Fourteen Year 8 students recently attended a STEM Science Fair, where they took part in a range of engaging workshops, interactive sessions, and hands-on activities designed to inspire future scientists, engineers, and innovators.

The day began with students exploring stalls hosted by external companies and organisations. Activities included virtual reality experiences, reaction time challenges, flight aerodynamics demonstrations, and a variety of problem-solving tasks that encouraged critical thinking and teamwork.

One of the highlights of the day was a fascinating lecture entitled How to Freeze a Human. Students learned about advances in preserving organs for transplantation and how this research could help save lives in the future. Several of our students confidently volunteered to assist during the session, demonstrating enthusiasm and a willingness to engage with complex scientific concepts.

Students also took part in a workshop led by the Air League, exploring the problem-solving skills required in aviation. Working alongside students from another school within the Matrix Trust, they completed a series of teamwork challenges that developed their communication, leadership, and analytical skills.

Throughout the day, our students impressed both the presenters and the visiting companies with their enthusiasm, resilience, and exceptional problem-solving abilities. Several members of staff commented on how brilliantly they approached challenges, with some students successfully solving problems that no other groups had managed to complete. Their maturity, teamwork, and determination were praised throughout the event.

The day concluded with a visit to the Thinktank, where students explored a variety of immersive exhibits, interactive games, and hands-on science stations.

The trip was a fantastic experience, providing valuable insight into the many opportunities available within STEM careers. Our Year 8 students were a real asset to both the school and themselves, representing the school with pride while demonstrating the confidence, curiosity, and talent that will undoubtedly support their future success.

On 17 June, we were proud to celebrate National Thank a Teacher Day, recognising the incredible dedication and commitment of all our teaching and support staff.

Parents and carers were invited to send free personalised thank you messages to members of staff who have made a positive difference to their child's education and wellbeing, helping to celebrate the impact our colleagues have every day.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their appreciation and to all of our staff for the care, commitment and support they provide to our school community.

On Thursday 11^th June, Miss Hart took 11 Year 7 Girls to attend the 'Girls of Brum' Day, held at the Alexander Stadium. 

Centred around empowering young girls in all areas of life, but particularly sport, the day consisted of inspirational talks from famous athletes, interactive stalls run by a range of sports organisations, youth clubs and community projects, along with an afternoon of sports workshops.

The girls had the opportunity to learn more about what is available to them in the local area and take part in sports, like cricket, golf and cycling, that they wouldn't normally take part in, and had an amazing time making friendship bracelets, getting glitter tattoos, writing positive affirmations, learning dance routines and more!

Overall, it was amazing day to celebrate what women can do!

Our Year 10 students recently took part in a highly successful Mock Interview Day, with over 24 employers and industry professionals generously giving their time to support the event.

Students experienced realistic interview situations, helping them to develop their confidence, communication skills and understanding of employers’ expectations. The opportunity to receive personalised feedback from professionals was invaluable and will help them prepare for future college, apprenticeship and employment opportunities.

The employers were full of praise for our students, commenting on their enthusiasm, politeness and willingness to engage. The feedback received was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the excellent attitudes and potential demonstrated by our young people.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the employers who volunteered their time and expertise to make the day such a success. Their support plays a vital role in preparing our students for the world of work and inspiring their future aspirations.

Dame Elizabeth Cadbury School in Bournville has been awarded Intermediate level of the British Council’s prestigious International School Award in recognition of its work to bring the world into the classroom.

The International School Award celebrates the achievements of schools that do exceptional work in international education. Fostering an international dimension in the curriculum is at the heart of the British Council’s work with schools so that young people gain the cultural understanding and skills they need for life and work in today’s world.

Shannon West, Head of UK Schools for the British Council, said: Dame Elizabeth Cadbury's international work has earned the school well-deserved recognition with the British Council International School Award - Intermediate Certificate.

We are proud and delighted to work with this great school. Many thanks to everyone for all their commitment to developing international work and sharing excellent classroom practice and resources. This is enriching education for its pupils, and their excellent collaborative projects with partner schools overseas are bringing the world into their classrooms. International work is key support for developing skills young people need to be globally aware citizens of the future.

Embedding an international ethos across a school can lead to International School Award Accreditation, the highest award level. Schools looking to join this supportive and engaging global network should contact us at the British Council”.

The Award is now available worldwide in countries such as Greece, India, and Nigeria. Over 6000 International School Awards have been presented to successful schools in the UK since the scheme began in 1999.

The International School Award encourages and supports schools to develop:

• An international ethos embedded throughout the school
• A whole school approach to international work
• Collaborative curriculum-based work with international partner schools
• Year-round international activity
• Involvement of the wider community

We were delighted to welcome Year 6 pupils and their parents and carers to our Transition Workshop on 2nd June focused on attendance and a successful start to secondary school.
As part of our transition process, we carefully review information provided by primary schools alongside national attendance data to identify pupils who may benefit from additional support during the move to secondary school. The workshop was designed as a positive and proactive opportunity to help pupils and families feel confident, supported and prepared for September.
During the evening, parents and carers learned about the importance of strong attendance, positive routines and reading habits in supporting pupils' achievement, wellbeing and confidence. Families also explored our STRIVE values, the support available at DEC, and the wide range of enrichment and leadership opportunities that help pupils feel connected to school. We also discussed common transition challenges and how our attendance, pastoral, SEND and wellbeing teams work closely with families to provide early support where needed.
Meanwhile, Year 6 pupils spent time with our fantastic Year 10 Prefects, who answered questions, shared their experiences and helped pupils feel excited about starting secondary school. The prefects represented the school exceptionally well and many have already volunteered to support future transition events, including Induction Day.
We were incredibly pleased to receive positive feedback from parents and carers following the event. Comments included:
“This evening’s workshop was great. It was useful to learn about the transition period.”
“Lots of support available.”
“My child will be cared for.”
“You understand my worries about the transition.”
“My child really enjoyed his time with the Prefects who are a credit to the school.”
“My child really enjoyed spending time with your Year 10s.”
We would like to thank all families who attended, alongside our Year 10 Prefects and staff, for making the evening such a success. We look forward to continuing to support our incoming Year 7 pupils as they prepare for the next exciting stage of their education.

Pupils from Dame Elizabeth Cadbury School recently had an exciting opportunity to attend a Future Lionesses football Talent ID Day, where they competed in fast-paced 3v3 games against talented players from across Birmingham. The standard of football on display was exceptional, and our four representatives rose to the occasion brilliantly, showcasing skill, determination and teamwork throughout the event.

All four pupils delivered outstanding performances, consistently impressing coaches with their technical ability and game awareness. Their efforts were recognised with a fantastic achievement: each of them has been invited to attend the next round of county trials.

A special mention goes to Alexa, who particularly caught the attention of the England coaching staff. They have expressed a strong interest in following her development more closely and are keen to stay in contact as she continues her football journey.

This is a remarkable accomplishment for all four players and a proud moment for the school. We look forward to supporting them as they take the next steps in their football pathways.

The pupils were:

• Amelia
• Kalsi
• Alexa
• Ronni

On Thursday 30^th April, we hosted this year's DEC's Got Talent Showcase, a celebration of Dance, Music and Singing! All pupils that took part in the evening demonstrated their abilities to the highest standards, showcasing the level of talent we have at DEC. 

A huge congratulations to all pupils that took part- 'THE' Year 10 School of Rock Band (Marcel, Will, Jacob & Lincoln) with Freya, Year 8 School of Rock Band (Scarlett, Kziah & Harley), Choir (Scarlett, Soraya & Tara), Year 7 Dance Company (Rose, Sofia & Katherine), Year 8 Dance Company (Awa, Kiera & Mandipa) and our Soloists (Mylah, Ettie, Adrian, Marcus & Kziah).

On Thursday 30th April, 20 pupils from Years 8 and 9 took part in the first stage of our exciting Physical Activity Champions project, led by Gemma from Spark Active.

The project aims to increase participation in physical activity by empowering young people to shape opportunities for their peers. During the session, pupils explored what it means to be a Physical Activity Champion and shared a range of creative ideas about how to encourage more students to get involved in sport and physical activity, whether for enjoyment, wellbeing or competitive participation.

The enthusiasm, teamwork and thoughtful discussions demonstrated by our pupils were outstanding. They identified barriers to participation, considered the needs of different groups of students and began developing innovative solutions that could make a real difference within our school community.

The session concluded with the group agreeing on their next steps. Working collaboratively, they will now design, develop and trial their own initiative to promote greater engagement in physical activity across the school.

We look forward to seeing their ideas come to life and the positive impact they will have on encouraging more pupils to lead active, healthy lifestyles.

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.