Phase Focus

This fortnight we bring you updates from our Hills phase.

Welcome to this edition of our Hills Phase Newsletter! As we continue another exciting term, we are thrilled to share the latest updates and pupil achievements with you. 

9H1 have been learning how to run a business in careers. This week as a class they decided on a group company name. Each pupil then created a company logo and as a class they voted on which logo they wanted for the company. In the next few weeks, they will be creating merchandise and sharing out business roles. 

10H1 In RE, we have started to learn about Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year. This year's animal is the snake. We will be learning about how it is celebrated such as family gatherings, giving money as a gift and festivals. As a class, we visited the Buddhist Centre in Cradley Heath. It was a fantastic visit learning about the religion, culture and life as a Buddhist.  A big thank you to principal teacher, Gen Kelsang Khechog for his expert guidance. 

11H1 have been able to visit the local radio station, Black Country Radio, as part of their Duke of Edinburgh award. Last term, they focused on the skill of music which they thoroughly enjoyed as a topic. This term, they are learning about and taking part in volunteering and are impressed to learn that the Black Country Radio is completely run by volunteers! Some pupils in 11H1 even showed a keen interest in this, considering what it would be like to volunteer themselves. 

This week 10H2 ventured out to practice crossing the road safely as part of our Careers lesson. Pupils were very sensible and listened carefully to instructions.  These sessions will take place weekly in order to help pupils to develop important skills for adulthood. In Maths, we have begun our money unit, with pupils beginning to identify coins and exploring their use through role play. Pupils set up mini shops within the classroom and practised purchasing goods using the correct coins. Some pupils even began to add using coins! 

Class focus

Pawsome Effort! 8T2 Raise Funds for RAVES Rescue UK

Mr. Harvey and his incredible class have gone above and beyond during their Duke of Edinburgh sessions, dedicating their time and effort to raising funds for RAVES Rescue UK. With the support of Joan Burton MBE, they worked tirelessly to make a difference for dogs in need.

Their commitment and hard work have truly paid off, showing the power of teamwork, compassion, and community spirit. Well done to everyone involved—your efforts will make a real impact on the lives of rescued dogs!

#PawsomeEffort #DofE #SupportingRescueDogs #Teamwork

Beyond Sutton

Emotional health week 2025

Emotional Health Week 2025 is upon us, and as a special school, this is something we wholeheartedly support.

Last week was Mental Health Awareness Week, and we rallied our students to create Hope Heroes—our very own mental health ambassadors. Their role is to promote and support mental well-being across the school, offering peer support and encouragement.

As a special school, we recognize the immense importance of mental well-being, and we are committed to fostering a supportive environment for all our students.

For more information and resources on Children’s Mental Health Week, please visit https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/.

Safer Internet Day 2025

This week is Safer Internet Day, and as a school, we remain committed to supporting our pupils and parents through workshops that educate on the importance of online safety. Understanding how to protect children online is crucial, as the impact on their mental health and well-being can be significant.

Throughout this week, we have worked with our pupils to reinforce this message, providing them with practical tips on how to stay safe online.

For more information and additional online safety resources, please visit our school website: https://www.sutton.dudley.sch.uk/esafety.

Together, we can help create a safer online environment for our children.

Jo's Pantry

We know that half-term can be a challenging time, especially when it comes to the cost of feeding the family. That’s why we want to highlight J’s Pantry – Your Local Pantry, the first of its kind in West Bromwich, which opened on 31st March 2023.

For just £6.00 per week, members can access a weekly food shop, including fresh fruit, vegetables, and family essentials to help stock up the cupboard and fridge. See here for more information.

This initiative is run in partnership with 4 Community Trust, which not only provides affordable food but also supports the local community through engagement activities for children—both during the holidays and throughout term time.

For more information on how to become a member and access support, please visit here.