We are doing everything possible to keep pupils comfortable, hydrated and safe, and many of our spaces have air-conditioning. To support this:

• We are moving lessons to cooler areas of the school

• Utilising our air-conditioned classrooms

• Limiting physical exertion in PE

• Allowing frequent hydration breaks

• Encouraging pupils to use indoor areas at break and lunch

• Providing additional water bottle filling stations

• Adapting uniform

Please support us by encouraging your child to apply high-factor sun cream before they come to school and send them with a reusable water bottle.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and follow UK Health Security Agency guidance on hot weather to ensure we are doing everything we can for our school community.

Thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation.

The symposium aimed to inspire young people to take action on climate change and develop their understanding of sustainability. Throughout the day, pupils listened to expert speakers from a range of environmental and sustainability organisations, including Professor Jeremy Pritchard from the University of Birmingham, the Guild of Students, Felicity from Wharton, and Isla Veolia, who work in partnership with Birmingham City Council.

Following the keynote speeches and panel discussion, pupils had the opportunity to present their own research and ideas. Each school delivered a ten-minute presentation, followed by a question-and-answer session with university lecturers and industry professionals.

Our pupils demonstrated exceptional confidence, teamwork and communication skills throughout the event. A special congratulation goes to AA and MH in Year 10, whose presentation on climate change and fast fashion was praised by all the guest speakers. The symposium lead commented that their presentation was the strongest of the day and shared that, if awards had been given, they would have been the clear winners.

In the afternoon, pupils took part in a range of interactive workshops led by university staff, sixth form students and sustainability experts. Activities included creating wildflower seed bombs, exploring biodiversity through BIFoR activities and a greenhouse tour, learning about recycling with Veolia, and participating in a climate action workshop.

The symposium linked closely to our Geography curriculum by developing pupils’ understanding of climate change, sustainability and environmental management. It also reflected our school values by encouraging leadership, collaboration, curiosity and active citizenship.

The day was an inspiring experience for all involved, and every pupil received a certificate in recognition of their participation and commitment to environmental action. We are incredibly proud of our Eco Club members for representing the school so positively and for demonstrating that young people can play a vital role in creating a more sustainable future.

On Friday 12 June 2026, pupils and staff at Hodge Hill College are invited to wear a football shirt to celebrate the start of the World Cup. Pupils must wear full school uniform as normal, with the addition of a football shirt only (club, country or retro). Please note: this is not a non-uniform day.

In the first game, the team faced Five Ways, who set a large target of 118 off 8 overs. Hodge Hill made a remarkable comeback and needed only 9 runs from the last 3 balls, but narrowly fell short.

In the second game, the team played Waverley School, who set a target of 82 runs. Hodge Hill achieved the target with an impressive batting display, finishing 85-2 in the fifth over.

The team then had to wait for the final group game to see if they would make the final, but unfortunately did not progress, with Five Ways also beating Waverley.

Nonetheless, the team came very close and lost only to the overall winners, representing the school with great pride. The squad included three students from year 8 and three from year 7.

Our Year 9 Pupil Leaders were a real credit to the school during a recent visit to Hereward College in Coventry. The group of ten students took part in a highly enriching experience, gaining valuable insight into college life and a wide range of future learning opportunities.

During the visit, students were given a comprehensive tour of the campus led by the college’s Curriculum Manager. They explored a variety of learning spaces, including the industry‑standard kitchen where hospitality lessons take place, the music room, and the Library Resource Centre (LRC). A talk from the college librarian provided further insight into the extensive facilities and resources available to students.

The pupil leaders also had the opportunity to take part in four college lessons, including English, Maths, and Performing Arts. In each session, they participated enthusiastically in all activities and demonstrated confidence when speaking with college students and staff. One memorable experience was a mini British Sign Language (BSL) lesson led by one of the college’s second‑year students.

At lunchtime, our students ate alongside current college students, giving them a valuable chance to socialise, ask questions, and learn more about day‑to‑day college life. Another highlight of the day was a visit to the brand‑new immersive room, where students took part in an engaging science quiz.

Throughout the visit, the group was warmly welcomed by staff and students alike. They represented the school exceptionally well and received numerous positive compliments from college staff, with one teacher specifically praising their excellent manners.

Overall, the visit was a fantastic opportunity for our Year 9 Pupil Leaders to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, and develop a deeper understanding of what college life has to offer.

The Refugee Employment Support App provides clear information on three main pathways:

• Entry‑level roles
• Nursing and allied health professions
• Doctor and dentist careers

More than 650 users have already registered.

The app also links individuals to organisations offering support with registration, language development, employment preparation and returning to practice.

It has been developed with input from partners including the British Red Cross, Breaking Barriers, Ukrainian Medical Charity, REACHE, Building Bridges, the Lincolnshire Refugee Doctor Project, REPOD, and ReSTORE.

The app is available by searching for “Ryalto” (workforce app) in the Apple App Store or Google Play.

• Urinary tract infection (women aged 16–64)
• Sinusitis (adults and children aged 12+)
• Sore throat (adults and children aged 5+)
• Earache (children and young adults aged 1–17)
• Infected insect bite (adults and children aged 1+)
• Impetigo (adults and children aged 1+)
• Shingles (adults aged 18+)

Using the Pharmacy First service can help parents, staff and students avoid GP wait times, get treatment sooner, and return to school more quickly.

For more information on how your Community Pharmacist can help visit Think pharmacy first :: NHS Birmingham and Solihull, or watch the Pharmacy First video for parents by clicking here: Think Pharmacy First- for parents.

*Usual prescription charge rules apply.

During his workshop, Breis introduced a range of poetic and lyrical techniques, showing how rhythm, rhyme and wordplay can be used to communicate personal experiences. Students were then given the exciting opportunity to write their own lyrics, guided by his creativity and enthusiasm.

He also performed songs from his debut album, Stranger on Earth, giving students a live insight into how poetry becomes music. Alongside his performance, he spoke about his three published books:

• Brilliant Rappers Educate Intelligent Students
• Diary of a Creative Mind
• Stranger on Earth

The impact of his visit was clear. Students were energised, engaged and inspired by his message of resilience, creativity and self-belief. Here’s what some of them had to say:

• “It was amazing, he was very interactive and funny.” — SA
• “It was very inspiring to learn how to persevere, be resilient and never give up.” — AM

Breis’s visit was a vibrant celebration of creativity and identity, leaving students motivated to use their voices with confidence and pride.

https://www.hodgehill.bham.sch.uk/ofsted

During the inspection, inspectors spent time in school observing lessons, speaking with pupils, staff and governors, and reviewing a range of information, including responses to the Ofsted Parent View survey. We would like to thank all parents and carers who took the time to share their views through this process.

We would like to thank our pupils for their positive conduct and our staff for their continued commitment and professionalism. We also value the ongoing support of our school community.

As always, we remain committed to building on our strengths and continuing to improve outcomes for all our pupils, and we are grateful for your continued support.

To help both groups of students better understand the Washwood Heath area, a visit to Ward End Park was arranged. Students explored the area through the lens of community and belonging. They completed written, drawing, and photography tasks in collaboration with Braidwood students. A highlight was seeing students from both groups communicate via sign language for the first time outside structured sessions, using the finger spelling techniques learned in the residency program.

The Year 9 students demonstrated our CARE values by considering others' needs and including them in conversations with friends. They were responsible and courteous members of the community and excellent examples of mature, respectful Hodge Hill College students.

After this, they engaged in a 45-minute workshop on the business side of Manchester United, focusing on branding, sponsorship, engagement, and communication. This was a brilliant presentation which also included practical elements and finished with a chance to take photos and try on match-worn shirts, boots and gloves (even Cristiano Ronaldo’s).

Following the workshop, the pupils received a tour of the stadium, going from the stands to the changing rooms, to the tunnel and dugout, before finishing in the press conference room.

Overall, this was a fantastic opportunity for pupils to see a world-class establishment in different scenarios and industries, which could potentially be a driving point for a potential career pathway.

Throughout the trip, students displayed impressive respect and excellence, earning praise from college staff. To conclude, everyone had the chance to be coached and play on a non-league football ground by UEFA A and B qualified coaches—showcasing their skills, enjoying the experience, and relishing the chance to play at a football club’s stadium. The trip was a resounding success, forging a valuable partnership that will hopefully open up further opportunities for our students and broaden their awareness of the many career paths available in sport and further education.

Two new Lived Experience Surveys are now open on Birmingham’s Local Offer, one for young people with SEND and one for parent carers of children and young people with SEND.

We’re asking you, as professionals working with families, to help us reach as many people as possible by sharing these surveys with the young people and parent carers you support.

For young people:

We want to know what life is like for them in Birmingham, at school, at home, or in their community to get a sense of how they’re feeling and what matters most to them.

For parent/carers:

We want to hear about their experiences of support and services for their child or young person. Their insight helps us understand what families are experiencing and how things could be better.

Please share these links with the families you work with:

• Lived Experience Survey for Young People
• Lived Experience Survey for Parent/Carers

The surveys are multiple-choice and hopefully won't take up too much of their time, but the feedback will make a big difference to improving services for children, young people, and families across Birmingham. The surveys close on 12 December.

If anyone has questions or needs support completing a survey, they can contact localoffer@birmingham.gov.uk