Pupils in Year 8 are having the exciting opportunity to learn first aid skills. This is part of the Personal Development curriculum to ensure pupils are able to remain safe in the community and support others.

Pupils are learning how to make a clear and efficient call to emergency services if necessary and the concepts of basic first aid. Pupils have been shown how to deal with common injuries and, head injuries and how to do CPR. Pupils have also been shown the purpose of defibrillators and when they are needed.

We would like to thank Miss Handley from Dame Elizabeth Cadbury for supporting our pupils with these sessions.

Embarking on a journey beyond borders can be a transformative experience for students, offering them a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in different cultures, languages, and traditions. Recently, a group of 35 adventurous pupils from across Matrix Academy Trust had the incredible opportunity to explore the city of Stockholm, Sweden through the Turing Scheme. This government-funded scheme enables pupils to experience other cultures. 

Our first activity was a visit to the Paradox Musuem, which offers an engaging exploration of optical illusions. Visitors are invited to pose for some great pictures as part of these illusions, before walking to the Avicii Experience, where our pupils enjoyed DJing alongside the groundbreaking DJ and producer, experiencing his music in a unique and immersive setting. 

Later that afternoon, our students had the opportunity to visit Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s charming Old Town, exploring landmarks such as the Royal Armouries. They also delved into the world of Nobel laureates at the Nobel Prize Museum, learning about the importance of science, literature, and peace in shaping our world.  

On our second day, we visited the Vasa Museum in Stockholm. As you step into the museum, you’re greeted by the Vasa ship, a preserved warship that sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was salvaged centuries later. Our pupils also enjoyed exploring Lego versions of the world’s most famous shipwrecks. 

Following this, our students had the pleasure of exploring the iconic music of Sweden. At the ABBA museum, they were immersed in ABBA’s iconic costumes and memorabilia, exploring interactive exhibits and singing and dancing along to timeless hits.  

On day three, we paid a visit to the Tekniska Museum of science, technology, and innovation. Here the pupils enjoyed interactive exhibits, followed by lunch at Max Burgers – Sweden’s (significantly better) answer to McDonalds.  

In the afternoon, we took a scenic boat tour around Stockholm’s archipelago, where we got to see the city’s iconic landmarks from a unique perspective. And in the afternoon, the competitive natures of staff and pupils kicked in with an outdoor escape room adventure around the historic town. Divided into teams, pupils navigated their teams and their teacher through the narrow cobblestone streets, solving clues and unravelling mysteries, where only one of our groups solved the clues to find the final code! 

On day four, our pupils had the opportunity to visit Töjnaskolan, a Swedish school located in the suburbs of Stockholm. Stepping into the classrooms of Töjnaskolan, our pupils were struck by the differences between British and Swedish educational systems. Aside from being instant celebrities, they noticed smaller class sizes, a longer lunchtime and no school uniform. The visit sparked discussions between both sets of pupils about the different educational models, encouraging our students to reflect on their own learning experiences and cultural perspectives. 

On day 5 was a visit to Skansen, the world’s first open-air museum, showcasing Swedish life from centuries past to the present day. Our students were delighted to explore the native animals of Sweden, with the highlight of the visit being the opportunity to hand-feed some of the friendly birds that call Skansen home. 

On our final day, our pupils experienced an adrenaline rush at Skypark Vaxholm, an exhilarating outdoor adventure park. They navigated treetop obstacle courses, zip-lined across forests, and conquered thrilling challenges, pushing their limits and building confidence. 

As our pupils bid farewell to Stockholm and boarded their flight back to London Heathrow, they carried with them memories that will last a lifetime. The trip embodied Matrix Academy Trust’s ethos of Education without Exception. Through experiences like the Stockholm trip, we empower our students to open their minds to endless possibilities and shape them into compassionate, informed global citizens. 

Bloxwich Academy had the exciting opportunity to welcome Performance in Education to perform and present “Tough on Tobacco.”

Year 8 and 9 were given clear messages on the dangers of smoking and vaping and the peer pressure surrounding their choices. Pupils were educated on the chemical dangers and the impact this can have on individuals into adulthood. This is working alongside the year 9 curriculum in science of healthy choices and PSHE lessons about lifestyle choices, the factors and how it can impact not just our physical health, but also our mental health.

Performance in Education commended our pupils on their engagement and questions they asked following the performance.

Thank you to Walsall Council and Performance in Education for the opportunity to provide this level of education to our pupils.

Well done to Year 8 and 9 for their engagement with the topic and showing an awareness of the importance of looking after our personal health.

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.

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