‘Good to Know – Working with Families’ Useful Links
Sandwell MBC publish a regular newsletter of useful links and helpful information to support families in the local community. You may find these links and events to be of interest or to provide some support. Click the links below for more information.
Proposed Merger between Q3 Academies Trust and The Mercian Trust
As you may know, our Academy is part of Q3 Academies Trust which is proposing to merge with The Mercian Trust. We believe that this will bring more opportunities for our students, but we would very much like to hear the views of parents/carers, staff, and other stakeholders.
COVID-19 Tests for Families
Families who live with, or are in a bubble with, children attending the Academy (or any other educational or childcare setting) are being encouraged to, participate in twice-weekly COVID-19 testing. Self-test kits can be collected free of charge from a Sandwell testing centre (not the Academy). Full details are available here.
Message from Sandwell MBC
Firstly, thank you for the support you have shown to your children and the Academy during the latest lockdown period. Your efforts to keep children safe and to also educate them at home has been really appreciated. As you will know, the Government announced that the Academy will begin to reopen from 8 March. This will mean that it is once again mandatory for all children to attend unless they are Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) and have been advised to stay at home.
A Message from our Chief Executive
Welcome back, I hope you managed to have some restful time over half term. I would like to say thank you to all of you for the continued support you have given to Q3 Academies and to each other during these uncertain and difficult times.
Academy Reopening and Testing Schedule
We are excited to confirm that we will be reopening to all students over the coming weeks in line with government guidelines, and cannot wait to welcome students back to face-to-face teaching!
Keeping Students Safe Online
Q3 Academy Great Barr has been recognised for its commitment to helping students stay safe online. We are now National Online Safety certified!
Year 9 Pathways Event
Our Year 9 Pathways event will be starting on Monday 29th March 2021. This will be an opportunity for you and your child to discuss and explore possible option subjects for Year 10, along with the alternative Pathways which will allow for best progression from Key Stage 3 into Key Stage 4 and beyond.
Year 10 Work Experience
Unfortunately, as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, we have made the decision not to carry out external Work Experience with our Year 10 students this year. Many companies have contacted us to say that due to the current climate, they will be unable to offer placements this summer.
National Tutoring Programme
Overview We have the fantastic opportunity for some of our students to receive small group tutoring from a subject specialist in core subjects. These sessions will take place by video call on a dedicated tutoring platform, they’re in the evenings, and in addition to their lessons at the Academy. They’re a great way to boost students’ confidence and improve knowledge, and come highly recommended by previous students who have found the sessions beneficial. The times and days of the sessions will be dependent on the availability of the tutor, and be confirmed on allocation. Sign-Up The sign-up for the National Tutoring Programme closed on Friday 7th May. If you have already applied then you will receive more information in due course once a tutor has been allocated. Information, User Guide, Privacy Notice, and Right to Withdraw The National Tutoring Programme is in place to support selected students and is paid for fully by the Academy and through government subsidy meaning that there is absolutely no cost to parents/carers. The Tutors used in the programme liaise with Academy teaching staff to ensure that the content is tailored specifically to the needs of students to help them reach their full academic potential. The Programme is delivered through government selected, trusted organisations, and students can access the tutoring programme at their allocated time through an online platform. They will be sent details on how to log in to this platform to their Academy email address ahead of their first session along with details... (Read More...)