The Phoenix Newsletter Summer 2019 Edition No: 21 Phoenix CCF is Taking Off!

It has been another extremely successful Performances at the meal were provided by Staffordshire year for The Phoenix Collegiate Combined Cadet Force. Wing Band and our very own Corps of Drums. The contingent has gone from strength to strength, resulting Following the dinner, the awards and achievements of our in the exciting news that we will be expanding next year. cadets were recognised, including specialist awards for those To complement the excellent opportunities provided to cadets who had excelled in a specific area. by the Royal Navy, the new Royal Air Force section will allow Congratulations go to LH Islam for winning the RN Ethos students to take to the skies and participate in other new Award, CPO Bridges for winning the Nelson Tropy and to exciting activities. PO Stoian for being this year’s recipient of the Contingent This year saw the introduction of our first ever Phoenix CCF Commanders Cup. evening. The event took place on Thursday 11th July and This was an incredible experience for us as a school, for recognised the commitment of our fantastic cadets and the CCF unit and for our cadets’ families, showcasing our celebrated their achievements over the academic year. outstanding young people and the This very special event was attended by 25 cadets and admirable accolades they have well their families, the CCF team and the following VIP guests: and truly earned. CSgt Steve Parkin (Area Instructor for West Midlands), Major Well done squad! (Retd) Simon Cuthbert (Schools Cadet Expansion Officer), Lt Sophie Rennie (Liaison Officer BRNC - Navy Cadets), Lt Cdr Please see inside for further Suzanne Lynch, LH Grandison and LH Christie (RN Outreach information about our Phoenix CCF Team), Don Williams (Vice Chair of Governors) and Mike Smith (Head teacher).

Return dates for September 2019 IN THIS EDITION Governors...... page 2 Students return to Phoenix on Wednesday 4th September 2019 Hubs News...... pages 2-15 Year 7 students to arrive at 8.40am and report to the dining hall Combined Cadet Force (CCF)...... pages 15-17 Year 8, 9, 10 & 11 students to arrive at 11.20am and report to their tutor in form rooms for P3 Key Stages News...... pages 18-24 Year 12 students to arrive at 9.30am and report to the school hall Miscellaneous...... pages 24-27 Year 13 students to arrive at 11.30am and report to the school hall Sports Update...... pages 27-28

www.aspirebelievesucceed.com 1 Important Dates for Autumn Term 2019 Monday 2nd and Tuesday 3rd September 2019 School closed to students for inset days Summer 2019 Wednesday 4th September Students return to school Results Days Monday 23rd to Friday 27th September Year 6 open week (by appointment only) Thursday 15th August GCE Thursday 26th September Year 6 open evening (4.00-7.30pm) and Level 3 Results: Thursday 3rd October Year 11 motivational evening (5.30-7.30pm) Year 12 and 13 from 9.00am to 12.00pm Thursday 24th October Years 7, 10 & 12 settling in evening (5.00-7.00pm) Thursday 22nd August GCSE and Level 2 Results: Monday 28th October to Friday 1st November Half term holiday Year 11 and Year 12 re-sits from 9.00am to 12.00pm Thursday 14th November Key Stage 5 open evening (5.30-7.30pm) Year 11 pre-public examination results Thursday 28th November Sixth Form Enrolment: parents’ evening (4.00-7.00pm) Thursday 22nd (8.45am-1pm) in the school hall, Friday 29th November School closed to students for inset day Friday 23rd (10am-2pm) and Thursday 29th August (10am-2pm) in the school’s reception area Monday 23rd December to Christmas holiday Friday 3rd January 2020 Collection of Results Monday 6th January 2020 School closed to students for inset day Whilst most students collect their results, we Tuesday 7th January 2020 Students return to school appreciate that this is not always possible. Results can be posted or collected on students’ behalf by prior written arrangement only.

Posted results will require a stamped addressed Governors board and responded positively to this request. envelope of A5 size with the candidate number Andy’s interests include holidays, Welsh Rugby, reading, written in the top left hand corner. Andy Collins swimming and U3A (University of the Third Age). Co-opted Governor Paul Rogers Andy attended a boys’ Parent Governor grammar school in English South Wales. Paul was born and raised in West Bromwich He obtained a degree in where he has lived all History and Philosophy his life. He attended Sign of from Lampeter Churchfields High University, followed by School. Four trip a PGCE from Cardiff University. Andy took a further degree in Economics He has always worked and Politics from London University whilst teaching in the public sector field and obtained a Diploma in School Management where he worked for the NHS for 15 years and now Studies from Wolverhampton University. works in a primary school as an office team manager. Andy’s first teaching post was in South Wales and He is married with 3 children, one of whom who started he moved to the West Midlands for promotion in the at Phoenix in September 2018. mid-1970s. He enjoys spending time with his family and running He became Head of Department then Head of Upper his children to the various sports clubs that they School at Longlands, Stourbridge. This was followed undertake. These include gymnastics, trampolining, by a Deputy Headship at Shelfield Community School karate, swimming, stage school and tennis. He also in Walsall, which led him to become Head teacher at enjoys relaxing when he can and watching sports on Going to the theatre with Year 11 students Shelfield in the early 1990s. TV, especially football, rugby and cricket. was elementary! 14 Year 11 students were lucky enough to have their GCSE text “The Sign of Having always lived around the area, he always said After more than ten years as Head teacher, Andy Four” by Arthur Conan Doyle brought to life at that no child of his would ever attend Phoenix. resigned and then worked for Wolverhampton the Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, in December. University running the Graduate Training Programme. He had heard negative stories that were associated The cast embodied the characters of Sherlock He transferred to Newman University in a similar with the school and never gave the school a chance. and Watson and gave the students an insight role. When the DfE closed down the GTP (a However, when coming to choose a secondary school into how their characters would behave very retrograde step), Andy ran the Assessment for his daughter, she wanted to take a look around whilst solving the case of the ‘Sign of Four’. Only Route to QTS at Newman until he retired in Phoenix. They attended an open evening and were Josh Walker, Year 11, commented “It was a September 2016. For 30 years, Andy was a Senior greatly surprised and impressed with the school. great production and it really improved my Examiner and Principal Examiner for AQA in History Everything that he had heard and been told was totally understanding of the text”. and General Studies. inaccurate. Andy had been a governor at Ace Academy since Having attended the open evening, Phoenix became his The play featured intrigue, shock, romance and 2003 and was vice chair when the DfE decided to child’s first choice and they were both pleased that she comedy which was interwoven with Sherlock’s remove the whole governing body in August 2017 was given a place. masterful crime solving skills. (another retrograde step). After the open evening, he then looked at how he could The play certainly didn’t leave the students’ Andy was approached by Phoenix to see if he would make an impact on the local community but also the “minds rebelling at stagnation”, as Sherlock be interested in joining the Phoenix Governing Body school and was pleased to become a parent governor. Holmes might say!

2 www.aspirebelievesucceed.com Speakers’ Trust: World Book Day at Speak Out Phoenix This year Phoenix celebrated World Book Day in style, with departments across the school dressing up as Challenge classic literary characters! Students in Key Stage 3 The English Department have been working in and 4 participated in a variety of reading activities to collaboration with the Speakers’ Trust this year celebrate the important day whilst the staff were full to develop the speaking and communication of optimism and enthusiasm. skills and confidence of our Year 10 students. Many students entered reading competitions and Thirty of the students were also selected to were able to play “guess the teacher”. represent Phoenix in the Speak Out Challenge competition.

A fantastic day was had by all and the English Department look forward to its growing success in years to come!

English Revision Here at Phoenix we’ll do anything in the name of revision…even “graffiti” the grounds! On the afternoon before the GCSE Literature exam, Year 11 students were tasked with “grafitting” the pathway to the exam hall with quotations from the Literature texts they studied. Students thoroughly enjoyed the activity and The first stage of the competition involved stated that it really helped with their last minute a day of workshops with a Speakers’ Trust preparations. Year 11 students this year also received Trainer, culminating in the students delivering a revision tips from Helen Pickering, the former two minute speech to an audience of Year 10 Principal Examiner for GCSE Literature. Helen delivered a key note speech and students and a panel of judges. The finalists of then worked with students in small groups. this stage then performed their speeches again in front of the Head teacher in the next round. She praised the positive and enthusiastic attitude of our Year 11 students and the students enjoyed and benefited from her revision sessions enormously. Following this competition, Brodie-Leigh Flemings was chosen to represent Phoenix at the Regional Finals and performed a three minute speech on the importance of LGBT rights to an audience comprising of students PHOENIX from local schools and a seven-strong judging panel including representatives from the BBC, Hippodrome, HSBC and University of STUDENTS Birmingham. Brodie performed amazingly well and received a certificate from the Lord Mayor of FLYING Birmingham. The event was a great success and we now HIGH IN have many extremely confident and competent speakers within Year 10! THE POETRY GAMES! In January, over 60 Year 7 and 8 students entered the Young Writers’ poetry competition, The Poetry Games, with the hope of getting published and students’ poems have been chosen for publication in sharing their creativity with schools all over the U.K! a very special anthology. The Poetry Games celebrates students’ creativity There will be a copy of the anthology available in the and encourages them to write about what they library so go ahead and delve deep into the minds believe in. The competition had over 13,000 and passions of our very own Phoenix students. entries and amazingly, over 100 Phoenix

www.aspirebelievesucceed.com 3 Maths Sixth Form ‘Escape the Room’ and ‘Enjoy the Ride’ Year 12 students were rewarded for their role as Numeracy Ambassadors with a trip to Escape Live, Birmingham. Students Year 8 students were given were required to solve the opportunity to visit the clues and puzzles in a ‘detective’ and ‘horror’ LEGO® Innovation Suite at Year 7 students were also given the opportunity themed scenario in order Stafford College in October to visit the LEGO Innovation Education Studio at to ‘escape the room’. last year to use Maths they Stafford College. encounter in the curriculum They were also in order to build and rewarded with a trip to program a robot. Students Alton Towers Theme assembled robots, using Park as a recompense technical components of for their hard work and LEGO, programmed them commitment towards using visual computer supporting Year 8 coding and took part in students develop and several challenges. improve their Numeracy “I really enjoyed my trip skills. to the Innovation Suite. It We would like to take was really fun to make the robot and Students were set the this opportunity to say “well done” and “thank you” I had a great time.” Yasin task of building robots, to them for giving up their own time to prepare and “It was a great experience that will help in future using LEGO Technic, and deliver excellent Numeracy sessions. jobs, whether in engineering or in coding. The then programming them mechanics of the game were extraordinary.” Oliver using computer software to complete a series of GOING FOR GOLD! “It was a fabulous day at the LEGO Innovation Suite. challenges. I enjoyed building the robot and doing coding on the Congratulations to Year 7 students: Harpreet, Gia, computer.” Safina These challenges Saqib, Riyad, Amanpreet, Arandeep and Jayden, who included measuring “When I went on the Maths trip to Stafford College, were awarded distances, rotating to a certain I really enjoyed staying there and programming the gold certificates degree and time. robots. The best part was probably at the end when for correctly we tested to see who had the strongest robot and Students then battled against each other, as answering 100 which was programmed the best.” Adriana their robots fought until the ‘last one standing’! multiplication questions in 10 minutes. Codebreaker Student Enrichment Challenge Year 8 students have been undertaking a Creme Egg series of practical activities in enrichment to Students in Year 8 took part in a series of challenges explore different potential areas of interest. ‘Height’ to look at where their skills lie and what potential careers involving Maths there are for them in These included building bridges to span Competition different and non-traditional areas. Activities included a 30cm gap using nothing but paper and breaking Transposition Ciphers and Crypto Analysis. Sellotape, building the tallest free standing structure from paper and seeing who had the Winners Congratulations to super spies Alice, Emily, Lucy and fastest reaction time. Well done to Year 7 student Victoria who were the winning team and won gift Casey, and sixth formers vouchers for correctly cracking every code. The students and staff thoroughly Marina and Jack, for correctly enjoyed the guessing that Mr. Smith was challenges! approximately 68 Cadbury Creme Eggs tall. Sixth Form Melissa, Awen, We are delighted to report that record numbers Oliver, Simone have signed up to A-level Maths in 2019-20! We with the tallest are running our first A-level introduction lesson freestanding paper ‘Pi’zza Party! before the end of term to set the students up for a tower! Congratulations to Year 7 successful start in September. student Arun, who correctly guessed that 52 pies were Two of our Year 12 Further Maths students are sold in the canteen on Pi Yuvraj and Gurwinder currently engaged in support programmes with the Day. The prize was free and their group’s AMSP (Advanced Mathematics Support Programme) pizza and chips for the whole entry in the bridge in order to help them with applications to leading tutor group (7W1) during our challenge. prestigious UK universities. School Enrichment Day.

4 www.aspirebelievesucceed.com Science Science Club

This year in Science we ran a club for KS3 learn in our science lessons. I students every Wednesday after school. would recommend the club to Students who joined the club got to experience all Year 7, 8 and 9 students. a range of activities including designing and Join; you won’t regret it!!!” ALodge group of 14 Primary visit launching rockets and making slime as well Alice, Year 9. children from Years as lava lamps. Throughout the year, they have “Science club is extraordinary. 3 to 6 at Lodge had the opportunity to develop various scientific It gives you a lot of things to do like creating and Primary School had skills which will help support them in their making a lot of items; some you can take home, the opportunity to academic studies. some you can’t.” Daniel, Year 7. come into Phoenix Here are some comments made by students who Collegiate and do “I think science club is good because you get have attended: some Science with to do fun experiments and you can make things Mrs Parsons. “We do lots of practical activities while having fun like slime and bottle rockets and many more...” and getting to learn things about things we don’t Sukhraj, Year 7. The children carried out a range of activities including using microscopes, making their own onion slide and Year 12 Biology using the ray boxes. Sandwell Valley trip The pupils had This year, our Year 12 Biologists had the chance a transect a fantastic time to visit Sandwell Valley as part of one of the line (string) working in a real required practicals. We were blessed to have a starting from laboratory. day full of sunshine (considering the rainy days a tree and then placed quadrats (square frames) in the UK) which enabled us to complete the and estimated the abundance of buttercups fieldwork. in each quadrat. The purpose of the fieldwork was to determine whether or not there was a The morning session consisted of finding Science Department correlation between the distance from the tree several stations around the woodland and and the abundance of buttercups. Student Enrichment developing our knowledge, which would allow us to complete the required practical later that Harmanpreet Jabbal and Helen Mohammed Day afternoon. As part of the practical, we laid out On our enrichment day on 2nd July, we had the pleasure of hosting the Wolverhampton University ‘Medical Mavericks’ team, a group of medical Trip – A level Biology professionals that come In June, Y12 A-level biologists were given and it gave into schools and talk the opportunity to visit the University of us a real life about all sorts of cool equipment they use every day! Wolverhampton for a Molecular Biology insight to the Our Year 9 students managed to get to use all of this Masterclass. The visit helped us to gain insight topics we will equipment too! Students saw ultrasound scanners, into genetic engineering and to further increase be studying in Year peak flow meters, pulse meters and pulse oximeters our understanding of how to genetically 13. Overall, it was a fantastic day that we all to name just a few! transform bacterial cells. This visit was thoroughly enjoyed. beneficial to our learning as it allowed us to This was an amazing Vusa Dhlamini and Luke Firkin opportunity to find out visualise the process and extend our knowledge how these machines work and what they test for, as well as The winners were: Year 9 students finding out a little bit about 1st - Shahriyar Uddin their own health by using them too! Thanks Medical & Zayn Raheem 7M1 Chemistry Trip Mavericks! 2nd -Iqra Yasin 7R2 In November, a group of Year 9 students went to Wolverhampton University to see a Science show 3rd - Shathikka Varatharasan 9O2 called ‘A volatile history of Chemistry’. The show Forgotten Scientists 4th - Alexander Lowe was an interactive lecture demonstration that & Sehajdeep Singh 7W2 took the students on a journey through time to Competition explore the discoveries of some of history’s most 5th - Jessica Kaur 7J1 famous chemists. In March, the Science department ran a competition 6th - Harvey Flora 7B2 for KS3 students and the theme was Forgotten The students enjoyed the explosions and science Scientists. Some special mentions for excellent effort: demonstrations, as well as the comedy. They were a credit to the school all day; well done! Students went away and researched scientists that Kierat Bajwa 7J2 are not well known for their discoveries; they then Jarnal Singh 7M2 created profiles about their lives and work. Ellie May 7R2 The students found a huge range of great scientists and created some brilliant entries. Andra-Ionela Tinca 8J1

www.aspirebelievesucceed.com 5 Art & Technology Hub Festival Blast Some of our Year 7 students have worked on an exciting opportunity with photographer Rob Hewitt, to create a WW1 banner and Poppies to wear billboard photograph for a photography festival. Blow Up was an extraordinary event that took place at Interest was shown by students and staff to just a few days’ work thanks to the the ruins of Sandwell Priory on Thursday 9th May 2019; wear a poppy to commemorate 100 years of the hard work of students and the LSAs dozens of local people gathered together, including end of WW1. involved. some Phoenix students, to symbolically release The Textiles department also made a banner to generations of children and adults from a life of service. help Mrs Williams and Mrs Offerdal in creating The resulting artworks were exhibited at ‘Blast! photo a memorial on the roof garden (on the top of A festival’; one of them is a short film of the experience, block), in support of marking the end of WW1 another is large scale before and after photo. hostilities. Staff and students put in a huge amount of time and effort putting together Therefore, the Textiles department created a the Memorial template and began assembling and selling display. poppies to donate the proceeds to Mrs A big thank you to all of the Y7 students involved Offerdal’s Poppy Appeal. We are delighted to in this project! ‘The event say that we raised £32.40 in total. Not bad for was a once in a life time experience for me. It D&T News was based on a true story about young boys and girls On enrichment day in July the Design who were sent to Sandwell Priory to train to be servants. Technology department escorted 36 Year 8 When I was dressed in the clothes from over 80 years students to MakeUk in Aston, Birmingham. ago, I felt very sad because of the way children my age The engineering centre, which trains were treated and had lots of chores to do. During and apprentices for companies such as Jaguar after the event, I started to think about how lucky we are Land Rover and Amazon, laid on a number because of the things that we have today that we take of exciting activities which gave students for granted, like our own baths and showers. a taste of engineering careers. Students worked in teams to replicate a Formula 1 A few days after the event, I was doing some shopping wheel change and assembled in West Bromwich when I noticed a huge poster of me pneumatic circuits to Well and my friends. The best thing was thinking lots of drive pistons. They were done to the enterprise club people would see us all too. It was amazing!’ also given the opportunity who increased their earnings Emily Rogers Year 7 Maple to operate robotic systems to £60.00 this year. They were very successful then finished the day with during the hot weather selling ice-creams to a tour of the centre. The students at lunchtime which really boosted their MakeUk staff engaged the total. The club decided to donate £50.00 of the students with passion and monies raised to the RSPCA and a cheque has enthusiasm and the students been sent to the charity this term. Great work were a credit to the school everyone! on the day.

RAZZLE DAZZLE SED Year 8 pizza FASHION SHOW On our subject SED day, the Food Technology department worked with a group of Year 8 Last summer, a number of students took part in students who were encouraged to a Fashion Show event alongside artist Stephen make pizzas using fresh bread dough. Whitehead, promoting the artwork and designs of The group observed a demonstration warships and the fashion styles people were wearing and interacted with the teachers to in the 1970s. Students paraded the clothing styles build knowledge and understanding worn throughout this decade whilst jazz music played of the process. They then applied their in the background. numeracy skills to weigh and measure The overall aim was to promote the subjects the ingredients required to develop Engineering, Technology, Science, Maths and Art their own shaped bread rolls. The dough through creative and innovative designs. The all-day was also adapted to create their own events were well flavoured pizza with toppings of their choice. attended by students Great success was achieved by all, producing and were a success. quality, tasty homemade pizzas.

6 www.aspirebelievesucceed.com Year 8 & 9 Totem Pole takes pride Phoenix of place in the Head teacher’s F amily Tree meeting room Art club and Year 8 students supported by Miss Over a series of weeks, some of the Year “I like that we built it from scratch. We had to work Taylor, Miss Mason and 8 & 9 cohort have developed their art, as a team and figure out how to make the different Miss Matharu created the craft and design skills within lessons pieces and stick them together.” Maddy Warren 'Phoenix Family Tree' for by developing their very own Totem White the Christmas tree festival Poles inspired by the Totem Poles of the “I enjoyed the fact that we got to create our own competition at Wesley Pacific Northwest. design using recyclable materials, so we got to Methodist Church on Saturday 8th December. Reusing cardboard boxes from supermarkets, the think about our environment too.” Iysha Dhanda students explored 3D construction in small groups, “We got to show our skills and we were trusted to developing their designs using craft knives and hot work as a group.” Pavan Dhanda glue guns, then decorating the Totem Poles with coloured tissue paper applied using PVA glue. “I love how we got to be independent with the Totem Pole and do everything in the way we liked Year 10 Photography students visited the The Totem Pole pictured now has pride of place in to.” Gursharan Kaur Birmingham Botanical Gardens on Monday 20th the Head teacher’s meeting. May 2019 as part of the requirements for GCSE “The creativity of the Totem Pole project made it “I’m really proud of our work and that we used Photography. The visit enabled students to take fun.” Jashan Sabharwal recycled materials to make it; we are saving the quality and skillful photographs of natural forms in planet!” Libby Humphriss “I enjoyed that we had to come up with specific the style of photographer Imogen Cunningham and designs and mixes of colours for our Totem Pole.” painter Georgia O’Keeffe. “I loved the colours that we used. It looks really Albert Stoian vibrant!” Larna Williams Students excelled in taking quality photographs by experimenting with creative angles, rules of thirds and many other compositions. This visit has made a significant impact in raising marks in particular for Fizz Free February assessment objective three of the course. Students Phoenix took part in a Sandwell and public health campaign to encourage students, enjoyed the visit and commented on how their staff and parents to give up fizzy drinks for 28 days. This was to encourage our young photography had improved by taking photos of a people to cut down for the rest of the year. range of interesting, inspiring subjects. Why should I stop drinking fizzy drinks during February? The group was a Fizzy drinks are the largest single source of sugar for children aged 11-18; they credit to the school provide an average of 29% of their daily sugar intake. Excess sugar leads to the and demonstrated development of unhealthy fat and weight gain, which increases the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, excellent behaviour stroke, some cancers and tooth decay. and positive attitude. Well done! Thank you for your support with this whole school campaign which was a great success. Milana Bogusevica Business, ICT & Languages Hub

Phoenix wins the Year 9 Languages Education Business Guest Speaker Award!! In January, a group of one hundred of our Year 9 students Organised collectively by the Black Country Chamber were invited of Commerce, Sandwell Business Solutions Centre, to attend a Supriya Virdi Sandwell College and Sandwell Council; this annual languages event awards evening event is organised to help celebrate in the school the success and achievement of innovative people hall, where a and businesses in Sandwell. guest speaker The event took place on Thursday 11th July 2019 (a student ambassador from Aston University) was invited to speak at Sandwell College and Phoenix Collegiate won Our Year 12 Economics students attended a Flying about the benefits of studying a language the ‘Education Business Award’. The aim of Start workshop organised by Tutor 2u on Thursday at university, career opportunities and the Education Business Award is to reward and 28th March 2019 at Star City, Birmingham. celebrate institutions who demonstrate an excellent personal benefits that languages could commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and bring to our students. This event was In total, around 800 Economics students from the capabilities that are needed to organised to enable students to make an Midlands took part and the event was really useful to succeed in the world of work. informed decision for their GCSE options. A students for gaining examination tips. number of interesting and surprising facts Pictured on the night from were mentioned and the day also provided Phoenix are Ann Madden, Nicola our students with an insight into life as a Duffy with Desmond Coleman university language student. Many thanks to (ITV Central Presenter) and Routes into Languages who arranged this Jessica Lewis (Sandwell College) event for us!

www.aspirebelievesucceed.com 7 Financial Education Phoenix gains at Phoenix 2018-19 a 3 year re- This year Phoenix has continued to provide a wide range of financial type activities and awareness accreditation sessions to our students. The delivery of Financial Education was kick-started in October 2018 by status award representatives from Santander and West Bromwich Building Society attending our ‘Settling In’ evening for being a event for parents/carers of Year 7, 10 and 12 students. Centre of Excellence for financial teaching Meena Following the submission of a portfolio of Chumber and her colleague from Santander West evidence, we have proudly received a 3 year Bromwich, along with Sarah Keyte and Andy Crump re-accredited status award from ‘Young Money’ and their colleagues from the West Bromwich (the government’s trusted provider of knowledge, Building Society, were present at the event to talk resources and support for schools that teach children to parents/carers and students about a range of about young money) for providing Financial Education banking and building society matters including at Phoenix. setting up accounts and savings tips. In her role as Finance Champion, Mrs Duffy was A range of leaflets and information sharing was invited to pick up the award from Donna Wells provided to attendees along with a range of (Director of Philanthropy Young Enterprise) at a Santander and WBBS freebies including sweets, Young Money National Conference event held in trolley coins and key rings. Birmingham on 14th December 2018. Phoenix is very grateful to staff at both of these institutions for helping us to raise the profile of Financial Education in school.

Year 8 Collection Through Financial Education in A celebration event took place in December 2018 Key Stage 3, our Year 8 students to thank Year 8 students for their efforts and was have been taught to understand very kindly attended by Miss Ault (who undertakes that the concept of giving to voluntary work at the Big Feed Project) and Deborah others does not always need Slater (from the Black Country Women’s Aid) who to be of monetary value but were both overwhelmed by the generosity displayed can also take place in non- by our students. monetary form. Here is a letter that was received from one of the As such, Year 8 tutor groups recipients of a food parcel at the Big Feed project in Throughout this academic year, Phoenix has were set a challenge to collect Walsall. Well done to all of Year 8! continued to contribute to the increase and as many wash, care and food improvement of teaching of financial capability on a products as possible suitable national level by: to be distributed to various Dear Sir or Madam • Supporting the Money Advice Service during charities and good causes My name is Mr Adrian Keen; I within our local area. Food and care items were live in Bilston and I want to thank Financial Capability Week (November 2018) by collected for the Black Country Women’s Aid, Himley a student you have in your school, sharing our views around the issue of parental Manor Residential home and The Big Feed in Walsall. ‘Thomas’, as I had a food hamper from financial exclusion in schools the homeless church in Walsall and Students took time and effort to present the items in when I opened it there were tins of • Helping to support the BBC in their aim to shoe boxes ready for collection. food in the shoe box. develop on-line financial awareness resources for Can you thank this young man for me; students. it’s important you thank the lad for the hamper I had from the homeless In addition to this, Phoenix has been selected as church in Midlands Rd Walsall. There a showcase piece within a Young Money centre of were letters and food. I want to say Excellence newsletter that is published to schools on thank you for this gift. a national level. The box was wrapped in silver Xmas paper. “The Phoenix Collegiate, West Bromwich, is a reaccredited Centre of Excellence and a fantastic Yours Sincerely Mr Adrian Keen example of how financial education can be successfully and creatively embedded into a school.”

8 www.aspirebelievesucceed.com Post 16 Financial Education Given recent news headlines, and in our aim to increase the financial capability of our Post 16 students, Phoenix continues to look for opportunities to provide our sixth form students with financial awareness sessions that are specifically tailored towards their needs. Sixth form student enrichment days have focussed around teaching provided by a range of financial institutions and providers: Santander UK West Bromwich Building Society Experian UK

Meena Chumber (Relationship Manager – Sarah Keyte, Andy Crump and Jim King from the We were very privileged to welcome John Webb Santander West Bromwich) and her colleague West Bromwich Building Society provided our Level (Consumer Affairs Executive – Experian UK Shinese Grandison provided Year 13 students with 2 Year 12 students with a range of financial teaching Nottingham) who spoke to our students about information about student accounts, saving for as part of their newly developed ‘money go round’ credit scores and ratings and how these may affect university, budgeting skills and post 18 financial workshop that they deliver in secondary schools their ability to obtain future credit. This was the first decisions. across the borough. workshop that John had delivered in a secondary school and we look forward to welcoming him back to school again next academic year. Thank you to all of the above for their support.

Year 12 Phoenix The Financial Students win a place Well-Being of on WBBS member council Phoenix Staff As part of our continuing relationship with the West In March 2019 shortlisted applicants were then Part of our quality mark for providing quality Financial Bromwich Building Society, Year 12 students were invited to a meeting with Jonathan Westhoff (Chief Education also involves Phoenix attempting to asked to submit an application to be part of the Executive of the WBBS). Jonathan Westhoff provided improve the financial well-being of our staff. As WBBS Member Council. students with both an overview of his career to date such, in March 2019 Miss Madden (Assistant Head and developments relevant to the WBBS. Students Teacher) delivered a Financial ‘Top Tips’ awareness The council is made up of at least 15 participants were very grateful for this experience. session to staff. whose purpose it is to articulate the views of members directly to the Society’s Board on specific Congratulations to successful Year 12 applicants The session was designed to make staff aware of board society matters. Pushpa Kharal and Brooklyn Mabika who now various financial risks that they can come across as represent the voice of youth on the WBBS Member part of both their working and everyday personal lives. In January we were joined by Adele Haywood Council. Phoenix is very much looking forward to (Customer Advocacy Manager) and Jim King Staff were given advice about: continuing our relationship with the WBBS during (Communication Manager) from the WBBS who academic year 2019-20. • Cyber crime came into school to launch the application process to students. • Debit/credit card skimming and scamming • How to spot fake emails • Online shopping scams • Online holiday/rental fraud • Online ticketing event fraud In addition to this, Phoenix Staff were made aware of various tips that John Webb (Experian UK) provides to adults such as the importance of regularly checking and monitoring individual personal and financial data held by UK credit reference agencies.

www.aspirebelievesucceed.com 9 EAL trip to Sandwell Foreign language Spanish experience Park Farm Christmas card at the Amantia On 2nd July 2019, our EAL students went to competition Tapas restaurant Sandwell Park Farm. The aim was to develop their In December, a number of our students entered On Wednesday 7th October, Year 9 and 10 language skills and learn about farm animals and the the Routes Into Languages Foreign Language students, along with Miss Hernandez and Mr environment. Christmas Card competition. Weightman visited the Spanish restaurant called The competition was open to all Year 7, 8 and 9 ‘Amantia’ in Birmingham. students in schools across England and this year students were asked to design a card showing the Christmas traditions of another country. Students had to research and design their own card, using, if they wished, a variety of materials. Our students were praised by a member We are delighted to share the following: of staff at the farm, Students enjoyed traditional Spanish tapas who was impressed by Joint first place - inluding patatas bravas (patatas con una salsa their communication Amanpreet Kunor picante), patatas alioli (patatas con una salsa de skills, manners and Year 7 ajo) y tortilla de patata. Afterwards, the students good behaviour. and Jack participated in a ’Sevillanas’ workshop. The experience of going to Sandwell Park Farm was Walker fabulous and the students thoroughly enjoyed it. Year 7.

Language Talk in the University of Warwick On 27th November, six students from Year 8 along with Mr Weightman and Miss Romanowska, participated in “Glastonbury Some comments from the students were: goes Global”, an event at the University of Warwick, which “I liked the Flamenco workshop.” “Trying linked languages, music and business. The group had to different foods was fun.” “I loved listening to organise a music venue considering the budget, then design Spanish music.” the venue, buy the necessary resources and interview a council member for approval. Finally, the students had to show their proposal in Spanish in front of the other secondary schools’ groups, who later graded the proposal. The students from our school achieved second place. Congratulations! Lastly, the students had the opportunity to tour around the university. Some students’ comments were: “I liked to promote our concert in front of other schools.” “I enjoyed making the venue design.” “My favourite part was to organise the music festival because we had to spend our money wisely.” Business Education at Phoenix 2018-19 New to the Business Education department this year! This year has seen the Business Education such as who has received recognition for being a Department launch its very own new Instagram page. ‘Student of the Week’ in Years 10, 11, 12 and 13. The page has been created following responses An Achievement Board is placed in each of our made to a Year 11 course exit questionnaire in June Business Education classrooms and students’ names 2018 whereby the majority of respondents indicated are placed on the board each week. that they would like to receive more departmental Follow us on Instagram @ Phoenixbusinessed updates and news via the use of Social Media. Our new Instagram page is used to update students about events that are taking place in the department, show anonymous examples of student work, give information about guest speakers and provide student ‘shout outs’. Students cannot reply back to posts made by staff but can use the page to share information with parents

10 www.aspirebelievesucceed.com A visit A visit to William King from a Bank of In January 2019 Year 12 Level 3 Business students were invited to attend a presentation delivered by England Speaker Tracy Reynolds, Dipak Patel, Darren Clarke, Ian In March 2019, the Business department Owens and Harmony Anderson at William King Ltd. was delighted to host a visit from Richard Beckett – Senior Manager UK Deposit Takers Supervision – Bank of England. Richard provided Students were treated to a tour of the organisation a presentation to our Level 3 Business and and were then given an opportunity to talk to a Advanced Level Economics students on the roles current employee about his apprenticeship at the and functions of the Bank of England and then company. proceeded to provide a CV of his own career. Students were provided with an overview of the We are very grateful to William King and the time and business, its departments and international operations. effort that they afforded our students on the day and Students were studying William King as a basis of are looking forward to continuing our relationship investigation for a unit of work that requires them to with the company during the next academic year. study the impact of globalisation upon business.

Richard Beckett is pictured with Mr Vegad, Jasdeep and Matej (Year 13) Year 10 Work Experience in the Richard initially started his career through a Computing & ICT Department graduate scheme with Lloyds of London before Year 10 students at Phoenix have had an amazing taking up a position in one of the Bank of Many of our Year 10 Spanish students took up the week in July working with the Computing England’s twelve regional agencies, feeding opportunity to write a film review in Spanish for a department, assisting both technicians and the intelligence into the Monetary Policy Committee. Spanish film. This competition was organised by staff. Some of their duties included working Students were provided with an opportunity to ‘Routes into Languages’ and was open to all schools with the Year 6 transition pupils ask Richard numerous questions concerning across the West Midlands. coming to Phoenix in September, current economic, monetary and financial assisting lower school students considerations as well as questions regarding The students were asked to write up to 500 words in the classroom and helping his career journey to date. including a short synopsis of the film and what they to create resources for use in liked and didn’t like about it. Thank you to Richard for giving up his time to lessons. visit Phoenix and for all of our Year 12 and 13 The winning entry received a £25 gift voucher Level 3 students who posed very challenging for themselves and £150 for their school’s MFL questions to him. department to spend on resources. These prizes were funded by Santander University. A visit from Mr Purewal Red Lion In addition, they also assisted West Bromwich by working on displays, tidying rooms, organising equipment and creating an This year has seen the introduction of a BTEC inventory of resources. Students developed Tech Award Enterprise qualification introduced invaluable skills like time keeping, working in a to the Key Stage 4 curriculum. The qualification team and good communication. They have been requires students to be able to study local an asset to the department and this will hopefully businesses to be able to place business theory inspire some of them to look into careers in into real-life context. As such, one of the education and teaching. businesses that students have been studying to We are beaming with pride to announce that our help produce essential component work for the very own Melina Malek of Phoenix won this course is the Red Lion Pub on All Saints Way, competition! A huge congratulations to her! The supporting our students in developing their West Bromwich. MFL department will be using the £150 to set up a Spanish speaking skills. Mr Purewal has very kindly given up his time on foreign language film section in the school library at least five separate occasions throughout the where students will be able to borrow these DVDs to academic year to present information to students watch at home and develop more of an interest in about his business. Students have learnt about foreign films and different languages. the ownership of the pub, how it is marketed A huge thank-you to Mr Weightman for his support and have also been able to listen to Mr Purewal with this competition and well done to all of the talk about the internal and external features of students who entered as they all produced some Students got to try all sorts of food from Spanish operating a business in the local area. The work brilliant entries! that Mr Purewal has carried out with students speaking countries including: Spanish omelette, has proven extremely valuable and we are very chorizo, olives, tortilla and salsa! Students had grateful for the support he has provided to us. to ask for the food in Spanish, how much they Year 10 Food Tasting wanted and whether or not they liked it. On Friday 24th May, Year 10 students had the However, opportunity to experience a taste of Hispanic cuisine! judging by how It was the last lesson Year 10 would have with our little food was Foreign Language Assistant Alejandra, who was left, they all Mr Purewal, Anmol, Yuvraj and Sahil. returning back to Chile after spending 9 months enjoyed it!

www.aspirebelievesucceed.com 11 Humanities Hub Geography Year 7 Coast Staffordshire Regiment Museum Models During the final term of the school year, Year 7 History trip Geographers have been learning about coastal On 2nd July 2019, during department SED day, 28 quarters which was much more luxurious than landforms that are created by erosion. The students visited a replica trench at the Staffordshire sleeping in a dugout or on the fire step like ordinary students have been challenged with making Regiment Museum in preparation for their GCSE soldiers had to! Finally students got to handle PlayDoh models of caves, arches, stacks, stumps studies next year. Whilst at the museum, students some real (deactivated of course!) WW1 weapons, as well as wave-cut platforms. listened to an extensive talk on the sorts of injuries including a Lee Enfield rifle and hand grenades. As that British soldiers suffered whilst fighting in the well as this, they got to compare the uniforms of a trenches in WW1. WW1 soldier to that of their officers; everyone agreed that the officers had a more cushty deal – that is if you ignored the fact their life expectancy was a mere 6 weeks! Overall an enjoyable and informative day was had by all and students are looking forward to furthering their studies of WW1 next year. Student Simone Angell said ‘The trip was useful as it gave us a realistic view of trench life. I feel more prepared to tackle GCSE history next year.’ Students have had They also walked through the ‘Coltman Trench’ (aptly If you want to learn more, research the efforts of great fun and learnt named after the most decorated NCO from the Great William Coltman to find out why he was rewarded the processes and War, William Coltman). In the trench students saw an with so many medals despite the fact he never formation of these RAP (Regimental Aid Post) which was like a first aid carried a weapon. well-known coastal room for injured soldiers. They also saw an officer’s landforms. Psychology trip Year 11 Geography Fieldwork to Longbridge After Easter, the Geography department took of investigation techniques in order to find out to Star City the Year 11 cohort on an essential fieldwork. the answer to their question. Students performed The trip was the second fieldwork trip of their an Environmental Quality Survey as well as a On the 28th November 2018, my Psychology class Geography careers and saw them visit Birmingham Pedestrian Count. were given the opportunity to attend a Tutor2U event Longbridge. The groups were looking at their The students were amazing throughout a long day at Star City (VUE). During this event, many speakers key question “Has urban regeneration increased and brought back some vital research that saw presented talks to us about exam techniques within visitors to Birmingham Longbridge?” psychology. From this, we were able to develop our them in great stead for their final Geography exam understanding of the requirements for the exam Students worked in groups, performing a variety of the summer. and how to achieve the higher grades by answering exam questions against mark schemes and reading a booklet provided during the event. Year 13 - Geography skill, the students went on to investigate their chosen NEA topic in the Coniston Hills and Coniston Village. Speakers went through different topics that are Fieldwork 2018/2019 Students stated that the fieldwork was an exciting and covered over the psychology course of two years. memorable experience for them. They provided insight into the key points in each In November 2018, topic area and how they linked together synoptically. Year 13 Geography Best wishes to all of them for the future! Additionally, they enlightened us on the wider impact students and staff of psychology in society and potential careers embarked on a 5 day relating to this. I was particularly excited to learn residential fieldwork about forensic psychology and related careers. We to areas in the Lake Religious studies were informed about how the understanding of the District, Cumbria, goes political! criminal mind allows specialists to identify criminals as part of the Non and even understand their pattern of thinking. Examined Assessment Component (NEA) This academic year, the Year 9 Having access to these specialists and resources for the Geography A-level examination. students have participated in politics meant that we were able to ask questions about our This was organised and led by the Fieldwork and citizenship as part of the Year 9 curriculum. course content and receive in-depth explanations. Studies Council in Castle Head, Grange over There has been fantastic learning based on Sands in Cumbria. Students were introduced to politics, the Brexit debate, human rights and Not only did this event boost our exam skills, but by responsibilities and the rule of law. working in groups and reading answers out loud, we different fieldwork data collection, analysis and were able to improve our own personal confidence presentation techniques. Following this, students A cohort of students have particularly excelled and with public speaking and group work. had the opportunity to apply these acquired skills have completed the GCSE Citizenship examination. in an outdoor environment. The results on these will be published in August I thoroughly enjoyed this event and feel that I have 2019 and we wish them the best of luck. These gained highly valuable knowledge! They went to the Coniston Hills, where they explored the post glacial terrain and associated 29 students have given up their own time for extra Paige Felton landforms and also had the opportunity to explore revision sessions and also completed an active the picturesque Coniston Village! Secondly citizenship day where they had to promote and students visited Morecambe, Lancashire, where carry out a campaign to try to change the world. they examined the regeneration of Morecambe We hope that they continue the course which will bay and its impacts. With this knowledge and support them in being active citizens in the future.

12 www.aspirebelievesucceed.com Sports & The Arts Hub National Sports week - Dick Whittington sponsored by Youth Sport Trust 2019 Pantomime As part of our BTEC Level 2 in Performing Arts course, we took our Year 10 and 11 students to see a Pantomime at the Lichfield Garrick. This trip was to help underpin learning for one component of the course where students have to explore three different theatre styles. The pantomime that we were lucky enough to watch was Dick Whittington; all the students were very excited about seeing a live theatre production and for some students, this was their first time seeing any production in a professional theatre. Phoenix always takes part in this national scheme. It was an opportunity for students to engage in a variety of activities led by external companies including martial arts, boxing and rock climbing on a mobile climbing wall on site. Also on offer were: chased that score down with a wicket to spare! Whack a mole inflatable, wheelchair basketball, dance, skateboarding and football with Dele Year 8 played in a Sandwell schools rounders Adebola. tournament and came 4th out of 8 teams. Students also played cricket against In lessons, students also played lots of Wodensborough who scored 50 runs and Phoenix tournaments in rounders and cricket. Drama Club Christmas 2018 saw the return of Drama Club with their Christmas Truce performance, which told the story of when British and German In December, we hosted our annual Christmas soldiers, in the trenches of World War One, Showcase in the school hall. called a ceasefire during the Christmas of 1914. When leaving school, students were full of excitement for the production, with some students discussing the story of Dick Whittington to remind themselves after looking at it in lessons. When arriving at the theatre, the excitement didn’t stop and the school were well looked after by the front of house staff at the Garrick.

During the pantomime, students could be seen Every year the amount of students who singing along and participating when needed too participate increases, which shows how much which added to the atmosphere and the students’ performing arts is evolving here. Those that overall experience of this type of theatre. When came to the concert enjoyed a mixture of coming out, students could be heard saying “That music, dancing and drama. The amount of Students from Years 7-10 took part in the was really funny and the set design was really work that goes on behind the scenes leading performance, with sixth form students acting as interesting” or “I didn’t expect it to be that good; up to the Christmas show is immense and the lighting and sound technicians and back stage I thought hard work and dedication was evident in every helpers. this type of performance. The dance group opened the This performance presented new challenges for theatre was show in style with ‘We’re All In This Together’ more aimed the students: particularly the fact that a number from High School Musical. The school choir of them had to deliver lines in German! at children.” performed a couple of tracks beautifully and It was got the audience involved with a bit of ‘Rocking The students rose to the challenge and gave a great as a Around the Christmas Tree’. The Wind Band, high quality and very enjoyable performance. department led by Merle Calderbank and Ann Reeves from Drama Club’s following performance was at the to be able to Schools Music & Arts Services, performed a host House Awards evening in July – a new take on give the students this opportunity to see live theatre of Christmas favourites and had the audience the The Three Little Pigs which puts the ‘Big Bad for themselves and to be able to experience this clapping and singing along. We had a number Wolf’ on trial… type of theatre. It was definitely a success and we of students confident enough to perform as cannot wait to take next year’s cohort to see another a soloist or in a small ensemble. The quality Drama Club runs from 15:15 - 16:15 every pantomime to again assist them so vitally in their presented was fantastic and I would go as far as Thursday. Please speak to one of the drama studies. to say it was our best concert yet! Well done to teachers for a letter if you are interested in all the staff and students involved. joining. Miss Lincoln (Drama Teacher) Miss Neal (Leader of Music) Miss Dash (Drama Teacher)

www.aspirebelievesucceed.com 13 Keelie Walker This girl will On 6th March, our Year 7 students were lucky Her first single of 2019 ‘This Is What It’s Like’ is (part of This girl enough to meet the lovely Keelie Walker, who is a doing really well. Nashville based singer. can campaign) There is no doubt that Keelie is an emerging pop-star Some of our female students from Year 10 to sensation who is destined for stardom. When she 13 attended ‘This girl will’ at the University of came into Phoenix, she performed some of her songs Wolverhampton – Walsall campus last December. and answered questions about her life and career. The afternoon was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone involved and she really inspired our students; they couldn’t believe how successful she is at such a young age. Following her visit to Phoenix, she went on to support Westlife on their UK tour. At the age of 15, she was spotted by Multi-Platinum We do hope that she will return to us at Phoenix and Grammy nominated Producer/Songwriter Bryan when she is a major star! Todd and they soon began recording songs together.

It was aimed to inspire girls in sport. The girls Year 11 Drama took part in a variety of sessions including wheelchair and blind fold orientation activities, As of May this year, the Year 11 drama students have dance and team building. completed their BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts. They had a keynote speaker The students have looked at many different areas of by Lydia Thompson, England drama over the past two years: they have studied and rugby team. They worked rehearsed extracts from three different theatre styles. on key themes of resilience, The have performed extracts from the play Find Me inclusion and determination. by Olwen Wymark and, to end their course, they have The girls were a credit to created and performed their own piece of theatre - Year 11 have worked very hard and the whole drama Phoenix – well done all! which they devised themselves - based on a stimulus department wish them the best of luck for results day. set by the exam board. Miss Dash (Drama Teacher)

Music Subject Day School Games Mark Award On 1st July, our students enjoyed a Music enrichment We are delighted to announce that Phoenix made our competitions day. It started with Challan Carmichael giving a achieved the School Games Mark Bronze Award possible. presentation on positive thinking in urban music. again for the 2018/19 academic year. As part of our His presentation included a talk about careers and The School Games Mark is a Government led application, we aspirations within a challenging and ever changing award scheme to reward schools for their were asked to fulfil industry. He also performed some of his ‘feel-good’ and commitment to the development of competition criteria in the areas inspirational songs. Following this, students listened across their school and into the community. of participation, to a talk by Chris Barr, who is a successful bassist competition, workforce Our sporting achievements included: we reached and was part of the award winning tribute band ‘The and clubs, and we are the final in dodgeball, handball, netball and Killerz’. In his talk, he shared some of his wonderful pleased that the hard athletics (A, B and C teams in several events). experiences of being a musician. Students also got the work of everyone at opportunity to use his equipment and play the guitar With a large number of young people competing our school has been and bass guitar. in local inter-school competitions this year, we rewarded this year. are extremely proud of our students for their The final session involved students having a go on the A special thanks to dedication to all aspects of school sport, including ukuleles that the Music department recently purchased. all the students who those young volunteers, leaders and officials who Mr Talbot taught students how to play simple chords represented the school. and how to read tab. They had a go at learning ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ and there were some lovely sounds coming from the Music room! professional standard of their acting. The year culminated in their final piece. Year 13 Drama This was a devised piece which was Year 13 finished their BTEC course this year with a bang! based on a stimulus set by the exam board; the two groups came up with Megan, Nathan, Their performances throughout the past academic year totally different yet equally imaginative ideas! Lewis, Xena– Unit 3 have blown audiences away; their performance of Sarah Kane’s 4.48 Psychosis was harrowing and very emotive, Congratulations to all of the Year 13 due to the nature of the performance we only had staff as Performing Arts class and good luck on an audience. results day! The comments that the students received were Miss Village-Free Sandish, Princella, outstanding and staff were blown away with the (Leader of Drama) Olivia, Rebekah, 4.48 Psychosis: Unit 3 Princella, Lewis, Olivia

14 www.aspirebelievesucceed.com Students also had to sit and pass an exam (if they Vocational Hub Childcare EAL don’t pass the exam, they get nothing!). group - Great They were a fabulous group of students who were a pleasure to work with. Well done to the following: Health and Social success Care Highlights of We have seen great success this year with a group of Year 11 EAL students who have worked 2018-2019 hard, dedicating time over and above their The Health and Social Care department is proud normal timetable, in order to achieve a Level 2 having provided our students with real-life and Award in Child Development and Care. vocationally relevant experiences during The course involved completing two pieces of the course of 2018-2019 including course work: unit one introduction to working allowing students to act as health visitor with children 0-5yrs and unit two development Amanpreet, Patrycja, Paulina, Nikola, Hadija, Krystian, using a real new born baby to perform and well-being of children 0-5yrs. Simranjit. developmental checks and having guest speakers such as Dr Jaspreet Dhanda, a Counselling Psychologist from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), to discuss with Year 13 students how Psychology Combined Cadet Force (CCF RN) can be applied in Health and Social setting in practical ways. What an extremely busy yet rewarding Canoeing & year it has been. Below are some Kayaking of our CCF Many of our cadets have had the opportunity highlights for this to take to the water and participate in paddle academic year. sports this year. CCF On Thursday 27th June 2019, Bag Pack a trip was also organised to Millennium Point where the Another first for our cadets this year involved company Generation Medics had taking part in a Bag Pack event with Tesco at organised the largest Healthcare New Square, West Bromwich. Professional Conference in the The cadets assisted customers by arranging West Midlands. their groceries and helping them through the During this event, students checkouts. Thanks to Royal received an informative With many kind donations to the CCF unit, the Sutton Coldfield presentation by Key Note cadets were able to raise £1049.28. Canoe Club, the speakers Baroness Dido Harding (Chair of NHS cadets have been Improvement) and Professor Tony Young OBE (Clinical able to try out lots of different crafts Lead for Innovation, NHS England) reinforcing the and learn a variety of skills. Congratulations go demand for Health Care professionals and workforce to PO Stoian, LH Kaur, Cdt Kaur, Cdt Coleman and from our current generation. Cdt Rigby for completing their BCU 1 Star Kayak There was also the opportunity to engage and qualification. interact with a range of Health Care employers and professionals in the field of medicine, midwifery, nursing and physiotherapy, and having practical experiences of taking bloods and using other medical Corps of Drums technology. The start of 2019 set a new challenge for Phoenix RN CCF, by having its very own Corps of Drums. Being delivered early April 2019, around 12 cadets have been working extremely hard attending weekly practices on a Monday to harness their skills from never being able Well done to CPO Bridges, PO to play an instrument before, to having their Stoian, LH Owen, LH Kaur, first performance at our annual award dinner Cdt Begum, Cdt Ballard, Cdt ceremony within 3 months. Jureckova, Cdt Roghey, and Cdt Singh. With an incredible amount of determination, drive and commitment, learning different hand Thanks also to Tesco rudiments and sticking techniques to ensure New Square, The Tesco all the cadets are in sync, they provided an Community Champion Sid, outstanding performance Mrs Duffy, C/Sgt Horobin, to the Lt Crocker, SLt Roberts, SLt Motard and SLt guests It is clear that the Health and Social Care department Offerdal for helping make this event happen. and VIPs. is making strides to make ‘teaching come alive’.

www.aspirebelievesucceed.com 15 Remembrance Friday HMS Raleigh The cadets took part in some amazing activities, including the DRUI (Damage Repair Unit). This simulated a ship or vessel that is sinking and using various skills and equipment the troops must stop the flood!

On Friday 9th November Phoenix Collegiate engaged in an act of remembrance service involving our exceptional RN CCF section. To remember such an important event on the 100th year anniversary of the First World War, students and accordingly, whilst the parade being staff came together to show their respects to the conducted by Colour Sergeant Luke Horobin Also, as HMS fallen outside as a whole. marching the troops to the saluting base in parade Raleigh is a phase Head teacher Mike Smith led the service with a formation. 1 training touching tribute spoken to all about the meaning of The bugler posted on the roof of the building played establishment, the poppy, and the importance of leadership smiling the last post and reveille gave a time to reflect the Phoenix CCF in the face of adversity by children who took that step importance of the event with 2 minutes’ silence, had the into the unknown of similar ages within a secondary resembling when everything went still on the 11th opportunity to school. day, of the 11th month at the 11th hour. The parade go and meet Three cadets displayed themselves with great was finally dismissed and all cadets had photos in new recruits and get an understanding of what honour by laying the wreath and paying compliments the poppy display created by staff and students. starting in the navy is really like.

BRNC During the spring half term, a group of our navy cadets were given the exciting opportunity to visit Dartmouth Naval College where they spent 3 days and 2 nights on the decommissioned ship, HMS Hindostan.

Including visits to HMS Bulwark, the The simulator was a submarine real hit with the cadets training as they loved being school challenged to guide and the their own boat through firefighting different weather unit, they The weather was in our favour and the students conditions to different had an had a wonderful time driving power boats on the ports of the world. incredible River Dart. experience that is only offered to the cadet force.

They put their team building skills to the test by completing the low ropes course, an obstacle course used by the trainee officers themselves in teaching A fantastic time was had by all and they can’t wait to leadership, teamwork and initiative. go again next year.

16 www.aspirebelievesucceed.com Camps, courses Number of RAF Shawbury Description and field days cadets On Wednesday 15th of May, 12 cadets got the opportunity of a lifetime by flying in the military’s Cadets experienced DRUI (Damage repair unit) which simulates brand new training helicopters. September 2018 a sinking ship, and they had to block the leaks with tools and 24 HMS Raleigh Camp equipment in a time frame. Also completed motor cruising, sports, assault course and submarine school visit. October 2018 1 Star Kayak Award Completed 1 star kayak award, learning about different strokes 8 Sutton Coldfield and how to capsize safely! Canoe Club

February 2019 Hand-picked students with leadership potential go on a national Junior Leadership course 2 course with other cadets from over the country to develop skills HMS Raleigh to become an effective leader.

March 2019 Raising funds in the local community working with the public to RAF Shawbury is responsible for training Tri-Service Bag Pack Fundraising 16 showcase our amazing cadets. helicopters regardless of air type, being some of the Event best skilled instructors in the military as a whole. April 2019 Cadets get the chance to gain a full level 3 first aid at work First Aid at Work Level 3 2 qualification; this will enable the troops to administer first aid HMS Raleigh effectively if needed.

April 2019 Finest cadets in the country complete this course developing Senior Leadership Course 2 further leadership and management skills. HMS Raleigh

April 2019 Learn how to use a powerboat out of Jupiter Point in Plymouth. Power Boat Level 2 2 The cadets earn a real powerboat license and can withdraw the HMS Raleigh boats from military establishments once they turn 16.

April/May 2019 The cadets had the All cadets got the opportunity to have a taster session, to x 4 Kayak group sessions opportunity to ask 40 encourage good paddle sport practice and advance onto their 1 Sutton Coldfield questions in flight and star qualification. learn about the basic Canoe Club operation of an airfield, whilst performing some May 2019 Cadets had the opportunity to fly in the new helicopters out of manoeuvres and taking Air Experience Flying 12 RAF Shawbury, who train tri-service pilots: the first step of their great photos from the air! RAF Shawbury aviation career. Trip to Britannia Royal Naval College, where all Naval officers May 2019 10 complete their initial training. Cadets took part in power boating, BRNC Camp Cadets’ camps, simulators and a tour of the college. courses and May 2019 Hand-picked students with leadership potential to go on a field days Junior Leadership 2 national course with other cadets from over the country to HMS Raleigh develop skills to become an effective leader. This academic year, Cadets will have attended these camps, courses and field days (see table on right): May 2019 Hand-picked students with leadership potential to go on a Junior Leadership 2 national course with other cadets from over the country to Cadets completing camps HMS Collingwood develop skills to become an effective leader. and courses 2017/2018: 50 May 2019 Cadet got the opportunity to learn how to sail from having no Level 1 1 experience and gaining the Level 1 award in sailing. Cadets completing camps Dinghy Sailing and courses 2018/2019: 137 June 2019 Cadets had the opportunity to learn about life in the military The opportunities that these activities provide speak CCF 6 with a trip to RAF Cosford exploring the engineering hangers for themselves and this is only a snap shot of what Work Experience and a visit to the National Memorial Arboretum. the RN CCF has to offer our students. July 2019 Cadets had the experience of paddle sport activities for the From September, it is hoped that more courses will Summer Camp 4 week living off HMS Bristol docked at Portsmouth, a real ship! be attended, and opportunities extended. Well done HMS Bristol and thank you to all of our Cadets and Officers, for an exciting and rewarding year to date. July 2019 Cadets motor cruise from Portsmouth all the way over to France Motor cruising 2 and back in a week. They learnt the routine of a small vessel The next intake of Cadets will Portsmouth and practised skills to be able to man the ship. commence from September and August 2019 students will have the option of joining Cadets took part in a 3 day mountain bike expedition, paddle Adventure Training Camp 2 either the Royal Navy or Royal Air expedition and mountain expedition! Not for the faint hearted. Capel Curig force section.

www.aspirebelievesucceed.com 17 Key Stages Student Enrichment Day - Update Friday 28th June 2019 The Student Enrichment Programme is a and had a mature attitude towards their learning. framework that is designed to fulfil the statutory Year 9 students particularly were engaged in requirements of PSHE (Personal, Social, Health learning about ‘gambling’ as an addiction. They and Economic Education) as well as guiding took part in open discussions and examined The Duke of students in aspects of Career Choices, Citizenship real life case studies. The day provided a safe and The Phoenix Edge. On Friday 28th June, and open environment for students to talk about Edinburgh Award students were involved in learning activities based gambling and to support others. For more 2019 has seen 28 students in total working towards on the SED programme. either their Bronze or Silver award. Bronze expeditions information on gambling, please visit in Cannock Chase and the Wyre Forest saw students Year 7 students were fully engaged in whole https://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk. navigate difficult forest terrain, whereas Silver school activities and particularly participated in Year 10 students took part in sessions and Expeditions on Wenlock Edge and the Malvern Hills the learning activities delivered by DECCA from particularly had fun with building towers from saw Silver participants scaling the heights and taking in Sandwell. Students learnt about the risks and newspaper as part of the ‘Career Strengths and the beautiful views of the countryside. The expeditions dangers associated Development’ workshop. Students demonstrated have been a resounding success, expertly organised with tobacco skills within teamwork, communication and being by our very own C/Sgt Horobin who kept the students and alcohol. “All creative. motivated and the staff team calm when students ‘took students were the scenic route’. engaged in the This Enrichment Day was the last one for this learning process, academic year. We look forward to equipping our asked sensible students in matters relating to life and making questions and them be successful in making the right choices had a respectful by arranging more enrichment days in the next attitude.” Holly academic year. Layton, DECCA. As there is a rise in knife Alongside transferrable skills such as problem crime in the solving, teamwork and communication skills, students country, it was necessary to raise awareness also gained First Aid skills delivered by Mr Jones. of the consequences of carrying knives. Year 8 Throughout their award, students have also learnt students took part in learning activities relating to how to navigate, learn to orientate a map, give grid knife crime and even created their own Phoenix references and take bearings. This enabled them to Knife Angel. All students demonstrated empathy competently and calmly navigate on expedition. Students have also been working away at their Apprentice Level Achievers - volunteering, skills and physical sections with a real HOUSES range of activities being undertaken from blogging The Phoenix Edge about West Bromwich Albion to learning to speak Inter-house Italian. We are thrilled to announce the success of our students who have completed the Apprentice Level of Competitions and On 26th June 2019, DofE students presented the aims The Phoenix Edge programme. the Inter-House Cup of their expeditions to the school leadership team. Feedback from the presentations was very positive with Students have received certification awarded by the This academic year sees the students being described as ‘confident’ and a ‘credit to NCFE and online digi-badges for social platforms. first inter-house competitions here at Phoenix. Students Phoenix’. Other positive feedback came from Year 10 Some of the Apprentice Level achievers are Giannatul and staff participated in a mock interview day. Employers mentioned that students Alam, Katie Lowe, Sirina Begum, Parbhjot Basra, Leo whole array of competitions who were undertaking DofE were much more confident Blackburn, Devon Carpenter, Alice Goff and many across the majority of at interview and had skills which would make them more. more employable. Possibly the best feedback comes subject areas. Some of from students themselves; with many agreeing DofE Students completed 10 activities to demonstrate the results were extremely has given them a great sense of achievement. Student skills in the life attributes in Leadership, Organisation, close and highlighted the Jake Dugmore said ‘DofE is a fun, physical experience Resilience, Initiative and Communication. Feedback competitiveness but more that opens many new doors for students.’ from Malaika in 8R2 stated “by producing a importantly the participation and ‘having a go’ presentation based on my own choice and being approach we encourage in school. Competitions The Phoenix Duke of Edinburgh award continues able to present it to my tutor group, gave me the have included: World book day, table tennis, to grow, with 40 plus students who have already confidence to speak effectively and clearly to a wider show racism the red card and a very competitive registered their interest for next year. 2019/20 will audience - something that I do not do enough of in staff badminton tournament. also hopefully see the introduction of the Gold Duke school.” of Edinburgh award for the first time at Phoenix The very first Phoenix inter-house cup Collegiate! Students are now planning activities presentation took place on the final day of the to undertake for the Graduate Level term where the House Cup was presented to the To find out more about DofE, please speak to Miss Allen which will take approximately 18 winning house Oak. in B02. months to complete. Well done to Keep a look out for the new inter-house these students and good luck for the Thanks as always go to our wonderful DofE team who competition calendar in your tutor rooms and on next stage. make this opportunity a possibility for our students. the website very soon.

18 www.aspirebelievesucceed.com Anti-bullying house Maple competition mentors Mr Miller has run a house A group of Year 8 students competition to help reinforce have been mentoring the strong message of Year 7 Maple students to anti-bullying that Phoenix improve their literacy skills has against bullying in our and reading targets. school. Beech Mentoring takes We had over 200 entries Kickboxing place every morning and were overwhelmed and has been very with the quality of the Champion successful. Well done posters and even raps that to all involved. some of our students made for it. Congratulations and well done to Mason (9B1) who has been selected to represent England The winning house for this competition was MAPLE at the ICO World Championships in Glasgow, with a fantastic poster that was done by Muskaan Scotland in October 2019, for kickboxing. Mann; in second place was ALDER and third place was BEECH. We wish Mason well in his continued preparation for this excellent achievement so Maple student far and look forward to celebrating more of his success soon. fundraising Alder’s for Cancer charity Research UK Beech students have talent! Levi raised over £1,500 for cancer research UK Kelvin and Agatha are two Year Well done to Jake by shaving his head. Maple are very proud of 7 students who have been (9B2) and his fellow you! Well done! keen supporters of our band members. – house charity ‘Make A Valhalla’s Cry, who Wish’ – well done both! performed at the So far, Alder has raised end of term House Maple House charity over £156! Awards ceremony. Maple are raising money All Alder students have The performance was for Kaleidoscope in West been extremely generous spectacular and highlighted the real talent our Bromwich. We undertook a when donating to the students have. The group performed ‘Breaking mile walk around the school charity so thank you. the Law’ by Judas Priest and ‘Slither’ by Velvet MUGAs. Well done to Emily Revolver. who raised the most in sponsorship. There was a fantastic effort from all Alder’s own year groups and lots of fantastic support from all Usain Bolt! Juniper Stars the students and staff involved. ‘My name is Herve. I am an athlete Well done Maple! and I run for Birchfield Harriers in Great Barr. I have competed in local and Black Country school competitions, coming first in all of More Maple fundraising my events. for charities I hope to become a professional athlete when I am Well done to Libby for all older and break Usain Bolt’s world record for the the hard work this year 100m sprint.’ Herve raising money for charities across the board. She has raised money for The above stars of Juniper our house charity and House have excelled themselves this year – Autism UK. She is also Alder Little Princess outstanding in their academic success and their undertaking CTIF, which Ruby Pritchard donated her hair to Little excellent conduct here at Phoenix Collegiate. Princess Trust. is several competitions They have achieved a collective amount of worldwide. She is ‘I cut my hair off for the Little Princess 11,430 positive merits which is amazing! travelling to Switzerland in July to Trust because I felt bad for the girls with compete for the UK. We are proud to have so many exceptional cancer. All they really wanted was hair so all-rounders who are willing to go above I cut 14 inches off. I was sad about my Emily also cut her hair and beyond in order to achieve their desired hair but I looked on the bright side, that I for the Little Princess goals and we are extremely grateful that they have done a good deed. Trust, which provides represent the ethos of Juniper House: “We real hair wigs to children The girls with no hair can Stand as One”. Keep up the great work! and young people with have a real hair wig thanks hair loss, and funds vital Juniper House: have a truly wonderful summer to this charity. I also raised research into childhood break and stay safe – Miss Foster. £230.’ Ruby cancer. Well done Emily!

www.aspirebelievesucceed.com 19 Rowan student Primary Links / selected to Key Stage represent 3 Oak house has recently England Achievements completed its second foodbank collection for the at ICO World Year 6 Transition days academic year. Form representatives visited form Championship! groups across the school on a daily basis collecting – 1st-5th July 2019 One of our Rowan students (wanting donations from both staff and students. For the fifth year running, students joining us in to stay anonymous) has been selected September came into school to have a look at our to represent England at the ICO World Championships new facilities, take part in some taster sessions in Glasgow, being held in October 2019. to find out what happens in a lesson in high ‘She is an extremely polite, talented and a dedicated school, meet the Head teacher and join in the now youngster who trains 100% all year round to achieve traditional family-working engineering challenge. her goals. With the full support of her family, she As usual, parents/carer were superglued to their travels up and down the country to regional and seats while our new students buzzed around the national tournaments competing against the best hall collecting resources like bees in a flower competitors we have. She is a great asset to Team England and is a potential medal winner for her country.’ Andrew Hennessy, 7th Dan, ICO World President Online Safety for The food was donated to Good luck; Phoenix is behind you! parents and carers Smethwick On the night of Foodbank at Year 7 parents’ Trinity Church Willow’s evening, the Smethwick, where school’s E-Safety it was gratefully received. A total weight charity ambassadors of 108kg was donated by the school. The Form this year were assigned to representatives visited the Foodbank to gain a raise awareness better understanding of the work they do there and Willow house’s charity this of online safety for volunteered to weigh and sort the food collected. year was the British Heart parents and carers. The Student Foundation. Oak house would like to thank the form Council felt it was important that representatives for their hard work and all the The charity’s vision parents needed more information donations provided from students, parents/carers is a world free from and top tips on how to advise and staff. The next collection will now take place in the fear of heart and their children in identifying risks December, in time for Christmas. circulatory disease. on the internet and celebrating the virtual world. They fund research Evaluations from the evening stated “it was very which keeps hearts useful to be given more information in the form of Oak Swimming Champion beating and blood leaflets and newsletters”. A reminder that parents, flowing. Staff and carers and members of the local community I have always enjoyed swimming since starting at students in school brought Easter Eggs in over March can access a free online course based on online the age of 4, so much so that I completed all 10 and April and then raised money using raffle tickets. safety through our Twitter account. stages by the age of 7 and joined Oldbury Swimming Students from 7W2 took lead of the sale of raffle Triathlon Club a week later. tickets and the draw and raised a fabulous £56.50! You will receive a certificate and will be able to add this achievement onto your CV. For more At the age of 9, I qualified to swim at the County This was just one of the fundraising events that our information please contact Ms Kapoor on finals and have been at thoughtful students of Willow got involved in to raise 0121 588 8384. County level ever since. In money for our house charity and we are all very January this year, I became a proud of the effort students put in to think of others bronze medallist in the 200m less fortunate than themselves. breaststroke for the 13 year group (which means I am Willow foodbank collection third fastest in the Worcester/ Many of our children here at Phoenix rely on the local Midlands County). Willow kickboxing food bank so 7W1 organised a collection to support this cause in Willow house in October last year. In between training and competitions, I have qualified grand champion Students and staff gifted a great harvest that was as a rookie lifeguard with Sandwell Leisure Trust and ‘I started kickboxing 7 months ago and I am now a donated to our community. I coach younger children to learn to swim with the grand champion. When I first started, I was only going club (OSTC). for self-defence but now I go to tournaments, grading I have also done a couple and seminars and really enjoy it. I am now on my yellow of charity swimathons, one belt and in the build up to the tournament (becoming a in memory of my grandad grand champion), winning medals that I am extremely where I raised £2,500 for proud of.Kickboxing has helped me massively the Cancer Research when I past few months and I am excited to take part in more was 8. My next goal is to tournaments.’ Demi Westwood - Willow This included shampoo, toothpaste, fruit juice, tinned meat, fish, vegetables and potatoes, soup and pasta be in the Commonwealth The Willow house team are exceptionally proud of sauce as well as other non-perishable items. Games 2022. Harvie Demi’s achievements and wish her every success in the future. Thank you all for supporting this great cause.

20 www.aspirebelievesucceed.com meadow! As is now traditional, much energy was Phoenix Lower and Upper put into circumventing the rules with hidden elastic ‘Speakers bands, cups taped inside sealed bags and metres School Awards Ceremonies on of Sellotape being used on some of the models. 8th and 9th July for School’ This year is the first Phoenix Award Ceremony held on our own site with prize winners selected based on motivational talk hard work, progress, attainment and supporting the ethos of the school. with Andrew Lovett The audience was treated to the usual high standard A big thank you to Andrew Lovett, Black Country Living of music and drama performances as well as being Museum Chief Executive, for visiting us on Friday 5th able to join in with the celebration of the success of April. Mr Lovett spoke to our Year 7 and 10 students This year was notable for the number of eggs about his career and life experience. which successfully landed after their fall… West our students. Midlands ingenuity saving the day! A special thanks to those students who performed. All in all, much fun was had by all – what a great It was wonderful to see families, students and way to start our journey together! staff all celebrating the success of our youngsters As always, you can contact our transition team together. via e-mail at [email protected] Year 8

Bushcraft He has 20 Adventure years’ senior- level experience Way back in September, Tesco Award winner working in the a group of 70 Year 8 and winners of Head museums, leisure, students packed their teacher’s award arts, heritage bags and set off on a 3 and protected day Bushcraft adventure A big thank you to landscape sectors. into Boughton Woods, Margaret Bytheway, Northampton. Whilst Administration Manager, Thank you for all of your advice for our young there, they engaged in a for her excellent aspiring chief executives and directors! whole variety of exciting organisation in the activities including Tomahawk throwing, background to ensure knife work, archery and fire lighting. All food both events ran smoothly was cooked over an open fire and students and well done to all prize even got stuck into preparing and cooking the winners! Meeting Author, food themselves. Perhaps one of the highlights was the day they were taught wilderness first Dan Freedman aid and whilst walking to another activity they Rewards Trips came across a constructed scenario of a plane Year 7 students were given the opportunity to meet Alton Towers crash. There was even the shell of a plane and and listen to author, and former football journalist, fireworks trip smoke bombs to make the scenario realistic. Dan Freedman. The students then had to put their first aid On Saturday 3rd to the test as they dealt with the casualties. November, 45 students Evenings were spent singing and performing were invited to the around the campfire before students returned second annual reward to their tents or home-made shelters for the trip to the fantastic night. It was a fantastic weekend with students firework spectacular returning happy but exhausted. We are now at Alton Towers. The students invited had achieved looking forward to repeating it again this 100% attendance and had the highest number of September. Preparations are already underway. achievement points – a superb achievement indeed. The students enjoyed the day hugely, went on lots of rollercoasters and played the many games on offer. Aspire to Aston We all gathered at 6pm to watch the fireworks which were more amazing than the previous year. Let’s A group of Year 9 students were given the The day was aimed at opportunity to experience University first hand hope next year can beat it! making students aware at the start of June. They were taken to Aston Christmas Cinema trip of the dangers of gangs University to get an understanding of what grooming young people University could offer them, including topics such At Christmas, 85 students won a place on the into carrying out knife as finance, types of degrees and courses on offer. annual reward trip to the cinema; a treat was in crimes and distribution The students took part in an optometry taster store for us all as we watched a special showing of session, where they were given a chance to use “The Grinch” and “Spiderman into the Spiderverse”. of drugs. state of the art equipment to assess the eyes of Both were great films to watch. The students were Also throughout the day, students others. Students had a tour of the Aston Campus, immaculately behaved and a credit to the school and took part in Drama, Literacy and PE activities themed showing them what was on offer as a student. This their families – the cinema staff were over the moon around Dan Freedman’s new novel, Unstoppable. was followed by a Q&A session with the University at the tidy state the cinema was left in too! A brilliant ambassadors who answered questions put to them treat all-round for those invited – I wonder, what will PC Hubert Treasure MBE ended the proceedings with about University life. next year’s Christmas blockbuster be? a talk and video regarding gang culture.

www.aspirebelievesucceed.com 21 Key Stage 4 Year 10 Work Achievements Experience In July, our Year 10 students completed their work Year 11 Prom and experience. This was a valuable opportunity for them to work with a range of local businesses and industries to leavers’ assembly experience the demands of a work place and to prepare themselves for their lives beyond school. In preparation for this, students completed a lot of work on employability skills, health and safety requirements and professionalism, helping them to understand what would be expected of them. We were pleased to receive excellent feedback from employers regarding the politeness, professionalism and enthusiasm of our Year 10 students. A group of year 10 students also took part in a week long activities programme. The students completed a university residential Sunday-Tuesday taking part in university taster sessions such as a ‘murder scene investigation’ with the forensic science department, study skills sessions and discussions of courses on offer to study. Students were also able to enjoy the social aspects of university life by celebrating their hard work with BBQ parties, bowling, football and pub style quizzes. On Wednesday, the students were taken to Jaguar Land Rover in Wolverhampton, where they were given a tour of the facility and had the opportunity to learn On Friday 28th June 2019, Year 11 about higher level apprenticeships within the company. were back in school for the Celebration They discussed careers and progression with several Assembly. current employees from different sectors of the business. The day ended with a team building exercise Students came in excited to celebrate where students competed to see which group was able their time here at Phoenix. It was an to build a model engine in the quickest time. occasion to behold with lots of laughs, fun and tears at times. Thursday was spent at the Alton Towers resort where students participated in a marketing class and were Form tutors, house staff and many rewarded for their hard work by receiving ‘fast pass’ other staff from school were present passes for the park’s bigger rides and enjoyed the rest to share their warm wishes and of their day having fun! memories. The students were also presented with many certificates Friday marked the end of an excellent week of recognising their achievements during opportunities where external guests worked with this year. students in school to look at goal mapping, soft skills and interview techniques. Best wishes given to all for their future, whether this is at the school in the sixth The students were all impeccably behaved and form or elsewhere. It was a fabulous occasion and a represented the school well! Congratulations Year 10! pleasure to be part of; we look forward to seeing you again on Thursday 22nd August for results day! The second event of the day was the eagerly anticipated Prom. Students arrived early in a variety Mock interview of vehicles to celebrate their end of Year 11 at the Richardson Suite, West Bromwich Albion Football day - Assisting Ground. careers provision The outfits worn were amazing and it was a pleasure to see students dressed to impress in their finest. They Over 40 employers volunteered their services danced the night away for one last time with their to attend a mock interview session with Year 10 peers and teachers to celebrate their time at Phoenix. students on 8th May. Our Prom King and Queen were worthy winners (it was They assisted the school to help enable our a close call). students to become ‘work ready’ by providing They were Rhiannon Whitehouse and Josh Carter. valuable advice regarding preparation for employment in various sectors including retailing. A wonderful time was had by all and the students were a credit to the school! Students were given opportunities to practise interview skills to prepare them for life after school.

22 www.aspirebelievesucceed.com Key Stage 5 Achievements Sixth Form Awards Evening and Prom

Thursday 4th July saw students from Phoenix The awards ceremony was sixth form receiving a great occasion for guest awards for the hard work speaker Carl Barton to provide that they demonstrated an excellent insight into his 10 and dedication to their rules for success with remedies studies over the past of how hard work, dedication academic year. The awards and a never say die attitude ceremony saw Year 12 and can assist students with their Year 13 students receiving transition into adulthood and subject awards based upon life beyond Phoenix. Year 13 Prom provided the students with the their attitude to learning, The awards ceremony allowed the opportunity opportunity to say their goodbyes and thank teachers attainment and general interest in the subject. for staff, students and parents to celebrate the and peers for the support they had gained across challenges of the last academic year in a relaxed Each year, subjects nominate 1 person from Year and celebratory atmosphere that ensured a fitting their 7 years at the school. The quality of the décor 12 classes and 1 person from Year 13 classes as a end to the year at Phoenix sixth form. Entertainment and facilities including a DJ, photo booth, sweet cart reward for their continuing hard work. In addition, was provided by the amazing Meagan Pye who and doughnut board was testimony to the hard work there are a variety of awards including attendance, opened and closed the occasion with two amazing of the Head Boy and Head Girl team in raising money Head teacher’s awards for service and for attainment interpretations of modern songs. A true example of throughout the year to ensure that the end of year and the Head teacher’s awards for achievement in what can be achieved with hard work and talent in celebration was a success. Well done Year 13 and the face of adversity. such a short space of time. good luck with your futures!

Year 10 link to the 6J2 raises money through a Danceathon! In November 2018, as part of the numerous Y13 local community fundraising activities to raise funds to purchase Mrs Conway organised new furniture and equipment for their own sixth for United Living to form study areas, members of 6J2 chose to work with a group hold a danceathon and gain sponsorships for a of Year 10 boys to continuous 1 hour dancing activity. develop a housing Having chosen their playlist and with disco balls at development. hand, 6J2 students helped to contribute to a grand They had to consider energy requirements, overall total in excess of £1,000 being raised to architecture, expenses, demographic, the help renew and redevelop the sixth form common environment and green spaces. It was a fantastic room area. opportunity to look at careers in construction, Pictured behind their DJ decks are Opeoluwa, Ben, engineering and architecture and a fantastic link to Nathan, and Jasdeep. the local community and businesses.

www.aspirebelievesucceed.com 23 An amazing journey... This helped us raise a significant amount of money for our study and social areas. Most of the money raised after January went towards our prom and charities however, the money raised before January all went to our social and study areas. Overall the Head boy/girl team would like to thank all the students and teachers who have supported and participated in our events.’ Desjana Brozi – Head girl

‘Year 13 students were set a challenge of trying to Various fundraising activities took place including raise funds to purchase new furniture and equipment weekly samosa sales, cake sales, sponsored events for their own sixth form study areas. Starting in such as Mr Martin who wore a Rubik cube suit, September 2018, we were given the opportunity to sponsored runs by students and teachers, etc. raise money for our own common and study room, There were also a few teachers’ vs students’ which all sixth formers are able to spend their time basketball games which were great entertainment for in, studying during their free periods. the younger students.

Miscellaneous New build update

site in the autumn term, making our sports facilities the envy of every school in Sandwell and beyond. Please come to our Year 6 open evening on Thursday 26th September 2019 to see our fabulous facilities. Mike Smith – Head teacher

We are almost there! After nearly seven years since (where the old building of B, C, D, E and F blocks initial planning, and with over four years of building once stood) ever improves. works, we will finally have a completed school by this The work will not stop there though, as the school October. has plans for further improvements such as flood If you have passed the school recently, you will have lightings to our multi-use games areas. noticed the new entrance coming along nicely and Two further netball courts will also be added to the the constant flow of lorries as the landscaping work

24 www.aspirebelievesucceed.com Letters from the Royal family Excited students from the long-term intervention room have received individual replies from Kensington Palace on behalf of Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

This academic year has seen Phoenix adopting a positive stance towards recycling in school. Co-ordinated by Mr D Russell, recycling boxes have been placed in specific classrooms around the school to be used for the purpose of recycling plastic and paper material. Certain students have become ‘Recycling Ambassadors’ assigned to co-ordinate the use of recycling bins in designated areas of the school building. Pictured here is Miya Patel-Williams (sixth form B Block Recycling Ambassador) in her attempt to kick-start the process of Phoenix aiming to convert more waste into re-usable material.

Following the birth of Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, our SEN students sent some amazing cards to celebrate his birth and in July, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex sent ‘their best wishes and heartfelt thanks’ to staff and students at Phoenix. Mr Jones, Special Educational Needs Coordinator said ‘the students wanted to do something different as part of their work on British Values and literacy skills. This is a great example of the diversity of work across the school community’. Success story A former Phoenix student, Jardell Miller, 19, is chasing his dream of becoming a police officer after completing his Special Constable training and attesting in May 2019. Jardell, who started his journey at Phoenix in 2011 as a Year 7 student, says he has always wanted to join the police to make a difference to the lives of people in the community. He is no stranger to the world of policing as he was elected as Youth Police and Crime Commissioner in 2014 at the age of just 15.

ParentPay

Reminder to parents and carers that we are encouraging them to activate their ParentPay account as this is now the school’s preferred method “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every moment of police training school and I am happy to now put on the uniform and of payment, as part of our move to becoming a prevent crime, protect the public and help those in need. It is something that I have wanted to do since I was cashless school. small; I always got a buzz out of helping people. I would like to say a massive thank you to the staff at Phoenix Please contact the finance office on extension 107 for their support in getting me to this milestone. Joining West Midlands Police as a Special Constable is only for additional information. the start and I’m hoping to make some great opportunities out of policing. “I love talking about the police with students, particularly those who would often see the uniform as a barrier. Having that relationship with students builds their confidence in the police and helps them to understand why we do what we do. I’ll happily sit and have a chat with students who have any questions about the job, or aspirations of joining the police in the future.” Special Constables are volunteer police officers who have the same powers, same uniform and work alongside their regular colleagues in the community. They can volunteer a minimum of 16 hours per month but most volunteer a lot more.

www.aspirebelievesucceed.com 25 Visit of Oakley Gardens Dog shoebox in Hill Top appea l Items were collected from students and staff for the Dog shoebox appeal. Tinned and dried dog food was requested as were toys, collars and leads. Thank you to all for your donations; you made some of our 4 legged friends very happy!

Students from the long term intervention room Powell said, have been busy taking part in the inter-generational “The students project organised by Mrs Powell with Lindsay have been a McNaughton from Oakley Gardens in Hill Top. credit to the Phoenix SEN Phoenix gains the The inter-generational programme is aimed at giving department.” our students external opportunities to share and mix Oakley experiences such as hearing about how the lives of Gardens won Sandwell Well-being older people (residents) were so different to young last year people’s lives now. The programme also aims at so fingers reducing loneliness in older people. Charter Mark crossed! At Phoenix, we aim to support all of our community in Students have been planting flowers as part of having a healthy well-being. To help us in this regard, this year’s Wednesbury in Bloom competition. Mrs we have committed to gaining the national ‘Sandwell Well-being Charter Mark’. ‘We will remember them’ To commemorate 100 years since the end of the Through all their hard work, the students raised First World War students at Phoenix have been money to be donated to The Royal British Legion. We creating a huge poppy using 5 pence pieces for the would like to thank everyone for their kind donations. centre of the poppy and coppers as the petals. Your 1p, 2p and 5p The process required groups of students, staff and parents/carers to work with a team of psychologists for over a year to create and implement action plans, aimed at improving our combined well-being. This spring, we gained the Charter Mark but this is just a beginning as we continue to commit to making well-being central to Phoenix. If you feel your child requires some extra well- coins have helped us raise over being support, £320! We would also like to give our appreciation to please contact The work began several weeks before Remembrance the cadets who spent many hours at lunchtime and your child’s Day with some of our Navy cadets delivering after school counting money and laying it out. house team. assemblies to each of the different houses. They A successful bid meant we were also able to acquire 3 talked about Armistice Day and how last year was ‘There but not There’ silhouettes to attach to benches particularly special. They spent time in registration around school to remember the fallen soldiers. At going around and collecting donations. These were present they are in our school reflection area. then laid out in the shape of a poppy.

26 www.aspirebelievesucceed.com City Year Macmillan Sports Coffee Morning Update City Year mentors were offered the opportunity to towards raising money for this charity. organise and run the Macmillan Coffee Morning in October last year. Year 11 inter- With a strong team of 7, the delegation of tasks to ensure the success of the event was optimal. Posters form final were created and displayed, emails were sent to staff members to encourage promotion to students, Well done to Vikrant Kumar for organising and the selling arrangements were sorted out in the the Year 11/10 inter-house 5 a side football dining room. competition. The event was very successful with nearly £200 being raised for a good cause. A huge thank you to all the staff and students who donated cakes to help

Sandwell College trip As part of the school enrichment day, Phoenix students are prepared for Post Nine days of football took 16 education. To aid with this, a group of Key Stage 4 students visited Sandwell place during every lunchtime College along with Connexions on 29th January. in January. The players and students watching were been The trip gave them information about how colleges work, the differing nature of brilliant. Well done to the support and the many pathways available to them. This allows our students to winners: Alder! make informed decisions on their personal education journey Post 16. The player of the tournament was Lewis Burbridge (Alder) with the most goals scored.

Rotary clubs Trip to Wolverhampton University ‘KidsOut’ Day at A group of Year 7 and 8 students went on a school trip to the University of Wolverhampton Drayton Manor (Walsall Campus) in June with Mr Parsons. The As part of the Rotary Club’s annual ‘KidsOut’ event, ‘We went to Drayton Manor on the 12th June 2019. event was called KS3 football festival. Key Stage 3 students were given the opportunity to The park is closed to the general public and is hired visit Drayton Manor Theme Park in June. The charity by the Rotary Club for their ‘KidsOut’ Day. We were gives children the opportunity they deserve in having invited, along with many other schools. a fun and exciting time out. All students were well We went by minibus and it took about an hour to behaved and a credit to the school whilst enjoying get to Drayton Manor. We talked all the way there the rides and attractions. and sang on the way back. My favourite ride is the We would like to thank the Rotary club and Drayton Pandemonium ride. It is amazing.’ Ellie Jones 7A1 Manor for organising this event every year.

15 Phoenix students took part in different football activities throughout the day. They were a credit to the school and worked brilliantly, City Year’s got talent receiving positive feedback from all the Talent shows are amazing at showing the spectacular Phoenix Collegiate University staff and staff from other schools. abilities that students possess, but may not be that acts were a band useful in lesson time. composed of a Well done all! mix of Year 9 and 10 students and an outstanding female singer from Rounders Year 10. tournament The entire event The Year 7 rounders girls took place in Holte came 3rd out of 7 teams High School on in June. Friday 21st June 2019. Phoenix did They had the highest number of rounders not manage to win the competition but they did scored and conducted themselves so well, City Year organised a healthy competition for schools manage to have the most fun! shaking hands and clapping for the other teams. within the West Midlands; each school had to run auditions and select a minimum of two acts. The Szymon Twardak, City Year Well done!

www.aspirebelievesucceed.com 27 Sports Update

Intensive coaching session with the lead coach of the Wasps and England netball 14 Gifted and Talented female students from Year 9 to Year 11 attended the University of West Midlands Wolverhampton. They took part in an intensive coaching session Netball county with the lead coach of the Wasps and England Netball then played several games. The girls all tournament played at an excellent standard and picked up The Year 10/11 girls (U16) qualified for this some vital skills that they can now use in their competition coming second in Sandwell. The school matches. Well done! tournament in November was a massive step up but throughout the girls showed determination, resilience and team work. The school was extremely proud of how they represented Sandwell and Phoenix. Wolf Mountain trip 14 Year 7 students had a great day on Tuesday All students who attended 2nd July. have represented the school in sport so this was a rewards trip. Students took part in archery, caving, crate stacking and rock climbing. Some students had to overcome fears of heights and small spaces creating memories. Even the Under 16 team staff had a go! Well done also to the U14 (Year 9s) netball team who came joint first with George Salter in the Sandwell netball league. Students coached Football Year 10 football team who played George Salter by kickboxing in October and came back from 2 -0 down to draw 2 -2 with goals from Aman Shah and Jack Girls under 13s footie champion Norton. Well done boys! Our Under 13’s Girls football team played in a Students from the long term intervention room tournament at Sandwell Academy in October against Sean (Y9) and Marina from sixth form have been a number of other Sandwell schools. in training every week.

Year 10 team

Their coach Reuben Charlesworth, who is 17x world Year 8 team champion in kickboxing and They played four games in total; they won 3 and undefeated drew one without conceding a goal. Well done girls! Midland boxing champion, trains a number of students at Phoenix as part of our PE department’s extra- curricular activities. Well done all!

28 www.aspirebelievesucceed.com Year 7 team