Page 13 - Easter newsletter

PUPIL PERSONAL

DEVELOPMENT DAY

Great Barr Academy successfully held their second whole-school Personal
Development Day of the year, with pupils excelling in a variety of tasks.

On this day, every year group; from year 7, right the way up to year 13, were
off timetable taking part in a vast number of PSHE activities.

All lessons were focussed on developing pupil’s interpersonal skills and
understanding of the world, with each year group undertaking different tasks
appropriate to their age and abilities.

Year 7 pupils were involved in a British Values trip to The Black Country Museum,
looking at local industry through the ages, how this formed the Birmingham they live
in today and how values run through their everyday lives.

Similarly themed work was undertaken by Year 8 pupils who had the pleasure of working
with The West Bromwich Building Society, examining all things money related. This fed into
the work they completed with their form groups, getting pupils thinking about life after school.

Continuing this theme, Year 9 pupils were set to work thinking about their future careers
following an inspirational assembly from a local entrepreneur. After creating career plans using real
life monetary examples, pupils worked with Sixth Formers to practice their interview skills.

Meanwhile, Year 10 pupils worked with The Speakers Trust on strengthening their public speaking skills
and with Me and You Education to discuss the seriousness of radicalisation and extreme views. This work
was supported by one of the Academy’s partners, ACT, who spoke to pupils on the awareness of County
Lines within today’s society.

Furthering this theme, Me and You Education worked with Year 12 to debate what it means to be British and how
no two people have the same view. This coincided with form tutor workshops, identifying how extreme behaviour can
happen in any walk of life, with any group of people.

Year 13 had a varied day of delving deeper into remaining active, keeping fit, having good health and nutrition, while also
completing a mini CPR workshop with a group of Junior Doctors from Sandwell and Birmingham.

Due to the exam period fast approaching, unlike the other year groups, Year 11 pupils participated in creative and engaging
revision sessions throughout the day.

During the activity packed event, the school was joined by the Medical Mavericks, Fire Service and West Midlands Police, providing advice
on a mix of topics, including staying safe in the community and on social media.

All in all, it was another well-planned, delivered and orchestrated day by all visitors, staff and pupils involved.

Next term, another Personal Development Day will be held with more exciting activities and external visitors planned. We look forward to seeing what the
pupils get up to!