10 October 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
As we settle into October, I would like to take a moment to share some of the exciting things happening across our school. It’s been a busy and positive start to the school year, and it’s been wonderful to see our community come together in so many ways.
We’ve welcomed many families and students into our school this half term; a huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our recent Open Evening, Open Mornings, and the Year 7 Settling-In Evening. It was a pleasure to welcome so many families and to share the fantastic work our students and staff have been doing.
We’d especially like to thank the many students who gave up their time to support the school during Open Evening. Whether they were guiding tours, speaking to prospective families, helping in faculties, giving speeches to parents, or performing, their dedication, confidence, and ambition truly shone through. They were outstanding ambassadors for our school, and we are incredibly proud of them.
During our Open Mornings, we received wonderful feedback from visiting families who commented on how calm, well-mannered, and respectful our students were. Many enjoyed the opportunity to visit classrooms and see learning in action, and we’re grateful to staff and students alike for creating such a welcoming and positive atmosphere.
This year, our Black History Month celebrations are centred around the theme Standing Firm in Power and Pride, and we will be hosting a range of events that reflect our commitment to Excellence and Tradition.
On Thursday 16th October, we’ll be holding a special evening event from 5:00pm to 7:30pm, showcasing the incredible talents of our students, staff, and guest performers. The evening will feature music, spoken word, and tributes to influential figures such as Paul Stephenson OBE and Baroness Doreen Lawrence OBE, among others. Food will be available, and tickets can be purchased from Main Reception.
We’re also excited to be hosting a Black History Month Conference at school on Friday 17th October. This event will bring together students, staff, and invited guests for a day of workshops, discussions, and presentations. It’s a fantastic opportunity for our students to engage with important topics and reflect on the power of history, voice, and community.
This week, students are learning about several important religious and cultural celebrations through assemblies. These include Diwali, observed within the Hindu faith; Bandi Chhor Divas, celebrated in the Sikh tradition; and Gurpurab, which marks the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. These occasions hold deep significance for many families in our school community, and we are proud to support understanding and respect through shared learning.
At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to inclusivity and celebration. We’re proud to be a school where every child is valued, respected, and encouraged to be themselves. Our school gives us the opportunity to learn from one another and grow together as a community. These shared experiences help us to aspire to our values of Excellence, Dedication, Ambition, Integrity, and Tradition, creating a school culture where everyone belongs.
Other Key Dates
- Futures Week (20th–24th October) – A week dedicated to careers education, aspirations, and pathways. Students will take part in workshops, talks, and activities designed to inspire ambition and broaden horizons.
- Enrichment Day (Thursday 23rd October) – A day of exciting off-timetable learning experiences. More details will follow shortly regarding arrangements.
- FMAT Performing Arts Showcase at the Bramall Music Building, University of Birmingham (Thursday 23rd October, 7:00–9:00pm) – Join us for an evening of music, drama, and dance performed by our talented students. Tickets are available from Mr Bartlett.
As always, thank you for your continued support.
Yours sincerely
Mrs Hillier
Assistant Principal SENCo
