Staff and students from Wilson Stuart School on the water at Bendrigg Trust, Lake District / Photograph supplied by Wilson Stuart School
Words supplied by Wilson Stuart School
(Ed’s note – this BACK TO SCHOOL article was first written for the Erdington Local printed edition and published on 15.05.25)
Fourteen secondary students from Wilson Stuart School embarked on a life-changing four-night residential trip to the Bendrigg Trust in the Lake District towards the end of the spring term.
The group participated in a wide range of adapted outdoor adventure activities including archery, rock climbing, canoeing on Lake Windermere, caving, and zip wires.
For many students, it was their first time staying away from home, offering a valuable opportunity to develop confidence, independence, and resilience. The experience also supported the growth of essential life skills as part of their journey into adulthood.
Leigh Noble, Forest School Lead and organiser of the residential, shared: “It’s an amazing experience for our students – a chance to try new things, learn new skills, and build new friendships.”
They added: “None of this would be possible without the dedication of our incredible staff team, who not only work tirelessly to meet the needs of each student but also have a great deal of fun themselves.
“This trip is truly a team effort, and it simply couldn’t happen without that shared commitment and enthusiasm.”
The excitement continues, as another group of students is set to visit Bendrigg in July, ensuring even more learners benefit from this enriching experience.
Staff and students at Queensbury School wiht decorated ‘calf’ for Bulls in the City 2025 Art Trail / Photograph supplied by Queensbury School
Words supplied by Queensbury School
(Ed’s note – this BACK TO SCHOOL article was first written for the Erdington Local printed edition and published on 15.05.25)
Queensbury School was thrilled to welcome John from Birmingham Hospice, who spoke to our Key Stage 3 students about the exciting Bulls in the City project — a vibrant public art initiative that brings creativity, culture, and community spirit to life.
As part of this city-wide campaign, our students will design and decorate a life-sized bull sculpture to be featured in the upcoming Bulls in the City art trail.
John shared the meaningful mission behind the project, which aims to raise both awareness and vital funds for Birmingham Hospice.
Blank Bulls in the City 2025 Arts Trail ‘calf’ with designs at Queensbury School / Photograph supplied by Queensbury School
The initiative has sparked our students’ imaginations, encouraging them to collaborate, explore local history, and express themselves through bold, creative designs.
From researching the city’s cultural ties to bulls to painting intricate patterns, they are embracing the opportunity to contribute to a cause that blends art and compassion.
Be sure to look out for our school’s bull on display — a true testament to the power of young creativity and community connection! You might just spot a bull proudly decorated by the talented young artists of Queensbury School!
Kingsthorne Primary School Year 6 residential to Aberdovey, Wales / Photograph supplied by Kingsthorne Primary School
Words by Lila and Martha (Year 6)
(Ed’s note – this BACK TO SCHOOL article was first written for the Erdington Local printed edition and published on 15.05.25)
Last month, we went to Aberdovey in Wales for our Year 6 residential. It was an incredible experience away from home and school!
We got to try many activities including: climbing mountains, jumping into the sea and many more. The instructors were very kind and encouraged us to overcome our fears.
“I loved Aberdovey because we were with our friends and I conquered my fear of heights,” told Lila.
The meals there were very appetising, and they made sure you had eaten enough for the fun experiences that were ahead. The dorms were very cosy and comforting to anyone who may have felt homesick.
Kingsthorne Primary School Year 6 residential to Aberdovey, Wales / Photograph supplied by Kingsthorne Primary School
Many people’s favourite activity was the jetty jump as it took a lot of courage jumping from a 10 foot platform. It looked very scary but when you jumped it was not as bad as you first thought.
We also liked the speed boat because of how fast it went! At the centre, we had plenty of free time to rest, clean or play before meals and even more activities!
“This residential really boosted my confidence by completing things out of my comfort zone,” added Martha. “It was a great adventure and I’m sure everyone who went would recommend it.”
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]
Teacher Mollie Duncanson and Erdington Academy students with Erdington Councillors Robert Alden and Gareth Moore, Police Commissioner Simon Foster, Florence Cadge and Cllr Waseem Zaffar of Birmingham Healthy Air Coalition / Pic supplied by Gary Phleps Communications
Students at Erdington Academy have sent a “courageous” message to local leaders about air pollution and road safety at their school – according one of the city’s key spokespeople over transport and clean air.
On Friday, 14 March, pupils from the academy, which is part of Fairfax Multi Academy Trust, welcomed the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Simon Foster and three Birmingham councillors – to show them first-hand the impact of traffic at the school gates on Kingsbury Road.
Attending the school alongside the PCC were Erdington Ward representatives Cllr Gareth Moore (Conservative) and Cllr Robert Alden (Conservative).
Cllr Waseem Zaffar and Florence Cadge of Birmingham Healthy Air Coalition outside the Erdingotn Academy gates / Pic supplied by Gary Phleps Communications
The Erdington councillors were also joined by Cllr Waseem Zarrar (Lozells, Labour) who is part of the Birmingham Healthy Air Coalition – a collective of health, transport and environmental organisations with a focus on combatting air pollution.
Cllr Zaffar was on the Sustainability and Transport Overview & Scrutiny Committee at Birmingham City Council until 2025 and was a key advocate of the city’s recent transport plan – which saw planters and concrete blocks pedestrianise residential roads in local neighbourhoods, and the introduction of the Clean Air Zone charges in Birmingham City Centre.
The visit from the local dignitaries to Erdington Academy was the culmination of six months of extracurricular workshops with the students – as delivered by Birmingham Healthy Air Coalition at the academy.
Year 10 student Brycen Olakunle explained: “I think they listened to us. We hope that the councillors can refer our situation to local engineers to get a pedestrian crossing installed outside the school on the main road.”
They added: “We would also like road markings to be repainted, and improved signage around our school.”
Traffic congestion on Kingsbury Road outside Erdington Acadmy / Pic supplied by Gary Phelps Communication
After working with the students, Cllr Zaffar told: “It’s amazing the way the schoolchildren have come forward and identified a real problem which affects their daily life and have been courageous enough to speak to officials who make those key decisions.
“It’s brilliant to see young people having the confidence to challenge politicians and hold them to account, and also to see the politicians responding.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster also told: “I’m very impressed with the work the children have done and seeing them step up to raise their concerns. They communicated the issues excellently.
“This is an issue we see across the region, and we must ensure we are tackling it. It’s a top priority for West Midlands Police, as outlined in our new plan for 2025, which will soon be published.”
Erdington Academy students students explain to visitors the challenges of road safety and air pollution at the school gates each day / Pic supplied by Gary Phelps Communications
After speaking to the Erdington Academy students, Cllr Gather Moore (Erdington Ward, Conservative) said: “It’s good to see the children are raising the issues that impact them on a daily basis, and it’s very concerning to hear that accidents have happened.
“I look forward to bringing these issues to the council and working with the police and council to do whatever we can to improve road safety and make children feel safe.”
Cllr Robert Alden added: “It’s great to see the passion of the children who want to ensure their journeys to and from school are as safe as possible.”
Simon Harris presented with ‘Outstanding Contribution to SEND’ at University of Wolverhampton / Image supplied by Wilson Stuart School
Wilson Start School Stuart Executive Headteacher, Simon Harris, has been presented with the inaugural ‘Outstanding Contribution to SEND’ award from the University of Wolverhampton.
Established to recognise individuals who have made a significant impact on SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) provision, the award was presented to Mr Harris during a lecture he was delivering at the university – with the Wilson Stuart Headteacher completely unaware he was to be honoured.
After receiving the ‘Outstanding Contribution to SEND’ award, Mr Harris told Erdington Local: “It a complete shock, and I was not expecting this type of award. But it is also important to stress that everything we do at Wilson Stuart is a team effort, and it isn’t fair to spotlight one person. All of our roles work together for the good of the children we educate and care for on a daily basis.”
He added: “We have a seamless team of 182 people who help me every day to do my job, and this award is for each and every one of them.”
Simon Harris (left) joined at Wilson Stuart School by High Sheriff of the West Midlands, Douglas Wright MBE DL (right) / Image supplied by Wilson Stuart School
Wilson Stuart School began as an educational institution in 1902, originally called the Dean Street Cripple School and renamed after the prominent orthopaedic surgeon Francis Wilson Stuart in 1954.
Moving to Perry Common in 1956, Wilson Stuart School is now situated next to Dovedale School and The Hive College – all established for young people with SEND – and provides education for what Mr Harris previously described to Erdington Local as “pretty much the most complex children, physically and medically, in the city.”
Becoming part of the Education Impact Academy Trust (EIAT) in March 2012, alongside Queensbury School and Mayfield School, Wilson Stuart School currently has up to 270 school places for children aged between 2 and 19 years old.
Simon Harris (right) with student (left) and Gruffalo (centre) celebrating ‘The Book Project’ at Wilson Stuart School / Image supplied by Wilson Stuart School
Recognised as an exemplary educator, during his tenure as Executive Headteacher Mr Harris has taken Wilson Stuart through several Ofsted inspections, maintaining the highest rating from the education ombudsman.
In the school’s most recent inspection, in December 2024, Mr Harris was praised for “lead[ing] the school with high ambition and enthusiasm” as Wilson Stuart School was again awarded the ‘Outstanding’ grade – the seventh consecutive top mark from Ofsted, according to school staff.
The Wilson Stuart School staff, whom Mr Harris also previously described as being “fiercely committed [people who] work incredibly hard”, were also praised by Ofsted for giving their students “the highest level of care and expectations”.
Steve Hughes OBE, former EIAT Chief Executive, joined Mr Harris at the presentation and celebrated his ongoing achievements in SEND education, referring to him as a “pioneer” in the field.
Simon Harris (left) joined bt Steve Hughes OBE (right) during award presentation / Image supplied by Wilson Stuart School
Queensbury School Executive Headteacher, Chris Wilson, also spoke about how Mr Harris has and continues to “break disability barriers”, creating a more inclusive and balanced education system for all learners.
Mr Wilson continued to say: “Simon Harris has been a beacon of hope, an advocate for change, and tireless champion for students with special educational needs in any school.”
He added: “The words ‘I can’t’ are not in his vocabulary and his DNA is probably coded to say ‘Better Never Ends’”, referencing the Wilson Stuart School motto.
In a post made on the Wilson Stuart School website, a spokesperson for the Education Impact Academy Trust told how EIAT is “very proud to have Simon Harris working as part of the family of schools in the trust” and how his “dedication, passion and vision” have “changed lives of countless students, families and staff” for many schools that offer SEND provision.
(Ed’s note – this BACK TO SCHOOL article was first written for the Erdington Local printed edition and published on 14.03.25)
After school science club at Kingsthorne Primary School / Image supplied by Kingsthorne Primary School
At Kingsthorne, children are given the opportunity to take part in after school clubs. These are run by staff and this half-term the following clubs are available: Warhammer. Pokémon, art, drama, trumpets, and science.
The art club are busy painting the mural for our new library. Fergus in Y6 explained: “We are drawing a picture on the wall; we carefully mix the colours to get the shades right.
“We user different size brushes, small for the detailed parts and bigger for the larger areas. It is a bit of a rush though! We must get it finished next week and there is still a lot to paint!”
Library mural by after school art club at Kingsthorne Primary School / Image supplied by Kingsthorne Primary School
Rebecca in Y4 talked about drama club: “We do lots of acting and actions to music. Last week we had to pull a name out of a hat and act like that character named. Names like Woody, Micky Mouse and Sleeping Beauty… Sleeping Beauty was easy – just lying down!”
Nicloe, Y6 gave an insight into the Warhammer club: “We make figures, from plastic kits. The figures can be superheroes, villains, soldiers, and we have even done a space marine! The teacher takes them home and sprays them with white paint.”
She added: “He does this so that when we decorate them the paint doesn’t peel off. We design our own characters and next week we will learn how to play the game!”
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]
Content supplied by Kings Rise Academy (KRA) Editorial Team
(Ed’s note – this BACK TO SCHOOL article was first written for the Erdington Local printed edition and published on 14.02.25)
Celebrating love and community at Kings Rise Academy / Image sourced from Adobe Stock
As January merges into the next month, February, the theme of love is floating in the air and every second that passes is one second closer to Valentine’s Day. We are very excited for the upcoming weeks as it will be filled with fun!
On 28 February, we will be celebrating Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The exact dates of Ramadan change every year. This is because Islam uses a calendar based on the cycles of the Moon.
Also, to celebrate St David’s Day, we will wear something yellow. On Valentine’s Day, we will be wearing pink and completing some love-themed activities.
Signs outside school gates at Kings Rise Academy / Image by Ed King
At KRA, we love embarking on trips, especially a whole school beach one coming up in a few months. Valentine’s Day is one of our favourite holidays because it is a golden opportunity to show affection or celebrate love with cards, flowers, and sweets!
We hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s, and many good things throughout February! Let’s hope February ends winter with a good note, Happy Valentine’s Day!
Best regards, KRA Editorial team
Ehichoya Jason Obor (Y6), Liyana Walters (Y6), Sienna Mills (Y6), Zaneta Onojah (Y6), Hiba Ahmed (Y5), Ryley Mortiboys (Y6)
(Ed’s note – this BACK TO SCHOOL article was first written for the Erdington Local printed edition and published on 14.02.25)
Children at Marsh HIll Primary taking part in Times Tables Rock Stars / Image supplied by Marsh Hill Primary
Children at Marsh Hill Primary School have been storming the charts this term and improving their maths, competing in the nationwide Times Tables Rock Stars programme.
Pupils from Years 2-6 have all been taking part in the initiative that combines online learning platforms and rock star imagery to get young people excited about learning their times tables.
Believing in an effective ‘little and often’ approach to mathematics, the Times Tables Rock Star platform can be accessed through any internet connected device and uses colourful and fun incentives to encourage learning.
Adopted by thousands of schools across the UK, Times Tables Rock Stars is an award winning initiative that supports mathematics learning in children from 6 years and upwards.
Children at Marsh HIll Primary taking part in Times Tables Rock Stars / Image supplied by Marsh Hill Primary
Earlier in February, the children at Marsh Hill Primary put their times table skills to the test and competed in a series of online challenges against other schools across the country – coming to class dressed as a rock star for inspiration.
Breaking into the top ten of times tables, the young people at Marsh Hill came an astonishing seventh on the Total Scores Leaderboard from a total of 204 schools nationwide.
Marsh Hill Deputy Head Teacher, Mrs Leavey, told: “We’re so proud of our rock stars and how amazingly well they did in the national times table competition.
“They were really invested in the Times Tables Rock Star programme and it’s been a great way to support their mathematics, numeracy, and general learning.”
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]
(Ed’s note – this BACK TO SCHOOL article was first written for the Erdington Local printed edition and published on 14.02.25)
Students and staff at Queensbury Schoool celebrating Chinese Year New Year with Fenfen Huang (bottom row, centre) / Image supplied by Queensbury School
Queensbury School recently came alive with vibrant festivities to celebrate Chinese New Year.
Students and staff celebrated this special day to honour the Lunar New Year with traditional decorations and artist workshops.
A highlight of the event was a series of dance workshops led by Fenfen Huang, a renowned dance instructor specialising in traditional Chinese movement arts. Huhang’s workshops introduced participants to the elegance and symbolism of Chinese dance, blending graceful movements with rich cultural storytelling.
Students and staff took part in the workshops learning steps inspired by classical and folk dances. The workshops not only provided an opportunity to embrace Chinese heritage but also fostered spirit and appreciation for diverse traditions.
The celebrations concluded with a mesmerising dance showcase, where students and staff performed alongside Fenfen Huang.
Queensbury’s Chinese New Year event was a resounding success, leaving our students with a deeper connection to Chinese culture and a joyful start to the Lunar New Year.
(Ed’s note – this BACK TO SCHOOL article was first written for the Erdington Local printed edition and published on 14.02.25)
High Sheriff of the West Midlands Douglas Wright MBE DL with students from Wilson Stuart School / Image supplied by Wilson Stuart School
Wilson Stuart School was delighted to welcome the High Sheriff of the West Midlands, Douglas Wright MBE DL, for an insightful visit to explore the school’s commitment to inclusivity and tailored support for students with complex physical and medical needs.
During his visit, Mr Wright engaged with students and staff, gaining a deeper understanding of the personalised approaches that help each student thrive. He was particularly inspired by the enthusiasm and creativity of the students as they showcased their talents through a variety of projects.
The High Sheriff also took time to speak with the dedicated staff, learning about the challenges they face and the continuous efforts to enhance resources and opportunities for students.
Wilson Stuart Headteacher Simon Harris (left) with High Sheriff of the West Midlands, Douglas Wright MBE DL (right) / Image supplied by Wilson Stuart School
His visit highlighted the importance of collaboration between the school and the wider community to ensure the best possible outcomes for young people with additional needs.
Wilson Stuart School would like to express its gratitude to Douglas Wright for his time and interest in the school’s work. His visit was a valuable opportunity to celebrate the achievements of students and staff alike. We look forward to continuing to work closely with him in the future.
