January - April 2025
NEWSLETTER
As we wrap up the Spring term and head into the Easter Holidays, this marks our final newsletter of the season. It’s your chance to catch up on what our pupils have been up to, take a look into daily school life, discover some interesting facts, and stay informed. Sit back, read, and enjoy!
January - April 2025
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
As we reach the end of a vibrant and inspiring term here at BOA Digital Technologies, I want to take a moment to reflect on all the incredible achievements, exciting experiences, and proud moments we’ve shared together.
This term has been a true celebration of creativity, ambition, and teamwork Our art department has been a hive of activity, with creative minds hard at work producing stunning pieces that showcase not only talent but thoughtful expression It's been a joy to watch our students bring their ideas to life
We’ve also seen our community spirit shine through during our fundraising efforts for Red Nose Day thank you to everyone who contributed and got involved to support such a meaningful cause.
A particular highlight this term was the inspiring visit from Pride of Britain award-winner Hezron Brown, who shared his powerful story with our students. His message of resilience and positive change resonated deeply and reminded us all of the strength found in second chances.
Beyond the classroom, our students have been flying the BOA flag high From sporting victories that demonstrated true determination and team spirit, to students stepping up and developing essential life skills through leadership courses, we couldn’t be prouder of their growth and confidence
Of course, no term would be complete without a bit of adventure our students enjoyed a range of fun and educational trips that helped broaden their horizons and create lasting memories with friends and teachers alike.
As always, it’s the students who make this academy such a special place to be. Their creativity, energy, and passion continue to inspire us every day, and I’d like to thank our dedicated staff, supportive families, and, of course, our brilliant young people for making this term one to remember
We hope you all have a restful and enjoyable break Wishing you a joyful and safe Easter holiday and we look forward to welcoming you back for another exciting term of learning, growth, and discovery
January - April 2025
FUNFACT
The first ever emoji was created in 1999 in Japan - and now over 10 billion emojis are sent eve
GCSE OPTIONS CONFIRMED FOR YEAR 10
This week we confirmed the GCSE subject preferences for students progressing into Year 10 this September. All students and their families should now have received an email detailing their confirmed choices, which were distributed via email.
In February, we celebrated an incredible 50-2 victory for our Basketball team over Holy Trinity
The team showcased skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship - truly a credit to the academy.
Huge thanks to leaders Rocco, Nevah and Arayana. A fantastic effort on and off the court!
VICTORY SLAM DUNK!
As part of the allocation process, the academy experienced a high volume of interest in certain subjects. Due to some courses reaching full capacity, it was necessary to randomise allocations for oversubscribed subjects. These decisions were made carefully and with fairness in mind.
Students who have any questions about their subject allocations, or who wish to discuss their options further, are encouraged to speak with their form tutors They can also reply directly to the email they received or use the contact information provided to get in touch with the admissions team.
For students who are satisfied with their confirmed preferences, no further action is required at this time.
Timetables will be published on the MyChildAtSchool (MCAS) portal in September ahead of the new academic year.
In March, we celebrated National School Offer Day! A huge congratulations to all the students who received a place at our academy - we're thrilled to welcome you into the BOA Digital Technologies family this September!
We’re so excited for you to begin your journey with us and can’t wait to see the creativity, passion, and talent you’ll bring. Get ready for an inspiring, innovative, and unforgettable experience. Your adventure starts here!
SCHOOL LIFE
January - April 2025
3V3 BASKETBALL BRILLIANCE
SPORT
A huge well done to our talented students who competed in Friday’s 3v3 Basketball Tournament!
The team gave an outstanding performance, showing off their skill, teamwork, and determination throughout the day
Their hard work earned them a fantastic 2nd place finish an achievement they should be incredibly proud of.
L u o le Analysts and Engineers, exploring the fascinating world of data a
The workshop provided invaluable insights into the tech industr applications of AI and data science. A huge thank you to Kainos for supporting our students' growth in the tech field.
We’re excited to see how this experience inspires their future!
INSPIRING FUTURE TECH LEADERS
In March, we celebrated British Science Week.
Our students dived into the theme of "Change and Adapt", exploring the incredible ways animals and environments evolve to survive!
From discovering weird but wonderful creatures to investigating unique habitats, they’ve been putting their knowledge to the test with fun challenges and creative poster designs.
SCIENCE
FUNFACT
The first YouTube video was uploaded on April 23, 2005 - and now, over 500 hours of video are uploaded every minute!
January - April 2025
BIG IDEAS, BOLD FUTURES: A TERM OF DIGITAL INNOVATION AT BOA
This term at BOA Digital Technologies has been full of creativity, innovation, and real-world learning Year 7 and 8 learners have been taking on an exciting E-Commerce Project with Dave Brady, where they’ve been challenged to think like young entrepreneurs.
From developing their own brand identities and designing custom merchandise, to sourcing products, working out costings, building their own e-commerce websites and creating promotional content the students have immersed themselves in every aspect of launching a digital business
One standout group of Year 8 learners, Ethan B, Noah C and Kymani O, have gone the extra mile by ordering their finished products with their designs printed on them, taking their ideas from concept to creation Next term, learners will pitch their final projects to a panel of judges, and the winning group will have their e-commerce website published so friends and family across the BOA Group can buy their merchandise.
Meanwhile, Year 9 learners have been diving into iDEA the Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award. This nationally recognised programme allows learners to build digital and enterprise skills through online challenges that re fresh and engagin digital knowledge
A huge well done Lucien C, Oliver B a achieved their Bro certificates during
With learners gain recognition for the power of hands-on potential of our yo
January - April 2025
INSPIRING VISIT FROM PRIDE OF BRITAIN WINNER, HEZRON BROWN
Last month, we had the privilege of welcoming Hezron Brown, a Pride of Britain Award winner, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker. Hezron shared his powerful journey from adversity to success, inspiring our students with his message of resilience, education, and making positive choices.
His story left a lasting impact, reminding us all of the importance of determination and self-belief You can read more about his visit on our website’s news page
BOA DIGITAL X MAC REFRAME: INSPIRE SCHOOLS PROJECT
Our students have been hard at work on the REFRAME: Inspire Schools Project, collaborating with artist-educators to create a digital ‘zine’ blending poetry, visual art, and digital design - all powered by Apple technology.
Their journey culminated in a final performance at Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), where they showcased their incredible work alongside four other schools. They were a credit to themselves and the academywe couldn’t be prouder!
January - April 2025
NEWSLETTER
CREATIVE MINDS AT WORK
Our Year 9 students have been diving into research, creating detailed pages to inspire their clay mask project, while our talented Year 7s are busy preparing their colour printing plates for stunning Kente-inspired prints.
We can’t wait to see these incredible projects come to life! Stay tuned for more updates on their creative journeys.
We were delighted to welcome a French Horn Quartet from The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, thanks to our brilliant music teacher, Ms. Babalola.
Students enjoyed a stunning performance, had a go at playing the French horn, and took part in a lively Q&A.
Huge thanks to the Conservatoire for an inspiring visit - who knows, we might have some future horn players among us!
RBC
Our talented students came together to celebrate Comic Relief's Red Nose Day in style!
From wearing a splash of red to sporting a red nose, everyone joined in to support this fantastic cause.
A huge thank you to all students and staff for their generous contributions! We can’t wait to see how much we’ve raised for this worthy cause
NOSE DAY
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS EASTER HALF TERM
Cadbury World
Chocolate lovers, don’t miss Cadbury World this Easter! Ride the Chocolate Quest, try chocolate piping, and catch Mr Cadbury Parrot’s Easter Egg-Stravaganza from 5th27th April!
From Sat 12 – Sun 27 April, enjoy egg hunts, crafts, live shows, and meet Bramble Bunny at WMSP! Don’t miss your chance to win a Safari Lodge stay!
West Midlands Safari Park
Free Easter fun at Resorts World! From 14 – 15 & 21 –23 April. Meet the Easter Bunny, enjoy crafts, games, a disco, and a Cinderella workshop with Birmingham Royal Ballet!
Head to Legoland Discovery Centre Birmingham! Build, explore Miniland, and save 1/3 with WMR discount when you book ahead!
Legoland
Get creative at The Swan, Yardley on Thurs 17 April! Design a Minecraft style Easter Bunny Box and try fun bunny brainteasers too!
Resorts World
Yardley
Join free Easter spring fun at Pets at Home! Kids can make finger puppets, meet pets, and earn a My Pet Pals certificate and sticker!
January - April 2025
NEWSLETTER
FUTURE TECH LEADERS IN THE MAKING
Our Year 9 pupils kicked off an exciting Leadership Course, designed to help them explore their identity, values and ambitions. Over the coming weeks, they’ll develop key communication and leadership skills through drama and storytelling, gaining invaluable insight into careers in the creative industries.
With exclusive workshops at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, B:Music and Birmingham Rep, they’ll collaborate on creative projects, leading up to a final showcase where they’ll present their future plans.
This programme runs weekly until May, and we believe it will be an invaluable experience in shaping their personal growth, leadership abilities, and future aspirations. Well done to everyone involved - we can’t wait to see the journey unfold!
SECRET ZINE PROJECT DROP
Our talented pupils in 8T took part in a collaborative zine-making project to retrospectively celebrate International Women’s Day.
In their art lesson, students explored the power of free and independent press and the impact of selfpublishing. Their creativity came to life in a unique zine, which was then distributed through a secret art drop - 40 copies hidden around the school for students to discover!
FUNFACT
The first computer mouse was invented in 1964 by engineer Douglas Engelbart. Surprisingly, it was made of wood!
It had just one button and was a far cry from the sleek, multi-functional mice we use today
It’s amazing to think how far technology has come since then!
STUDENT LIFE
January - April 2025
NEWSLETTER
EMPOWERING THE NEXT GEN: GIRLS WHO GEEK
In February, we took some of our talented female students to the Girls Who Geek event at the Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) - an inspiring day designed to connect young women with industry professionals in the world of art and technology.
This year’s focus? Future employment in digital and creative technology! From music production and photography to VR, television and film, our students explored the endless career possibilities available to them.
A FUTURE IN DIGITAL TECH STARTS HERE!
BOA Digital Technologies is where the next generation of game designers, cyber security experts, digital artists and tech innovators begin their journey Our courses are in high demand, but there’s still a chance to be part of something amazing.
Want to be part of a cutting-edge digital academy? Join our waiting list today and take the first step toward an exciting future in tech!
They had an amazing day gaining insights, making connections and discovering new pathwaysand as always, they were an absolute credit to the academy! VISIT
A couple of weeks ago, we had the pleasure of welcoming Acting students from BOA Creative, Digital & Performing Arts Academy to BOA Digital! They performed short snippets from their acting pieces, giving our students a taste of their incredible talent.
It was a fantastic experience, and our students had a brilliant time watching these performances A huge thank you to the performers for sharing their work with us!
January - April 2025
NEWSLETTER
STUDENT SUCCESS!
We are absolutely bursting with pride for Isabella (Year 9) and Lilly (Year 8), who took part in the historic back-to-back performance of three Stravinsky ballets at B:Music's Symphony Hall.
This monumental project had never been done before, making their achievement even more incredible. Before stepping onto the iconic stage, they also had the exciting opportunity to be interviewed on BBC WM
EXTRA CURRICULARS
Our weekly extra-curricular activities offer students the chance to develop new skills, make friends, and explore passions outside the classroom.
Whether it’s chess, athletics, football, art, or Lunch Doodle Club, there’s always something exciting to try! Getting involved helps build confidence, teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills, while providing a fun way to unwind after a busy day of learning!
Our students have been exploring the art of masks, taking inspiration from traditional tribal designs and contemporary artists who play with themes of concealment and abstraction. The results? A stunning collection of unique and expressive pieces!
Swipe through to see their incredible work – each mask tells its own story.
YEAR 9 CREATIVE ARTISTS
January - April 2025
A DAY AT BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY
Our Year 9 students had an amazing time at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery as part of the BAS Leadership Programme
They spent the day curating their own galleries, learning about the arts sector, and building their career aspirations. A brilliant opportunity for our bright, creative students!
WEEKLY BULLETINS
We’re thrilled to launch our Weekly Newsletter – your go-to update for all things happening in our academy!
Every Friday, we’ll be sharing important notices, student achievements, trip highlights, and moments of excellence from our BOA Digital community. Don’t miss out!
You can view the most recent ones on our website now.
BOYS IN ACTION
Our Year 7 boys have been having a fantastic time in PE this term, sharpening their table tennis skills in competitive games! The focus was on outwitting opponents through strategic shot selection, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and adapting tactics based on movement
All students got involved in a round-robin tournament, gaining valuable experience while enjoying the fast-paced action!
SPORT
January - April 2025
SPORT
CITY-WIDE ATHLETICS
FINAL
Huge congratulations to our Year 7 girls and Year 8 boys for proudly representing our school at the Birmingham City-wide Sports Hall Athletics Final!
Competing against some of the city's top young athletes, our students showed incredible talent, determination, and team spirit.
From speed bounce to standing long jump, shot put, and relay races, they gave their absolute best in every discipline.
We couldn't be prouder of their amazing achievements and sportsmanship throughout the event!
At BOA Digital, we know our students are achieving amazing things - both in and out of school!
Whether they’ve won a competition, worked on an exciting project, gained industry experience, or accomplished something incredible outside of school hours, we want to hear about it! We love celebrating their successes and sharing them with our BOA community. If your child has a story to tell, let us know.
You can email our team over at marketing@boa-group.co.uk and help us showcase their achievements!
On Tuesday 8 April, some of our students enjoyed a well-deserved pre-half-term trip to Drayton Manor - a big well done to them for all their hard work over the past few weeks!
We hope they had an amazing time and made some great memories!
A huge thank you to Mr Mahmood for organising and accompanying the trip.
Thefirst-everemailwassentin1971by computerengineerRayTomlinson. Itwasasimpletestmessage,andhe famouslycan’trememberwhatitsaid!
DATES FOR THE CALENDAR
EASTERHOLIDAYS
WEDNESDAY
for taking the time to read through our last newsletter of the Spring Term. We will be sending one out at the end of every term so you can keep up to date with everything going on at the school.
If you have any questions for the team, or would like something to be included in our next letter please email info@boa-digital.co.uk
