Dear Parent/Carer,

It has been another busy and productive week across our Academy and our focus for the remaining four weeks of this academic year is on maintaining Consistency Across The Academy and I thank you for your support in upholding our high standards and expectations.

Across the week we have had a variety of curriculum and enrichment activities which pupils have embraced as part of their cultural capital development. I have been delighted with the positive feedback from those pupils involved and I have taken great pride in recognising the achievements and contributions of pupils who are ambassadors for our Academy and our wider community.

Year 10 Mock Examinations

Year 10 continue to show great courage and resilience in their summer examinations, which are continuing to take place into next week.  We are all looking forward to seeing the results and supporting their development over the next 12 months. Please find the timetable for the next two weeks below:

Monday 24 June          08:30          3:00          Photography Y

Wednesday 26 June    08:30          3:00          IT

Friday 28 June             08:30          3:00          Hospitality & Catering Practical

Monday 1 July              08:30          3:00          Design & Technology Practical

Tuesday 2 July             08:30          3:00          Photography X & Z

Wednesday 3 July       08:30          3:00          Art X & W

Thursday 4 July          08:30          3:00          Art Z

KS3 Summer Assessments

Starting on Monday 24 June, Year 7,8 and 9 will be beginning to take their end of year assessments in each subject area. It is important to try and encourage your child to get into good habits of learning by creating a revision timetable with them.  There are many examples online such as this one from the BBC How do I make a revision timetable for my exams? – BBC Bitesize.

Teachers will share revision lists with pupils and there are some good revision websites such as BBC bitesize KS3 – England – BBC Bitesize

Athletics Championship

Congratulations to some of our Year 7 and Year 8 pupils on their contribution and efforts in the Staffordshire Athletics Championship earlier this week. Our Y7 team came 3rd overall out of 15 competing schools and our Year 8 team came 8th overall.

Our pupils represented BHA in a positive way, and all really enjoyed the experience of competing against other schools in the city. I am very proud of all involved and am delighted to share that two of our pupils have now been selected for the County Championships following their success in the events.

Wild Rumpus Event at The Whirligig Woods

Ten of our KS3 pupils were selected to be part of a two-day event in association with Keele University which was led by the storyteller, Ian Douglas, and representatives from Reaseheath College. Whilst sitting around a campfire in the beautiful setting of Whirligig Woods, pupils participated in storytelling, exploring their environment and creating artwork inspired by nature.

Year 11 Leavers Assembly

Today, we have held an assembly to celebrate the achievements of our wonderful Year 11 pupils. As usual, the Year 11 class of 2024 were sent off in style with a celebration assembly, to mark what will be their last day at Birches Head Academy featuring, of course, some old and embarrassing school photographs, shirt signing, special recognition speeches and the famous ‘Staff Goodbye Video’!

Firstly, I would like to say how pleased and proud we are of the positive way that our Year 11 pupils have tackled their GCSE examinations this year. It is always a time of high pressure, and as a year group, they have risen to the challenge. Secondly, I want to wish them all the very best as they navigate the next stage of their education and lives.

Year 10 Geography Field Trip

Our Year 10 GCSE Geography pupils have today visited Castleton in the Peak District to complete their fieldwork data collection. In addition to their academic studies, pupils also enjoyed a short walk around Cavedale. They have certainly had good weather and a productive day and all pupils were positive ambassadors for BHA.

Pre-Loved Uniform

We have recently set up a service providing free pre-loved uniform to our families. Our service relies on good quality donations from parents whose children have outgrown their uniform. Items we need include jumpers, blouses, shirts, trousers, skirts and blazers. If you have clothes you can donate, please take your items to the academy reception.

Parent Forum Meeting

Following my first Parent Forum Meeting, which was very positive and productive, we will be holding our final Parent Forum Meeting of this academic year on Thursday 11th July, 9:30-11am. If you wish to attend this meeting please email…

Dates to remember

Thursday 27th June 2024: Year 11 Prom

Friday 28th June 2024: Examination contingency day

Thursday 11th July: Awards Evening

Friday 19th July: Pupils finish at 12.10pm

Please contact us if you need this information in any other language or format if you have any questions. You can contact the office by email on info@bircheshead.org.uk.

Yours Sincerely

Mr P Masher

Principal