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 💪

On Thursday 26th February, Dame Elizabeth Cadbury pupils attended Bloxwich Academy to take part in the annual Matrix Academy Trust Performing Arts Showcase, performing alongside pupils from the eight other Matrix schools.

Our pupils demonstrated the very best of DEC in both Music and Dance, and we are incredibly proud of the talent, confidence and professionalism they showed on stage.

Our Year 8 and Year 10 dancers — Imogen, Awa, Keira-May, Aila and Ashanti — performed a beautiful lyrical contemporary routine to Dandelions. 

Our DEC Band, School of Rock — Marcel, Lincoln, Will and Jacob — delivered fantastic performances of Holiday by Green Day and Iris, sung by Freya (Year 12).

It was a wonderful morning filled with exceptional talent from across the Matrix Academy Trust. Well done to all pupils involved for representing DEC so brilliantly!

On Friday 27th February, Year 10 pupils from our CNAT Sport and BTEC Performing Arts courses, alongside Sixth Form students studying BTEC Sport, attended the Careers in Sport Live Careers Fair at Edgbaston Cricket Ground.

The event provided pupils with the opportunity to speak to exhibitors from a range of universities, further education providers and training organisations. This gave them a broader understanding of the different career pathways and job opportunities available within the sports sector.

It was a valuable experience that helped pupils explore their future options and consider the many routes into careers in sport.

On Wednesday 25th February, 40 of our students enjoyed an unforgettable visit to the Birmingham Hippodrome to see the electrifying stage production of Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief: The Musical.

The trip was organised as a special reading reward, celebrating students’ enthusiasm and commitment to reading. Having recently selected Percy Jackson as a ‘BookFlix’ pick - where students read the novel and explored its screen adaptation - the theatre visit was the perfect way to bring the story to life beyond the page.

From the moment the curtain rose, students were captivated. The high-energy musical numbers, dramatic special effects and witty script had everyone fully engaged. Many commented on how exciting it was to see familiar characters and scenes performed live on stage, and how the production added new depth and humour to a story they already loved.

Staff were particularly proud of the exemplary behaviour shown throughout the evening. Students represented the school brilliantly, demonstrating maturity, respect and enthusiasm from the coach journey to the final applause. Theatre staff even praised the group for their positive attitude and excellent conduct.

The trip was a wonderful celebration of reading, rewarding students for their hard work while reinforcing the joy of storytelling in all its forms. Following the success of this visit, plans are already underway for another reading theatre trip soon — something our students are already eagerly anticipating.

Well done to everyone who attended for making it such a memorable and successful evening!

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Before half-term our year 7 and year 8 girls basketball teams had a fantastic afternoon competing in the 'Birmingham School Games 3x3 Basketball Tournament' held at Selly Park Girls' School.​

​We competed against Selly Park Girls School, Bartley Green School, Eden Girls' School and Shenley Academy.​​

Year 7 Team​

Mya, Alexa and Kara

Year 8 Team​

Awa, Keira and Ronni

Both teams performed exceptionally well and showed great determination throughout the tournament. We are proud to announce that we won every game we played! There were lots of baskets scored across the afternoon, with excellent teamwork, communication and resilience on display. The girls demonstrated our school’s STRIVE values at all times, supporting one another and playing with positivity and respect. A huge well done to all players for representing the school so brilliantly!​

We are incredibly proud of our Year 9 students who recently took part in the UKMT Intermediate Mathematical Challenge. ​

An impressive 57 students rose to the challenge,demonstrating resilience, problem-solving skills and mathematical flair. ​

​Of these, 13 students achieved certificates – an outstanding accomplishment – including 1 Gold, 5 Silver and 7 Bronze awards. ​

This is a fantastic achievement and reflects the hard work and dedication our students continue to show in mathematics. Individual results and certificates will be distributed soon – well done to everyone who took part!​

This afternoon, we celebrated with 100 of our Year 7 pupils at our Spring Attendance Movie Reward event.

These pupils achieved 100% attendance and punctuality between 2nd and 13th February, demonstrating real commitment to being in school every day and on time. This is a fantastic achievement and a strong start to their secondary school journey.

Pupils enjoyed a film chosen by them — Avatar: The Way of Water — along with popcorn and sweets, creating a relaxed and celebratory atmosphere.

Well done to all our Year 7 pupils who met the challenge — we are very proud of you!

On Thursday 12th February, Miss Hart and Miss Britt took 20 Year 8 Exeter pupils to Cadbury World to celebrate their exceptional attendance, punctuality and behaviour this half term.

At the beginning of term, pupils were challenged to achieve 100% attendance, zero late marks and a positive behaviour ratio of 95% or higher on ClassCharts. Pupils in 8EX1 and 8EX2 rose to the challenge, consistently demonstrating our STRIVE values through their commitment, self-motivation and integrity each day.

As a reward for maintaining such high standards, pupils enjoyed a fantastic day at Cadbury World. They discovered how chocolate is made, explored the history of the Cadbury brand, experienced the 4D cinema, enjoyed an interactive ride and, of course, received plenty of chocolate along the way!

It was a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate their hard work, proving that consistent effort and positive choices truly do pay off.