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.
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.
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
Words by Erdington Local editorial team / Photography taken from Erdington Local archives
The Government has told the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP), which runs five schools in Erdington, to urgently address their financial problems – issuing the trust with an official Notice to Improve “on financial grounds”.
In a joint letter from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and the Department for Education (DfE), ATLP was told it had been found “in breach of… the Academy Trust Handbook (ATH)” as it had been “unable to approve a balanced budget for 2023/24.”
The letter also stated how “The ESFA has also provided the trust with exceptional financial support” and went on to acknowledge “the open and constructive way the trust has engaged” and “the actions undertaken so far by the trust”.
ALTP, whose head office is based in Sutton Coldfield, run the following five schools in the Erdington constituency: Stockland Green School, Brookvale Primary School, Paget Primary School, Slade Primary School, and Osbourne Primary School.
One of the most recent additions to the trust, Paget Primary School in Pype Hayes, only joined the ALTP portfolio on 1 June 2024 alongside Deykin Avenue Junior and Infant School in Witton.
Having grown rapidly grown in the last decade, ALTP now employs more than 1,500 staff and is responsible for the education of over 10,000 students in its 24 primary and secondary schools across Birmingham, North Warwickshire, and Staffordshire.
Paget Primary School / Ed King
However, after failing to balance their books for 2023/24, the trust has now been put in financial straight jacket with any major decisions needing approval by the EFSA until the situation is rectified.
In the joint letter from the EFSA and DfE, sent to the ALTP Chair of Trustees Mr John Vickers on 9 September, it continues to explain how ALTP has lost several powers due to the Notice to Improve.
Ahead of a list of financial restrictions, the letter states ALTP “must seek approval in advance from the ESFA” over a litany of spending criteria, including “special staff severance payments, compensation payments, writing off debts and losses, and disposals of fixed assets beyond any limit in the funding agreement.”
The letter further warns if ALTP does not carry out its obligations under the Notice to Improve, and adhere to the Academy Trust Handbook rules, it would be “deemed a funding agreement breach and may lead to termination”. ALTP could then be referred to the Charity Commission and Insolvency Service for “further investigation, as deemed appropriate in the circumstances.”
ALTP will only be released from the Notice to Improve restrictions if the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson MP, decides its finances are in order.
The letter further recognises what “may be an uncertain time for the trust and its staff” and urges ALTP to “ensure appropriate provision is in place to support all its staff” – directing the trust to the Government’s ‘Education staff wellbeing charter’.
It also states the trust is “required to publish the Notice on its website within 14 days” of it being published on the DfE website, as it was on 20 September 2024.
Classroom teaching at Stockland Green School / Supplied by Arthur Terry Learning Partnership
Erdington Local contacted the ALTP head office for comment and was directed to a statement published on the trust’s website by ATLP Chief Operating Officer Richard Gill CBE.
In the statement, Mr Gill said: “I would like to update you on our current financial situation. Despite our diligent efforts to manage resources efficiently, we find ourselves facing a budget deficit. The situation is complex and sector-wide and, in this letter, we would like to give some context and assurances.
“The deficit is the result of a variety of factors including climbing energy and catering bills, staff costs, inflation and our determined commitment to support all children including those who need it most in what remain complex times.”
He adds: “While we have taken proactive measures to mitigate these issues and indeed have made significant progress, the current financial landscape presents challenges. As a result, the ATLP has been issued with a notice to improve (NTI) from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).”
Paulette Hamilton MP with children from Stockland Green School / Supplied by Arthur Terry Learning Partnership
At the time of writing, it was unclear when the statement from Mr Gill was published, or if the parents and carers of children who attend ALTP schools have been notified directly.
Erdington Local could not find any communication about the issue on the individual school websites and has asked ATLP to clarify how those responsible for children at their schools have been informed of the ongoing financial difficulties.
In the statement published on the ALTP website, Mr Gill concludes: “Children remain at the heart of everything we do. Despite the financial challenge, we will continue to provide support to sustain the improvement of schools and the services we provide for our learning communities.”
For more on the Arther Terry Learning Partnership visit wwwatlp.org.uk
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
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
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.
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.”
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
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.
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.”
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
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.”
