Baggeridge Woodland Exploration by 7T1

The adventurous students of 7T1 recently ventured into the enchanting Baggeridge Woodland. Amidst the tranquil beauty of the forest, they learned about various flora and fauna, and gained a deeper understanding of the importance of preserving our woodlands.

African Culinary Adventure for 7T1/2/3

Pupils of 7T1, 7T2, and 7T3 embarked on a delicious journey through African cuisine. They not only tasted the vibrant flavours but also learned about the cultural significance of each dish, enriching their global perspectives.

Creative African Mask Making by 7T3

In a celebration of African art and culture, 7T3 put their creativity to work and crafted stunning African masks. Each mask was a unique expression of their artistic talents, showcasing their appreciation for traditional craftsmanship.

Landmark Tour of Russells Hall Estate by 7T4 and 8T4

7T4 and 8T4 embarked on an exciting tour of the historic Russells Hall Estate. Using positional language skills, they located landmarks, enriching their understanding of local geography and history.

Microhabitats Exploration by 8T3 in Science

In the realm of science, 8T3 pupils created microhabitats, delving into the intricacies of ecosystems. Through hands-on experimentation, they explored the delicate balance of nature and the importance of biodiversity.

Hills have had another busy fortnight!

9H2 and 10H2 held a plant sale in their classrooms to practice their skills of communication. Pupils did a great job at selling the plants, handling money and practicing speaking to customers. Well done!

9H1 have been designing and making a bug hotel as part of a special competition during D of E sessions. This week children went on a hunt to find out what minibeasts there are around school. They will use the information to help adapt their designs.

10H1 have been exploring a Viking diet as part of their English lessons where they are studying ‘How to Train Your Dragon.’ They have made toast outside with Mr Edney-Evans using traditional methods of lighting a fire!

11H1 have been working on their creative writing skills in English and have produced some wonderful acrostic poems all about dragons! Some pupils have also created some beautiful pieces of artwork.

Pupils across Hills have also been making merchandise for awards evening, exploring different jobs and practicing their interview techniques as part of their careers lessons.

Rivers have had another busy fortnight!

Our Rivers pupils had a special visit from Birmingham Children’s hospital to thank them for their recent fundraising and explain how the money is helping lots of poorly children.

9R1 have been developing their practical science skills by learning how to use a Bunsen burner safely to conduct different experiments. Mrs Holder was very impressed!

9R2 have been learning about health, fitness and mindfulness. They have spent time outdoors playing different games and exploring how nature can have a positive impact on our mental health.

10R1 have made some wonderful 3D maps as part of their D of E expedition topic. They have researched and worked together to make sure their maps were accurate.

11R1 have been working their socks off completing work towards their English, Maths and ICT qualifications. We are so very proud of you!

Pupils across Rivers have also been making merchandise for awards evening, exploring different jobs and practicing their interview techniques as part of their careers lessons.

At Sutton school, we pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive environment where every child feels valued and supported. As a SEN school, we recognise and celebrate the wide variation of needs present within our community, both visible and invisible.

Among the conditions that some of our students face is Tourette's Syndrome, a neurological disorder characterised by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations known as tics. While some of these tics may be noticeable, others might not be immediately apparent.

We believe that education and awareness are essential steps towards creating an environment of understanding and support for those living with Tourette's Syndrome.

By understanding Tourette's Syndrome better, we can all play a role in supporting our fellow community members who are affected by it.

Together, let's embrace diversity, foster empathy, and cultivate a culture of acceptance and support within our school community.

For more information about Tourette’s and Tourette’s awareness month

Over the past 6 weeks at Sutton School, we welcomed INNOV4TE CIC to work closely with a group of our amazing young women.

The Athena programme, delivered by INNOV4TE CIC, is a beacon of empowerment for young women facing various challenges in accessing their education. From self-image to confidence and self-esteem, poor peer relationships and even issues related to emotional and mental health, this programme addresses a wide spectrum of needs.

At Sutton School, we recognised the importance of providing such tailored support, especially in today's digital age. With only 55 of our 192 pupils being girls, we felt compelled to offer this provision to boost self-esteem and nurture their growth, particularly as some transition to college.

The feedback from our girls has been overwhelmingly positive. They've shared how the programme has enriched their lives, instilling in them a newfound sense of confidence and resilience.

We were also honoured to receive kind words from Stacy Millington-Moss, Director of INNOV4TE CIC, who described our learners as "bright, articulate, extremely polite, respectful, and engaged fantastically." Such praise reaffirms our commitment to creating a nurturing environment where every student can thrive.

Thank you to everyone involved in making this initiative a resounding success. Together, we are fostering a community where our young women can flourish and reach their fullest potential.

At Sutton, we recognise and celebrate the diversity of our students, including students who have communication needs.

We acknowledge that communication needs vary among our pupils. That's why we embrace Makaton, a powerful tool that helps individuals with learning and communication challenges to express themselves effectively. Makaton enriches our communication environment, allowing us to connect with all our students on a deeper level.

Today over 100,000 children and adults use Makaton symbols and signs, either as their main method of communication or as a way to support speech.

Walk through our school corridors, and you'll find Makaton symbols and images adorning our walls, serving as constant reminders of our commitment to inclusivity. These visuals play a vital role in creating an environment where every student feels understood and valued.

To learn more information about Makaton click here

Greetings from the Trees Phase! We've had an exciting time recently, with our Year 7 and 8 pupiis immersing themselves in various activities both outdoors and in the classroom.

Baggeridge Country Park Adventure

Our Year 7 and 8 Trees 4 class embarked on an adventure to Baggeridge Country Park, where they delved into the wonders of nature and outdoor fun. Among the highlights was a thrilling bug hunt, where students got up close and personal with the tiny critters that call the park home. It was an educational and exhilarating experience that brought them closer to nature.

8T2's Colourful Experiments

Meanwhile, back in the classroom, 8T2 was busy with some fascinating experiments involving coloured water. From mixing hues to understanding the principles of absorption, our students dived deep into the world of science and discovery. Their enthusiasm and curiosity made for some truly colourful moments.

Rhythmic Beats in Music Lessons

In the world of music, rhythm was the name of the game across the Trees Phase. Pupils in Year 7 and 8 had a blast banging on drums, exploring different beats and rhythms. The rooms echoed with the sounds of creativity and collaboration as pupils found their groove and discovered their inner musicians.

As always, a huge thank you to our dedicated teachers and enthusiastic pupils for making these experiences possible. Stay tuned for more exciting adventures and learning opportunities in the Trees Phase!

Hills Motor Vehicle Studies group had an exciting trip to the British Motor Museum with Mr Sant! Pupils all had a wonderful day exploring lots of different types of vehicles and their behaviour was impeccable.

Pupils in Hills have taken part in visits from the fire service, learning about fire safety and the important job firefighters do. Pupils asked lots of really good questions and learn about different ways to stay safe at home.

Hills pupils have also been taking part in lessons at Wall Heath Tennis Club during their PE lessons. They have been great at practising their skills! We have also had some specialist teaching in school from our cricket coach, Jacob.

We have also launched ‘Sutton Salon and Spa where our hair and beauty pathway pupils will be demonstrating their skills of hairdressing, manicures and beauty treatments to year 8 pupils. Pupils are very excited!

Pupils in Da Vinci have enjoyed a bowling reward trip for winning the house points competition and our Stage Star winners are looking forward to a trip to Twycross Zoo during the summer term. Pupils have now begun script rehearsals for our next show so watch this space for more information...

10R1 have had their contributions to Black Country Food Bank recognised with an official certificate stating they have collected and donated 72kgs of food and 0.9kgs of non-food, an amazing amount which will provide 144 meals and 1 toiletry pack!

11R1 have been working very hard to complete speaking and listening assessments and have been brilliant! They have been resilient and conquered their fears. We are very proud of them.

Pupils in Rivers have taken part in visits from the fire service, learning about fire safety and the important job firefighters do. Pupils learnt lots of new ways to stay safe such as planning our escape routes in their own houses.

Years 10 and 11 have begun to practice their expedition skills in preparation for the day trip and overnight stay in June. They are learning additional skills of being outdoors during forest school sessions with Mr Edney-Evans.

Pupils in Da Vinci have enjoyed a bowling reward trip for winning the house points competition and our Stage Star winners are looking forward to a trip to Twycross Zoo during the summer term. Pupils have now begun script rehearsals for our next show so watch this space for more information...

Dudley MBC are looking to recruit foster carers across the Dudley Borough. Foster care plays a vital part in so many children’s and young people’s lives. In Dudley, the need for foster carers is greater than ever. Please see the attached leaflet regarding taking the first steps into becoming a foster career.

For further details please click here

National Teenage Self-Esteem Day 3rd May 2024,is to highlight and reflect on the crucial impact social media has on self-perception and confidence of our youth. In today's digital age, where platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat dominate daily interactions, teenagers are constantly bombarded with curated images and unrealistic standards of beauty, success, and happiness. This pervasive influence can significantly affect their self-esteem, leading to feelings of inadequacy, comparison, and anxiety.

Research has shown a clear link between social media usage and negative self-esteem outcomes among teenagers. The pressure to conform to unattainable ideals perpetuated by influencers and peers can erode self-confidence and contribute to mental health challenges. Moreover, the culture of likes, comments, and followers can create a constant need for validation, further undermining authentic self-worth.

However these challenges present , there are powerful strategies and practices that can help teenagers cultivate a healthy sense of self-esteem:

1. Promote Digital Literacy-Educate teenagers about media literacy and critical thinking skills to discern between reality and idealized portrayals on social media. Encourage them to question and challenge unrealistic beauty standards and lifestyles depicted online.

2. Encourage Authenticity-Foster an environment where teenagers feel comfortable expressing their true selves without fear of judgment. Emphasise the value of authenticity over perfection, both online and offline.

3. Limit Screen Time- Encourage balanced screen time habits and provide opportunities for offline activities that nurture creativity, self-expression, and interpersonal connections.

4. Celebrate Individuality- Highlight the uniqueness and diversity of each teenager's strengths, talents, and interests. Encourage them to embrace their individuality and pursue passions that bring them joy and fulfilment.

5. Encourage Positive Relationships- Foster supportive relationships with peers, family members, and mentors who uplift and empower teenagers to believe in themselves and their abilities.

6. Practice Self-Compassion:- Teach teenagers the importance of self-compassion and self-care. Encourage mindfulness, gratitude, and positive affirmations to cultivate a compassionate inner dialogue.

On this National Teenage Self-Esteem Day, let's reaffirm our commitment to supporting the well-being and confidence of our youth. By fostering a culture of authenticity, resilience, and self-compassion, we can empower teenagers to navigate the digital landscape with confidence and cultivate a positive sense of self-worth.

Together, let's continue to champion the importance of healthy self-esteem and create a world where every teenager feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

For more Information for young people about confidence and self-esteem, and what can affect them please visit Mind.org website

This weeks professional development training was undertaken by our staff members here at Sutton School was the attachment theory. The training session focused on deepening our understanding of attachment theory and its profound implications for student well-being and academic success.

Attachment theory, pioneered by psychologist John Bowlby, underscores the significance of the bond between a person and their attachment figure in shaping social, emotional, and cognitive development. By delving into the principles and practical applications of attachment theory, our staff members have gained invaluable insights into how to better support our students' needs and nurture positive relationships within our school community.

Through this training, our staff members have explored key concepts such as:

1. Secure Base- Understanding the role of teachers and other trusted adults as secure bases from which students can explore, learn, and grow with confidence.

2. Proximity Seeking- Recognising the natural inclination of students to seek emotional closeness and support from attachment figures during times of stress or uncertainty.

3 Separation Anxiety- Sensitivity to the emotional challenges students may experience during transitions or separations, and strategies to provide reassurance and stability.

4. Internal Working Models- Reflecting on the ways in which students' early attachment experiences shape their perceptions, expectations, and behaviours in relationships within the school setting.

This deeper understanding of attachment theory equips our staff members with valuable tools and strategies to create a nurturing and supportive environment where every student feels valued, respected, and understood. By fostering secure attachment relationships and promoting a culture of empathy and belonging, we aim to enhance the social and emotional well-being of our students and empower them to thrive academically and personally.

For further information on the on the attachment theory please click here to be directed to the NSPCC website.

Welcome back after the Easter break! We hope you had a wonderful and restful holiday, and that you're feeling refreshed and ready for the new term ahead.

As we embark on this next phase of learning and exploration, there's plenty to look forward to in the Trees Phase. This term promises to be filled with exciting opportunities and enriching experiences for our pupils.

One of the highlights of the term is our upcoming residential trip to Whitemoor Lakes. This immersive experience offers our pupils a chance to step outside the classroom and engage in a range of outdoor activities, team-building exercises, and adventures in nature. It's an opportunity for them to develop new skills, forge lasting friendships, and create unforgettable memories.

We're thrilled to provide our pupiws ith such unique opportunities for growth and discovery, and we can't wait to see the excitement and enthusiasm they bring back with them from Whitemoor Lakes.

As always, we remain committed to providing a nurturing and enriching learning environment where every child can thrive and reach their full potential. Together, let's make this term a memorable and successful one for all our Trees Phase pupils.

As we begin another exciting new term, it brings us immense joy to welcome our wonderful Hills pupils back to Sutton School! We hope that you had a fantastic Easter break.

Pupils have begun the term with a range of exciting activities. Pupils in 9H1 have taken part in a Life Skills trip to Merry Hill and have put their money and budgeting skills into practice. We were so impressed with the behaviour and politeness of all our pupils!

This half term, pupils in 9H1, 10H1 and 11H1 will be exploring the text ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ by Cressida Cowell in English. They have begun to read the text and explore the different characters. Pupils are looking forward to learning more about Hiccup and Toothless! Pupils in 9H2 and 10H2 will be exploring a non-fiction unit called ‘Who Will Buy...’ and developing their skills of communication through stories and drama.

We have lots to be excited about during the summer term including local trips, a residential trip to Whitemoor Lakes, Duke of Edinburgh volunteering and an expedition, sports day and presentation evening to name just a few. We look forward to seeing how much our wonderful pupils can achieve this term!

As we begin another exciting new term, it brings us immense joy to welcome our wonderful Rivers pupils back to Sutton School! We hope that you had a fantastic Easter break.

Pupils in 9R1 and 9R2 have taken part in a Life Skills trip to Merry Hill and have put their money and budgeting skills into practice. We were so impressed with the behaviour and politeness of all our pupils!

This half term, pupils will be exploring the text ‘Kensuke’s Kingdom’ by Michael Morpurgo in English. They have begun to read the text and explore the different characters. Pupils are looking forward to learning more about the main character and his mysterious journey to an unknown place.

Pupils in 11R1 have continued to work really hard on developing our library provision and will continue to make it even better this term. They have worked really hard to help other pupils and staff across a range of subject areas during their volunteering section for their Duke of Edinburgh award and will continue to be excellent role models during the summer term.

We have lots to be excited about to during the summer term including local trips, a residential trip to Whitemoor Lakes, Duke of Edinburgh volunteering and an expedition, sports day and presentation evening to name just a few. We look forward to seeing how much our wonderful pupils can achieve this term!

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back Sutton School Community! I hope you all had a fabulous Easter break. Here comes the summer term and the hope of many warm and sunny days ahead.

I start by congratulating all our pupils who took part in Sutton Stage Stars 2024. What a fantastic show it was! Our pupils showcased their many talents to a packed Brierley Hill Civic Hall. It was a great honour to share the stage with such a fabulous group of young performers.

We have a very busy and exciting summer term ahead of us. Stand outs for me include our school residential to Whitemoor Lakes in Lichfield, our Duke of Edinburgh expeditions to Kinver Scout camp and getting back on the field to teach PE in my shorts!

As the term progresses, we have a number of opportunities for Parents and Carers to visit school. It would be wonderful if you could come and see the marvelous work and environment our pupils have helped to create.

Take care, Daniel Adams

We wanted to inform you of an important update regarding the school schedule for the upcoming local elections.

Typically, our school closes its doors for an additional day in of May, to accommodate local elections. However, this year and from this point forward we have asked the Electoral Officers to find an alternative location and can therefore keep the school open. We understand the significance of ensuring our students receive their full educational entitlement, and we are dedicated to upholding this commitment.

As you know we believe that attendance matters. Every day of learning is crucial for the academic growth and development of our students. By remaining open on election day, we seek to demonstrate our equal responsibility and commitment to work together to maintain school attendance.

We're thrilled to announce a new update to our school lunch booking system that we believe will make your lives a bit easier!

Starting from this term, you now have the option to book school lunches for the entire term in advance, rather than just on a weekly basis. We understand the hectic schedules many of you juggle, and we hope that this new feature will provide you with more convenience and peace of mind.

Here are some benefits of the term booking option:

Saves Time: No need to worry about logging in each week to book lunches. With term booking, you can set it and forget it!

Consistency: Ensure your child receives a nutritious meal every day without any interruption throughout the term.

Planning Made Easy: Plan your family's weekly schedules more efficiently knowing that lunches are already taken care of.

To access the term booking feature, simply log in to Parentmail and select the future lunch choices for any number of weeks in that term. It's as simple as that!

As always, our dedicated kitchen staff will continue to provide delicious and healthy meal options for your children to enjoy.

We are thrilled to announce some incredibly exciting events taking place this summer term at Sutton School, starting with our highly anticipated Whitemoor Lakes residential trip! Whitemoor Lakes, located in the picturesque south of Staffordshire. This renowned centre, established in 2011, offers the perfect setting for a blend of fun, adventure, and comfort.

This residential trip promises to be an enriching and transformative experience for all involved. Students will have the opportunity to engage in a range of activities designed to foster teamwork, personal growth, and lasting memories.to see more of our upcoming events please click here to be diverted to the schools website.

We also have parents evening on Wednesday, 19 June 2024 to see more of our upcoming events please click here to be diverted to the schools website.