Our focus on improving literacy in and out of the classroom continues this year with increased entries to national writing competitions. Young Writers is a national writing organisation that provides pupils of ll ages with opportunities to show off their creative talents.

Our most recent entries were for the poetry ‘Beautiful Truth’ saw 27 pupils awarded certificates for their entries and a chance to have their work published in an anthology.

I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate those Year 11 students that put the upmost effort into their recent mock exams. You have shown how self-motivation can pay off! I would like to give a particular shout out to Keiron F and Sheik C for their unwavering dedication in History. I would also like to praise Kayden H for his vast improvement and acquisition of fundamental historical disciplines, that were skilfully demonstrated in his assessment papers!

Well done boys, Mr Mansfield.  

This week, Year 10 students had the opportunity to take part in the “My Money: Jobs & Apprenticeships” talks, which were delivered during their regular maths lessons. The sessions provided an excellent link to their ongoing classroom work on money management, fractions, decimals, and percentages, and offered students practical insights into careers and personal finance.

The talks began with an activity on true or false statements about work and apprenticeships, helping students learn key facts about workers’ rights, including pay entitlements and the differences between full-time, part-time, and zero-hour contracts. This activity encouraged students to think critically about employment conditions and understand what to expect as they transition into the working world.

In the second activity, students were challenged with a hypothetical budgeting exercise. Given £320 as a weekly wage, they had to plan their spending on essentials such as food, bills, and accommodation. This hands-on task demonstrated the importance of financial literacy and the need to make thoughtful spending choices to manage limited resources effectively.

Students were also introduced to apprenticeships as a valuable career pathway, learning how they provide a unique opportunity to earn while learning and gain practical skills in a chosen field. The talks also covered the skills employers are looking for, helping students understand how to prepare for future opportunities.

These sessions not only supported the maths curriculum but also provided essential life skills that students can carry with them into adulthood. We’re proud of how engaged and thoughtful our Year 10s were throughout the talks, and we thank the presenters for delivering such a valuable learning experience.

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.

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.

A group of Year 8 pupils had an incredible opportunity to visit Keble College at Oxford University, exploring one of the UK's most prestigious institutions and gaining valuable insights into the world of higher education. The day began with an engaging presentation, where pupils learned about the benefits of university life and were able to ask questions to the university liaison officer and student ambassadors. Following this, they enjoyed a guided tour of Keble College and another nearby college, experiencing the inspiring atmosphere of Oxford. Our Year 8 pupils were outstanding representatives of our school, impressing everyone with their curiosity and respectful conduct. A huge well done to each of them for making the school and their families proud!

Exciting Announcement: Turves Green Boys' School to Perform "Matilda" This Summer!

We are thrilled to announce that Turves Green Boys' School will be showcasing the musical "Matilda" this summer! This beloved story, based on Roald Dahl's classic book, follows the extraordinary journey of a young child with a remarkable mind and a heart of gold as they navigates the challenges of family and school life.

The production promises to be a fantastic experience for both performers and the audience, with its catchy songs, engaging characters, and a powerful message about the importance of courage and kindness.

Stay tuned for more details on audition dates, rehearsal schedules, and performance dates. We can't wait to see our talented students bring this magical story to life on stage

This half term, Year 7 students have been immersed in the world of dance, learning six fundamental dance actions and using them to create their own unique choreography.

Through this engaging process, students have explored various styles and techniques, enhancing their creativity and expression. The focus on collaboration has allowed them to work in groups, sharing ideas and developing their skills together.

As they put their choreography into practice, students have demonstrated impressive growth and confidence. This hands-on approach not only boosts their technical abilities but also fosters a love for dance and performance.

We look forward to showcasing their hard work and creativity in an upcoming performance! Stay tuned for more updates!

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: O Walker: He is a polite and respectful young man who tries hard every day. He consistently shows the Turves values. 

Year 8: L Glasford: For consistent outstanding effort in all lessons.   

Year 9: L Sannio most praise points and no negative. Exemplifies our TURVES Values. 

Year 10: J Choi – embodies excellence in everything he does. I wish I had the level of talent that this student does.  

Year 11: A Niles – For being an unsung hero in the Austin Year 11 cohort. 

Year 7: H Organ- This young man has a wonderful attitude towards learning and is meeting our values each day in particular respectful to all 

year 8: M Jinks – Excellent levels of effort in all subjects and facets of school life.   

Year 9: D Pere-Enaregha - Consistently earning the most praise points each day and receiving the ‘shout out’ each morning the past two weeks. 

Year 10: J Varley – Has continued to be the polite and respectful young man, showing great effort in lessons despite the pain/discomfort he is currently in with his recent ankle injury.  

Year 11: W Cornick – a polite and respectful young man who is putting in excellent effort in his lessons in the run-up to mock exams. 

Year 11: S Hardy – Getting involved in multiple aspects of school life and performing well in KS4. 

On Wednesday the Warhammer Alliance held an exciting painting competition, giving students the opportunity to showcase their artistic talents in two categories: Recruits and Veterans. The competition saw 11 participants, 4 of whom were new joiners who were entering some of their first painted models. These budding hobbyists entered the Recruits category, while the more experienced members competed in the Veterans category.

The judges, Mr. Woodall, Miss Woodall, Mr. Walker, Miss Harrison, and Miss Brooker, were tasked with evaluating the impressive array of painted models. After much deliberation, the results were announced.

In the Recruits category, Z. Franklin (7A1) claimed first place, with H. Jackson (7B2) securing second. Z. Franklin's creativity earned them a new Space Marine model and a Leagues of Votann model to further their collection. H. Jackson, whose entry was also highly praised, received a delicious reward of a free cookie for their efforts.

In the Veterans category, S. Scott (10B1) emerged as the winner with their beautifully painted Space Marine Terminator, earning a unit of Inceptors for their Space Marine army. T. Clarke (10T1) took second place, and also received a free cookie.

All participants, regardless of placement, received queue jump passes for lunchtime as a thank you for taking part and contributing to the event’s success. The competition was a fantastic opportunity for students to bond over their shared passion for Warhammer and develop their artistic abilities.

We are proud to celebrate the creativity and enthusiasm shown by all participants, and the winning models you can see in the pictures below showcasing their impressive designs. Congratulations to everyone who took part!