On 11 November at Kings Rise Academy, students gathered to honour Remembrance Day, paying tribute to those who have lost their lives in war.
At 11 o’clock, the whole school observed a two-minute silence, where we all stayed quiet to show our respect for the soldiers who fought for our country. Many of us wore poppies as a way to remember the bravery of those who sacrificed so much.
Year 6 played a special role in the ceremony by reading a poem dedicated to the fallen. The words of the poem were powerful and moving, making us think deeply about how much was given up by people who came before us.
Listening to it, we felt proud, and it was like we were all saying thank you in our own way.
Mrs Noonan (head teacher) reminded us that this day is important to help us understand the meaning of remembrance and why we should never forget those who protected our future. Standing together in silence, it was clear that everyone felt the importance of this moment.
Kings Rise Academy’s ceremony showed that as a school, we are grateful for the sacrifices made for us, and we will always honour those who gave everything.
Kings Rise Editorial Team: Sienna Mills (Y5), Zaneta Onojah (Y5), Liyana Walters (Y5), Riley Mortiboys (Y5), Hiba Ahmed (Y4), Ehichoya Jason Obor (Y5).
On Friday 18 October, Year 4 children from Kingsthorne Primary School went to Twycross Zoo on a coach. When they were there, they saw lots of different animals – read some of their experiences and memories from the days below.
Rainbow Lorikeets:
“The rainbow lorikeets were one of the first animals we saw. They are rainbow birds with tongues instead of teeth. We got some disgusting yellow food and went to the exhibition. At first, the rainbow lorikeets where nowhere to be seen but then they kept coming and coming! They were attracted by the awful looking food!”
Orangutans:
“The orangutans were so big and orange it was quite scary! They had a big play enclosure with lots of equipment for them to climb, swing and jump off. Maybe we could have some of that for our playground…”
Butterflies:
“The butterflies are kept in a warm enclosure because this is more like their habitat at home. They were really bright and colourful and ate very sweet fruits. Up close, you could see how delicate their wings are.”
Other memories from the day:
“We were lucky enough to see bonobos, guerillas, rhinos, penguins and cheetahs too.”
“It was a great day at the zoo and when we got back on the coach to return to school we were tired but very happy!”
Thank-you to all of the Y4 children that contributed to this article, including: Zofia, Almamo, Layla, Kobie, Alis, Rim, Rebecca, Khadeza, Anomika, Jessie-Ann, Pernell, Lincoln, and Amelia.
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]
Wilson Stuart School student with books from Bookbuzz
Students at Wilson Stuart School are wholeheartedly embracing the joy of reading, thanks to their recent engagement with the Book Trust scheme, ‘Bookbuzz’.
This innovative initiative allows the school to pay a subscription, granting access to a vibrant selection of accessible, high-quality books.
Pupils are encouraged to conduct investigative work on these books, determining their interest before choosing one to enjoy at home and school. If they find a book to their liking, they have the delightful opportunity to keep it, thereby gaining access to hundreds of literary treasures throughout the year.
Central to this initiative is a generous donation from the Children’s Book Project, which has significantly enriched the students’ reading experience.
All children at Wilson Stuart School are now able to select a book to take home, fostering a lasting love of literature and ensuring every child has access to quality reading material.
A special visitor this year was Woody from Toy Story, adding excitement to the occasion.
Literacy lead Kristyl Bonner and EYFS learning lead Charlotte Davis expressed their gratitude, stating: “We would like to say a massive thank you to the Children’s Book Project in donating to Wilson Stuart and giving our students the opportunity to come along, pick up and take home a book of their choice. It shows the importance of reading and the power of books.”
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.
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.
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.”
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]
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.
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.
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]
Black History Month Expo at Erdington Academy / Gary Phelps Communications
On 3 October, students, staff, and hundreds of members of the local community packed into Erdington Academy to enjoy an ambitious Expo event celebrating Black History Month – with music, food, art, and poetry.
More than 300 people flooded into the Kingsbury Road academy for an evening of cultural celebration, performances, events, and to enjoy fresh cuisine spanning a diverse range of African and Caribbean cultures.
The special Expo event created so much enthusiasm from parents, carers, and locals, staff at Erdington Academy, which is part of the Fairfax Multi Academy Trust, had to turn away dozens of people as they had already reached capacity.
Black History Month is a global programme of events and activities to celebrate the African Diaspora and Black culture, as well as to educate and inform people about Black history. It runs throughout October every year and is observed in many countries across the world, from Brazil to Britain.
Black History Month Expo at Erdington Academy / Gary Phelps Communications
Teacher of Food at Erdington Academy, Kerrian Folkes, who helped organise the school’s Black History Month Expo, supported by a committee of staff members, said: “We had a huge turnout – it was amazing to see how enthusiastic people were.
“The community wanted to see what we were doing, and it was great showing them how we embrace culture and foster a sense of belonging here at Erdington Academy.”
Staff on the academy’s Black History Month Event Committee spent September arranging the night of festivities, alongside activities which involved every faculty in the school.
Among the events were poetry writing in the English department, art inspired by Black culture in the Design and Performance faculty, cultural modelling led by Modern Foreign Languages staff, themed productions in Drama, maths competitions, and cultural food preparation in the Food faculty.
Black History Month Expo at Erdington Academy / Gary Phelps Communications
The students then displayed many of their creations and skills learned during lessons and extracurricular activities on the night of the Expo.
Stellar musical performances were delivered by the Year 7 choir, the Erdington Guitar Ensemble, the Year 8 R&B band, and Patrick Ugochukwa and Isabel Cooper – whose piano pieces moved the audience.
Students recited poetry they had written, including Isabella Budiana; and KS3 and KS4 drama students hit the stage with thought-provoking acting performances.
Then, during the interval, attendees were treated to delicious African and Caribbean foods prepared by the students themselves. The mouth-watering menu included jerk chicken, curry goat, vegetable curry, salt fish fritters, jollof rice, and dumplings.
Black History Month Expo at Erdington Academy / Gary Phelps Communications
Ms Folkes added: “Every single member of staff was involved in some way, from the Head to the support staff, hence the success we had.”
The celebration ended with brilliant final appearances by bands from across the West Midlands, which had staff, parents, and students on their feet.
Kioko took to the stage first, followed by fellow reggae band Big Ship Alliance. B’Spoke played many familiar soul and R&B classics, and Soul Town finished the night by playing until every last attendee had left.
Ms Folkes said: “The bands were brilliant. Everyone was out of their seat rocking to African, St Lucian and Jamaican music – the atmosphere was incredible.”
Black History Month Expo at Erdington Academy / Gary Phelps Communications
The Expo and the wider calendar of activities were aligned with the nationwide theme for Black History Month 2024: Black inventors.
Ms Folkes explained that showcasing potential and encouraging ambition was central to the team’s vision.
She said: “Because we’re such a multicultural school, we wanted to show all the things our students could have aspiration towards. Sometimes you would hear students doubt what they could accomplish because of their background – we wanted to show them they could achieve anything.
“The students were surprised to hear that so many everyday things we take for granted were invented by Black people – traffic lights, electric doors, dryers and electric rollercoasters seemed to particularly shock them!”
Black History Month Expo at Erdington Academy / Gary Phelps Communications
The Event Committee, consisting of staff members Ms Folkes, Gabbi Benain, Alan Daniel, Emma Deeney, Amy Love, Ian Haughton, Marcua Wheatley, Mat Broughton, Danny Francis, Natalie Charley, Carissa Bulman and Kymeish Dixon-Bookal, were thrilled with the success of the Expo.
Ms Folkes said: “As a diverse school, we wanted to show the importance of appreciating other cultures, so we made the Expo a celebratory event.
“Sometimes Black History Month can focus on the negative a little too much, teaching about slavery and racism for example. While those aspects of Black history are obviously important to remember, we didn’t want them to be our sole focus. We wanted to engage with the community and embrace our beautiful range of cultures.
“The calibre of talent on display from our staff and students really reflect our academy’s pride.”
Principal Simon Mallett added: “A huge amount of work went into our Black History [Month] Expo, which really paid off on a memorable night when we welcomed the community into the school to share the richness of our diversity.
“I would like to thank everyone who work so hard to put it together and the wider school community for embracing an event which I think inspired our students.”
PICTURE GALLERY: Black History Month Expo at Erdington Academy / Pics by Gary Phelps Communications
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.
