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.

On Wednesday 25th February, our Year 7 pupils attended a powerful theatre performance from Loudmouth called “A Step Too Far.”

The production brought to life the real impact that bullying can have on young people, particularly its effect on mental wellbeing. Through drama and guided discussion, pupils explored a range of important topics including cyberbullying, sextortion, sexist and homophobic bullying, and the importance of respect in relationships. The session also highlighted that boys can be victims of teenage relationship abuse, helping to challenge stereotypes and encourage open conversations.

The performance supports the National Crime Agency’s alert to schools regarding the rise in sextortion, helping pupils to understand the risks online and how to seek help if they ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

Following the performance, pupils took part in a discussion workshop where they were able to reflect on the themes, ask questions and consider how they can support each other and promote respectful behaviour both in school and online.

As part of the experience, pupils are able to sign off “Attend a PSHE talk with an external speaker” on their Pupil Pledge, recognising their engagement with important real-world learning.

This event is a great example of the enriching opportunities available to our pupils — experiences that support their personal development, wellbeing and understanding of the world around them.

And, of course, it highlights an important message: you have to be in school to benefit from these opportunities.

On Monday 2nd March, we launched our first Year 7 & 9 Attendance Peer Mentoring session. The programme brings together Year 9 mentors and Year 7 mentees to build positive relationships and support strong attendance habits.

The first session focused on building rapport between mentors and mentees using the mentoring booklet as a guide. Pupils took part in icebreaker conversations to help mentors understand their mentee’s wellbeing, daily routines and experience of school. These discussions also explored any barriers to attendance in a supportive and non-judgemental way.

Pupils were also encouraged to begin thinking about personal goals and what they would like to gain from the mentoring sessions.

Moving forward, sessions will follow a simple structure:

• Recap on previous targets
• Discuss a focus for the session (for example returning to school after holidays or building routines)
• Set a small, realistic goal for the week ahead

The programme aims to strengthen pupils’ sense of belonging, build confidence and support every pupil to attend school regularly and succeed.

To continue celebrating and rewarding outstanding attendance, we’re launching a special Easter Attendance Incentive in the run-up to the holidays!

📅 Monday 16th – Friday 27th March
If pupils attend school every day and arrive on time during this period, they will:

✨ Receive an Easter treat on Friday 27th March
🎟️ Be entered into a raffle draw with the chance to win an Easter surprise (two winners from each year group!)
🎁 Plus — one lucky pupil/family will win our Grand Prize Easter Hamper!

Every day in school counts. Be here, be on time, and be in with a chance to win!

Let’s finish the term strong 💪