Sutton School News

Friday 22nd March 2024

In this Edition, we have Phase updates , The Symphony hall, Attendance, Sutton Stage Stars winners and Dudley Holiday Activates.

We hope you all enjoy the Easter break. A reminder that on Monday 8th April 2024 is a inset day and school reopens on Tuesday 9th April 2024.

  • Trees

    Welcome to the mid-March edition of the Trees Phase newsletter, where we recap the exciting activities and learning adventures that have taken place throughout the month.

    Sublime Science Spectacle:

    Our pupils were thrilled to welcome the crazy scientists from Sublime Science into all Trees Phase classes! From mind-bending experiments to explosive reactions, the visit sparked curiosity and excitement about the wonders of science.

    Garden Centre Expeditions:

    Our green-fingered pupils embarked on inspiring visits to garden centres throughout the phase. These trips allowed them to select and plant a variety of flora, enriching our school gardens with vibrant colors and pleasant aromas.

    World Book Day Extravaganza:

    World Book Day was a resounding success, with pupils and staff alike transforming into their favourite literary characters. The school buzzed with enthusiasm as beloved stories came to life, fostering a love for reading and imagination.

    Creative Learning Highlights:

    Year 7 pupils immersed themselves in the water cycle through engaging theatrical performances, bringing the scientific process to life.

    7T4 and 7T3 ventured into the woodland school, honing survival skills such as fire starting, fostering teamwork and resilience.

    Meanwhile, 7T1 explored the depths of the ocean, crafting intricate layers using playdough, delving into the mysteries of marine life.

    We're proud of the enthusiasm and dedication demonstrated by our pupils throughout these enriching experiences. As we move forward, let's continue to nurture curiosity, creativity, and a passion for learning within our Trees Phase community.

  • Hills

    Hills have been extremely busy over the past few weeks taking part in lots of exciting things! Let’s see what they have been up to…

    9H1 have been learning how to be organised and manage our time effectively during tutor pathway lessons. We have cleaned and reorganised our classroom. It now looks fantastic!

    10H1 visited Wordsley Green Library. We learnt about fiction, non fiction and the different services libraries can offer. Some of us also joined the library and are proud owners of a new library card!

    11H1 have been learning how to write a script for an advertisement using superlatives. As well as this we had a great day learning about Spain and the history of it, completing some wonderful work based on Picasso.

    9H2 and 10H2 have been learning about plants and how they grow in science. We planted our own seeds and bulbs and have been watering them and observing how they grow.

    Hills also took part in a Sublime Science event where they got to take part in fun practical activities and experiments. Our pupils have also been rehearsing very had for our Stage Stars production so watch this space for how it all went!

    Well done to all of our wonderful Hills pupils for their effort and hard work this term. We ae so proud of you all. Have a wonderful Easter break.

  • Rivers

    Rivers have been very busy taking part in lots of exciting activities over the past few weeks. Let’s see what they have been up to...

    9R1 walked to the canal near school and did a litter pick to help keep the area clean, tidy and safe for the birds and animals that live on or near the canal.

    9R2 have enjoyed learning all abut the solar system and putting their knowledge into practice in the lab.

    10R1 have completed 9 weeks of volunteering at St John’s Church in Dudley as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award. They engaged with a variety of tasks, from clearing bramble to clearing paths and cleaning and moving things around in the church.

    10R2 returned to Black Country Food Bank to deliver the food we collected. We would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ for all your generous donations, they were gratefully received and will help people in need.

    11R2 have been exploring why phones should or shouldn’t be banned in schools and debating reasons for and against this. Pupils have come up with some very interesting ideas!

    11R1 have just finished exploring the play Blood Brothers and were left astounded by the unpredictable ending.

    Well done to all of our wonderful Rivers pupils for their effort and hard work this term. We ae so proud of you all. Have a wonderful Easter break.

  • Symphony Hall

    On Sunday 10th March 2024, 12 pupils from Sutton performed at the famous Symphony Hall in Birmingham.

    Congratulations to all involved for a superb performance.

  • Attendance Initiative Triumphs

    Spring term was the start of our attendance initiative, since then we have witnessed a significant shift in our students' commitment to being present in the classroom. Through the a attendance card record and incentives, we have been able to cultivate a culture where attendance is not just a requirement but a valued aspect of their educational journey.

    Today, we are delighted to shine a spotlight on one particular student whose dedication to improving their attendance has been nothing short of exemplary. Throughout the entire spring term, this student has demonstrated a remarkable transformation, showing a steadfast commitment to attending classes regularly.

    We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Layla Hunt for achieving the most improved attendance record this term compared to their Autumn term. Their determination and perseverance serve as a shining example to your peers.

    Our whole school attendance for the Spring term is an impressive 91.96%. The following class achieved a remarkable 96.4% attendance for the Spring term:

    Class 10R2 HDN

    Congratulations to the students and teachers of these classes for their outstanding efforts in ensuring consistent attendance.

    We want to say a big thank you to all parents/ carers for your continued support in emphasising the importance of regular attendance and punctuality. We firmly believe that attending school not only enhances educational attainment but also contributes significantly to emotional health and well-being.

    As part of our ongoing commitment to celebrate and encourage attendance, starting from every Monday, we will send a personalised message to all parents whose children have achieved 100% attendance for the previous week. This initiative aims to recognise and applaud the dedication of our students and families in maintaining excellent attendance.

    Once again, thank you for your unwavering support and partnership.

    Kind regards

    Miss A McPherson

    Family Liaison Officer DDSL.

  • Sutton Stage Stars Winners!!!

    In a spellbinding display of talent and creativity, Sutton's Stage Stars unveiled a breath-taking performance that left the audience captivated. The focus of their latest showcase? None other than the illustrious journey of the late Queen of England, portrayed through the medium of movement and dance.

    With grace and precision, the pupils transported us through the remarkable chapters of her reign, painting a vivid picture of her life's triumphs and challenges. Each step, each gesture, spoke volumes about the resilience and grandeur of her character.

    From her coronation to her noble endeavours, the performers embodied the essence of royalty, paying homage to the legacy left behind by the Queen. Through their movements, they portrayed her unwavering commitment to duty, her unwavering resolve in times of uncertainty, and her enduring grace under pressure.

    The stage became a canvas, and the dancers, artists, weaving a tapestry of emotions that stirred the hearts of all who beheld their performance. It was more than just a recollection of history; it was a celebration of a life lived with dignity and purpose.

    Well done to the winners, and also a massive thank you to all the staff who help pull this together and the engagement team who never fail to deliver year on year.

  • Fun Half Term activities

    Fun Half Term activities

    Here in Dudley, we offer a range of different activities from days out, multi sports, dance, crafts, cooking and more!

    Children and young people attending sessions will be able to enjoy quality holiday activities and a healthy meal/snack at each session they attend.

    Click here to register and find out more.

Upcoming events.

Sutton School News

Friday 15th March 2024

In this Edition, we have Phase updates , Parent social media workshop , Attendance, Neurodiversity Celebration week

  • Trees

    Welcome to the mid-March edition of the Trees Phase newsletter, where we recap the exciting activities and learning adventures that have taken place throughout the month.

    Sublime Science Spectacle:

    Our pupils were thrilled to welcome the crazy scientists from Sublime Science into all Trees Phase classes! From mind-bending experiments to explosive reactions, the visit sparked curiosity and excitement about the wonders of science.

    Garden Centre Expeditions:

    Our green-fingered pupils embarked on inspiring visits to garden centres throughout the phase. These trips allowed them to select and plant a variety of flora, enriching our school gardens with vibrant colors and pleasant aromas.

    World Book Day Extravaganza:

    World Book Day was a resounding success, with pupils and staff alike transforming into their favourite literary characters. The school buzzed with enthusiasm as beloved stories came to life, fostering a love for reading and imagination.

    Creative Learning Highlights:

    Year 7 pupils immersed themselves in the water cycle through engaging theatrical performances, bringing the scientific process to life.

    7T4 and 7T3 ventured into the woodland school, honing survival skills such as fire starting, fostering teamwork and resilience.

    Meanwhile, 7T1 explored the depths of the ocean, crafting intricate layers using playdough, delving into the mysteries of marine life.

    We're proud of the enthusiasm and dedication demonstrated by our pupils throughout these enriching experiences. As we move forward, let's continue to nurture curiosity, creativity, and a passion for learning within our Trees Phase community.

  • Hills

    Our Hills students recently had the opportunity to participate in a session with Loudmouth Theatre Group, an innovative theatre in education company dedicated to promoting important aspects of Personal, Social, Health, and Economic Education (PSHEE) through interactive drama performances and workshops.

    Loudmouth Theatre Group is renowned for its engaging and thought-provoking programs focusing on relationships and safeguarding. Through their dynamic performances and interactive workshops, they aim to support students in developing crucial life skills, fostering healthy relationships, and understanding important concepts related to safeguarding.

    By participating in this session, our Hills students were able to engage with the content in a fun and interactive way, allowing them to explore and reflect upon topics related to personal and social development. These sessions are an invaluable addition to our PSHEE curriculum, providing students with a unique and engaging learning experience that complements their classroom learning.

    We believe that experiences like these play a vital role in supporting the holistic development of our students, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate the complexities of the world around them. We are incredibly proud of our Hills students for their enthusiastic participation and engagement during the Loudmouth Theatre Group session.

    We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Loudmouth Theatre Group for their dedication to promoting education through the arts and for providing our students with such a valuable learning opportunity.

  • Rivers

    Our Rivers pupils recently participated in a six-week program with Dudley Youth Health Champions (DYHC). This initiative, spearheaded by DYHC, aims to empower young people across the borough, providing them with a platform to have their voices heard and to make a positive impact in their communities.

    The Dudley Young Health Champions program is designed to engage young people aged 11-25 from various educational institutions and community groups, empowering them to become advocates for health-related issues. Through this program, our Rivers pupils had the opportunity to explore a wide range of health-related topics and develop valuable skills that will serve them well into the future.

    One of the primary goals of the DYHC initiative is to recruit young champions who can raise awareness about important health issues within their respective settings. By participating in this program, our Rivers pupils not only gained knowledge about various health topics but also became equipped with the tools and confidence to initiate conversations and inspire positive change among their peers.

    Furthermore, DYHCs are given unique opportunities to collaborate with decision-makers, sharing their experiences and insights to help shape future services and policies. By actively engaging with key stakeholders, our Rivers pupils are contributing to the development of initiatives that directly impact their lives and the lives of their peers.

    We are incredibly proud of our Rivers pupils for their dedication and commitment to participating in the DYHC program. Their enthusiasm, passion, and willingness to make a difference serve as an inspiration to us all. As a school community, we wholeheartedly support their efforts and commend them for their contributions to promoting health and well-being.

    We extend our sincere gratitude to Dudley Youth Health Champions for providing our students with this invaluable opportunity, and we look forward to witnessing the positive impact that our Rivers pupils will continue to have in our school community and beyond.

    Thank you for your continued support.

  • Parent Social Media Workshop

    We are thrilled to share the success of our recent social media Parent Workshop, held on the 6th March 2024. The workshop aimed to equip parents with essential tools and knowledge to ensure their children's safety in the digital world.

    Throughout the workshop, we covered various topics, including:

    -Understanding the risks and challenges of the online world

    -Implementing parental controls and privacy settings

    - Recognising signs of cyberbullying and how to respond effectively

    - Navigating social media safely

    - Encouraging open communication with your children about online activities

    The interactive nature of the workshop allowed for insightful discussions and sharing of valuable experiences among parents. It was heartening to witness the supportive atmosphere and the collective commitment to prioritising our children's online safety.

    Thank you for all that attended. Stay tuned for future workshops and events designed to support you in navigating the challenges of parenting in the digital age.

  • Attendance

    We are thrilled to share some fantastic news regarding our school attendance from last week!

    Our whole school attendance was an impressive 91.83%.The following class achieved a remarkable 100% attendance:

    Class 09R1 (CBS)

    Congratulations to the students and teachers of these classes for their outstanding efforts in ensuring consistent attendance.

    We want to say a big thank you to all parents/ carers for your continued support in emphasising the importance of regular attendance and punctuality. We firmly believe that attending school not only enhances educational attainment but also contributes significantly to emotional health and well-being.

    As part of our ongoing commitment to celebrate and encourage attendance, starting from every Monday, we will send a personalised message to all parents whose children have achieved 100% attendance for the previous week. This initiative aims to recognise and applaud the dedication of our students and families in maintaining excellent attendance.

    Once again, thank you for your unwavering support and partnership.

    Kind regards

    Miss A McPherson

    Family Liaison Officer DDSL.

  • Neurodiversity Celebration Week 18th-24th March 2024

    At Sutton school we take pride in fostering an environment that celebrates the unique strengths and perspectives of every one of our students. We embrace Neurodiversity Week, and reflect on the abilities, and perspectives that our students bring to our school community.

    Neurodiversity Week is an opportunity for us to recognise and appreciate the richness of neurodiversity within our student body. Neurodiversity encompasses a wide spectrum of neurological variations, including but not limited to autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences.

    Our students have a wide range of passions, interests, and strengths, and Neurodiversity Week provides a platform for us to highlight and honour these diversions. From artistic talents to scientific curiosity, from innovative problem-solving skills to unique perspectives on the world, our students continually inspire us with their diverse abilities.

    To learn more click here.

Sutton School News

Friday 1st March 2024

In this Edition, we have Phase updates , National careers week , Attendance , Black country Xtra and information about Dyscalculia.

  • Trees

    Greetings Trees Phase Community!

    Here's a brief rundown of some exciting recent activities:

    Coffee Morning (7T1): A delightful start to the day with our cozy coffee morning, fostering connections and conversations among pupils, parents, carers and staff.

    More Garden Centre Action (7 and 8T4): Pupils embarked on an adventurous trip to the garden center, exploring nature and perhaps living a little on the wild side!

    Science Adventures: In the science realm, pupils have been busy exploring various fascinating topics:

    Non-Reversible Actions: Investigating irreversible actions, like making toast, to understand fundamental scientific concepts.

    Tornados in a Bottle (8T2): Engaging experiments with tornado simulations, fostering curiosity and understanding in atmospheric phenomena. They have also been learning how to make fires safely in their Woodland School time.

    buoyncy Studies (7TR2): Students delved into buoyancy science by dropping cans of pop into water, a hands-on approach to learning about this principle.

    Siege Engines (8T3): Learning about siege engines, exploring the history and mechanics behind these fascinating ancient war machines.

    Mapping Oceans (7T3): Exploring the vast oceans through mapping exercises, gaining insights into the geography and importance of our planet's oceans.

    Stay tuned for more enriching experiences ahead as we continue to nurture curiosity and learning in Trees Phase!

  • Hills

    We hope you all had a wonderful half term break. Hills have been very busy over the past two weeks!

    9H1 have decorated bird boxes and made bird feeders as part of their DofE volunteering section. Pupils have worked hard and researched environmentally friendly ways to house and feed woodland birds.

    Pupils in 10H1 have been learning how to respond to an emergency including what an emergency is, who the emergency services are and what they do.

    11H1 have been learning about the features of a playscript in English. They have been using their acting skills to bring the script to life and to learn about the characters within the play.

    9H2 and 10H2 have been exploring healthy foods and planning a healthy meal. We can’t wait to see what you put together!

    Thursday 7th March is World Book Day. We are very excited to see which of their favourite characters pupils dress up as on the day!

  • Rivers

    Rivers have had another busy fortnight! Here’s what we have been up to…

    9R1 have been enjoying reading and performing the James and the Giant Peach play script and producing some fantastic art work!

    Pupils in 9R2 enjoyed making pancakes independently. They developed their skills for life and measured out their ingredients, including weight, practised timing and using the gas hob.

    10R1 have continued their DofE volunteering. This week, pupils removed piles of house bricks to make the pathway more accessible for people visiting their loved ones.

    10R2 went to the Black Country Food Bank and found out how they support the community. We will be collecting items to take in the next few weeks!

    Pupils in 11R2 are taking part in volunteering as part of their DofE this term and are working in Reflection, helping out with different jobs including administration, reading with younger pupils and helping others struggling with various issues. They are giving back something positive back to the school community- well done!

    11R1 won the Rivers Phase football tournament against 10R1! Jaineel was player of the match who showed excellent goal keeping skills. The final score was 4-3.

    World Book Day is on Thursday 7th March. We ar very excited to see which of their favourite characters our pupils dress up as!

  • National Careers Week 4th March 2024

    National Careers Week (NCW) is a one-week celebration of careers guidance and free resources in education across the UK. The aim is to provide a focus for careers guidance activity at an important stage in the academic calendar to help support young people develop awareness and excitement about their future pathways.

    NCW is a dedicated week every year allowing schools, colleges, universities, alternative provision settings and organisations to work towards.

    At Sutton school we work alongside a host of providers to ensure that our pupils that transition from our setting to either college or into a apprenterchip receive a continued level o support.

    Connexions Dudley is part of Dudley Council’s Children’s Services Directorate in the Family Solutions Division. Working across the borough in mainstream schools, special schools, colleges, training providers and outreach locations the service is designed to support young people aged 13 – 19

    Connexions Dudley is based in the Children’s Services Directorate in Dudley MBC. They work across the borough in mainstream schools, special schools, colleges, training providers and community locations the service is designed to support young people aged 13 – 19. For those young people who are Children Looked After it extends to age 21 and for those with learning difficulties and or disabilities up to their 25th birthday.

    If your child is in year 11 and you have not yet registered for a place at a post 16 provision, please contact the school to speak to Mrs Doman as soon as possible

  • Attendance

    We are thrilled to share some fantastic news regarding our school attendance from last week!

    Our whole school attendance was an impressive 91.57%.The following class achieved a remarkable 100% attendance:

    Class 07T4 (DVN)

    Congratulations to the students and teachers of these classes for their outstanding efforts in ensuring consistent attendance.

    We want to say a big thank you to all parents/ carers for your continued support in emphasising the importance of regular attendance and punctuality. We firmly believe that attending school not only enhances educational attainment but also contributes significantly to emotional health and well-being.

    As part of our ongoing commitment to celebrate and encourage attendance, starting from every Monday, we will send a personalised message to all parents whose children have achieved 100% attendance for the previous week. This initiative aims to recognise and applaud the dedication of our students and families in maintaining excellent attendance.

    Once again, thank you for your unwavering support and partnership.

    Kind regards

    Miss A McPherson

    Family Liaison Officer DDSL.

  • What is Dyscalculia?

    Dyscalculia is a specific and persistent difficulty in understanding numbers which can lead to a wider range of difficulties with mathematics. It will be unexpected in relation to age, level of education and experience and occurs across all ages and abilities.

    Maths is a difficult subject at the best of times, not a distinct category, dyscalculia falls at one end of the spectrum and will be identifiable from other maths issues due to the severity of difficulties with number sense, including symbolic and non-symbolic magnitude comparison, and ordering. It can occur on its own but often co-occurs with other specific learning difficulties, such as mathematics anxiety and other medical conditions.. Dyscalculia stands as one of the lesser-known conditions, often overshadowed by its more recognised counterparts. However, individuals affected by it face unique challenges that deserve attention. Dyscalculia Awareness Day is dedicated to shining a spotlight on this condition, promoting understanding and advocating for those affected by it.

    See here for more information

Sutton Stage Stars 2024

Our upcoming production, “Stage Stars - Around the World”, will be taking place on Wednesday 20th March at Brierley Hill Civic Hall.

To promote our event, River’s Performing Arts group took part in a radio broadcast on Black Country Xtra.

Please listen to the recording below.

Sutton School News

Friday 26th January 2024

In this Edition, we have Attendance , Parent Mental Health Day, Safer Internet day, Which? money saving tips , and our regular Phase updates.

  • Trees

    Our Trees Phase pupils are donning their gardening gloves, transforming their gardens into a kaleidoscope of colors sourced from recent visits to garden centers. Amidst the blossoms, keep a keen eye out for Tony the Tortoise, a master of shrubbery hide-and-seek.

    In addition to our green-thumb escapades, our students have embarked on cultural journeys, exploring local churches and soaking in the rich history and artistry within. The learning journey doesn't stop there – we've been delving into the world of finance, thanks to valuable resources from HSBC bank. Money matters are no mystery as our students eagerly engage with financial concepts, broadening their knowledge base.

    Stay tuned for more updates on our flourishing gardens, cultural expeditions, and financial adventures. Here's to growth in all its vibrant forms!

  • Hills

    In 9H1 Pathway A, pupils have developed their own guidebook on London and created their own landmarks. They are looking forward to making their own TV advert about London.

    10H1 visited Provision House charity, in Dudley to sell items at our pop-up stall, and to do some real-life practical Maths. Pupils worked well to develop their money skills and they were polite and respectful when speaking to members of the public.

    9H2 and 10H2 have been practicing our speech and language skills by interviewing staff for our class newsletter about recycling. Pupils have been extremely friendly when talking to others and have learnt lots about the importance of recycling.

    11H1 have been working hard in maths and have used our skills in money to set up a stall at Provision House in Dudley, for our own work experience. We are busy preparing our DofE volunteering activity and have researched what volunteering entails. In science, we have been investigating our skeletons and comparing them to those of different animals.

    Well done for another brilliant two weeks, Hills!

  • Rivers

    Rivers have been very busy taking part in exciting learning opportunities both in and outside of school.

    9R1 took a trip to Smyth’s Toy Store to buy baby toys for Birmingham Children’s Hospital with the money raised from our cake sale and all the fund raising events in Rivers last term. We spent over £500!

    9R2 investigated self driving cars in Core Studies. They discussed what a self- driving car must be able to do, the benefits and dangers of this and reasons why they might like to have a self-driving car.

    10R1 have been volunteering as part of the DofE curriculum clearing and tidying the local church graveyard. Pupils worked hard making the environment safer to access by removing debris and clearing paths after storm damage. They will continue to do this weekly for the next 10 weeks and we hope this will make a real difference to the local community.

    10R2 spent time at Provision House in Dudley for pupils to gain some work experience. They sold items and served customers and were polite and helpful. Well done!

    11R1 have been looking at elements and molecules in science. We have built different elements and then made these into word equations. Pupils have worked really hard to develop their learning.

    11R2 have been learning about fractions in maths and looking at recognising a quarter as diagrams, finding a quarter in quantities and representing this in different ways.

    Wow! What a fantastic fortnight!

  • Attendance Matters

    We are delighted to share some exciting updates and initiatives regarding attendance at our school.

    We have achieved 92.14% whole school attendance during the Autumn term of 2023. This accomplishment reflects a collective effort, highlighting the value we all place on the positive impact that consistent attendance has on your child's development and overall wellbeing.

    This spring term, we are thrilled to announce our participation in the government's attendance drive campaign. As part of this initiative, we have introduced an Attendance Record program to assist students who may need to enhance their attendance. Students actively engaging in this initiative will have the opportunity to earn rewards at the end of the term, fostering a positive and motivating environment for improvement.

    We are also launching a weekly recognition system to applaud students achieving 100% attendance. These students will be celebrated, and we believe such acknowledgment will not only boost their morale but also inspire their peers to strive for regular attendance.

    Understanding that attendance challenges may arise, we want to emphasise our commitment to providing support. If you find yourselves facing difficulties with your child's attendance, we encourage you to reach out to the school as the first step towards assistance. We aim to work collaboratively with you, ensuring that your child's journey at school is positive.

    Miss A McPherson

    Family Liaison officer

  • What is Parent Mental Health?

    stem4, a charity that supports young people to build positive mental health, is proud to be the UK founder of Parent Mental Health Day, which started in 2022.

    The Cost of Living Crisis, which so closely followed the pandemic, and increased concerns about digital harms, rising rates of mental ill health and the impact of stretched services have further increased parent and carer anxiety and, in some cases, helplessness and hopelessness.

    Parent Mental Health Day 2024 is an opportunity for parents and carers to acknowledge and discuss their struggles and share in their achievements of connecting positively with each other and the whole family, and to learn ways to connect positively to maximise young people’s mental health.

    Click for More Information

  • Films - UK Safer Internet Centre

    For the 2024 Safer Internet Day campaign a range of short films have been created which are suitable for young people of all ages – from 3 to 18. These films are meant to be used as conversation starters with the children and young people.

    They explore topics related to the theme of Safer Internet Day 2024 “Inspiring change? Making a difference, managing influence and navigating change online.”

    Click for More Information

  • 21 Money-Saving Tips for Parents

    Which Magazine have come up with some money-saving tips for parents to help with the cost of raising their children.

    It costs couples £157,562 and lone parents £208,735 to raise a child to the age of 18, according to the latest figures from the Child Poverty Action Group.

    Raising a family is expensive, but here are some tips that can help you make savings.

    Click for More Information

Sutton School News

Friday 12th January 2024

In this Edition, we have a welcome back message from Mr Curnow, Sutton Stars, The Household Support Fund, Get Healthy Dudley, and our regular Phase updates.

  • Welcome back message

    Dear Parents and Carers,

    I trust this message finds you well and rejuvenated after a restful break. As we step into a new term brimming with possibilities and exciting opportunities, I would like to share some important updates regarding our school community.

    First and foremost, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to four members of our team who have recently departed: Mrs. K Charles, Mrs. C Glover, Mrs. W St Claire, and Mrs. L Kaur. Their dedication has left an indelible mark on our school, and we express our sincere thanks for their invaluable contributions. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

    Amidst farewells, it is a pleasure to welcome two new members to our team. Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Mrs. S Hall, who will be teaching 9H2, and Mrs. L Atherton, our new teacher for 10H2. Their expertise and passion for education will undoubtedly enhance the teaching and learning experience within our school.

    Additionally, I would like to take this moment to congratulate our Assistant Headteacher, Mrs. K Fellows, who is currently on maternity leave. We are delighted to share the news of the arrival of her baby daughter, Lilly-Rae. We send Mrs. Fellows and her family our warmest congratulations and look forward to them visiting school soon and sharing in their happiness.

    As we embark on this new term, let us approach it with enthusiasm, collaboration, and a shared commitment to providing the best possible education for our pupils. I am confident that, together, we will make this term a rewarding and successful experience for everyone involved.

    Warm regards,

    Ian Curnow, Headteacher

  • Sutton Stars

    Sutton Star performance is approaching and we couldn't be more proud of the hard work and dedication our students have put into preparing for this event.

    The Sutton Star performance is a wonderful opportunity for our children to showcase their talents, creativity, and the skills they've been developing throughout the year. From the enthusiastic rehearsals to the imaginative set designs, it's clear that this will be a performance to remember.

    Details about the performance, including dates, times, and ticket information, will be shared shortly.

  • The Household Support Fund

    The Government has made an extra £842 million available to help the most vulnerable across England.

    The funding is an extension of the Household Support Fund and has been allocated by the Department for Work and Pensions to councils in England, who will then use it to support those in need in their local area.

    The Household Support Fund is there to help low income households, including families, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers and disabled people. It provides immediate help for those who are struggling. This could include help with your energy, water, broadband and phone bills, as well as other essentials such as food, clothing and hygiene products. The fund can also assist with transport-related costs such as car repairs, buying a bicycle or paying for fuel.

    The winter phase of the household support fund will open at 12 noon on Wednesday 17 January 2024.

    There is expected to ne a high demand so please apply as soon as possible

  • Lets Get Healthy Dudley

    January is the perfect time for New Year’s resolutions, so why not take up the latest Let’s Get Moving challenge ‘31 Days to Strong and Steady’? What: The challenge gives you 5 simple exercises to do during the 31 days of January.

    Why: The exercises can help build strength and balance and reduce joint pain. Doing the exercises regularly will make daily activities easier to do and help prevent a fall.

    Where: The simple exercises can be done in the comfort of your own home and will only take a couple of minutes. You can do them while waiting for the kettle to boil, or when watching TV.

    As you work through the exercises over the month, the number of repetitions and time for each exercise will increase. Use this as a guide, you can do more or less, but always listen to your body.

    downloadand print the January 2024 calendar and put it somewhere that reminds you to do the exercises every day, such as on your fridge. Copies are available to pick up from your local borough leisure centre while stocks last.

  • Trees

    Welcome back after the festive break! We hope you had a wonderful time filled with joy and laughter. As we dive into 2024, there's a lot to look forward to here in Trees Phase!

    Get ready for an exciting year ahead filled with fantastic opportunities. We have thrilling plans lined up, including residential trips and performances by budding stage stars among us.

    But wait, there's more! Off-site adventures are already in the works. We're thrilled to announce that exciting visits to places like Cosford Museum and the Black Country Museum are on the horizon. These trips promise amazing activities and hands-on learning experiences that you won't want to miss!

    So gear up and get ready for an action-packed year full of exploration, learning, and unforgettable memories. We can't wait to embark on these journeys with all of you!

    Wishing you all the best for an incredible 2024!

  • Hills

    Welcome back to our wonderful pupils! We are so pleased to see you all back in school and are very pleased to say that you have all settled in very well. Here is what we have all been working on or are looking forward to in the coming weeks...

    9H1 have begun the new term by exploring the difference between fiction and non-fiction as part of our English lessons. We have been exploring different types of non-fiction text and looking at the features of these. We have had dome great ideas!

    This half term, 10H1 will be volunteering our time to listen to readers in other classes, as part of our Duke of Edinburgh skills. We are really looking forward to developing our social skills and helping each other out.

    11H1 have had a wonderful start back to school! We are really looking forward to our volunteering aspect of DofE as well as our business idea in our Careers Pathway. Watch this space! Well done to everyone who has started the year so positively.

    9H2 and 10H2 are looking forward to beginning our new DofE project in volunteering, where we will support the charity Fair Fight.

  • Rivers

    Welcome back to our wonderful pupils! We are so pleased to see you all back in school and are very pleased to say that you have all settled in very well. Here is what we have all been working on or are looking forward to in the coming weeks...

    9R1 are looking forward to our next session of Woodland School and doing a trip to Smyths at Merry Hill to buy toys for the Birmingham Children’s Hospital using money raised in charity cake sales last half term.

    9R2 are looking forward to continuing to explore and improve their independent computing skills this half term and learning some new tips and tricks!

    As part of volunteering for Duke of Edinburgh, 10R1 are excited about helping to renovate and maintain the graveyard of a local church which has been neglected due to bad weather.

    10R1 are currently planning and looking forward to visiting the ‘Black Country Food Bank’ as part of our DofE volunteering this half term.

    Over the Christmas period, 11R1 have continued to work on Maths Whizz, which has paid off because they have now won the Maths Whizz competition! Well done 11R1! We are very proud of you!