BACK TO SCHOOL: Queensbury School celebrate Black History Month

Words and pics by supplied by Queensbury School

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.

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.

If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local please email: [email protected]

BACK TO SCHOOL: The New One

Words by Daniel Selwood

I’d forgotten what it was like to be The New One.

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. 

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.

If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local please email: [email protected]

BACK TO SCHOOL: Queensbury School showcases student artwork at Direct Art Action Gallery

Words and pics by supplied by Queensbury School

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.

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.

If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local please email: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

BACK TO SCHOOL: Students from Wilson Stuart and Kingsthorne collaborate on Story Massage Programme

Words and pics supplied by Wilson Stuart School

In a strong display of collaboration and innovation, primary students from Wilson Stuart School have teamed up with Kingsthorne Primary mainstream school to explore the benefits of the Story Massage Programme.

The Story Massage Programme, a unique approach that melds the benefits of positive touch with the creative power of words, has captivated the attention of educators and students alike.

Ten simple massage strokes, each accompanied by a descriptive name and symbol, serve as the cornerstone of this initiative – ensuring accessibility for learners of all ages and abilities.

Rachael Griffiths, Director of Research and Innovation at Wilson Stuart, underscored the multifaceted objectives of the project. “Through the project, we aim to foster active listening, cultivate positive relationships, and forge connections between mainstream and special school settings,” she remarked.

“Moreover, we seek to enhance non-verbal communication skills, refine language proficiency through storytelling, boost confidence levels, and, above all, ensure an environment brimming with joy and laughter.”

This collaborative endeavour not only demonstrates the commitment of both institutions to inclusive practices but also exemplifies the transformative potential of partnership in education.

As students embark on this journey of exploration and discovery, they are not only acquiring valuable skills but also laying the foundation for a more inclusive and empathetic society.

With each stroke and story shared, these young learners are not just engaging in massage; they are weaving a tapestry of understanding, compassion, and friendship that transcends boundaries and enriches lives.

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: [email protected]

BACK TO SCHOOL: Hive students take part in trainee teachers conference

Words by Zain Khan, pics supplied by the Hive College

We were asked to take part in a conference for trainee teachers at Wolves Uni on Friday 3 May.

We sent five students to help with the refreshments for the delegates and then five students (including two alumni) were the keynote speakers for the event; sharing their educational journeys and the career aspirations followed by some tips for teachers with students with special educational needs.

The students chose to walk on to stage to ‘When the Going Gets Tough’! They all did fantastically well and were incredibly inspiring to us all. I was so proud to hear back how much they have achieved against so much adversity.

The organiser of the conference commented: “The aim of yesterday was to put good expert staff and talented pupils central to the focus and I really hope that came across.

“As a team, it’s the ethos that we are reinforcing all the time with our trainees and just look to work with people who have the same shared values.

“Good people, doing great work, for pupils who deserve every opportunity in life.”

They added: “EIAT as a trust is an absolute joy to work with. We see a lot of schools and trusts on a yearly basis and we can say, genuinely, that there is a clear connection and shared ethos in the staff we come across within Wilson Stuart, Mayfield, Queensbury, and the Hive.”

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: [email protected]

BACK TO SCHOOL: Caligo – a short story by Daniel Selwood

Daniel Selwood is a student at The Hive College who has been involved in our LOCAL AMBASSADORS programme, as well as contributing to our BACK TO SCHOOL pages for his college.

A gifted prose writer and a veracious reader, Erdington Local is proud to help support and develop Daniel’s writing.

She was beautiful. She had long dark hair, a dress of midnight blue, and high heels that added inches onto her already formidable height.

Domnic Darkly felt underdressed, even in his best shirt. He hadn’t combed his hair in weeks and as a result it looked like something left in a spin dryer too long. His glasses were round, and he was becoming more and more aware of how dirty they were.

“Domnic?” she asked. Her accent was unplaceable, like every voice in the world stewed up and served.

“Yes,” said Domnic, in his West Country drawl, marred and bitten at for living in Birmingham for so long.

She stepped back. Domnic stepped in. The hall smelt familiar – like childhoods and happiness. As Domnic admired the collection of leather-bound books, her soft but strong hands grabbed his cheekbones with their death-pale fingers.

“You look just like your photos, darling, like a tough ‘n’ teak mountain man…” she whispered, and ran her tongue like a red slug over her purple lips.

“You didn’t send any pictures,” said Domnic, nervous then calm. “And I don’t know why – because you’re…” his eyes lingered on her chest, “you’re beautiful…”

“Thank you, my liebchen,” she said, and walked like a film star into her cavernous kitchen. “Would you like water, or wine?” she asked.

“Erm, water,” said Domnic. Stone statues of unrecognised Greek gods were visible through the kitchen window – dressed in real cowls. He thought he recognised some of them from a news report, something to do with back packers who were acting stupid and vanished.

“Erm, Caligo?” he asked – her name, an unusual name, one that sounded like a wine. “Where did you say you were from, again, sorry?”

She winced, then slid back into herself. “All o’fer, really mois fleur,” she said. “I, er, ‘ow-dja-say, treaded the boards…”

“You were an actress?” asked Domnic.

Water thundered into a glass. Caligo looked at him, “Pardon? Oh yes – actress, yes…” She put the glass of water into Domnic’s hand, and whilst he wasn’t looking mixed a fine line of powder into his drink.

“You look good for fifty,” said Domnic, feeling more assured. He was forty-five and obvious with it; a mix of alcohol in the ‘80s, ciggies and drugs in the ‘90s, and an attempt to settle down in the ‘00s. Caligo was charismatic. Caligo was cool. All he had was the look of a humanised gorilla, a twenty something daughter who ran off to Malaga with her girlfriend, and a wife who set fire to his clothes before chucking him out. The words, “you can stay with Calligraphy or whatever her name is…” echoed round his memories, that, and the smell of charred cotton.

“I have the kiss of life,” she laughed. “Now drink up my love… and we’ll see my garden.” She smiled without out showing teeth.

It was the last thing he remembered.

Domnic woke up outside. Cold. Naked. He couldn’t place where he was or when he’d arrived… just a jump, like a dream. But he’d seen those statues before – the one with chiselled cheekbones, the thin seedy one, the round one, too.

“Nice, isn’t it?” she asked. It was. Wherever it was. He couldn’t remember his name.

“I love this place,” she drooled. “I bought it in 1920…”

“19… but it’s 2024!” cried Domnic.

“Oh, mon chéri. I have long life. I am – er, ‘ow you say it? Vampire,” cackled Caligo, as Domnic placed his hand over his neck.

Caligo looked at him and laughed so hard a dog barked a few streets away, then went quiet. “I don’t suck blood, I kiss… and drain the life from my darling, wunderbar boyfriends.”

She leaned in and placed her lips firmly on his. It felt dangerous, yet pleasant. He didn’t fight. Her breath tasted sweet, and rich, like the zest of orange on a dense, dark cake.

Domnic turned to stone. His face was wonderfully wistful. Caligo lifted Domnic and placed him in line. She draped him in a toga before going inside – the sun was rising…

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 WITH Erdington Local please email: [email protected]