END OF AUTUMN TERM NEWSLETTER - FEBRUARY 2026
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MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Parents,
This half term has flown by, and I am sure the next half term will do the same. The lighter mornings and the promise of spring have been most welcome as we move through February 2026.
As ever, the academy has been busy. We end this half term with National Apprenticeship Week, during which students across all year groups have taken part in a wide range of activities, including our annual Apprenticeship Careers Fair.
During the last half term, students in Years 11 and 13 completed mock examinations as part of their ongoing preparation for the summer exam series. Students approached these assessments with maturity and resilience. Following careful analysis of the data to identify strengths, gaps and patterns in performance, a range of targeted interventions is now underway. These are designed to support all students, across the full ability range, to achieve their very best outcomes in the summer. Interventions include subject-specific support, revision strategies, academic mentoring and opportunities for personalised guidance.
On Tuesday, Year 11 students took part in an information session outlining WMG’s Post-16 offer. We strongly encourage you to use the break as an opportunity to discuss your child’s next steps with them. We still have places available for our Year 11 students in WMG Sixth Form and would welcome applications from those considering continuing their studies with us. We are pleased to share that WMG Solihull is one of the few sixth forms in the borough to offer A Levels, T Levels, vocational qualifications and a hybrid pathway. Please visit our website for more information, and take some time to read the pen portraits of our alumni, highlighting the fantastic destinations they have achieved following their studies at WMG Sixth Form.
Kind regards,
Claire Morris
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO OF WMG ACADEMY
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO OF WMG ACADEMY
This has been an extremely busy and productive half term in both academies, laying foundations for exams in the summer and hosting a myriad of employer events to prepare students for their next steps. A particular highlight has been the National Apprenticeship Week, this week, where as a Trust, we have hosted events from over 40 companies which included Schneider Electric, Severn Trent, Stallentis, Collins Aerospace, BMW and many more. This impressive commitment by our partners has enabled opportunities for students to be engaged in a selection of over 20 company interactions across the Trust over the course of the week.
The countdown has now started for the summer examination series which is now under 10 teaching weeks away! Staff in both academies have been planning lots of support and preparation for students in the run up to their exams.
In the meantime, whilst thanking parents and staff for their ongoing support and students for their perseverance and commitment, I wish all a safe and restful half term which hopefully is blessed with some drier weather.
Stewart Tait - CEO
Mayor Mackenzie Celebrates Student Art Talent at WMG Academy Solihull
On Monday 12th January, we were delighted to host Mayor Mackenzie at WMG Academy, Solihull as she visited to meet our winners from the art competition 'Your Future Chelmsley Wood Project'.
The competition entries were completed within the Art Enrichment sessions where we look at participating in local and national art competitions, with a fair bit of success so far.
As part of the art competition, students looked at their connection to the local area of Chelmsley Wood with a particular focus on the natural landscape.
The 11-14 years age category was won by Jorge Draper and Hasan Hussein in Year 10, who focused on Babbs Mill Park. The 15-18 years age category was won by Glynnis Bautista, Lily Exton and Brooke Davidson in Year 11 who focused on their meeting point at a local bus stop.
Glynnis Bautista, Year 11 commented that “It was an honour to meet Mayor Mackenzie, she was very welcoming and we enjoyed talking to her about art”.
On the day of the visit, Mayor Mackenzie met and awarded the prizes to the students and had photographs taken with Mr Stuart Tait, Mrs Claire Morris and Mrs Kit Brown along with the winning students. Madame Mayor then enjoyed a tour of the school led by our Head Students, Mia Hill and Grace Palmer. That was followed by a meeting and discussion with our principal, Mrs Claire Morris.
Mayor Mackenzie said,
The imagination and passion shown by these young artists is truly inspiring. Their work reflects their pride in their community, as well as a clear vision for a greener, healthier Chelmsley Wood. It’s wonderful to see the next generation leading the conversation about our shared future.
Associate Principal, Claire Morris said,
It was a pleasure to welcome Madame Mayor for her first visit to WMG Solihull, she shares the academy vision of preparing students for the world or work, ensuring students have access to a range of experiences across their time in education, both academic and enrichment.
Charlie Smith wins Wellbeing Postcard Art Competition
Charlie Smith was one of four students from across the borough who has been selected as a winner of the Wellbeing Postcard Project. Her design will be printed by Cameron Grant Memorial Trust and given out to other young people at the Hubs, schools, and colleges with mental health support information on the back. Charlie and a family member will be invited to the Mayor’s Parlour for a celebratory ‘tea’ in February.
Outstanding work from our 6th form student!
Antony created a monostable/astable circuit in engineering following the teacher's requirements over a timeframe of 2-3 weeks. He had to calculate values of resistors and created a design on an online website called circuit wizard. He encountered many problems with it but was resilient and after a lot of trial and error he got it working.
His & Hers Book Review
Hello fellow WMG-ers! As your Literacy Lead, I’m thrilled to bring you a recommendation that bridges the gap between the page and the screen—perfect for those "I’ll just watch one episode" nights that turn into 2:00 AM finishes. This month’s pick is a psychological masterclass.
The "Must-Read" Review: His & Hers by Alice Feeney
If you think you know how a thriller ends, Alice Feeney is here to prove you wrong. His & Hers isn't just a "whodunnit"; it’s a "who-is-telling-the-truth-it."
The Hook:
The story follows two main protagonists: Anna Andrews, a BBC presenter whose life is unravelling, and Jack Harper, a DCI who finds himself investigating a murder in their shared hometown. The twist? They both have secrets, they both have motives, and as the title suggests, there are two sides to every story and someone is lying.
Why It’s Perfect for WMG Staff:
At WMG Academy, we’re all about precision, analysis, and problem-solving. This book is essentially a high-stakes engineering project for the mind. You’ll find yourself:
Analysing the Mechanics: Feeney’s plotting is as intricate as a CAD drawing. Every "cog" in the narrative serves a purpose.
Evaluating Perspectives: It’s a brilliant study on bias something we talk about in literacy and science alike. How does our own perspective change the "data" of a situation?
The buzz is real; this has now been adapted into a Netflix series! As educators, we often debate the "Book vs. Movie" dilemma. My challenge to you: read the book first. Feeney’s prose has a rhythmic, almost haunting quality that a camera can’t quite capture. It’s the perfect way to engage our students in "Screen vs. Text" comparisons.
Why I Loved It (The Literacy Lead’s Take):
I was hooked by the unreliable narrator trope. It forces you to be an active reader; you can’t just passively consume the words. You have to interrogate them. It’s quirky, it’s dark, and it’s deliciously clever.
"There are two sides to every story: yours and mine, ours and theirs, His & Hers. Which means someone is always lying."
I’d love to know what you think!
Would you like me to set up a "Staff Book Swap" shelf in the staffroom? Or begin a staff book club?
Let’s get WMG reading!
Stay curious, Your Literacy Lead
WMG Academy Solihull welcomes Kerry Kirwan, Dean of WMG, University of Warwick
We was delighted to welcome Kerry Kirwan, Dean of WMG from the University of Warwick, on Tuesday 13th January for a visit highlighting the strong partnership between our institutions.
Mr Kirwan, who was appointed Dean on 1st August 2025, brings over 30 years of experience at WMG, University of Warwick. During his visit, he toured the Academy's state-of-the-art facilities and met with staff to discuss opportunities for enhanced collaboration.
“This alliance will create new pathways for our students and reinforce our dedication to world-class technical training. We are eager to expand these initiatives and ensure our students thrive through this prestigious connection” said Claire Morris, Associate Principal.
WMG at the University of Warwick is an academic department recognised as the leading international role model for successful collaboration between academia and the public and private sectors. The department drives innovation in science, technology and engineering, developing exceptional talent and ideas that shape the future.
“Our collaboration and strengthening of ties with WMG, University of Warwick will create enhanced learning opportunities, industry connections, and academic pathways for WMG Academy students Year 9 to Year 13,” said Stewart Tait, CEO of WMG Academy Trust.
Join Us for a Charity Vinyl Open Deck Night!
Spin Some Vinyl for a Great Cause!
Calling all crate-diggers, music lovers, and dance-floor fillers! We are thrilled to announce our inaugural Charity Vinyl Open Deck Night.
This isn't just a night of great music; it’s a student-led initiative. Our dedicated Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) group is hosting this event to fulfil their volunteering requirements, with every penny raised going directly to Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
The Details: When & Where
Mark your calendars for a night of analog warmth and community spirit:
Date: Thursday, 26th March 2026
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Activities Room & Canteen, WMG Academy, Solihull
Tickets: Available now via Parent Pay
How It Works: Your Music, Your Turn
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just found a cool record at a charity shop, this night is for you.
Open Decks: Bring your favourite vinyl records to play! From Abba to Anthrax, the
choice is entirely yours. No genre is off-limits.
No Experience Needed: Never touched a turntable? No problem! We’ll have friendly assistance on hand to help you drop the needle and get the music moving.
Not a DJ? That’s fine too! Come along to soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the eclectic tunes, and hit the dance floor.
Refreshments: Our DofE students will be running a non-alcoholic tuck shop throughout the night to keep your energy up and raise even more funds for the hospital.
Why Support Us?
Birmingham Children’s Hospital provides world-class care to young patients across the region. By joining us, you’re helping our students reach their DofE goals while supporting a vital local institution.
Get your tickets on Parent Pay today, dust off those records, and let’s make some noise for a fantastic cause!
Art Meets Literacy
Charlie Smith has written this review because she wanted to show how art can tell a story just as well as words can. By looking at the "Space Western" world of Trigun, she explored how a character’s design like Vash’s scars and red coat can show deep emotions and "psychologically corrosive" trauma. She was so inspired by the artist’s "dynamic lines" and gritty style that she even started using these techniques in her own sketchbook, proving that reading manga can be a great way to learn about both art and big life debates.
Poetic Success
Niall Nestor and William Birch have been successfully shortlisted for the Young Poetry Competition, showcasing their impressive creativity and talent for expressive writing.
6th Form Students Step Into the BBC World at UnBoxed Live
Students attended the BBC UnBoxed Live event in Digbeth, where they were given exclusive behind-the-scenes insight into major BBC productions such as The Traitors and The Apprentice. The experience allowed students to explore how these programmes are made, learn about roles within the media industry, and gain first-hand knowledge from BBC professionals.
During the event, student Hashir Ali was interviewed by BBC Asian Network, giving students the opportunity to see live broadcasting in action and hear student voices represented on a national platform.
Engineered for Success: The Sparx Report
Sparx English, Maths and Science play a crucial role in supporting students’ progress across the curriculum. These platforms are carefully designed to reinforce key knowledge, build essential skills, and develop the habits needed for success in assessments and examinations. Regular completion helps students strengthen understanding, improve recall, and gain confidence in applying what they have learned in lessons.
Consistent use of Sparx Maths, Science and Reader is a key driver of GCSE success. Weekly completion builds knowledge, strengthens recall, and ensures students are fully prepared for assessments and exams.
Sparx data highlights a group of students who are setting the standard through exceptional consistency, maintaining 95%+ completion across the year: Matthew, Mason,
Numaan, Ruby, Riley, Preston, Brad
These students are demonstrating the commitment and discipline required to achieve strong outcomes.
Completion data also shows that Year 10 are currently engaging more consistently than Year 11 across all Sparx platforms. With exams approaching, it is essential that Year 11 students increase their engagement. Missed Sparx homework means missed opportunities to practise key Maths skills, secure Science knowledge, and develop the reading comprehension needed to access exam questions.
All students are expected to complete Sparx homework every week. Parents are encouraged to continue promoting consistent completion at home, particularly where students have been targeted for additional support.
Log in regularly. Complete every task. Consistency now leads to success later.
Year 11 Interventions and Revision Support
As we move closer to the summer GCSE examinations, our focus remains firmly on ensuring that all Year 11 students are fully supported to achieve their best possible outcomes.
Study Support Interventions
We currently offer study support interventions every lunchtime, targeting key subjects and areas of need identified through assessments, mock examinations, and ongoing classwork. These sessions provide structured, focused support and are a vital opportunity for students to address gaps in knowledge, develop exam technique, and build confidence.
Please refer to the our Study Support Hub poster for full details of subjects, locations, and staff leading each session.
Targeted Interventions
Students have been specifically targeted to attend certain interventions based on their progress. If your child has been identified for an intervention, we strongly encourage you to continue promoting the importance of attending these sessions at home. Regular attendance is essential — these interventions are carefully planned and play a key role in supporting improvement ahead of exams.
Requesting Additional Support
If your child feels they need support in a subject they are not currently receiving an intervention for, they or you are welcome to contact Mrs O’Malley at the Academy to discuss this further. We are always keen to ensure students access the support they feel will benefit them.
Revision at Home
We also encourage all Year 11 students to make full use of our GCSE Revision Website, which includes subject-specific resources, guidance, and revision materials to support independent study at home:
👉 https://sites.google.com/wmgacademy.org.uk/gcserevision/home
In addition, students should be regularly engaging with:
Sparx Maths
Sparx Science
Sparx English
These platforms are designed to reinforce learning, consolidate key skills, and support progress across subjects. Parental encouragement with completion and consistency makes a significant difference.
By working together — school, students, and families — we can ensure Year 11 students are as prepared and confident as possible for the months ahead. Thank you for your continued support.
Subject Spotlight... Further Maths
Subject Spotlight... Further Maths
What are you working on?
Our Year 13 Further Maths students are now beginning revision in earnest as we approach the end of the A-level course. Finishing the content at this stage gives them valuable time to consolidate knowledge, practise exam technique, and build confidence ahead of the summer exams.
In Year 12, students have just completed the Numerical Methods unit, where they have been combining mathematical thinking with digital skills by using Excel to model and solve problems. This included solving equations that have no algebraic (analytic) solution, using iterative methods.
Highlight of the half term
We have now confirmed entries for our Year 11 GCSE Further Maths cohort, with 23 students choosing to take an additional GCSE purely because of their enthusiasm and love for mathematics. This is a fantastic reflection of the culture around maths in the school and the ambition of our students.
Star Students
Rather than singling out individuals this time, we want to recognise the whole Year 11 Further Maths cohort. Choosing to study an additional GCSE alongside their other subjects shows real commitment, resilience, and passion for the subject, qualities that will serve them brilliantly in future study and careers.
What's new and upcoming?
In Year 11, we are moving into the final areas of the Further Maths GCSE course, bringing together many of the advanced skills students have been developing.
Meanwhile, Year 10 students have just had their first taste of Further Maths, starting with matrices, a powerful area of maths with real-world engineering applications. For example, matrices are used in:
- Computer graphics and game design (rotating and transforming objects in 3D space)
- Robotics and engineering systems (controlling movement and modelling mechanical systems)
- Electrical engineering (analysing complex circuits)
- Data and image processing (used in AI and digital imaging)
It’s a brilliant topic that shows students how abstract maths links directly to modern technology and engineering.
Meet the Team Member
Meet the Team Member
Mrs Jas Kaur, Teacher of Business and Lead for KS5
What do you enjoy most about working here?
The supportive staff network and the enrichment opportunities available for students. Staff will go above and beyond to support the students to achieve their potential.
If you weren’t working here, what would your dream job be?
Professional Athlete - I love running!
What do you think makes WMG Academy different from other schools or colleges?
A smaller school which means staff can get to know the students well and build a rapport with them; 'Business-Like, Business-Led' - allowing students to feel like they are in a professional, work-place environment.
What unique opportunities or experiences do students at WMG receive that they might not get anywhere else?
The links to careers and the wide-array of trips that are available to students such as visiting universities and companies such as BMW/JLR.
In what ways do you feel WMG Academy supports its students to achieve their best?
Providing students with stretch and challenge tasks, encouraging students to take ownership of things, providing study clubs and homework clubs.
Exam Timetables
Summer examination timetables have now been handed out to students. Some subjects with centre-timetabled examinations, like GCSE Art and T-Level Engineering, may still be in the process of being organised – all updates will be communicated to students and parents as soon as final details are confirmed.
Please may I refer students and parents to the examination booklet on the academy website for further details and information regarding the exam procedures.
As much as examinations are a test of subject knowledge, they are also a test of organisation and preparation. With courses coming to an end and coursework deadlines approaching, students would be well advised to take note of all their examination dates and times to start preparing a revision timetable. Research has shown that a little-and-often, interleaving approach to revision to be the most effective as well as helping to keep a workload manageable.
Mental Health Awareness Over the Break
Mental Health Awareness Over the Break
Mental Health email address for Parents/Carers to report concerns with mental health, mentalhealth.sol@wmgacademy.org.uk managed by Mental Health Team to give the students the best support.
Safeguarding Over The Break
Safeguarding Over The Break
Any safeguarding concerns should be forwarded to safeguarding.sol@wmgacademy.org.uk and marked 'CONFIDENTIAL-FAO SAFEGUARDING LEAD’. Additional contacts are also listed on the academy website.
To search for activity providers in Solihull who are providing free places to children on benefits-related free school meals during the February half term under the Holiday Activity and Food Programme - known as HAF click here
You can search for activity providers by:
Name of activity provider
Postcode of where the activities are taking place (to view those closest to your home or work address).
You can click below to view a complete list of HAF activities and Specialist SEND activities aimed at children with additional needs and/or disabilities.
The February Half Term 2026 HAF schemes are now LIVE on the directory. Please click into the search boxes below to find a suitable HAF activity for your child.
If you have any queries please contact us via hafinfo@solihull.gov.uk
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Togetherness Newsletter
Togetherness is an online learning environment developed by psychologists and health practitioners providing accessible learning about emotional health and wellbeing, proven to positively impact mental health, behaviour and relationships. Click here for more information
Lunar New Year resources and chance to get involved at main Touchwood event
Lunar New Year resources and chance to get involved at main Touchwood event
Lunar New Year is an important festival celebrated across many East and Southeast Asian communities, marking the start of the new lunar calendar and welcoming a year of good fortune. This year, several Lunar New Year activities are taking place across Solihull on different dates.
Key Dates For Your Diaries
Key Dates For Your Diaries
Friday 13th February 2026 - Academy Closes for End of Half Term Break
Monday 23rd February 2026 - Academy Opens For After Half Term Break
Friday 20th March 2026 - Year 10 & 11 Super learning Day
Friday 20th March 2026 - Year 12 and 13 Personal study day
Friday 27th March 2026 - Academy Closes for Easter Break
Monday 13th April 2026 - Academy Opens For Summer Term
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