils to go abroad to experience life in Spain or Germany in 2022. The Turing Scheme replaces the Erasmus project, which, for many years, has supported pupils to travel, learn and study internationally.

We will shortly be opening applications for 10 Year 8 pupils to apply to go on the Turing Germany project and a further 10 Year 9 pupils to apply to go on the Turing Spain project. Our projects are planned to take place in Fulda near Frankfurt in Germany and the Costa Del Sol in Spain.

For the successful applicants this will be a life-changing opportunity: the chance to travel internationally, working alongside other pupils from the Matrix Academy Trust schools and meeting German or Spanish pupils. Pupils taking part will also take part in pre-mobility work between schools to learn about the host countries culture, language, food, schools and ways of life.

Another excellent set of results for Years 11 & 13 at Bloxwich Academy.  We have continued to increase the proportion of pupils who excel within English, Maths, Sciences, and other key academic subjects at GCSE and A-level.

Mr S. Martin, Assistant Headteacher, stated “I am absolutely delighted with the fantastic grades achieved by our pupils at Bloxwich Academy.  They have worked so hard throughout their time with us, and thoroughly deserve their success today.
The outcomes achieved by our pupils has led to an increasing number staying on at our sixth form.  This, along with our excellent outcomes in both A-level and level 3 vocational subjects, has ensured that a greater number of our students access the best universities in the country.  I am incredibly proud of them all.”

Mr A. Seager, Headteacher, stated “The brilliant results are a testament to the dedication and efforts of our pupils, parents and staff.  I am delighted to see so many of our pupils meet the entry requirements to gain a place at our sixth form.  I look forward to working with them in the future in order to help them be the best that they can be!“

As the end of the academic year, approaches the CCF are winding up the end of the year with a big recruitment push with year 7. An open evening for potential cadets has been held with the serving cadets running the event. So far about 25 students have shown interest in joining the cadet programme. The evening consisted of Drill, first aid, rock climbing and skill at arms, this was all run by the current serving cadets.

Cadet numbers remain healthy with 35 cadets, 1 school staff instructor and 3 officers on strength. Nationally some schools have suffered major losses of cadets leaving the cadet programme due to the pandemic and the lock downs. I hope that with the New Year 7/8 cohort we should pass the 50 cadet mark.

The senior cadets are looking forward to an educational visit to the helicopter museum in Weston– Super– mare as part of their part 2 syllabus. The junior cadets have recently attended a visit to RAF Cosford museum as part of their training syllabus. The cadets/students represented their school with the upmost of manners and behaviour and a very enjoyable day was had by all. The gift shop made some serious profit that day.

Thank you for your continued support.

Flying Officer Hall R J

Contingent Commander,

Bloxwich Academy Combined Cadet Force RAF

Bloxwich Got Talent was back with a vengeance this year and a great success. Many fantastic acts auditioned but unfortunately only limited numbers made it to the final performance. We had musical performances of Djembe drums, two pianists, a solo lyrical dancer and the Bloxwich cheerleaders. The Performing Arts staff personally think all acts are incredibly talented but judge Mr Seager was very much harsh Simon Cowell on the day.  Once again, our pupils have excelled but there could only be one winner. This year 7B1 L. Jennings, performing a lyrical dance was our well deserved winner. We cannot wait to see the talent we will get next year!

Staff at Bloxwich Academy did not want to miss out on the opportunity to send well wishes and act a little silly on video. We hope you enjoy your Year 11 celebration video. We would like to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our Year 11 cohort.

Bloxwich’s Got Talent is Finally Back!

Calling all dancers, actors, singers, musicians, comedians, magicians and anything else.  If you have a secret talent, we need to know – the more unique the better.

Come along to the auditions on Monday 14th June in the main hall to show us what you’ve got!

If you are successful, you will be allocated a mentor to prepare for Bloxwich’s Got Talent. You will then need to impress the guest judges at the live show.

Be The Best You Can Be!