Why Zoe’s Place matters

Zoe’s place baby hospice strives to make sure every child, every baby can enjoy life the best way possible. They provide support for babies and young children with complex illnesses and disabilities. For the kids who receive them, these services aren’t just treatments similar to a trip to the clinic, they're given a chance to socialise, play, learn, and grow. For the parents and guardians, it’s a reassurance that they’re taking the best next step in the development of their child, and support through the journey.

How Our School Is Making a Difference

This term, students and teachers across the school are coming together to show a unified effort to help support these services for Zoe’s Place. Head students meeting with the representatives was informative on the different, and best ways to help.

Plans have been set to raise money and spread awareness of the work being done and why. Our recent success has been seen through a non uniform day by the whole school. One of the many plans to raise money, all while helping with the Hospice’s Amazon wish lists to reduce the burden on them keeping it a bright and bubbly environment. More plans include charity sports matches, bake sales and more, from the head students team.

The representatives say:

“It’s inspiring to see how much the students care. Every action taken is a step toward giving someone a better day.”

How You Can Get Involved

Getting involved is easy and you don’t need to donate a lot to make a difference. Here are three simple ways you can help:

Most importantly: Share the message with friends and family to help spread awareness

Help with an item from the wishlist posted in every classroom

Join the sports matches planned, have some fun with the bake sales and other events.

Even one pound helps a child just like you feel better.

Together, We Can Make a Change

Our school has always been proud of its community spirit, and this charity drive is a chance to show what we can achieve when we work together. Let’s help Zoe’s Place reach even more children, and make this the most successful drive our school has ever had.

Every small action counts. What will yours be?

End of Autumn Term for Key Stage 5

Year 12 and 13 students have finished term 1 of this academic year. For Year 12s I hope now all are settled and ready to buckle down as the intensity is going to increase into the new year, especially as our vocational subjects begin to see their first few deadlines pass and a few exams after the Christmas break. For all other subjects the difficulty will also step up as we begin to prepare for end of year exams and mocks. In the new year we will also begin to consider destinations and goals for the end of Year 13, setting our sights early and staying motivated over the next 18 months. 

Year 13 students have been working hard on getting their UCAS applications done - we have a record 103 applications this year looking at going to university all over the country and in courses ranging from various different disciplines from a variety of engineering courses, pure sciences and mathematics, medical sectors, computing, and law. They've also been preparing for exams - both mock exams and real ones - at the end of this term and in the new year. We hope that these will give the best view of where students are at currently and what they need to work on ahead of May.

Students are working hard, I look forward to continuing this push into the new year. For all those who celebrate various events at this time of year I wish you a happy and healthy holidays. 

Mr Gardner

students, whether that’s guiding them through UCAS, helping them prepare for mocks, or developing student leadership through exciting new projects.

If you weren’t working here, what would your dream job be?

If I wasn't working here, my dream job would be something that still involves problem-solving, innovation, and working with people— most likely working in the Manufacturing Engineering sector I studied for my undergraduate degree. I found particular interest in logistics and production control, so would probably look into a field involving Supply Chain Management. Before I became a teacher I was particularly interested in the medical sector for production and engineering.

What do you think makes WMG Academy different from other schools or colleges?

WMG Academy stands out because of its unique blend of academic study and real-world, industry-focused learning. The strong connections to engineering and technology give students access to experiences and ways of working that simply aren’t available in most traditional schools. It’s a place where the curriculum feels relevant, purposeful, and aligned to genuine future pathways.

What unique opportunities or experiences do students at WMG receive that they might not get anywhere else?

Students have access to specialist engineering facilities, hands-on workshop experience, and careers-driven learning embedded throughout their courses. From making their own engineered tools in Year 10 to engaging in discussions about innovation and the future of engineering in Year 12, they see the practical side of STEM subjects in a way that mirrors industry environments. Leadership opportunities in the sixth form are also extensive and meaningful, giving students a chance to make a real impact.

In what ways do you feel WMG Academy supports its students to achieve their best?

WMG Academy supports its students through targeted academic guidance, high expectations, and personalised pathways—particularly in Key Stage 5. Whether students are preparing for GCSEs, A-levels, engineering coursework, IT exams, or their future university destinations, they receive dedicated support from staff who know them well. The combination of academic structure, pastoral care, and industry-aligned opportunities helps students build both confidence and competence as they progress toward their goals.