We were delighted to welcome parents and carers to our Year 9 Transition Workshop on 17^th March, focused on supporting pupils as they prepare for the move into Key Stage 4. The session explored the key changes in Year 10, including increased academic challenge, the importance of reading and vocabulary, and how strong routines and independent learning habits underpin GCSE success.

Parents also gained valuable insight into how we support pupils with exam preparation, wellbeing, and access arrangements, alongside practical strategies to support learning at home. A key message throughout the workshop was the significant impact that consistent attendance has on achievement and long-term success.

The feedback from parents and carers was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting how informative and reassuring the session was:

• “Really helpful in understanding what Year 10 will look like and how I can support at home.”
• “Clear, informative and gave practical advice we can use straight away.”
• “It was reassuring to know what support is available for pupils.”

We would like to thank the parents and carers who attended. Workshops like these play an important role in strengthening the partnership between home and school, ensuring every pupil feels confident, supported, and ready for the next stage of their learning journey.

We are delighted to celebrate the success of the first 12 days of our new 1% Club initiative. An impressive 90 pupils were rewarded on Tuesday 17th March for attending school for 12 consecutive days — an achievement that has already led to a 1% improvement in their attendance.

The 1% Club is designed to show pupils that small, consistent steps can make a big difference. By focusing on short-term goals, pupils are building positive habits that support their learning, wellbeing and overall success in school.

It has been brilliant to see so many pupils rise to the challenge, demonstrating commitment, resilience and a determination to improve. Staff have enjoyed recognising and celebrating these efforts, reinforcing the message that every day in school really does count.

We look forward to welcoming even more pupils into the 1% Club as the initiative continues — well done to all those who have made such a positive start!

KS3

On Friday 6th March, we were delighted to celebrate the excellent attendance of our Key Stage 3 pupils with an Attendance Reward Breakfast. An impressive 185 pupils were invited after achieving 100% attendance during the six weeks of the Spring 1 half term.

The event was a wonderful opportunity to recognise pupils’ dedication to attending school every day. Staff were proud to celebrate their commitment, highlighting how consistent attendance helps pupils build strong friendships, develop confidence in their learning and make the most of every opportunity school offers.

The atmosphere at the breakfast was incredibly positive, with pupils enjoying the chance to be recognised for their hard work and perseverance. Celebrations like this reinforce our message that every day in school matters and that pupils’ efforts are valued.

Alongside celebrating 100% attendance, we also remain committed to recognising pupils who make improvements to their attendance, ensuring that progress and determination are celebrated across the school community.

A huge well done to all pupils who were invited — an excellent achievement and a fantastic example for others to follow.

KS4

On Thursday 5th March, we were proud to host an Attendance Reward Breakfast for our Key Stage 4 pupils, celebrating those who achieved 100% attendance during the Spring 1 half term. In total, 86 pupils earned an invitation to the event — a fantastic reflection of their dedication and resilience.

The breakfast was a chance for staff to recognise the effort it takes to attend school every day and to celebrate the positive habits that support both academic success and wellbeing. Pupils enjoyed the opportunity to come together, share breakfast with friends, and be acknowledged for their commitment to their learning.

At Dame Elizabeth Cadbury School, we know that strong attendance is key to achieving success, particularly for pupils preparing for their GCSEs. Events like this allow us to highlight the importance of being present every day while celebrating the pupils who consistently demonstrate this commitment.

While this breakfast recognised those with 100% attendance, we also look forward to celebrating pupils who improve their attendance throughout the year, ensuring that effort, progress and determination are always recognised.

Congratulations to all pupils who attended the breakfast — a brilliant achievement and something to be very proud of.

Yesterday, as part of our World Book Day celebrations, Dean Atta delivered two fantastic workshops for our pupils. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to meet a published author, especially as many of our Year 8 pupils are currently studying The Black Flamingo.

The sessions were engaging and inspiring, and pupils had the chance to write and share some truly beautiful poems. It was great to see them so enthusiastic about reading and creative writing.

Would it be possible to create a post about the visit for the website, social media, Matrix bulletin, and screens?

"It was also particularly exciting to welcome Dean to the school as he recently won a BAFTA for British Short Animation for the film Two Black Boys in Paradise, which is based on one of his poems. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClFxnrxWw4U

The visit was a real success, and the pupils had an amazing time. Dean delivered engaging workshops with the students, encouraging them to explore their creativity and express themselves through poetry. It was fantastic to see how quickly they embraced the activities and found their voices.

By the end of the sessions, the pupils had produced some truly beautiful and thoughtful poems. Their enthusiasm, confidence, and willingness to share their work made the workshops incredibly special."

On Thursday 26th February, our Year 7 pupils enjoyed an exciting trip to the MAD Museum and Shakespeare’s Schoolroom, taking part in a day full of learning and discovery.

At the MAD Museum, pupils saw their learning from Maths, Design Technology and Science come to life through fascinating mechanical exhibits and hands-on activities, sparking great questions and discussions.

After a picnic lunch in the sunshine, pupils visited Shakespeare’s Schoolroom where they experienced what life was like in a Shakespearean classroom. They took part in a traditional lesson, practised quill writing and even dressed in clothing from the period.

One of the highlights of the day was seeing pupils show real resilience, with some overcoming their fears of mini-beasts and butterflies and even handling them under supervision.

The day was a fantastic blend of education and fun. Well done to our pupils who were recognised by the venue for their excellent behaviour and enthusiasm.

On Wednesday 4th March, twelve of our Year 10 pupils attended the Women in STEM event at the University of Birmingham, joining over one hundred girls from schools across Birmingham for a day filled with inspiring STEM activities.

The day began with a fascinating session led by Dr Yanez, a leading researcher in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity. Pupils took part in a challenging workshop where they had to identify AI-generated images, sounds and videos, learning about the cutting-edge methods scientists are developing to detect artificial intelligence.

The group then participated in a skills workshop where they explored different personal strengths and considered how these skills could link to future careers in STEM fields.

A highlight of the day was an all-female scientific panel, where researchers and professionals spoke openly about the barriers women can face in STEM careers. The panel shared practical advice and encouraged the pupils to pursue their interests with confidence and determination.

To finish the day, pupils worked alongside researchers, professors and female university students to create their own career pathway timelines, helping them to visualise the steps they might take to achieve their future ambitions.

Our pupils engaged brilliantly throughout the day, asking thoughtful questions and fully embracing the activities. 

It was a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to be inspired, build confidence and see the many exciting possibilities that STEM careers can offer.

On Monday 2nd March, Year 7 pupils attended a powerful and thought-provoking performance from Saltmine Theatre Company.

The production, Switch Up, explored the complex and interconnected issues of knife crime, gang violence, county lines and joint enterprise, encouraging pupils to reflect on the serious consequences of carrying a knife and becoming involved in criminal activity.

Through a gripping live performance, pupils were challenged to think about choices, peer pressure and identity, and how the decisions young people make can have lasting impacts on their lives and the lives of others.

Following the performance, pupils took part in a workshop discussion with the actors, allowing them to explore the themes further and ask questions in a supportive environment.

Switch Up provides an important opportunity to raise awareness, encourage reflection and support pupils in making safe and positive choices.

We would like to thank Saltmine Theatre Company for delivering such an impactful and engaging session for our Year 7 pupils.

We are delighted to announce an exciting new initiative here at Dame Elizabeth Cadbury From Monday 9th March , we will be introducing a brand-new breakfast offer for all pupils.

We know that a healthy breakfast is the best way to start the school day, helping children to concentrate, learn, and perform their best in lessons. To support this, we will be offering a range of nutritious breakfast items to ensure every child has the opportunity to start the day with a good meal.

What is on offer?

The new breakfast menu will include a selection of healthy options such as [e.g., cereal, toast, fresh fruit, yogurt, and milk/juice] . The menu is attached to this letter.

When is it available?

The breakfast service will be available from 8:00 AM in the Canteen.

To allow your child to access this, please ensure you have arrangements in place to get them to school a little earlier than usual. Pupils can be let into the school building from 8:00 AM to take part.

Important information for parents of pupils eligible for Free School Meals
If your child is eligible for Free School Meals, they can use their daily allowance of 80p to purchase one of the new breakfast items. This is a great way to make the most of this benefit and ensure your child is well-fuelled for the morning ahead.

We are really looking forward to launching this service and believe it will make a positive difference to the school day. Thank you in advance for your support in making this a success.

If you have any questions about the new breakfast offer, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.

Our new 1% Club attendance incentive has launched this week and the response from pupils has been fantastic.

The challenge encourages pupils to attend school for 12 consecutive days, which can boost their overall attendance by 1% — a small change that can make a big difference across the year.

Just four days into the challenge, 132 pupils are already taking part, collecting daily stamps on their 1% Club cards. An impressive 117 pupils have achieved 100% attendance since the launch, showing a fantastic commitment to being in school every day.

Across all pupils taking part, the average attendance so far is 95.1%, highlighting the positive impact the initiative is already having.

There has been a real buzz around school each lunchtime as cards are stamped and pupils work towards completing the first round of the challenge. We look forward to celebrating the first pupils who successfully join The 1% Club.

From Monday 9th March, we will launch a new Form Tutor Attendance Mentoring programme to further support whole-school attendance and pupil wellbeing.

Pupils will take part in short, regular check-ins with a form tutor, usually lasting around 5–10 minutes. Tutors will review attendance, help pupils set small, achievable goals, identify any barriers to attending school and celebrate improvements.

As part of the programme, form tutors will mentor pupils from different houses, helping to build positive relationships across the school community.

These simple but consistent interactions help to:

• Build trust
• Strengthen pupils’ sense of belonging
• Increase accountability
• Prevent patterns of persistent absence

At Dame Elizabeth Cadbury School, we know that strong relationships are key to engagement and success. When pupils feel known, supported and valued, they are more likely to attend school and thrive.