Category: BACK TO SCHOOL

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Change of season – a poem by Daniel Selwood

By Daniel Selwood

We start with cold air.
Weak, unwarm sunshine,
Falling in rays –
A cold wind heaving
His chorus …

Imperceptible fade into summer,
The sound of happiness personified –
The tinkle of wind chimes,
The slam of struggling sea waves,
And the smell of cut, hot grass …

Then the weather makes an
Imprint like a potato: nice, paintable skies –
Yellow clouds and flying birds.
The smell of fire and the sound of crows …

We end with cold air.
A frosty feeling –
The taste of colds wrapped in a bandage
Around our tongues,
Burned away with a hot, sweet drink…

Daniel Selwood is a student at The Hive College who is involved in our BACK TO SCHOOL, LOCAL AMBASSADORS, and GET WRITING GET WORKING programmes – providing him a platform to support and develop his writing.

For more on The Hive College visit: www.hivecollege.org.uk

 The Hive College is part of the Erdington Local BACK TO SCHOOL programme, working together to celebrate school life from staffroom to classroom.

If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local please email: [email protected]

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Queensbury School celebrate Black History Month

Words and pics by supplied by Queensbury School

Staff and students at Queensbury School presenting a collage for Black History Month

Queensbury engaged students in a meaningful exploration of influential Black figures and their contributions to society by celebrating Black History Month.

Students participated in research projects focused on notable individuals, ranging from civil rights leaders to artists, scientists, and activists.

In classrooms, teachers facilitated discussions about the historical context of these figures, encouraging students to delve into their lives, challenges, and accomplishments. Students worked in groups to present their findings, using creative formats like posters and presentations.

The initiative not only fostered a deeper understanding of Black history but also promoted critical thinking and teamwork.

A closer look at Queensbury School student’s work for Black History Month

Students learned about figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Owen Jesse, George and contemporary leaders, gaining insight into their struggles for equality and justice.

The celebration culminated in a school-wide event where students showcased their research through displays and posters.

This collaborative effort highlighted the importance of Black history, encouraging students to appreciate the cultural contributions while inspiring them to continue advocating for equality and understanding in their own lives.

For more Queensbury School visit www.queensburysch.com

Queensbury School is part of the Erdington Local BACK TO SCHOOL programme, working together to celebrate school life from staffroom to classroom.

If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local please email: [email protected]

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Design your own Christmas card project at Marsh Hill Primary School

Words and pics supplied by Marsh Hill Primary School

Designs on Christmas cards and other festive items printed by School Print World

Festive fun has come early at Marsh Hill Primary, as children across the school get ready for a special ‘design your own Christmas card’ project to celebrate the autumn/winter term.

Teaming up with education print and fundraising specialists School Print World, the project will let the children’s imaginations run wild – and then see their designs on a personally designed Christmas card, which parents and carers can order online for the festive season.

A lot of fun and teaching children to have confidence with their own artwork, the schoolwide project is also a chance for Marsh Hill to raise extra funds – whilst encouraging creativity.

The cards are sold online (much cheaper than in the shops) and give families a chance to send something really special to their loved ones over the festive period.

School Print World work with schools across the UK, bringing innovative and art driven creative projects that support fundraising, and can print the designs on a range of festive items – including mugs, calendars, and even scented candles.

Marsh Hill Primary School Deputy Head, Mrs Leavey, told: “The design your own Christmas card project is about getting the children really engaged in creativity and art, producing something special for their families and loved ones.

“It’s a lot of fun and can be a great way to raise a bit of extra funds for the school during the festive season. We can’t wait to see what the children come up with.”

For more on Marsh Hill Primary School visit www.marshill.bham.sch.uk

Marsh Hill Primary School is part of the Erdington Local BACK TO SCHOOL programme, working together to celebrate school life from staffroom to classroom.

If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local please email: [email protected]

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Kings Rise Academy 2024 Autumn Art Competition

Words and pics by KRA Editorial Team

Winning artwork at the Kings Rise Academy 2024 Autumn Art Competition

We are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2024 Autumn Art Competition! Eight talented students have been selected for their outstanding artwork, which will be displayed in our school gallery throughout the term.

The competition invited students from all year groups to create pieces inspired by the beauty of autumn. From colourful landscapes to abstract interpretations of the season, the submissions were filled with creativity and technical skill.

The judges had a difficult task selecting the winners, as all the entries demonstrated a strong sense of imagination and artistic flair. After much deliberation, eight exceptional pieces were chosen for their originality, technique, and the way they captured the essence of autumn.

Sign outside Kings Rise Academy / Ed King

A huge congratulations to our winners: Fatima (Yr6), Ronia (Yr2), Joshua (Yr6), Michelle (Yr3), Kylen (Nursery), Annie (Yr2), Ruby (Reception), and Madison (Yr4). Their remarkable artworks will be showcased in the school gallery, offering a beautiful reflection of the season for everyone to admire.

Thank you to all students who took part in the competition. Your creativity brought autumn to life in so many wonderful ways, and we are proud of everyone who submitted artwork.

Well done to all! Keep up the incredible work!

For more on Kings Rise Academy visit www.kingsrise.org

Kings Rise Editorial Team: Sienna Mills (Y5), Zaneta Onojah (Y5), Liyana Walters (Y5), Riley Mortiboys (Y5), Hiba Ahmed (Y4), Ehichoya Jason Obor (Y5).

Kings Rise Academy is part of the Erdington Local BACK TO SCHOOL programme, working together to celebrate school life from staffroom to classroom.

To find out more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local please email: [email protected] 

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Another busy and exciting month for children at Kingsthorne Primary School

Words and pics supplied by Kingsthorne Primary School

Kingsthorne Nursery children on a bug hunt

Life at Kingsthorne has continued to be very busy this month. Last week, our youngest children in Nursery went on a bug hunt around their outdoor area.

As well as finding ants, earwigs, worms and snails there was the opportunity for mark making and vocabulary development. The children also made a bed for ten in a bed which allowed for physical development and collaborative discussions.

Year 6, travelled further afield on their visit to the Heights of Abraham in Derbyshire. To go, the children had to be at school very early and didn’t get back until after half past 4!

Kingsthorne Year 6 children exploring the caves at Heights of Abraham, Derbyshire

Whilst they were there, they had the chance to explore the caves and discovered how the landscape is now used to support tourism after being mined for many years.

The children had the chance to take a ride on the cable car and experience the amazing view – a first for most of them.  The visit was linked to their learning about mountains around the world.

They have been researching Mount Everest and the hostile climate there – even colder than Kingstanding in winter.

For more on Kingsthorne Primary School visit www.kingsthorneprimary.co.uk

Kingsthorne Primary School is part of the Erdington Local BACK TO SCHOOL programme, working together to celebrate school life from staffroom to classroom.

If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local please email: [email protected]

 

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BACK TO SCHOOL: The New One

Words by Daniel Selwood

I’d forgotten what it was like to be The New One.

True, I’m not new, I was at Hive College last year too, on the Traineeship programme, which I think is safe to say, I did brilliantly.

But there is that feeling of newness. That crisp, first day feel, that twist as your stomach Cha-cha Slides somewhere in your chest. The sheen of sweat coating your palms. Avoiding eye contact.

I was at the same school for fifteen years, which, in many ways, makes me feel ancient, despite having just turned nineteen. I now feel like a stranger, knowing that not everyone knows me yet – as lovely as everybody is – and the handful of familiar faces that have cropped up along the way is comforting.

It is comparable to starting a good video game, shooting all the bad guys, finding some plucky young girl out in the middle of nowhere, and then switching it off because your mum is calling you to ask where the potato peeler went.

But when you get back on it – you have to shoot all the bad guys again. It’s not a perfect world. We have to start again.

But it’s a chance to be the best you, starting a new place. You can set yourself new goals and try to be the person you know you can be.

My tips – regardless of starting a new place or not – or if you want – starting afresh, turning over a new leaf – are these: What do you want to do? Talk to the mysterious new person? Go do it – or squeak ‘hi’ at them like I did.

Want to impress the One in Charge? Don’t bootlick. Be you. You’re where you are for a reason.

Set yourself a goal outside of the workaday world. Even if it’s to learn to make potato salad, it gives you something to talk about.

Also, you know that thing you keep thinking about? The thing that you hold close like a fur coat? Drop it. Chances are that was ages ago. Move on, smile, and press ‘New Game.’

It’s your turn to be The New One.

Daniel Selwood is a student at The Hive College who is involved in our LOCAL AMBASSADORS, GET WRITING GET WORKING, and BACK TO SCHOOL programmes – providing him a platform to support and develop his writing. 

For more on The Hive College visit: www.hivecollege.org.uk  

The Hive College is part of the Erdington Local BACK TO SCHOOL programme, working together to celebrate school life from staffroom to classroom.

If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local please email: [email protected]

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Queensbury School showcases student artwork at Direct Art Action Gallery

Words and pics by supplied by Queensbury School

Queensbury School recently held an exhibition at the prestigious Direct Art Action Gallery (Sutton Coldfield), showcasing the creative talents of its students.

The event provided a platform for young artists to display a variety of works, ranging from paintings and drawings to sculptures and mixed media creations.

Each artwork offering a unique perspective on various themes such as identity, culture, and artist inspirations. Teachers and art instructors worked closely with the students to prepare their works, helping them refine techniques and explore creative ideas.

Parents, teachers, and community members viewed the exhibition, praising the students’ artistic talents and dedication. Many were impressed by the depth of expression and creativity demonstrated by the young artists.

The Direct Art Action Gallery, known for supporting emerging artists, offered a professional space for the students, allowing their work to be presented in a real gallery setting.

The exhibition not only celebrated the students’ accomplishments but also emphasized the importance of fostering creativity in education.

This successful event promises to be the first of many more collaborations between the school and Direct Art Action Gallery.

For more Queensbury School visit www.queensburysch.com

Queensbury School is part of the Erdington Local BACK TO SCHOOL programme, working together to celebrate school life from staffroom to classroom.

If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local please email: [email protected]

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Marsh Hill reception children get hands on with nature

Words and pics supplied by Marsh Hill Primary School

Reception class children at Marsh Hill Primary started the new school year by getting hands on with nature, going outside to plant fresh herbs in the school’s garden and planters with Sunshines and Early Career Teacher Mr Glover.

Whilst putting their green fingers to good use, and learning more about the natural world, the children also planted young box bushes – a slow growing evergreen shrub that might start small but can grow to over two meters in height.

The children also got to explore the school’s outdoor garden and discovered a secret world of minibeasts that live in the undergrowth and under the soil.

From woodlouse to worms, and bugs to beetles, they unearthed animals and insects that are part of the precious ecosystem that keeps the garden alive and help to grow the herbs, plants, and shrubs.

Mr Glover told: “The children loved being out in the school garden and learning about all the wonderful minibeasts that help it thrive and survive.

“After planting some fresh herbs and box bush shrubs, the children will also be able to see these grow and better understand the natural world works.

“Plus, it is a lot of fun getting your hands dirty in the garden and it encourages children to play outside and enjoy nature.”

After the lesson, the children were full of questions about the minibeasts they found and were excited to explore the world around them and learn more about nature.

For more on Marsh Hill Primary School visit www.marshill.bham.sch.uk

Marsh Hill Primary School is part of the Erdington Local BACK TO SCHOOL programme, working together to celebrate school life from staffroom to classroom.

If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local please email: [email protected]

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Welcome back Kings Rise Academy

Words by KRA Editorial Team

Mrs Mcelwee, Assistant Principal, Kings Rise Academy

Kings Rise Academy Primary School has welcomed its students back for the new academic year, and not even the gloomy weather could dampen their spirits. Despite the rain pouring down, the children arrived with bright smiles, eager to reunite with friends and teachers.

Mrs Mcelwee, Assistant Principal, along with the behaviour team, kicked off the academic year with a highly successful meeting for Year 6 parents – aiming to ensure students feel prepared and confident as they move into the next stage of their education.

The school’s warm and welcoming atmosphere was evident as students settled into their new routines, with teachers ready to kick off another exciting term of learning.

The classrooms were buzzing with activity and joy as pupils eagerly shared their summer adventures.

Kings Rise Academy / Ed King

Teachers have been busy preparing classrooms, ensuring a welcoming and vibrant learning environment. Both staff and students look forward to making new memories, learning new skills, and achieving great things.

Kings Rise Academy is determined to make this year one to remember, focusing on creating engaging lessons, nurturing friendships, and fostering a love of learning.

The staff and students are proving that, come rain or shine, nothing can stop the joy of being back at school.

For more on Kings Rise Academy visit www.kingsrise.org

Kings Rise Academy is part of the Erdington Local BACK TO SCHOOL programme, working together to celebrate school life from staffroom to classroom.

If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local please email: [email protected]

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Kingsthorne Year 5 visit Tally Ho Police Centre

Words by Paisley, Year 5 / Pics supplied by Kingsthorne Primary School

This September, Year 5 went on a 30 minute trip to Tally Ho Police Centre. First thing we saw were these incredibly trained police dogs. They knew who the bad person was and went straight to them so the police could arrest them. The police were very good actors; the dogs even found a mobile phone just from smell.

Next, we watched the police march and we even joined in. We learnt what you had to do when they shouted out the words. It sounded very confusing but when you learnt it, it wasn’t that hard. After that we went to the police van and they even shut the door for the full experience.

I felt like a real police officer. Then, we got to see what happened if there was a serious car crash. They took the whole car apart to get the injured person out. They took off the boot, the windows, roof… the whole thing. After, we finally had lunch.

Then after lunch, we got into our groups. My group went to Bob, which isn’t a real person but just as fun. We hit it with a bat and pepper sprayed it, but it was only water because real pepper spray would have been dangerous.

Next, we did a bleep test when you had to run to the line before the phone bleeped. Someone in our group even beat one of the police officer’s highest score.

Then, we went into a police boat and even tried on the helmets and vests they wear on the boat. After that, it was almost time to get back to school but we quickly got some freebies. We got pens, sweets, and pencils. Then it was time to go back to school.

We all had so much fun. The police even said we were trained and ready to be a police officer. Then, after a wonderful day we went home to tell our families all about the amazing stuff we did.

For more on Kingsthorne Primary School visit www.kingsthorneprimary.co.uk

Kingsthorne Primary School is part of the Erdington Local BACK TO SCHOOL programme, working together to celebrate school life from staffroom to classroom.

If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local please email : [email protected]