ASTON MANOR ACADEMY
PART OF EQUITAS ACADEMIES TRUST
SUMMER NEWS 2025
Welcome to our Summer 2025 newsletter, and we have so much to celebrate this term! Our OFSTED report highlighted the excellent practice and standards of the school and our exceptional young people, who represented themselves and the school with pride. This is a great school to be part of, not in the least because of our unique student community who teach us so much every day, and enable our teachers to support them to achieve some phenomenal outcomes. I am so proud of our outstanding young people. This year Aston Manor Academy were nominated for a teaching award for the National Teaching Awards, and although we did not win we received a commendation for “Making a Difference - Secondary School of the Year.”
For the first time in a number of years our students were part of an unforgettable trip to France, they visited Euro-Disney as well as immersing themselves in French culture. We have this year staff have organised over 100 school trips and visits to enrich pupil’s learning experiences, and you will see some of those in this newsletter. We believe these visits are crucial to wider opportunities and improving outcomes for our students. Ms Mulhearn our HLTA is leaving Aston Manor Academy after 28 years of dedicated service and we would like to wish her a long and happy retirement.
I would like to say a final thank you to all of our parents who are always so supportive of the school, and I wish you all a safe and peaceful summer break.
Ms Sweeney
Madame Affane meets the King - A Royal Experience to Remember
On 14th May, I was truly honoured to be invited to Buckingham Palace for a garden party in recognition of the contributions made by those who work in education. It was an amazing experience - a day I will forever remember in my teaching career.
I had the immense privilege of seeing members of the Royal Family, in particular King Charles, and I represented AMA to the best of my ability during this diplomatic event. It was a proud moment for me, and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the important role education plays in shaping future generations.
Drawing Club
Almost as soon as Braden Makoni (year 8) started at AMA, he asked if he could run a drawing club. He wanted to bring other students who were serious about drawing together to share tips and encourage each other in their work. He says that just like any subject, hard work and determination will get you there. The drawing club has been meeting at the library on Thursdays since January. Student work is displayed in the library and the club holds regular competitions. It has an attendance of around five to ten students. Popular subjects are manga characters and human portraits. Varsha Matta (year 7) says, ‘While I am drawing, I discover what I really want to say.’ The artists use video tutorials and books to develop their craft. ‘Every line or scribble is a masterpiece,’ says Sureha Jalil (year 7).
WHOLE SCHOOL MORPURGO LETTER
SCHOOL LIBRARY
Visitors to the school library may notice some recent changes. A new floor plan that organises fiction by genre, similar to a bookshop, allows students to explore subjects that really interest them. The most popular fiction genres are comedy and manga. ‘It is so much easier picking a book by genre,’ says Siyaam Mohammed (year 8). Over 1,000 books have been weeded to make space for new materials; Student volunteers have been helping to label books, reshelve books and clean the shelves. Displays in the library encourage students to share what they are reading and make recommendations to their peers. There is a Read Together shelf to inspire book groups and future plans to add a comfortable reading nook with shelving beside the main desk. Activities continue in the library space during break and lunch times, including bookmark making, drawing, doodle art, dragon puppets, knit and crochet, and movie club.
COMPETITION WINNERS!
Numeracy day - Pupils were given the opportunity to research how numbers are used in their ideal job or their favourite hobby. We had lots of fabulous entries! Pupils demonstrated their research and creative skills to explain how numbers are used by doctors, pilots, architects, engineers and footballers. Congratulations to the winners and well done to everyone who participated. All pupils received a 4Be for their participation and the winners have received a certificate and voucher.
1st Prize: Malak (Year 8)
2nd Prize: Abir (Year 10)
3rd Prize: Varsha (Year 7)
SPORTS DAY BASKETBALL
After a highly successful season have started their post season. The players are hard at work on their individual skills to prepare them for the jump to CBL 2 next year.
This year’s Sports Day was a fantastic display of energy, effort and team spirit held at the Wyndley Leisure Centre. Students competed across a variety of track and field events including sprints, discus, long jump and tug of war. Our Sports Academy sixth formers did an excellent job assisting the P.E staff and encouraging the students through all of the events. They brought extra excitement as they battled it out in their own races and tug of war competition for the ultimate bragging rights. A huge well done to all competitors and congratulations to Delta who emerged victorious with 514 points, followed by Alpha with 448 points and Theta with 447 points.
INDUCTION WEEK
We are looking forward to welcoming our new student athletes for their induction week at the end of June. They will get a glimpse into life as an Aston Manor student athlete, meeting their teachers for experience sessions on their course and being put through their paces by their coaches.
FOOTBALL
TITAN OLYMPIANS
Our BTEC Sport Students have spent 2 days volunteering at the Titan Aston Olympians where primary schools are given the chance to compete in a variety of sports including water polo, basketball, dodgeball and football. Our students spent times coaching, leading activities and even taking part and made sure the primary school students had an amazing experience. We definitely have some future star coaches in the making!
Play on the Pitch
On May 31st our Football Academy Boys and Girls had the privilege of playing at Villa Park. The boys took part in a tournament with fellow AVFC Foundation students ending in a nail biting penalty shoot-out at the Holte End. The girls hosted familiar foes Wolves in a tightly contested friendly and came out on top winning 3-2.
AWARDS EVENING
boxing world title challenger and Sky Sports boxing pundit Matthew Macklin. Following this our awards for outstanding individual achievement were given to our winners. Everyone then enjoyed some
from Yvonne and her team and EKY Catering.
BRILLIANT CLUB - YEAR 9 High-tech AI
The Brilliant Club consisted of the following Year 9 students: Awees Aziz, Maida Hashi, Aminul Islam, Eshan Hussain, Nadra Ishak, Mohammed Usman, Abdulkadir Al Syed, Mohammed Ditta, Wajma Haydari, Amirah Mohamed, Roman Rostam, Arowa Hamid, Diamond Smart.
They are a group of students who have been working on a project based on Embodied Conversational Agents (ECAs). You’re probably wondering what this is, basically it is high-tech AI technology designed to simulate conversation with humans through verbal and non-verbal communication. They were supported by a PHD student from Aston University.
Sports LeadershipPrimary Basketball Tournament
Our Basketball Academy students did an amazing job hosting 50 students from Chilwell Croft and Prince Albert Primary Schools for a Year 4&5 basketball tournament. Their infectious enthusiasm create an amazing buzz around hall all afternoon with 8 teams fighting for the trophy. In the end Chilwell Croft 1 took the win in a nailbiting final, winning 5-4 with a golden basket.
Football Academy
Boys A The Boys A team pushed rivals Burton Albion until the very end finishing 2nd in the Central 1 Division.
Boys B A tremendous development year with 5 players earning call ups to the A team.
Girls A Finished the year with back to back wins over Bristol City and Shrewsbury Town to finish 3rd in the Women’s South Division.
Girls B Finished 3rd in the Women’s South Small Sided.
technology!
All 13 students completed the 2000-word project in timely fashion, by learning various skills on the way. The project was very similar to a degree level project where they attained a grade ranging from 2:2 to 1st class which was amazing. To finish off, there was a ceremony that took place at Warwick University on 16th May where the students received their certificates. It was an absolute pleasure taking these students to Warwick Uni, not only for the ceremony but also the experience of life at university. The students were a credit to AMA and they should be congratulated. Ms Ali
Mahtab, Henon, Leila, Mosara, and Samiya had the opportunity to take part in a Diabetes Health Hackathon organised by the University of Birmingham. They worked collaboratively in teams to build a website aimed at raising awareness about diabetes. The project involved science experiments, podcast creation, graphic design, editing, and coding.
The girls were fantastic! They were eager, enthusiastic and dedicated the entire day to developing this brilliant project.
The end result is a live website that will be promoted for use by organisations such as the NHS. Below is the webpage :) https://uobhealthhackathon.github.io/
FRENCH AND BUSINESS PARIS TRIP
Our recent French trip to Paris was an unforgettable experience for both pupils and staff. We took a mixed group from KS3, KS4, and KS5 and the trip was filled with real life opportunities to use the French language in authentic situations. This year’s visit was especially valuable as it was a cross-curricular trip organised by the French and Business departments, allowing pupils to make meaningful connections between language and enterprise. One of the most special aspects of the trip was the incredible sense of family that developed over the four days - everyone looked after one another, with Year 13 students supporting and guiding the younger pupils. This atmosphere of care, unity, and mutual respect made the experience truly unforgettable.
YEAR 7/8 NATIONAL SPACE CENTRE TRIP
Our Year 7and Year 8 pupils had the wonderful opportunity to Space Centre, a trip organised by the Science Department. The visit was highly informative and filled with exciting learning opportunities. Pupils explored the history and development of rockets, space exploration, and satellite technology. They also discovered how scientific innovation has shaped our understanding of the universe. A highlight of the day was the mesmerising planetarium show about the life of an astronaut, which left pupils in awe as they watched the immersive display in the dome.
BIRMINGHAM UNI - BIG MATHS QUIZ 2025
On Tuesday 29th April 2025, twelve Year 10 students from Aston Manor Academy had the exciting opportunity to take part in the prestigious Maths Big Quiz hosted at the University of Birmingham.
Held in the historic Great Hall of the Aston Webb Building, the Maths Big Quiz brought together schools from across the region in a full day of mathematical challenge and enrichment. Teams of students tackled a series of complex, fast-paced rounds covering everything from problem-solving and logic to estimation and reasoning.
Aston Manor Academy’s students, split into three teams of four, approached the day with determination, teamwork, and a fantastic attitude. Their behaviour was exemplary throughout the event, earning praise from staff and event organisers alike. The students remained focused,
collaborative, and resilient across all rounds, demonstrating not only their mathematical abilities but also the AMA values of respect, ambition and integrity.
In addition to the competition, students also enjoyed a keynote lecture delivered by one of the University’s leading mathematics professors. This provided a valuable insight into how mathematics connects with real world applications and university level study, offering inspiration for future academic pathways.
The trip was a rewarding experience for all involved, and our students returned feeling proud of their efforts and more motivated than ever to challenge themselves in maths.
Congratulations to the following students for representing AMA so brilliantly:
Tamzid Henon Mahtb Yi Fang Muhammad Harshit
YEAR 8 STEAM ENRICHMENT DAY!
We celebrated all things Science, creativity, Technology and a sprinkle of Maths!
Our students explored: Science - investigating how yeast makes bread rise. Art - designing and decorating their own pizzas. Technology - using tools and kitchen equipment safely and effectively. Engineering - planning and building pizzas that hold their shape and cook perfectly. Maths - measuring ingredients and shaping pizzas into rectangles or ovals! A delicious, hands-on way to learn across all areas of STEAM!
UNIVERSITY TRIP
Year 9’s University of Birmingham trip
A group of HAPs students were taken to University of Birmingham to experience a snippet of what ‘university life’ would look like. The students had talks from a tutor and then an ex-AMA student who was lovely to hear from. The talks included ‘how to manage your money when at university’, ‘hobbies’ and ‘how to structure your day’ when there is not a set timetable like the one you would have at school. The students enjoyed themselves and asked poignant questions and were a credit to Aston Manor while on the visit.
Aston Uni Microscope Visit
Our Year 7 and Year 9 students had the wonderful opportunity to visit the Biomedical Science Department at Aston University. During the visit, they participated in a fascinating microscope workshop where they examined a variety of specimens including liver tissue, muscle fibres, plant cells, and bacteria.
The students had the chance to explore several types of microscopes such as light microscopes and fluorescence microscopes, gaining hands-on experience with advanced imaging techniques. The professor also gave an insightful talk about the Biomedical Sciences degree program and the exciting career paths available in this field. Students were particularly inspired by the range of career opportunities in biomedical research, healthcare, and laboratory technology, and many expressed an interest in pursuing science-related careers.
The hands-on experience and exposure to cuttingedge research sparked curiosity and enthusiasm in our students making the day truly unforgettable.
MUSIC
Aston Manor has a Podcast Club!
We invited our resident music producer, Mr Allen (Deci4) to lead some workshops in podcast creation. A group of 12 students from Year 7 & 8 then spent 4, half days learning the technical requirements of using the equipment whilst also planning and producing a show for broadcast. They enjoyed going out and about to interview staff and students on some topical issues. The group showed incredible enthusiasm and teamwork skills. They bonded well as a group and should be very proud of their achievements.
KS4 & KS5 students were so envious of the podcast club that they have now come to learn how to podcast too, so hopefully the next academic year will be full of podcasts being broadcast for your enjoyment.
Leadership Skills Year 8
23rd June was a day to celebrate the leadership skills of our Year 8 HAPs students, led by two presenters from an academy in Bucharest. The day started off with ‘circle time’ where the students started get to know a little bit about each other. The day then progressed onto students developing skills in becoming effective communicators through presenting their ideas and the confidence and determination of all involved really shone through. It was a fantastic day for all concerned; well done year 8!
Year 7 and Year 9 at Aston University
Yassmin Mosara Abir
Idriss Mazin Sazzad
CAREERS EVENTS
Students Shine In Careers Events
Year 10 Mock Interview Day - A Brilliant Success
Our annual Year 10 Mock Interview Day 2025 was once again a resounding success. Students rose to the occasion; presenting their best selves to a wide range of visiting professionals. With confidence, preparation, and maturity, they embraced the challenge and made a lasting impression. This valuable experience helps our young people refine their communication skills and build the confidence needed for future college and job interviews.
Exam certificates
Exam certificates from the Summer 2025 series will be available to collect from reception from the start of December. After a year, any uncollected certificates may be returned to the exam boards. They charge around £50 for replacement copies.
Work Experience A Remarkable Two Weeks!
As part of our school Careers Education Programme, all Year 10 students recently completed two weeks of work experience and what an impressive fortnight it was. Our students stepped confidently into a wide variety of professional environments including: hotels, accounting firms, law offices, charities, Mercedes-Benz, NatWest, National Highways, West Midlands Police, Aston University, pharmacies, Royal Mail, and primary schools. Each placement provided a real world insight into the world of work and allowed students to develop essential employability skills such as punctuality,
Year 9 - Future Skills Unlocked in the City
communication, teamwork, and resilience. Students conducted themselves with maturity and enthusiasm, earning praise from many of the employers involved. Some placements even sparked new ambitions, with students returning to school eager to pursue careers in the sectors they experienced. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the organisations who generously offered placements, time, and mentorship. Your continued support is vital in preparing our students for the future.
Our Year 9 students took part in an exciting Future Skills Unlocked event in Paradise, Birmingham City Centre, where they explored the rapidly evolving landscape of our local community. They had the opportunity to visit and learn about the impressive new buildings and innovative businesses shaping the future of the city. The event encouraged students to think about the skills needed for tomorrow’s workforce and introduced them to a range of career opportunities emerging right on their doorstep.
STEM & Industry Days – Inspiring the Next Generation
Careers education begins early at Aston Manor Academy. Our Year 7 students took part in a STEM Day where they learned how to generate electricity using fruit - an engaging and hands on introduction to science and innovation.
Meanwhile, Year 8 students spent the day at University College Birmingham, exploring careers in the construction industry. They discovered how modern construction combines creativity, technology, and problem solving, offering a wide range of exciting career paths.
Year 12 Mock Interview Day
On the 7th May, Year 12 students took part in AMA’s Annual 6th Form Mock Interview Day.
Social Mobility, HSBC, Royal Air Force, NHS, UCB, Ian Williams, BMET College, Wolverhampton University, and Reliable Contractors all kindly gave their time and volunteered to interview our students.
This gave the students a real-life experience of
HOMEWORK CLUB IN D4A Compass MHST
We’re excited to announce the relaunch of our ‘Homework Club’, which has been a game changer for many of our students! This program provides a supportive, focused environment where children can complete their assignments, receive guidance from our dedicated staff, and enhance their outcomes. The impact has been incredible, with students showing increased confidence, improved academic performance, and a stronger sense of responsibility toward their schoolwork. We’re proud to see how much the Homework Club has benefited the children and look forward to continuing this positive momentum throughout the year! Few words from our students about why they enjoy coming to homework club.
“I like coming to homework club so I can revise more peacefully with the iPads and catch up on schoolwork.” - Lemonique 10S
“I like coming to homework club because I get to catch up on stuff that I’ve missed in lessons and I get to do it in peace.” - Amina 10S
“I like coming because it gives me time to revise which I wouldn’t have at home as well as being a place to relax.” – Muj 10O
“For my GCSE’s.” - Aarib 8JH
“I like coming to homework club because it is quiet and it helps me to concentrate more on my homework and it is also a place to be relaxed.”Varsha 7S
attending an interview and selling themselves to a potential future employer.
We had fantastic feedback from volunteers and students alike, and we look forward to the next event for our new intake of Year 12’s.
Well done to all who took part and thank you to all of the external volunteers.
We’re pleased to share a fantastic opportunity available through our partnership with Compass Birmingham Mental Health Support Team (MHST).
As part of their ongoing support for families, Compass Birmingham is offering parents and carers the chance to join the Compass Community – a free email subscription service that provides helpful updates, parenting tips, strategies, and mental health resources straight to your inbox.
We are privileged to work alongside Compass Birmingham and highly recommend this resource for any parent or carer looking for trusted guidance and support. The information shared can be a great help in navigating day-to-day challenges and supporting your child’s wellbeing. Signing up is simple:
1. Scan the QR code below or click here to visit their website.
2. Enter your name and email address.
3. Confirm your subscription from your inbox (check your spam folder just in case).
4. That’s it – you’ll start receiving valuable content tailored for parents and carers We encourage you to take a moment to explore the range of advice and guidance available. It’s a small step that can make a big difference.
DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEADS IN SCHOOL (DSL)
SUMMARY OF CHILD PROTECTION FOR VISITORS AND VOLUNTEERS
Aston Manor Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of ALL of our students.
If you need help or are worried about something or someone and need to talk to someone – we are ALL here to listen. You can speak to ANY member of staff in school about ANY concern, but they may need to share that information with one of these members of staff
