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!

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.

Come and witness the magic!

Join us for an evening of incredible performances as our talented pupils showcase their unique acts at DEC's Got Talent! From jaw-dropping dance routines to amazing musical performances and more, there’s something for everyone!

Date: Monday 7^th April 2025
Time: 5.30-7.00pm

Location: School Hall

Cost: £1.50 (all donations go to charity)

Don't miss the chance to cheer for our stars of tomorrow!

Bring your friends and family for a night full of talent, fun, and excitement! 

A huge well done to all the sixth formers and staff who took part in the Chocolate 5K, whether running or volunteering, to support Birmingham Hospice. Your dedication and effort have made a real difference, helping to raise awareness and vital funds for such an important cause. Chris Rutter, the events manager had this to say about our students and staff:

"It was great to meet you (Mr Scarth - Head of Sixth Form) and the students on Saturday and hope you all had a good day. I wanted to say a massive THANK YOU to you all who volunteered and took part in the event on Saturday, from getting the 750 bags ready for the registration of runners, to cheering on the runners when they finished and giving out the chocolate medals to the supporters who took part in the race."

So far, we've raised an amazing £403—an incredible 80% of our target! Let’s keep the momentum going and push towards our goal. Thank you for your generosity, enthusiasm, and community spirit! 💜

The Year 9 football team delivered an outstanding performance in the latest round of the prestigious Trevor Francis Cup, securing a commanding 3-0 victory over Yardleys School. The win showcased both the skill and determination of the team, as they dominated the match from start to finish.

The match was an exciting one, with the Year 9 squad taking control early. Their offensive pressure and solid defense kept Yardleys School on the back foot throughout the game. The first half saw some excellent play, with the team breaking through Yardleys’ defense to take a comfortable lead. By the final whistle, the scoreline was 3-0, a clear reflection of the team's hard work and cohesion.

Key performances came from several players, with standout contributions in both attack and defense. The team’s defensive unit was resolute, ensuring that Yardleys never really got a chance to test the goalkeeper. Meanwhile, the attacking force was clinical, finishing chances and providing excellent build-up play.

This victory sees the Year 9 team advancing to the next round of the Trevor Francis Cup, where they will look to continue their impressive run. Well done to all involved, and we look forward to the next match!

Well done to all the team:

• J Roberts
• C Fallon
• H Cranmer
• J Szabo
• A Ahmed
• D Woodall
• K Allen
• S Gambiza
• Z Reisner
• J Lawrence 
• A Green (Captain)
• D Hibbert 
• B Jelley
• S Grant

We are excited to share that on Wednesday 26th March, 16 Year 12 students, accompanied by two staff members, had the wonderful opportunity to visit the University of Manchester. The day was filled with engaging activities that provided our students with valuable insights into university life and the application process.

The trip began with a self-led tour of the Manchester Museum, where students had the chance to explore real dinosaur fossils and ancient Egyptian mummies at their own pace. Following the museum visit, students enjoyed lunch on campus, experiencing university life in between lectures.

After lunch, the students attended a presentation by current University of Manchester students, who shared their experiences and offered helpful advice on the UCAS application process. This was followed by a Q&A session, where our students were able to ask questions about university courses and student life. Following the Q&A, the group was given a tour of the University of Manchester campus, allowing them to see the facilities and learn more about what life as a student there would be like.

The group then had the opportunity to explore some of Manchester’s vibrant city areas, including Manchester's Northern Quarter, the iconic Affleck’s Palace, and the Arndale Shopping Centre. The day concluded with a delicious pizza at Rudy’s Pizza in Manchester City Centre before returning home safely.

We would also like to highlight how fantastic, respectful, and punctual all of the students were throughout the trip. They were an absolute credit to Dame Elizabeth Cadbury, and their exemplary behaviour ensured that they represented our school in the best possible way.

Additionally, one Year 13 student joined the trip as part of her own university application process, gaining valuable insight into what studying at the University of Manchester could be like.

Overall, the day was a great success, broadening our students’ horizons and providing them with more options to consider when applying to universities in the next academic year.

We need your help! Join us in making a real difference by supporting the Chocolate 5K in aid of Birmingham Hospice. Every donation we provide, big or small, helps the hospice move forward in their mission to provide everyone with expert end of life care.

Thank you for all your continued support, Mr Scarth and all the sixth form Team. 

Donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/decscharity

We are delighted that 12 of our amazing pupils have been chosen to take part in The Scholars Programme. The Scholars Programme aims to give children an experience of university learning to help them make an informed decision about their future. Throughout The Scholars Programme our pupils will take part in small group university-style tutorials delivered by a PhD tutor, teaching a topic based on their current research. The topic for this years cohort is stem cells and our pupils are already hooked!

The programme is structured around seven tutorials, and pupils also attend a Graduation Event at a partner university to speak with current undergraduates and learn about university life. Pupil's work towards completing a challenging final assignment which is marked and moderated using university grades.

Although university may not be for everyone, these pupils have been identified as having the potential to make a successful application to one of the UK’s most selective universities in the future.  Well done year 10!

Recently, a group of our dedicated pupils had the wonderful opportunity to visit Birmingham Children’s Hospital, to learn about the vital work being done there and explore ways they could support the hospital through fundraising efforts.

The visit provided a unique insight into the challenges faced by the hospital and the children it serves. Our pupils were given a tour of the facility, where they learned about the various departments and the specialised care provided to young patients. They also had the chance to meet some of the medical professionals and staff who work tirelessly to create a comforting and supportive environment for children and their families.

During the visit, the students engaged in a discussion about what the latest fundraising project was for, i.e. a newer, more welcoming entrance to the hospital. They were also encouraged to think creatively about how to raise awareness and encourage others in the community to get involved.

Our pupils, and other across our Matrix Academy Trust, are truly inspired by the stories they heard and are now eager to take action. Their enthusiasm and dedication to helping others reflect the DEC STRIVE values we instill in our school community. With their passion and commitment, we are confident they will make a positive impact on the lives of the children at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. 

Stay tuned for more updates as our students begin their fundraising journey and continue to make a difference in the lives of others! WATCH THIS SPACE!

This week, our Year 7 students embarked on an exciting trip to a Attwell Farm, where they had the opportunity to experience life on a working farm firsthand. It was a day filled with learning, laughter, and plenty of hands-on experiences.

The day began with a guided tour of the farm, where students had the chance to meet various animals, including cows, sheep, chickens, and even some playful goats. They learned about the daily routines of farm life, from milking cows to collecting eggs and feeding the animals. Many students were surprised by how much effort it takes to keep a farm running smoothly!

One of the highlights of the day was watching a sheep give birth to twins!

The Year 7 farm trip was an unforgettable experience that gave our students a deeper understanding of agriculture, sustainability, and the importance of working together. We look forward to more trips like this in the future and hope that our students continue to develop a love and respect for nature.

A huge thank you to the farm staff for their warm welcome and expert guidance throughout the day!