A heartfelt tribute from 11R1 SLN

In a powerful display of appreciation and unity, class 11R1 SLN came together to create a thank-you flag for their teachers, Miss Lander and Mrs Wright.

This wasn’t just any flag—it was a vibrant, heartfelt tapestry of messages, drawings, and symbols, each representing a memory, a moment, or a message of thanks. The students poured their personalities into every corner, creating a one-of-a-kind keepsake that left their teachers visibly moved.

This touching gesture reflected more than just gratitude—it was a testament to the strong, respectful relationships built over time between pupils and staff. It captured the heart of our school values: connection, appreciation, creativity, and love.

Miss Lander and Mrs Wright have played a significant role in shaping this group, and the flag symbolised the impact they’ve had—not only as teachers but as mentors, cheerleaders, and advocates.

This moment reminded us all that what we do here goes far beyond lessons and targets—it’s about belonging, legacy, and love.

To 11R1 SLN—thank you for reminding us of the power of appreciation. What a beautiful way to end the year and your journey.

Phase Focus

Welcome to another edition of our Hills Phase newsletter, where we highlight the exciting adventures of our pupils! Read on to find out what we have been up to... 

9H1 have been growing cress seeds to see what conditions they need to survive. Each pupil has planted cress seeds in plastic cups; one has been placed on the windowsill and one has been placed in the dark. Each week we have been checking on their growth and comparing them to each other. Currently, they have both grown but the seeds in the dark have a yellow leaf whereas the ones in the light have very green leaves. We are eagerly checking them every day to see which ones will grow the best! 

10H1 Have been finding out about light sources in science. We learnt about different types of sources such as manmade and natural. We were amazed to learn about angler fish and fireflies. Did you know angler fish can grow up to four feet long? 

In Careers, we have been learning about Tourism, with a particular focus on Birmingham. We have identified different, wonderful places to visit and researched them. We have also found out about Cadbury World and went on class trip there which we all really enjoyed! 

11H1 have been thoroughly enjoying their current Science topic on States of Matter. Recently, they investigated how to make butter by turning liquid cream into solid butter through vigorous shaking, demonstrating how energy can cause a change of state. They even got to taste their homemade butter on crackers! The class has also explored gases by observing chemical reactions involving bicarbonate of soda, creating their own lava lamps, and discovering the weight of air using balloons. 

9H2 have taken part in a project to make a bug hotel in our Careers lessons. We collected sticks, rocks, leaves and foliage to put in and painted it all to make it look wonderful for the insects. We turned old cans into bees, caterpillars, ladybirds and a spider. Our hotel is called CBuggies Land Hotel- take a look at our picture to see what it looks like! This is now in the woodland area ready for the bugs to live in. We really enjoyed this project! 

10H2 As part of our current English topic, pupils have been learning about different occupations. Pupils thoroughly enjoyed participating in a sensory exploration of a bakery and developed their communication skills using role play.  

In DofE we have been developing our practical skills in areas such as pitching a tent, reading a map, and cooking on a camp stove. Pupils have worked cooperatively and gained confidence in completing these practical tasks with more independence.  

Pupils have continued to take part in extra-curricular activities such as off-site golf lessons, trips to Cadbury World, and a Motor Vehicle Studies trip to bowling, paid for by money raised from the Hills car washing business! Pupils also took part in a Kickball Rounders tournament and showcased their wonderful sporting talents! A group of pupils in Years 9 and 10 attended a very special awards ceremony at The Molineaux Stadium to celebrate the hard work done by our pupils in making their bug hotels. We are so proud of our pupils! 

Beyond Sutton

Deaf Awareness Week UK – Championing Inclusive Communication

At Sutton School, we proudly recognised Deaf Awareness Week, a vital opportunity to celebrate the contributions of our Deaf and hearing-impaired community and to promote communication inclusion.

Many of our pupils have speech, language, and auditory processing difficulties, so Deaf Awareness Week resonates strongly with our mission. Throughout the week, staff and pupils engaged in activities that promoted visual cues, and alternative communication strategies. Pupils are encouraged to practise fingerspelling, use communication boards, and explore how body language and facial expressions support understanding.

As a special school, we believe communication is a right, not a privilege. By embracing a range of communication styles—including Makaton.

Let’s continue breaking down communication barriers—because inclusion begins with understanding.

World Continence Week – Removing Stigma, Promoting Dignity

World Continence Week gave us a timely reminder of how critical dignity, understanding, and practical support are for pupils living with incontinence or toileting needs.

At Sutton School, we recognise that continence challenges are often part of broader physical, sensory, or neurodevelopmental conditions. Our school doesn’t just accommodate these needs—we plan for them. With fully equipped changing facilities, discreet routines, and compassionate staff, we ensure no child is made to feel embarrassed or excluded.

For many of our families, continence is not a taboo topic—it’s a daily reality. We stand proudly beside them, advocating for better understanding, better resources, and a future where no child is defined by their medical needs.

Love Your Lungs Week – Breathing Matters at Sutton School

This Love Your Lungs Week, we highlighted the importance of healthy lungs and respiratory care—something many of our pupils and families understand all too well.

As a special school, we support pupils with complex medical needs, including asthma, tracheostomies, and other respiratory conditions. Our dedicated staff team are trained in managing these conditions daily, from overseeing care plans to delivering emergency medication.

We remain committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where children with respiratory challenges can thrive—one breath at a time.