This week we have returned for the final term before we open and there is plenty happening. Firstly we can see real progress with the building with huge numbers of men and material on site pushing forward with every aspect. Going into classrooms and seeing them plastered and being painted is a really heartening sight. There is also a large bank of solar panels which have been installed. You can read more about this in yesterday’s building update.

Elsewhere I would like to apologise for the slight delay to the welcome packs. As we meet more services and employ more staff we are making some changes because we want you to have as much information as possible. For example, today I met with Sandwell Music Services who are prepared to offer instrumental music lessons at WBCA and now we want to put a sign up form in the welcome pack. In addition we have signed up to be part of the Birmingham Hippodrome’s Education Network and again we are including this information. We hope to get these out next week.

When the packs arrive they will include information about getting ready for the Academy, life at the Academy, opportunities for students and forms for parents to complete. We hope you find it useful.

Recruitment is underway, we are shortlisting for Languages, Art, PE and two more Literacy for Life teachers and will be inviting candidates to interview next week. From this point we will be fully staffed from a teaching perspective. We have also started advertising non teaching roles with administrative and site positions now accepting applications.

A key date coming up will be July 4th, on this date we will be inviting all students to an induction day and parents to a late afternoon session. At this day students will get the chance to meet their teachers and classmates, engage in some fun activities and get a tour around the building. We are planning to hold the day at the Bethel Centre, adjacent to our site.

We are also expecting Ofsted in the first week of June to come and do their pre opening checks to make sure everything is in place for opening. Every week that goes by more and more slots into place to ensure students have a great experience when we open.