Well done to our Year Eleven Geography students for your resilience and self-motivation in pursuing success in your Mock GSCE series of exams! Your hard effort, motivation and dedication to understanding the issues, challenges and management of the world around us will help develop the knowledge to achieve your GCSE goals. Keep up the fantastic effort—you are building skills and knowledge that will make you into a better global citizen. Well done!
This week, we have additional awards for pupils who have exemplified TURVES Values in the community. Our reading rewards vending machine continues to be a focal point of our celebrations on a Friday lunchtime. Pupils from all year groups are considered and selected for a range of approaches to demonstrating our TURVES Values. Winners over the last fortnight include:
Year 7: K Saho Saho – a member of the public contacted TGBS to congratulate him on his manners and respectful nature assisting in the community
Year 8: L Field: A model TGBS pupil who is polite and respectful at all times.
Year 9: G Naces, B Mallet – ensuring a mobile phone they found was returned to its rightful owner
Year 10: F Ozurigbo Sanni, D Bean, J Bird, B Nyong, C Hatcher – handing in a member of the public’s laptop case with valuable personal items
Year 11: O Vermillion – transformational approach to Year 11 and also awarded a prefect tie.
Year 10 BTEC Drama Students Explore Characterization with Professional Actor
On Thursday, Year 10 BTEC Drama pupils had the exciting opportunity to attend a workshop led by a professional actor, where they explored key drama devices and how to bring characters to life through physical performance. The session focused on Blood Brothers, a well-known play by Willy Russell, and provided pupils with valuable tools for enhancing their portrayal of characters using body language and facial expressions.
The workshop began with an overview of essential drama devices that actors use to engage audiences and develop characters. These devices include monologue, soliloquy, freeze frame, gesture, and dramatic irony. Through practical exercises, students learned how these tools help tell a story beyond just spoken words.
One of the core focuses of the workshop was on how to convey characterization through non-verbal performance. The professional actor emphasized that body language and facial expressions are powerful tools for conveying the emotional depth of a character without relying solely on dialogue.
To demonstrate this, the actor led the class through a series of exercises where pupils embodied different characters from Blood Brothers. Each pupil was asked to perform a short scene while paying particular attention to their posture, movement, and expressions. The professional actor offered personalized feedback, showing how slight changes in stance or facial expression could dramatically shift the way a character was perceived. For instance, shifting from an open posture to a closed, defensive position can instantly reveal a character's internal conflict or insecurity.
The actor used scenes from Blood Brothers to bring these techniques into context. In particular, they looked at how the characters of Mickey and Eddie, as well as their mother, Mrs. Johnstone, are portrayed through both physicality and dialogue. For instance, Mickey’s physical transformation—from a cheerful, energetic young boy to a more frustrated and defeated adult—was explored in depth. By adjusting his posture, movements, and facial expressions, pupils were able to understand how to reflect these changes in their own performances.
By the end of the workshop, Year 10 BTEC Drama pupils had gained a deeper understanding of how to use body language and facial expressions to bring characters to life on stage. The professional actor’s expert guidance helped pupils to see beyond the script and focus on how their physical choices could enhance their storytelling.
The session was an invaluable opportunity for pupils to refine their performance skills and gain insight into the professional world of acting. As they continue to study Blood Brothers, the techniques they learned will no doubt prove useful in helping them create more dynamic, engaging portrayals of the play’s complex characters.
Our reading rewards vending machine continues to be a focal point of our celebrations on a Friday lunchtime. Pupils from all year groups are considered and selected for a range of approaches to demonstrating our TURVES Values.
Winners over the last fortnight include:
On a solemn and reflective day, our school community gathered to honour and remember those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom during our annual Remembrance Service. The atmosphere was filled with gratitude and respect as we came together to pay respect to our heroes.
The service began with the cadets leading the procession, marching with pride and discipline. Their presence set a respectful tone for the proceedings, reminding us of the commitment and bravery displayed by those in uniform.
As the service unfolded, our talented choir took to the stage to perform the song, 'We’ll Meet Again.' The heartfelt rendition resonated deeply, evoking memories of love and hope amidst loss. The choir's harmonies created a moving experience, reminding us that while we remember the past, we also look forward to a time of reunion.
Further on in the service, Joshua Choi and Theo Lancaster shared poems that encapsulated the themes of sacrifice, remembrance, and resilience. Their heartfelt readings allowed us to reflect on the personal stories behind the names we honour, bringing a human touch to the occasion.
Mr Walker delivered a powerful exhortation, reminding us of the importance of remembrance and the lessons learned from our history. The words inspired us to carry forward the values of courage and unity in our daily lives.
As we approached the conclusion of the service, the haunting notes of 'The Last Post' filled the air, signalling a moment of silence. In this reflective pause, all pupils stood in respectful silence, paying their respects to the fallen heroes who have shaped our world, in immaculate fashion.
The service concluded with a renewed sense of community and a commitment to remember those who have served. We thank everyone who participated and contributed to making this Remembrance Service a meaningful tribute. Together, we honour the past while striving to create a better future.
Lest We Forget.
The video of the service will be sent out to staff in due course; thank you to all staff with their support with the pupils during the service of Remembrance.
Special thank you to:
Today, thirteen of our Year 8 students had an exciting opportunity to attend the University of Birmingham’s Maths and Science Discovery Day. The event aimed to give young learners an inside look at studying STEM subjects at university. Through engaging workshops and hands-on activities, students explored various aspects of STEM fields, sparking curiosity and expanding their understanding of how these subjects impact everyday life.
The day included two interactive workshops. The first session focused on cyber security, where students learned about the growing importance of online safety and the risks associated with phishing. Through real-world examples and activities, students were taught how to recognise phishing attempts and protect themselves online—a critical skill in today’s digital world.
The second workshop explored renewable energy, specifically solar power. Students learned how solar panels generate electricity, the balance between using and storing power, and practical energy-saving upgrades for homes. This session not only introduced students to sustainable energy solutions but also highlighted the importance of energy conservation for the future of our planet.
To wrap up the day, students enjoyed a Q&A session with university student ambassadors, who shared insights into university life, from academics to extracurriculars. The ambassadors introduced them to the over 300 societies available at the University of Birmingham, showcasing the variety of ways students can connect and pursue their interests beyond the classroom.
As a fun conclusion, our students were challenged to create their own society. With an inspired bit of creativity from A. Taylor 8B1, they designed the Water Fight Society—a club where students could cool off with water fights using water guns and reusable water balloons, reducing plastic waste. The imaginative concept presented by T. Lancaster 8B1 and C. Hamshaw 8B1won over the student ambassadors, who awarded our students the Best Society idea
Our Year 8s returned inspired and motivated, having gained new insights into STEM and university life. This day was a wonderful opportunity for them to see firsthand the exciting possibilities that lie ahead in both their academic and personal journeys.
Our pupils and staff have been considering remembrance. Each year, as a country, we join to consider the sacrifices and efforts made to protect our British values. Throughout conflicts over the years, the men and women who have given their all to ensure our individual liberty and freedom of speech remain intact.
On Friday 8th November, Matrix Academy Trust held their annual trust wide remembrance service. A small contingent of cadets and staff from each of schools joined together, this year hosted by Wednesfield Academy. Whilst any parade is a spectacle of respect to behold, this one particularly hit home the unity that encompasses Great Britain. All our schools joining together, each represented by model student leaders to show their respects.
As the parade began our CCF commanders were joined by Lord-Lieutenant Derrick Anderson CBE, as the sovereign’s representative for the West Midlands, for the event. Lord-Lieutenant Anderson joined our CEO, Headteachers along with other dignitaries to view the exemplary collection of cadets who had turned out with immaculate uniform.
Following an inspection, the traditional poem ‘In Flanders Field’ was read out as Sixth Form pupils from Wednesfield underlined that ‘We will remember them!’. With the last post playing the attendees, school and Trust observed a two-minute silence to pay respect to all of those who have sacrificed for us.
We are so proud of our cadets, and everyone involved for emphasising the importance of remembrance.
As you may know, November is Movember, a month dedicated to raising awareness for men’s health issues, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health. This year, we are excited to participate in this important initiative and would like to invite you to help us make a difference.
We are organizing a fundraising campaign to support Movember and encourage everyone to contribute, no matter the amount. Your donations will go directly to programs that promote awareness, research, and support for men’s health.
We aim to collect donations by using this link https://movember.com/m/15312251?mc=1 , students will also have the opportunity to buy moustache badges for 50p each or donate cash in school. So please consider supporting this worthy cause. Together, we can help improve the lives of men affected by these health issues.
After a full month on Mathwatch students have attempted over 8300 questions as part of their homework tasks and 3000 independent activites completed the mathswatch scoreboard has really taken a competitive turn this month.
Each month students compete for top of our leaderboard with the total amount of marks they have achieved in Independent Activities and their assigned homeworks. This month our top scorers where:
1) E Oguntimehi
2) Y. Embaye
3) L: Connolly
As well as the homework students can attempt questions on any topic they have done (or are about to do) in maths. This means you can find your own revision to refresh yourself on topics you have done previously or look ahead at topics that are about to appear. Lots of students have been doing this over the October half term too, well done!
Any student stuck on a homework question or questions they are attempting independently can watch the videos attached to any question to help them answer it or leave feedback for their teacher to see.
This academic year marks an exciting expansion of our music department, offering even more opportunities for students to explore the world of music. With the addition of new string, brass, and woodwind lessons, we now offer a total of eight different instruments - up from five in previous years.
This significant growth reflects our commitment to fostering musical talent and giving students a broader range of instruments to choose from. The introduction of strings, brass, and woodwind lessons allows pupils to now learn the violin, trumpet, and clarinet, in addition to instruments that were already offered such as the piano and guitar.
Currently, around 160 students are enrolled in lessons, a testament to the growing interest and enthusiasm for music across the school. Lessons are conducted by highly skilled instructors, each dedicated to nurturing both the technical and creative aspects of learning an instrument.
Anyone interested in having lessons can speak to Miss Harrison to be added to the waiting list.
We are thrilled to see how the new additions will inspire and elevate the musical experiences of our students, and we look forward to hearing the beautiful sounds from our budding musicians throughout the year!
Turves Green, Northfield,
Birmingham, B31 4BS
Contact Number: 0121 483 2890
Email: postbox@tgbs.co.uk
Monday - Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
