This week, our students demonstrated exceptional maturity, respect, and community spirit during the VE Day assemblies, reflecting the very best of the Turves Values. Their thoughtful attention, impeccable behaviour, and genuine engagement with the themes of remembrance and gratitude honoured the significance of the occasion. By showing such strong respect for history and resilience in understanding the sacrifices of others, they have made us all incredibly proud. Their actions this week serve as a powerful example of how the Turves Values guide and shape a caring, thoughtful school community.

This half term, the boys (Year 9) have been exploring the theme of freedom writing, studying influential figures such as Malcolm X and Harvey Milk and examining the impact their speeches had on audiences of the time. Drawing inspiration from techniques like direct address and repetition, the boys have started crafting their own speeches centred on the idea that silence is not enough—we must be actively anti-racist. These pieces will be presented in class, allowing the boys to apply the oracy skills that are deeply embedded in our curriculum.

We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible success of our very first Trust-wide Spelling Bee – a vibrant event that brought together pupils from all our schools, in a showcase of linguistic talent, nerves of steel, and community spirit.

Over 40 brilliant spellers from Key Stages 2 and 3 took to the stage, each tackling an impressive word list of more than 150 challenging entries. From phosphorescent to megalomaniac, cantankerous, chihuahua, frittata, and hieroglyphics, the competition tested not only vocabulary but also memory, focus, and composure under pressure.

The atmosphere was electric, with supporters gripped from start to finish, watching each round unfold on the edge of their seats. In an extraordinary finish, two winners were crowned – a testament to just how high the standard was. Huge congratulations to our co-champions: one from Etone College and the other from Bloxwich Academy Primary.

Both of them had to complete the tie breaker, spelling as accurately as possible a fearsome word which they had not been told in advance: ANTIDISESTABLISHMENTARIANISM. Both of them spelled it correctly!

This inaugural event marks the beginning of what we expect to become a favourite in the Matrix events calendar. A huge thank you to all the pupils, staff and supporters who made this possible. We’re already looking forward to next year’s Spelling Bee!

On Tuesday 29th April 2025, 24 of our talented Year 10 students had the exciting opportunity to attend the University of Birmingham’s annual Big Maths Quiz. Held in the magnificent Great Hall of the historic Aston Webb Building, this event brought together schools from across the West Midlands for a day of mathematical challenge and inspiration.

Our students were split into six teams of four and competed against over 50 other teams in a series of five challenging quiz rounds. The rounds tested a wide range of mathematical skills, including logical reasoning, estimation, and problem-solving. The competition was fierce, but our students worked with great focus, resilience, and enthusiasm, demonstrating excellent teamwork throughout the day.

In addition to the quiz, students attended a fascinating keynote lecture delivered by one of the University’s mathematics professors. This provided a glimpse into how mathematics is studied at university level and in other subjects like biology. 

We are incredibly proud of all the students who represented our school so well. They showcased not only their mathematical ability but also their teamwork, curiosity, and determination.

7Y3 put their best efforts into their reading during their fortnightly visit to the School Library. All of the staff were impressed with the progress the boys have shown and the dedication they have to completing their private reading and the success they have shown when completing their Accelerated Reader quizzes. During their most recent visit all the boys got at least 80% their quizzes with most getting 100% The staff working with these boys were proud to see them truly showing that they are self motivated to achieve!

Today 15 excellent pupils from year 9 went to the University of Birmingham to take part in the Big Physics Quiz. The sun was shining and the campus was as welcoming as ever. Our pupils fought admirably against the many schools that joined us in a battle of wits and although we did not return home with a trophy, our pupils demonstrated their considerable academic prowess and answered some truly tricky questions! They did us proud and displayed true resilience against some formidable opponents. Well done pupils!

Eighty pupils enjoyed an action-packed and memorable day at Challenge Academy as part of our latest rewards trip. The group represented the school with pride, showing exemplary behaviour throughout the day. Staff at the venue were full of praise, commenting on how polite and respectful our pupils were, and describing it as a pleasure to host them.

The day was filled with exciting activities designed to test resilience, teamwork, and courage. Pupils tackled obstacle courses, team-building challenges, and even a high ropes course featuring a daring 25ft jump! Many pupils — and even some staff — stepped far outside their comfort zones, especially those facing a fear of heights. Their determination and willingness to push themselves was truly inspiring.

A huge thank you goes to everyone who supported the trip, including colleagues who helped by covering lessons back at school. Special thanks to Mr Loney, Mr Hawkes, Mr Price, Miss Jones, Miss Tom, and Mrs Solway for accompanying the group and providing such great support throughout the day.

During a bespoke assembly, Year 11 are receiving their mock exam results today ahead of their parents evening. Additional revision will be given alongside the raft of revision guides, online resources and past papers they’ve already received. Whilst we want the pupils to rest over the holiday, we hope the use their time wisely to revise for their forthcoming GCSEs, commencing in the first week after Easter for some pupils. One last push Y11! 

All schools across our Trust have been working collaboratively to recognise and celebrate key dates in the PSHE calendar. These are in addition to other events that will also be taking place in our individual schools. We are very proud to share our Matrix Academy Trust Personal Development Calendar which gives details of the events where our schools have come together to produce a wide range of activities for our pupils. These events will be recognised through a combination of assemblies and form time activities as well as their importance being widely publicised through our social media platforms and in schools through displays, posters and TV screens. For some events, there will be additional activities planned such as competitions to engage our learners in the real meaning of these days.

There is a wide range of days recognised to acknowledge different faiths and groups as well as promote very important themes such as equality, diversity, wellbeing and British Values. This project epitomises the real spirit of collaboration in our school as well as our commitment to ensuring that our pupils have the knowledge and skills to not only keep themselves safe but be ready and able to make a valuable contribution to society.

Our commitment to driving up literacy standards at TGBS continues with a keen focus on developing oracy for all staff and pupils this year. As part of an ongoing programme to promote confidence in a range spoken arenas, all pupils will have the opportunity to take part in an externally run workshop this academic year. 

Our fourth and final workshop was provided by the Speaker’s Trust running their national ‘Speak Out Challenge’ in which all of our Y10 pupils had the opportunity to develop their oracy, confidence and presentation skills. The boys were taken through a day of different activities and culminated in them producing a presentation at the end. This is a crucial skill and prepares them for the English GCSE NEA and mock careers interviews in the summer term. 

All pupils received a certificate, and 6 pupils have been selected to take part in the regional competition later in the year.