Category: BACK TO SCHOOL

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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: edking@erdingtonlocal.com

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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: edking@erdingtonlocal.com

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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 : edking@erdingtonlocal.com

 

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Wilson Stuart hosts ‘Let’s Enable’ for equine therapy session

Words and pics supplied by Wilson Stuart School

Wilson Stuart School recently had the pleasure of welcoming ‘Let’s Enable’ and their special visitors: two ponies.

This unique session, funded by The Inclusive Communities Fund, was designed to provide students with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) an opportunity to engage in therapeutic activities with the ponies.

‘Let’s Enable’ is an organisation dedicated to supporting adults and young people with disabilities in Birmingham. Their programmes emphasise the mental health benefits of equine companionship and promote physical activity through horse care.

During the session, students participated in a variety of activities, including grooming, leading, and stroking the ponies. These activities were made possible with the assistance of volunteers from ‘Let’s Enable’ and supportive school staff.

Lucy Cook, Learning Lead for Inspire, stated that: “The work with the ponies provided an enriching experience, enhancing both the students’ sensory engagement and emotional well-being and it was lovely to see the student’s interaction with the animals.”

The event was such a success that Wilson Stuart has already booked two additional sessions, aiming to extend this beneficial experience to more students across the school.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to ‘Let’s Enable’ and The Inclusive Communities Fund for making this invaluable experience possible for our students

For more on Wilson Stuart School visit www.wilsonstuart.co.uk

Wilson Stuart School 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: edking@erdingtonlocal.com

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Euros 2024. All you need to know…

Words by Larry Harris

Ed’s note: As England progress through the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship, Larry Harris from the Hive College put together a helpful overview of the tournament – explaining ‘all you need to know’ about the Euros in Germany. 

This article was first published in the Erdington Local print edition June/July.

The UEFA European Football Championship 2024 is taking place in Germany, and there are 24 teams in the tournament – playing through six groups.

Group A: Germany, Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland.
Group B: Spain, Croatia, Italy, Albania. Group C: Slovenia, Denmark, Serbia, England
Group D: Poland, Netherlands, Austria, France
Group E: Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine
Group F: Turkey, Georgia, Portugal, Czech Republic

Some Premier League players are playing in the Euros 2024, these are: Bruno Fernandes, Eberechi Eze, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Kevin de Bruyne, Rodri, Bukayo Saka, Jack Grealish, John McGinn, Ollie Watkins, Ezri Konsa, James Maddison, Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, Dean Henderson, Kyle Walker, Declan Rice, Conor Gallagher. There are also players from the West Midlands, including Jude Bellingham.

The tournament starts on 14 June and the first games taking place over the opening weekend are: Friday, 14 June Germany v Scotland (20:00 – Group A), Saturday, 15 June Hungary v Switzerland (14:00 – Group A) Spain v Croatia (17:00 – Group B) Italy v Albania (20:00 – Group B), Sunday, 16 June Poland v Netherlands (14:00 – Group D).

Italy are the defending champions having won the Euros in 2021. But the favourites to win Euro 24 are, in order: England, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium

Personally, I want England to win.

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.

To find out more about going BACK TO SCHOOL please email: edking@erdingtonlocal.com

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Celebrated author Lee Benson engages students with Henry Egg series at Queensbury main school

Words and pics by supplied by Queensbury School

On 7 May 2024, our school had the pleasure of hosting Lee Benson, the acclaimed author of The Adventures of Henry Egg and the Henry Egg series, for a day filled with literary excitement and educational enrichment. Benson’s visit was highly anticipated, and he did not disappoint.

Benson conducted sessions with the Discovery and Quest classes, offering students a rare opportunity to engage directly with a professional author.

These sessions were not only informative but also inspiring, as students delved into the creative process behind Benson’s stories and even participated in interactive activities designed to spark their own storytelling talents.

During these class sessions, students were captivated by tales of adventure and moral lessons that the Henry Egg stories embody. Benson’s dynamic storytelling and engaging presence left a significant impression, encouraging students to explore their creativity and develop a deeper love for reading.

In addition to the workshops, students had the chance to purchase copies of Benson’s books, with a special treat: limited edition signed copies by both Benson and the series’ artist. This provided a cherished memento of the day, encouraging a lasting love for reading.

The visit by Lee Benson was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impression on students and staff alike.

It was a day that truly celebrated the joy of reading and the power of imagination.

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.

To find out more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local please email: edking@erdingtonlocal.com

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Celebrating the special people in our families at Marsh Hill Primary School

Words and pics supplied by Marsh Hill Primary School

Children at Marsh Hill Primary School have been celebrating the special people in their families with two events held in school for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

Every family is different and the people who take care of nurture the young people in their lives can come in all ages, shapes, and sizes.

So, at Marsh Hill we opened up the traditional events to include brothers, sisters, aunties, uncles, and anyone who plays an important role in our children’s lives and who the children in turn wanted to show their love and appreciation for.

And what better way to do that on Mother’s Day than a fabulous afternoon tea, complete with scones, jam, butter, and a hug dollop of love.

Then on Father’s Day the children celebrated the important men in their lives by inviting them into school to share a cone of chips and play a variety of games.

A spokesperson for Marsh Hill Primary told: “It was wonderful to welcome all the families into Marsh Hill and to be able to share their special days with our children, it is amazing to see our young people be so excited and engaged that they can show their appreciation for the special people in their lives.”

They added: “We know all families are different, but the love that connects people is universal and it was a truly magical occasion to be able to celebrate that.”

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.

To find out more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local please email: edking@erdingtonlocal.com

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Exciting field trips and celebrating hard work at Kings Rise Academy

Words and pics by KRA Editorial Team

Even though the end of the year is fast approaching, it has been another exciting term at Kings Rise Academy. Children have taken part in a number of exciting activities including: Sutton Park, Xtreme Jump, Cadbury World, and Tudor World.

Children love time away from the classroom and Sutton Park provides the perfect setting to get out and explore.

Mr Bentley says: “We absolutely loved playing cricket and football, enjoying a picnic in the park and an ice-cream before we walked home.”

Xtreme Jump was a fantastic way to celebrate how amazing the Year 6 children have performed during their SATs and a memory they will never forget. They enjoyed pizza and chips after jumping in a room made entirely of trampolines and had the best time!

Another example of some of the exciting trips this term is Tudor World and Cadbury World linking to the students’ history topics. They learned all about the impact of the Tudors through a crime and punishment workshop all the way in Stratford Upon-Avon and even got to taste the chocolate at Cadbury world.

With lots more to come, it’s safe to say Kings Rise Academy are busy engaging in fun learning activities.

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: edking@erdingtonlocal.com

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Kingsthorne Primary School residential at YHA Ravenstor in Peak District

Words and pics supplied by Kingsthorne Primary School

Earlier in June, children from Kingsthorne Primary got the chance to spend time at the Youth Hostel Association (YHA) country house Ravenstor – as part of a special residential trip organised by the Kinstanding school.

Situated in the heart of the Peak District, looking down on the River Wye that runs between Bakewell and Buxton, YHA Ravenstor is a popular holiday destination for families and walkers who want to get back to nature.

During their stay, the Kingsthorne children got to explore the 60 acres of beautiful grounds that surround the National Trust property, playing games and taking part in fun activities.

With some wet weather coming whilst they were away, everyone got quite muddy but had a great time doing so – and luckily YHA Ravenstor had a special ‘drying room’ for all their wet clothes and muddy boots.

School trips and residential stays are a fantastic way to build confidence in young people, help them with social inclusion, and give many children the chance to see and experience things that may not be easily accessible to them.

National consortium Learning Away champions the benefits of UK based educational residentials and found the impact of the experience on primary school children can increase their relationships with both peers and teachers by over 70%.

Renowned mountaineer and explorer Sir Chris Bonnington told: “Children benefit in a profound way from the adventure of a residential and the opportunity and experience of being absorbed in what they are learning in the great outdoors.”

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.

To find out more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local please email: edking@erdingtonlocal.com

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BACK TO SCHOOL Queensbury School wins Modeshift STARS National SEND School of the Year

Words and pics by supplied by Queensbury School

Gravelly Hill SEND secondary school and sixth form, Queensbury School, has won the Modeshift STARS National SEND School of the year 2023-2024.

Situated on Wood End Road, Queensbury School provides education and support for 11-19 years old with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

After winning the regional award earlier this year, three Queensbury students travelled to London with Head Teacher Mr Wilson and Transport Manager Mrs Richards to represent the West Midlands in the national awards.

Acting as ‘Travel Ambassadors’, the students helped plan the journey to and from the capital city.

Queensbury Head Teacher, Mr Wilson, said: “Our students not only got us to London but also presented incredibly well, melting the hearts of the audience in a packed hall at Hamiliton House. They represented the school so impeccably it was a true pleasure to go with them.

“They presented on stage to a huge national school audience on all the projects we have run in school like Bikeability and the Clean Air Zone project.

“The judges must have been impressed because we WON the nationals! Queensbury School is the Modeshift STARS National SEND School of the year 2023-2024.”

Mr Wilson added:  “Special thanks to Mrs Richards and all the staff that have been involved not just this year but over previous years with Bikeability and increasing independence.

“The is an example of Queensbury going from a ‘good school’ to a ‘great school’ and we look forward to many more to come.”

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.

To find out more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local please email: edking@erdingtonlocal.com