I had 4 days of holiday in the north of Scotland last week with uncharacteristically good weather and no midges!
I am reading the former editor of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Observer Gary Phelps’ brilliant new book 13 Doors, available on Amazon - 13 Doors: Amazon.co.uk: G J Phelps: 9781915603944: Books
Although it’s August, it’s my privilege and role to look after all in our Royal Town - together with my teams in Westminster and in Sutton Coldfield. If we can help, please let us know.
Exam Results
Throughout the Royal Town, a tense waiting period for GCSEs came to an end this week and I am delighted to report on the results from each of our 7 schools.
Last week I was able to report on the A-Level results from 5 of our 7 schools, except for Bishop Walsh Catholic School and Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls which I promised to report on this week:
Bishop Walsh sixth form:
Mrs Brodie, Bishop Walsh School’s Headteacher, said: “We are so proud of the achievements of all our Year 13 students who collected results today.
Despite the many challenges they have faced over the last few years, their successful results have proved how hard working, determined and committed they are. On behalf of all the teaching and support staff at Bishop Walsh, we would like to wish all our students the very best for the future.” Mrs Chilwan, Head of Sixth Form, added: “Our Year 13 students have really made us very proud.
Notable results include: Olivia S (A* A* A), Sadie M (A* A* A), Tamara U (A* A* A), Michelle H (A* A* A), Rebecca D (A* A A) and Rose C (A* A A).
Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls sixth form:
Headteacher of Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls, Barbara Minards congratulated all Year 13 students who have received their A-level results last week. ‘The teachers, support staff and governors are so proud of the effort, determination and resilience students showed throughout their time at Sutton Girls. They overcame many challenges and successfully completed their first set of external examinations.
We celebrate all their achievements and contributions to our school community and wish students the very best with the next step in their educational journey.
The variety of different universities, courses, apprenticeships and gap years is inspiring. Individuals choose to follow their own path with destinations from University of Exeter to Saint Andrews and courses including Aerospace Engineering, Animation, Law, Medicine, Psychology, Veterinary Science and Zoology.
We welcomed the class of 2023 as our newest alumni, look forward to them keeping in touch with the school to inspire future generations of Sutton Girls and hope they enjoy celebrating their well-earned A-level success!’
GCSEs:
Yesterday was results day for GCSE students, we should all be very proud of their hardwork over the past two years and wish them luck for their next steps, whether that leads to Sixth form, college, or an apprenticeship.
See below a GCSE round up from each of our 7 secondary schools.
John Wilmott School:
Students have been rewarded for their determination, resilience, and hard work as they collected their GCSE and BTEC results at John Willmott School.
Nicola Gould, Headteacher at John Willmott School, said: “I am delighted for our students who have achieved much-deserved success in this summer’s examinations.
“Throughout their education journey they have developed characteristic resilience, determination and good humour.
“They should be very proud of all they have achieved during their time at John Willmott School; these results are a real testament to their hard work and the strength of partnership between staff, students and parents and carers.
“Thank you to all of the staff who have supported the students during the last five years. We wish all of Year 11 the very best of luck with their next steps. Congratulations!”
Plantsbrook School:
Plantsbrook School has announced an excellent set of exam results at GCSE & BTEC level 2.
Acting headteacher Ian Barton said: “As a school community, we are incredibly proud of our students' accomplishments. These results reflect the high standards we hold for both teaching and learning at Plantsbrook School.
“The entire Plantsbrook School community joins in celebrating the achievements of our students, and we wish them continued success in all their future endeavours.”
Amongst the highest achievers were: Ava Davies (seven 9s, 8, 7 Distinction*), Daniel Walton (seven 9s, 8, 7, 6), Harry Nichol (six 9s, 8, three 7s), Jack Brook (four 9s, three 8s, three 7s), Jacob Bolton-Price (four 9s, two 8s, two 7s, 6, 5), Rachel Moore (three 9s, three 8s, two 7s, two 6s), Gregory Rushton (two 9s, five 8s, 7, two 6s), Seren Hatch (9, seven 8s, two 7s), Abigail Rawson (three 9s, three 8s, three 7s, Distinction), Uzayr Hamid (9, five 8s, three 7s).
Amongst the students showing exceptional progress were: Shuko Mulenga, Lydia Mason-Wait, Athda Saeed, Harley Sadek, Carlos Martin Arteaga, Bethany Ellgood and Eva Halliwell.
The Arthur Terry School:
Arthur Terry Headteacher Samantha Kibble expressed her overwhelming pride regarding the remarkable results achieved by Year 11 students.Mrs Kibble said: “The results stand as a testament to the commitment, tenacity and diligence shown by our exceptional students.
The legacy of Covid closures should not be forgotten and, despite these unprecedented challenges, our students have confronted these hurdles head-on, showcasing exceptional resilience while surpassing our expectations.“We are delighted that many Year 11 students will be returning to our ‘Outstanding’ sixth form as they embark on their A-level journey next year. The ethos at Arthur Terry remains: Be Proud, Be Kind, Be Ready and this cohort have demonstrated the importance of living and breathing our motto.”
Fairfax Academy:
Following a set of strong A Level results last week, students at Fairfax Academy celebrated another successful year of GCSE performance.
High standards have been maintained across all core subjects.
78% of students achieved grade 4 and above in English, 77% achieved grade 4 and above in Mathematics and 72% of students achieved two Science GCSEs at grade 4 or above. In addition, an amazing 48 grade 9s were achieved by Fairfax Academy students.
Principal, Sean Castle, said: "Congratulations to all of our students.
This year’s GCSE students have faced significant disruption throughout their five years of secondary education and are receiving their results in the year that the government has decided to reverse the grade inflation of the past three years.
“The fact that we have seen such excellent individual performances, is testament to the students’ diligence and hard work.
Thank you to our staff for their commitment and dedication to ensuring that students are supported throughout their time at Fairfax and thank you to our parents and carers for their continued support.”
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School:
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School is delighted to celebrate the many outstanding achievements of all their Year 11 pupils in the GCSE examinations this summer.
This is despite the fact that this cohort spent their formative Years 8-10 living in the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic, which has had a massively disruptive impact on their learning.
Mr Goodwin, Deputy Headteacher in charge of Pastoral Care at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School said, “It is really pleasing to see that GCSE results at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School are at 70% 7-9 and 46% 8-9, which compare very favourably to our last ‘normal’ set of results in 2019. The average student Attainment 8 score is 75, the equivalent of every pupil attaining five grade 8s and five grade 7s.”
There have been many exceptional student performances with 9 students attaining straight top grades. Two boys received a clean sweep of ten grade 9s: well done Kian and William! William was also one of 18 Year 11 pupils to attain a grade A in the fiendishly difficult FSMQ Additional Mathematics paper.
Well done also to Aditya (nine 9s and an 8 and an A in Additional Maths), Yusuf (eight 9s, two 8s and an A in Additional Maths), Umar (eight 9s and two 8s), Donald (nine 9s, an 8 and an A in Additional Maths), John (eight 9s, two 8s and an A in Additional Maths), Lemar (three 9s and seven 8s) and Amar (five 9s and five 8s)
There were 30 students in total, who attained an impressive five or more grade 9s. This additionally includes:
Nine 9s and an A in Additional Maths: Sanjay
Seven 9s and an A in Additional Maths: Rounak, Daniel, Matthew
Seven 9s: Zach, Kesh
Six 9s and an A in Additional Maths: Jacob, Michael
Six 9s: Edward, Alex, Jack, Saad, Jeffrey, Timurs, Jack
Five 9s and an A in Additional Maths: Keilan, Rivan
Five 9s: Nathan, Troy, Kayden, Jamie
Dominic Robson, Headteacher, was delighted:
“Staff and students have worked very hard. Together, they have attained a great set of GCSE results.
Our Year 11 students have been intelligently led by Head of Year, Mr Tom Williams and Mr Dave Goodwin, Deputy Headteacher i/c KS4 and well- supported by an excellent staff, parent and governing body.
This Year 11 cohort have developed well as young people during their time with us. We are immensely proud of their hard work and achievements. They have played an active role in the life of the school community whether that be as prefects, or through their vibrant contributions to Vesey sports, music and drama. We are very proud of them all and we wish them the very best with their next step in education and training.”
Bishop Walsh Catholic School:
Students and staff at Bishop Walsh Catholic School are celebrating an excellent set of GCSE and Vocational level 2 results.
The students made superb progress across a range of subjects - a truly fantastic achievement, demonstrating the quality of the experience studying at Bishop Walsh offers alongside the students’ hard work.
Star students include:
Sam K = Grade 9 x 8, Grade 8 x 2
Orlagh F = Grade 9 x 4, Grade 8 x 5, Grade 7 x 1
Lydia C = Grade 9 x 3, Grade 8 x 6, Grade 7 x 1
Michaela R = Grade 9 x 3, Grade 8 x 2, Grade 7 x 4, Distinction * x 1
Regine W = Grade 9 x 2, Grade 8 x 4, Grade 7 x 4
Toby W = Grade 9 x 2, Grade 8 x 4, Grade 7 x 3
Evan W = Grade 9 x 1, Grade 8 x 5, Grade 7 x 4
Christien J = Grade 9 x 1, Grade 8 x 5, Grade 7 x 2
We are very proud of all of our pupils and their results, no matter the grade they achieved.
Headteacher Natalie Brodie said: 'I am delighted for the students. These results are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students and staff. Over the last year, it has been a pleasure to see students and staff working together to produce this tremendous achievement. The students deserve credit on their studies and the staff tremendous credit for their skill and dedication.'
Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls:
Dr Minards said ‘Congratulations to all our Year 11 students who received their GCSE results today. Our students have shown great resilience and positivity throughout their time at school, it is fantastic to see all their hard work rewarded with such fantastic results. Thank you to all the teaching and support staff along with the family members who supported students throughout the learning, revision and examination process. This year group added so much to the Sutton Girls community alongside preparing for their GCSEs and we couldn’t be prouder of them. We hope they enjoy and celebrate their successes as a bright future lies ahead!’
Ark Community Church
Ark Community Church has been awarded grant funding from The National Lottery Community Fund which will go towards their community Fun Day this summer as part of the Mayor’s Community Weekend in the West Midlands.
The weekend of community-led activity returns thanks to a partnership between the Mayor of the West Midlands, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK. The Mayor’s Community Weekend aims to celebrate the strength and diversity of West Midlands’ communities by bringing people together.
This is great news and I am looking forward to hearing all about the Fun Day in a few weeks’ time.
Above: an old picture of me with Stephen Eaves (Pastor) and Lynn Jennings (Community Engagement Leader) at the Ark Community Church in Mere Green.
Langley SUE update
Planning applications have now been submitted for the proposed new junctions around the development.
Residents have been in touch with me raising various concerns and queries and especially around the proposed second junction on to the A38.
I know that the Consultative Group will be raising these concerns along with other comments when they meet with the developers and Birmingham City Council.
I am keeping a close eye on things and liaising with Cllrs Ken Wood and David Barrie who lead on the Consultative Group.
Summer Reading Challenge
Looking for free summer activities? There is still time to join this year's @readingagency Summer Reading Challenge! #ReadySetRead Take the kids along to the library and sign up - it's free! summerreadingchallenge.org.uk
Violence in Sudan
The UK is extremely concerned by the serious atrocities against civilians in Sudan. The intentional direct attacks at the civilian population is a war crime, and the UK will do all in its power to ensure there are credible investigations and accountability.
You can read my full statement here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/minister-for-africa-statement-on-atrocities-in-sudan-22-august-2023
Reflections by Lord Norman Fowler
My predecessor Lord Norman Fowler, who was MP for the Royal Town between 1974 and 2001, recently spoke on BBC Radio 4 with James Naughtie about battling to convince Margaret Thatcher on the importance of tackling the Aids crisis in the 80s and the failure of successive governments to reform the House of Lords.
If you would like to, you can listen to it here: BBC Radio 4 - Reflections, Norman Fowler
Further information
Royal Sutton Coldfield Conservative Association Annual Dinner 2023
We are thrilled to launch the Royal Sutton Coldfield Conservative Association Annual Dinner 2023 this weekend!
Our speaker this year is the infamous, lively and passionate Rt Hon Johnny Mercer MP, my cabinet colleague and Minister of State for Veterans Affairs, who will be sure to provide us all with a phenomenally entertaining talk.
Please do join us at 7pm on Friday 3rd November 2023 at Moor Hall Hotel for a wonderful three course dinner and a fantastic evening with local Conservative friends, supporters and neighbours.
Tickets are £50 each, and tables of 10 can be purchased for £500.
We have already pre-sold a number of tables, so please reserve your place quickly to avoid disappointment.
Tickets can be reserved by emailing ckhorrocks@yahoo.co.uk
Above: Last year our guest of honour was former prime minister Theresa May, seen here with senior royal town Tories, your Member of Parliament, and your brilliant regional mayor Andy Street. The former Prime Minister spoke to a full house in what was a very successful and enjoyable event.
Heritage Week in Sutton Coldfield
I have received the below from Sutton Coldfield Heritage Network (SCHN):
‘Dear friends
I am delighted to send links to both the programme for Birmingham Heritage Week in Sutton Coldfield and to an exciting photo competition running alongside it.
The programme has been co-ordinated by Sutton Coldfield Heritage Network (SCHN), a loose association of individuals and local societies with history or heritage interests.
SCHN has now adopted a constitution and is setting up a community group business account with Lloyds Bank. We also have Facebook and Twitter accounts.
While this formalises the Network to a certain degree it changes nothing about the membership, which remains a non-subscription body.
As in 2022 SCHN has received a generous grant from Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust (SCCT) to support some of the events between 8th and 17th September 2023, for which we are extremely grateful.
Information about the programme for this year's Birmingham Heritage Week in Sutton Coldfield is live on the main Birmingham site and the following link goes directly to the SCHN Eventbrite page for the Sutton Coldfield programme:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/sutton-coldfield-heritage-network-50629663033
A brochure will shortly be printed for venues too.
We are also launching a photo competition (link here: https://sites.google.com/view/schn-photo-comp/home)
We do hope you might consider participating yourselves and sending this information to your your friends and contacts to encourage them also to take part in the competition and sign up for the events. While some have quite limited capacity and are booking up fast, the big open days will have room for many visitors.’
#MYTOWNHALL
Your Town Hall requires donations to protect our heritage building for future use.
We are launching an APPEAL FOR £200k in order to continue to support Your Town Hall and protect it for the future community use, value and enjoyment.
In this present situation of rising material prices, heating bills and social costs, why should YOU consider supporting your town hall? Because it is a precious historical building, an asset to the area, and the Trust needs support to keep it functioning.
How to Support:
We are asking you to be as generous as you can, to enable the Town Hall to meet its present commitments. We are relying on your support. Every little helps !
Thank you!
From all of the team at Sutton Coldfield Community Town Hall Trust and the trustees.
Donate with PayPal Giving Fund
You can read and subscribe to the Town Hall’s newsletter here: The Town Hall Presents: Summer is Here! (mailchi.mp)
UK Parliament Week
This year UK Parliament Week (UKPW) is taking place from 6-12 November.
Sign up for your free kit and explore @UKParliament and how to get involved on the issues that matter to you.
UKPW is a great way to find out about UK Parliament and get a better understanding of the crucial work Parliament does.
#UKPW ukparliamentweek.org
MHRC Locations
Please see below the visits scheduled for the week commencing 21st August 2023 of the BCC Mobile Household Recycling Centre.
· · Tue 29/08/2023, Woodfield Close B74 2TU, 07:00 - 12:30, Sutton Four Oaks
Upcoming deadlines, NDSU External Funding Update from Birmingham City Council:
· Friday 25 August 2023 - Sport England Places and Spaces Crowdfunding Programme - Up to £10,000 in match funding to help community sport and physical activity groups create or improve facilities in their local area.
· Thursday 31st August 2023 at 12pm (midday) - Addressing housing issues in our communities: Building capacity and resilience within existing services across Birmingham - Up to £5,000 available for voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector organisations who have identified housing issues such as poor housing or homelessness in Erdington, Handsworth and Sparkhill areas of Birmingham.
· Thursday 31st August 2023 at 12pm (midday) - Didymus - Grants of up to £10,000 pa for a period of up to 3 years for UK registered charities and CIOs promoting social inclusion through the arts and education.
· Thursday 31st August 2023 at 5pm - Lloyds Bank Foundation - d/Deaf and Disabled people's organisations - This programme is for small and local charities with an income between £25,000 to £500,000 which are led by and working with d/Deaf and Disabled people who are experiencing poverty. Organisations can apply for a three year unrestricted grant of £75,000.
New NDSU webpage for funding and capacity building support for community groups and organisations
The NDSU Team have a new webpage on the BCC website which includes information about current funding opportunities and resources to help community groups and organisations in Birmingham access funding and capacity building support. Funding and capacity building support for community groups and organisations in Birmingham | Birmingham City Council