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: edking@erdingtonlocal.com
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: edking@erdingtonlocal.com
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.
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.
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.
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
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
