16 June 2025
Dear Parents and Carers
I would like to take this opportunity to share an update on some teaching and learning information at Erdington Academy, as we continue to support every child in reaching their full potential. As always, our focus is not only about on academic progress but also on developing our core values that will guide pupils throughout their lives.
NGRT testing
As part of our commitment to supporting every pupil’s learning journey, we will soon be conducting the New Group Reading Test (NGRT) with pupils across all year groups. These tests help us to better understand each child’s reading ability and comprehension so that we can tailor teaching and interventions accordingly.
As we prepare for these assessments, we are also taking the opportunity to reinforce the important value of integrity—doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. We are encouraging all pupils to approach the NGRT tests with honesty and effort, understanding that the results help us to support them, not to judge them.
Integrity in testing means trying your best without seeking shortcuts or giving up easily. It’s about showing pride in your work and being honest about what you can do. We are proud that so many of our pupils already demonstrate this value in their learning, and we are confident they will carry the same attitude into the upcoming assessments.
Please remind your child that they are not expected to get everything right—what matters most is that they take the test seriously, try their best, and answer each question thoughtfully. This not only reflects their learning but shows their strength of character.
The NGRT assessments will take place during the week beginning Monday 16th June as we move into the whole school assessment window. If you have any questions or concerns about the tests, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Embedding Formative Assessment Programme
As you may be aware, our school has been participating in this two-year programme, which aims to support teachers in using formative assessment strategies more effectively to improve pupil learning and engagement. The approach focuses on day-to-day, in-class assessment techniques that give children more immediate feedback and involve them more actively in their learning.
As we approach the end of the second year of the programme, as part of the review process, we welcomed a visitor from the EFA team to conduct a Year 2 Review Meeting Visit on Friday 13th June.
The purpose of the visit was to:
Review the progress we have made as a school in embedding formative assessment strategies.
Support our teaching staff in refining and sustaining these practices.
Celebrate successes and identify areas for continued growth.
This visit was not an inspection; it was part of a professional development process designed to strengthen teaching and learning across the school. The day involved meetings with the Head of Academy, staff who lead the teacher learner communities, students and Mrs Mabbett who leads the programme.
We are proud of the commitment our staff have shown to developing high-quality classroom practice, and we are already seeing positive impacts on both pupil participation and achievement. The day was particularly successful and gave us the chance to showcase all the great work done by our dedicated staff and how this has fed into increased pupil engagement and participation in lessons; more meaningful feedback and dialogue between teachers and students; a stronger culture of peer support and self-assessment and a greater clarity around learning objectives and success criteria.
Year 11 Leavers’ Lunch – Monday 16th June
Just a reminder, that to mark the end of their formal examinations and to celebrate the end of their time at Erdington Academy we will be holding a Year 11 Leavers’ Lunch on16th June. This will be a chance for students to relax together, share memories, and be recognised for the hard work and dedication they’ve shown over the past five years.
For this occasion, students are invited to wear business dress or their Academy uniform. We ask that students dress smartly and respectfully, in keeping with the tone of the event.
The lunch will take place during the school day following the Physics examination.
National ‘Thank a Teacher’ Day
This is a quick reminder that ‘Thank a Teacher’ Day is taking place on Wednesday 18th June 2025, and we would love for our school community to take part. This national celebration is a wonderful opportunity for students and families to show their appreciation for the teachers and school staff who make a difference every day.
If you or your child would like to send a free, personalised thank you message to a teacher or member of staff, it’s easy to do through the link:
OR using the QR code
Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
Yours sincerely
Mrs Simone Mabbett
Assistant Principal
