On Friday the 19th of June we hosted a visit from our local MP, Liam Byrne.  Liam visited the Academy to meet with students and staff to discuss the work we are doing around inclusion - and to talk through the governments proposed social media ban for under 16's!

To see a video about the visit please see MP Liam Bryne Visit to King Edward VI Sheldon Heath Academy (Facebook Video)

On Thursday 25^th June, Year 5 students came over to experience a flavour of learning at our Academy by taking part in two workshops delivered by our staff specialists in Computer Science – Mr Organ and Ms Talbot in maths. A selection of our post 16 students worked alongside the students to support the workshops.

The visit was a continuation of the King Edward VI Foundations’ work on fostering links between primary and secondary schools.

The children got to further develop their prior learning and experience of the STEM in specialist zones by taking part in two bespoke Masterclasses. There was an opportunity to learn how to work like an engineer whilst designing and building paper towers. The key was strength and stability: much fun was had trying to secure balance. There was also the opportunity to develop paired programming techniques by building a freestanding tower in Minecraft that could withstand a TNT blast!

As you can see from the photos of the sessions, the children enjoyed the experience and their excitement, focused teamwork with our sixth form students and engagement evident!

It was a pleasure having the students from Hillstone spend time with us in our Academy.

We look forward to carrying on making links with a range of primary schools in our area and giving students a taste of what secondary school is like in preparation for making school choices in Year 6.

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Huge KESH congratulations to all of the staff that made the shortlist for the Foundation Awards evening last night at the Birmingham MAC:

Mrs Jensen – Accessibility award

Mr Elcock – Integrity award

Miss Watkins – Excellence award

Ms Hussain – Integrity award

MrGordon – Excellence award

We are thrilled to announce that across a multi academy trust employing more than 2000 people Ms Hussain was selected as the winner of the integrity award.  Congratulations to Ms Hussain, a worthy recipient who is the consummate professional, demonstrating dedication and commitment to the Academy and its students in everything that she does.

Hillstone Primary school visit KESH

On Thursday 9th October, two Year 5 classes came over to experience a flavour of learning at our Academy by taking part in two workshops delivered by our staff specialists in Science - Ms Cashmore and Mr Cave.

The visit was a continuation of the King Edward VI Foundations’ work on fostering links between primary and secondary schools.

The children got to further develop their prior learning and experience of the Human Body in specialist classrooms by taking part in two bespoke Masterclasses. There was an opportunity to learn how our digestive system works, using materials to recreate the process. There was also the opportunity to learn how our skeleton system works and how all those bones support gait and movement.

It was a pleasure having the students from Hillstone spend time with us in our Academy.

We look forward to carrying on making links with a range of primary schools in our area and giving students a taste of what secondary school is like in preparation for making school choices in Year 6.

Two Year 5 classes came over to experience a flavour of learning at our Academy by taking part in a science workshop delivered by our staff specialists – Ms Qamar and Ms Payne. The visit was a continuation of the King Edward VI Foundations’ work on fostering links between primary and secondary schools. The children got to further develop their prior learning and experience specialist labs and equipment, by taking part in a bespoke Masterclass on the topic of Space. Students had the opportunity to design, construct, and launch their own rockets to experimentally investigate and the theoretical principles of forces. As you can see from the photos of the sessions, the children enjoyed the experience and their excitement and engagement evident! We look forward to carrying on making links with a range of primary schools in our area and giving students a taste of what secondary school is like in preparation for making school choices in Year 6.

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We are hugely proud of Mrs Baker, Miss Joyner, Miss Hopkins and Miss Orton who won prestigious awards at our Foundation Awards Evening. Thank you for everything you do for our school and community!

As a reward for all their hard work as student librarians, we took a trip to visit the Library of Birmingham, where students could learn about how large libraries work and what they have to offer.

As the Library of Birmingham building also supports sustainability, some dedicated Year 7 Geographers joined the trip to see the sustainable efforts in place. Just across the road, The Exchange held an AI exhibition, which the students got to see. There were questionnaires about AI intelligence, origami making games, among others and of course, the old underground vault to be explored.

Students learnt a great deal, had the opportunity to explore the books and have a read, speak with staff and do their own research. For some, it was their first visit to these buildings but we're sure it won't be the last.

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'Read aloud session'

A group of Year 7 students went to Birmingham Dogs Home to read to puppies at the home. Not only did the puppies love being read to, but research has shown that reading aloud to dogs (and other pets) can help improve reading. It can be a very calming activity, helping to increase empathy and associate reading with a positive feeling.

It can also take away from some concerns over adults correcting them and focus more on building on the enjoyment that can come from reading. The home staff were really impressed with the students and commented on how relaxed the puppies were after their afternoon story time. A huge thank you to Natalie at #birminghamdogshome for this wonderful opportunity and supporting the session.

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The Easter raffle draw took place today to win 48 Cadbury Crème eggs. Both students and Staff across the Academy have supported the Student Council to raise funds for World Vision and a total of £112.00 was collected. Congratulations to the winner – Cole in Year 9. The runners up prize of a large box of chocolates goes to Mrs Middleham. A big thank you to all those who supported this worthy cause.