On Friday 19th June, The Polesworth School hosted the 3rd Great CAT Bake Off. Birchwood joined teams from The Polesworth School, Dordon Primary School and Millfield Primary School for a day of creativity, teamwork and baking excellence. Pupils from Year 5 to Year 8 put their skills to the test, producing an impressive range of cakes inspired by this year’s theme: the 2026 World Cup.

With football fever in the air, each team designed and created a unique show stopping cake, working hard to ensure their masterpiece was ready for the final judging. The standard of entries was exceptionally high, making the judges’ task more challenging than ever.

After presenting their designs and explaining the inspiration behind them, the teams eagerly awaited the results while the judges sampled each creation. Following careful deliberation, Millfield Primary School were crowned champions with their outstanding stadium-themed cake. Pupils from The Polesworth School secured an impressive runners-up position.

The event was a fantastic celebration of creativity, skill and collaboration, and it was clear that our schools are home to some incredibly talented young bakers. Congratulations to all the pupils who took part.

On Monday 9th March, The Annual CAT Science Quiz brought together young scientists from across the partnership for an exciting afternoon of competition and discovery. A total of eleven schools took part, joining either virtually or in person at The Polesworth School. Our team was formed from four budding scientists from Year 6. 

Teams tested their scientific knowledge across a range of fascinating rounds, including Earth and Space, Cells and Microorganisms, and Plants and Photosynthesis, to name just a few. Each round consisted of eight questions, followed by a two-point bonus question that gave teams the chance to boost their scores.

The competition was incredibly close, with teams demonstrating impressive knowledge and teamwork throughout. Congratulations go to Woodlands, who secured first place with 54 points. Windmill finished just behind in second place with 53 points, while Birchwood and Grange Park shared joint third place with 52 points each.

A fantastic time was had by all who took part, and it was wonderful to see so much enthusiasm for science across the schools. We’re already looking forward to next year’s quiz!

As part of the Academies Art Curriculum Network Group’s enrichment programme, Birchwood participated in a collaborative textile art project themed ‘Unity’. Alongside seven other schools, 16 of our children contributed to a large-scale wall-hanging that will be displayed in a central location within our Trust, following a showcase in each participating school. Mary Taylor from Crazy Mary Crafts led the project, sharing her expertise in creative workshops. It was an enjoyable day and our children's sewing skills truly shone!

On Friday, 20th June, our Year 4 boys' and girls' football team took part in the CAT Challenge Cup tournament at Aston Villa's prestigious Inner City Academy. This event brought together ten of our Trust schools and well over 100 enthusiastic children. Despite it being a very warm afternoon, both Birchwood teams performed exceptionally well, demonstrating true teamwork and sportsmanship while thoroughly enjoying their afternoon of football.

Congratulations to our girls' team, who managed to win two, draw two, and lose two of their six games, finishing third overall. They played with huge smiles on their faces and celebrated every goal as if it were a World Cup winner!

Well done also to our boys' team. The boys' teams were split into two groups. Thanks to a couple of last-minute screamers, the boys managed to top their group after winning five games and drawing one. In the final, the boys emerged as comfortable 2-0 winners, retaining the CAT Challenge Cup that they had secured the previous year.

We would like to thank Mr Chape from Wood End Primary for arranging the competition this year. We also want to extend our gratitude to all the staff at Aston Villa for hosting the event, and to our own Aston Villa coach, Jack Johnson, for organising and managing the entire occasion. Well done to all participants for contributing to a successful and memorable tournament.