Paris trip – March 2026 

In the dark and murky hours of Friday morning an excited but slightly sleepy group of twenty Year Seven, Eight and Nine Smestow Academy students boarded the coach for a four-day trip to Paris, the ‘City of Lights’. There wasn’t much ‘light’ at the 1am departure from school but, to the students (and parents’!) credit, they all arrived on-time and we were able to set off on schedule. 

After a fourteen-hour(!) coach journey, passport control and a smooth ferry crossing, we arrived at The Chateau Grand Romaine PGL activity centre, just twenty miles from the capital city and thirty minutes away from Disneyland Paris. For some students it was their first trip outside the UK – so it was a fantastic experience for them. 

Saturday 

It was an early morning get up. Students had a typically French breakfast followed by making their own baguette packed lunch for the day.  

Disneyland itself was an incredible experience. Students had an amazing time. It was sometimes a little overwhelming just because of the sheer size of the place, the colours and sounds and the number of people there. It was like visiting another planet! Although queueing times were long, students managed to experience some of the big rides and see many of the Disney characters walking around the streets.  

Although it was forecast to rain, the skies thankfully remained dry – right up until the time we left to get back on the coach when the heavens unleashed a terrific hail storm! 

Evening activities back at the Activity Centre included; crepe making classes, a  disco,  movie night, floodlit football and basketball courts and a campfire. 

Sunday 

Sunday was another early get-up followed by breakfast and baguette lunch making – but today the sun appeared! The weather was terrific as we took a guided coach trip across the city towards the Eiffel Tower.  

From the foot of the tower students took a boat ride down the River Seine – seeing the Louvre Museum, The Musee D’Orsay and Notre Dame Cathedral. As our boat passed under the many bridges students enjoyed joining in with the tradition of clapping. 

We returned to the Eiffel Tower and most students climbed up the 674 stairs to the second floor to see the spectacular views over the city. A student’s forgotten bag was rescued by our PGL guide – which avoided there having to be an evacuation of thousands of tourists from the tower! 

Back on the coach for a drive across the city, along the Champs Elysees to Montmartre, for some souvenir shopping and more sight-seeing. Here, students saw the beautiful  Sacre Coeur basilica. 

Monday 

Having packed their cases the previous evening, students had their last breakfast and made their final baguette lunch for the journey home. 

We arrived back at Smestow Academy at 10.30pm Monday evening, exhausted but full of incredible experiences! 

Well-done to all the students for working to some very tight time frames(!) and always acting responsibly and respectfully. 

Performing Arts Update

We were incredibly proud of our pupils, who demonstrated outstanding commitment and enthusiasm in recent weeks. Alongside their ongoing rehearsals for High School Musical, they showed fantastic dedication, energy, and teamwork as they prepared for what proved to be a brilliant production.

In addition, pupils took part in an exciting two-day intensive workshop with Marcia Edwards, Artistic Director of ME Dance. Marcia was a great inspiration; having trained at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance and worked extensively in the professional industry, our pupils were truly privileged to learn from such an influential figure in the dance world. During the workshop, they worked collaboratively to choreograph an original dance piece exploring the powerful theme of the furnace blast. Their creativity, focus, and willingness to challenge themselves were evident throughout, resulting in a striking and meaningful performance.

We were also delighted that pupils had the opportunity to perform this piece as a curtain-raiser at the premiere of Furnace at the Walsall Arena on Wednesday 18th March. This was a wonderful opportunity for them to showcase their hard work and talent on a professional stage, and we could not have been prouder of their achievements.

Whole-body circuit training

The lesson focused on developing overall fitness through a whole-body circuit training. Pupils worked in pairs, allowing them to support, motivate and encourage each other. 

During the lesson, pupils rotated through a variety of stations designed to target different muscle groups and improve both cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength.

The circuit included a range of equipment and exercises, ensuring that students experienced a balanced and varied workout. For example, pupils used treadmills to increase their heart rate and build aerobic fitness, while rowing machines helped develop upper-body and core strength as well as endurance.

Celebratory Event at Smestow Academy

This morning we were pleased to be able to host an event in school to celebrate both International Women's Day (08/03/26) and Mother's Day (15/03/26). Pupils and their families joined us for refreshments, with a presentation of words written by our young people about their mothers.

It was lovely for our families to be able to spend the quality time together this morning and thank you to everyone who was able to join us.

Community Week - Delivery of Donations

This week, our Year 7 Personal Development Ambassadors took the donations from Smestow Academy to our House Charity shops.

Our community week activity last half-term asked for donations of goods that could be sold in the charity shops as an alternative to other fundraising events that we have hosted previously.  This is a great example of how our pupils demonstrate the Smestow values of "make a difference everyday".

A huge thank you to everyone who donated and we hope that our house charities can benefit from this as a result.

Launching our CCF Cadet Force

We are proud to announce the upcoming launch of a Combined Cadet Force (CCF) contingent at Smestow Academy.

At Smestow, we are committed to providing opportunities for every pupil, ensuring there is something for all interests, talents, and ambitions. The introduction of the CCF will give pupils the chance to develop leadership, teamwork, resilience, and confidence while taking part in unique activities and experiences.

More information will be shared soon, and pupils will shortly be able to sign up to join the cadet force in school.

Watch this space for further details… an exciting new opportunity is on its way!

#SmestowAcademy #OpportunitiesForAll #CCF #CadetForce

Health and Social Care Event

On Thursday 5th March, our Year 12 pupils successfully delivered their Health and Social Care event to younger students within the academy. The event focused on Health education, with pupils creating a range of high-quality posters, leaflets and questionnaires to help educate other pupils about healthy choices and food swaps. Year 12's dedicated a significant amount of time and effort in preparing their event, with topics including sugar intake, balanced diets and the Eatwell Guide. Their dedication and preparation showed how they Strive to improve and be their best. Throughout the event, pupils confidently presented their work and engaged with younger students, demonstrating excellent communication skills while raising awareness about the importance of healthy lifestyles. This links to our Smestow values of Making a difference every day by encouraging healthier choices among their peers.

Staff feedback from the event was extremely positive, with teachers praising the high level of effort, creativity and confidence shown by the pupils. The are a  great credit to both the pupils and our school community.

Well done to all involved.

Trust-Wide Community Art Project

During the first term of this academic year, pupils from across our Trust came together for a special creative project celebrating the theme of community. Hosted at Turves Green Boys’ School, pupils from each of our schools collaborated to design and create a vibrant collection of artwork that reflected what community means to them, their classmates, and their individual school environments.

Working side by side, pupils shared ideas, stories, and artistic styles to produce individual pieces. Following the event, the artwork has now been transformed into signage and distributed to every school within the Trust. This means that each school now proudly displays a piece of the collective mural, ensuring that a small part of every school community is represented across all of our sites.

These displays are now proudly showcased in various locations around each school, celebrating creativity, collaboration, and the shared values that unite our Trust. The project not only produced beautiful artwork but also created lasting connections between pupils and schools, reinforcing the importance of belonging, respect, and community.

We are incredibly proud of all the pupils who took part and the creativity, teamwork, and thought they brought to this project. The pieces stand as a lasting symbol of the spirit of our Trust – many schools, one community.

World Book Day

Day 1

To celebrate World Book Day, we’re bringing a little mystery to our reading! 

Pupils have been exploring the bookshelves of different members of staff. They’ve been closely examining the titles, genres and even the decorations on display, looking for clues. Their challenge is to work out which staff member each bookshelf belongs to!

It’s a fantastic way to share our love of reading, spark thoughtful discussions, and discover new favourites together.

A new mystery shelf will be revealed each day! Can you guess who this one belongs to? Today’s selection includes an exciting blend of mythology, history, powerful fiction and global adventures.


Day 2

A brand-new shelf has appeared!

Pupils have once again been putting their detective skills to the test during form time, exploring the titles, genres and clues hidden among the books and decorations.

What do these choices reveal about their owner? Are there any hints in the themes, authors or styles?

Take a close look… can you guess which member of staff this bookshelf belongs to?


Day 3

Another day, another shelf to solve!

During form time, pupils have been analysing today’s selection, discussing recurring themes, favourite authors and the subtle clues hidden in the display.

What do these book choices tell us about their owner? Is there a clear pattern, or is this reader full of surprises?

Study the shelf carefully… can you guess which member of staff it belongs to?


Day 4

The mystery continues!

Today’s bookshelf has sparked lots of discussion during form time, as pupils explore the range of titles and search for clues in the genres, themes and display details.

What do these choices reveal about the reader behind the shelf? Are there any standout hints that give it away?

Take a closer look… can you guess which member of staff this bookshelf belongs to?


Day 5

It’s the final day of our Mystery Bookshelf challenge!

Throughout the week, pupils have explored each display during form time, searching for clues in the titles, genres and decorations to uncover the staff member behind the shelf.

Take one final look… can you guess who this bookshelf belongs to?

Meet the Staff

Meet Miss Field - our newly appointed Head of Creative Arts!

Since joining Smestow in September 2023, I have had the privilege of establishing the Performing Arts department at this wonderful school. I teach Dance and Drama across Key Stages 3 and 4 and am proud to serve as Heasd of Creative Arts, overseeing the four creative disciplines of Dance, Drama, Music and Art.

I am deeply passionate about nurturing pupils’ creativity and inspiring a lifelong appreciation for the arts. It is incredibly rewarding to work within such a supportive and welcoming school community, where creativity is encouraged and pupils are given the opportunity to express themselves and grow in confidence.

Outside of school, I enjoy staying active through dance, Pilates and the gym. 


Meet our Assistant Head of House - Mr Sidhu

I joined Smestow Academy in September 2020 as a trainee teacher on my PGCE placement and have been proud to remain as a full-time member of staff ever since. I teach Mathematics across Key Stages 3 and 4 and also support our pastoral provision as Assistant Head of House, working closely with Heads of House and the attendance team to promote positive behaviour, attendance, and punctuality. 

Smestow is a fantastic school with brilliant pupils and a supportive, dedicated staff team that I am proud to be part of. I am passionate about helping pupils believe in their potential and feel confident about their future, whatever path they choose. 

As a young Panjabi male teacher, I am proud to be a visible role model and strongly believe that representation matters - every pupil deserves to feel seen, supported, and inspired.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, and unwinding with films, games and podcasts.


Meet our Head of 6th form and Assistant Head of Sixth form - Mrs Bryant and Mr Davies! 

Name: Mrs Bryant

Role: Assistant Head (Exams, Data, Assessment & Careers) and Head of Sixth Form

I joined Smestow in April 2024 and have loved being part of such a dedicated and vibrant school community. Alongside my leadership role, I teach A Level Biology as well as Science across Key Stages 3 and 4. I’ve been teaching for nine years and supporting students both academically and pastorally continues to be the most rewarding part of my career. I am incredibly excited to keep watching the Sixth Form grow and to help our students achieve their aspirations.

Fun fact: I’m a huge dog lover and share my home with two giant Newfoundland's and one very cheeky Labrador!

Name: Mr Davies

Role: Science Teacher and Assistant Head of Sixth Form 

I joined Smestow in September 2016 as a PE teacher and began teaching Science in 2017. I have loved how Smestow Academy has grown into a positive and successful community where pupils are well mannered and make good progress. I teach A Level Biology as well as Triple Biology to KS4 and Science to KS3 pupils. My additional responsibility in school is Assistant Head of Sixth Form where I support students in making the right choices in their next steps as well as ensure they make progress in Level 3 studies.

In my Spare Time I enjoy:  Watching football (I am a big football fan), listening to music and going on long walks with my family

Contact Info

Smestow Academy
Windmill Crescent
Castlecroft, Wolverhampton
West Midlands
WV3 8HU

T: 01902539500
postbox@smestowacademy.co.uk

Monday - Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 3:30 pm

Copyright 2026 © All Rights Reserved

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