We have been going to the Aldridge Road Allotments for just over a term but
we have done a lot.  There are nice people that help us do the plot each time we visit and this small community really helps each other out.  Many different people have plots at the allotments and we know we are
extremely lucky to get a plot and we do try to keep care of it as
much as we can.  The things that we have planted so far, include
leeks, onion,  runner and broad beans and pototoes, though this week we are hoping to plant a lot more crops.  We are really pleased that the weather is on our side.  We hope to carry it on throughout our years at school and overall it been a great experience and hopefully other people will enjoy this experience too and take over when we move on.

At Great Barr School we have a purpose built Science and Mathematics Centre.  This has been created for use by the pupils but importantly as a facility which can and is used by the local community.   Local feeder primary schools have been working with us with a view to enhance primary school pupils knowledge in Science and Mathematics.   Work with our feeder primary schools are invaluable in supporting the transition for pupils between primary to secondary school. 

Over the past four years we have worked extensively to build close working relationships with all our feeder primary schools and have invited the pupils in to work with our own pupils, who are Community Ambassadors.  The secondary pupils support the developing knowledge of primary pupils and the primary pupils enjoy working closely with the older pupils.

The primary schools of; Calshot, Glenmead, Greenholm, Great Barr and new partner primary Perry Beeches, have all partaken in many masterclasses at the Science and Mathematics Learning Centre.  Lessons always have a really high practical content and the secondary school has also created module boxes for primary school loan, to support Science lessons in the primary school.  Great Barr Secondary School recognised the benefits to the feeder primaries of a bursary, so that they could purchase both Science and Mathematics Equipment, to use in their own schools, whcih has been very much appreciated and making a real contribution to hands-on activities back in the primary classrooms.

A number of families, Mrs Davies, Mrs Salter, a few community ambassadors = Fabulous Family Cooking! Every Monday 4pm-6pm a number of families get together and cook it may sound simple but it is so fun and not only do you get to cook delicious treats you also spend quality time with your family. Over the past term and a half we have made food from chicken chow mein to Choux pastry and we also have been over different countries from Indian and curry to Jamaican and jerk chicken.
The families did have to pay a small fee but it was worth it.

During the Summer holiday 2009, Miss Wilkes ran two Science weeks for Y10 and Y11 pupils.  During the weeks, pupils took part in Architecture Workshops with a STEM partner, made Aspirin using AS Level techniques, learned about Transition Metals and made visits to; RAF Cosford and both the Natural History and Science Museums, in London. 

Historically, the school has run many holiday activities, for its pupils and the local community.  This year was no exception as many local children came into school and over five weeks took part in wide range of activities, in Sports Science.  In future years the aim is to also do some residential weeks at Scientifically pioneering institutes, to enhance and enrich the learners experiences further.

During the end of Summer Term pupils from both Great Barr and King Edwards VI Schools, came together for expert tuition in both the Arts and Science.  Pupils on the Arts programme worked on a version of Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, with a final day performance by all pupils.  Mrs Bashford and Miss Grewal were highly impressed by the acting and singing skills of all of the pupils involved.  The work with Building Bridges is bringing schools together and has been very successful in the short time it has been running.  Mrs S Coleman who runs the Building Bridges programme from Great Barr School, has brought together pupils from several schools to take part in cutting edge projects.  Pupils enjoy experiences with their peers and can take away many new skills each time.