A team of talented pupils from our school have taken on the ambitious task of designing a new airport for the West Midlands. Under the team name "The Ground Crew," these young innovators have combined their unique strengths to develop a cutting-edge project that showcases their creativity and collaborative skills.

Meet The Ground Crew

• Ahmi (Team Leader)
• Holly-Rose (Project Manager)
• Mia-Rose (Communications, Research, and Impact Lead)
• Tommy Hutchings (Design Lead)

The team has engaged in weekly meetings, substituting their usual Wednesday afternoon "Discovery" sessions to focus on this project. Ahmi, the team leader, even visited Exeter Airport and met with staff from Aviation South West to gain first-hand insights into airport operations and design.

Innovative Learning and Engagement

To accommodate time constraints and school commitments, the team disseminated masterclasses to their parents for engagement at home. This approach ensured that the students could fully immerse themselves in the project without compromising their regular studies.

Testimonials and Praise

Cecilia Golborne, Associate Teacher at MBA, expressed her admiration for the team's dedication and achievements:

"It has been an absolute delight to work with these four talented and able individuals across the last few weeks to assemble an ambitious and challenging project which incorporates novel, high-level concepts into their existing curricular knowledge. This competition has presented a fantastic opportunity for these pupils to represent Matford Brook Academy in showcasing key principles in the research, design, and delivery of an international airport in the UK. They have collaborated their unique strengths and abilities as a strong team of four, progressing excellent ideas into an inspiring model for future innovative and sustainable airport design. I am incredibly proud of their achievements, initiative, and their enthusiasm for learning. They have developed myriad transferable skills which will, no doubt, pave the way in support of their future endeavours."

Hannah Rose, Acting Headteacher of MBA, also praised the students:

"Now more than ever, it's important for schools to foster innovation and practical skills in students. Our team at MBA has shown remarkable initiative and creativity in this project. Their dedication to exploring and challenging concepts beyond the classroom is commendable. This experience not only enriches their learning but also prepares them for future challenges. We are immensely proud of their hard work and the impressive results they have achieved and we wish them the best of luck at the Ted Wragg Innovation Competition next week where they will go head to head against 15 other schools."

For more information on the Ted Wragg Innovation competition click here.

We’re thrilled to share that our recent three-day residential trip to Exmouth was a tremendous success! Our students were not only “lovely, polite, and kind,” but they also stood out as one of “the best groups we’ve ever had,” according to the bushcraft leaders. Additionally, the lifeguarding team remarked that our students were one of “the most polite groups” they had ever witnessed. This feedback fills us with pride and joy, as it reflects the values we strive to instil in our pupils at Matford Brook Academy of scholarship, kindness and community.

The trip was an incredible journey of mutual support and teamwork, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and enthusiasm. From the thrilling aerial adventure to mastering circus skills, our pupils embraced every moment with excitement and determination. They revelled in fun splash sessions, honed their bushcraft skills, and even tried their hand at archery tag, displaying their versatility and eagerness to learn.

One of the most memorable highlights was seeing the students support each other through the challenges, fostering a spirit of unity and friendship. The bushcraft activities, in particular, provided a platform for students to work together, solve problems, and develop new skills in a fun and engaging environment.

Hannah Rose, Acting Headteacher of Matford Brook Academy, expressed her delight at the success of the trip: "The residential trip to Exmouth was a testament to the wonderful character and spirit of our students. Their behaviour was exemplary, and the positive feedback is a reflection of their kindness, politeness, and teamwork. This experience was truly unforgettable, and I am incredibly proud of each and every one of them. At Matford Brook Academy, we write our story, and this trip is a beautiful chapter in our collective journey."

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Red Rock Outdoor Ltd for hosting us and providing so many wonderful experiences. Their expertise and hospitality played a significant role in making this trip a memorable one for our students.

Thank you for entrusting us with your children, they truly made this experience unforgettable! We look forward to more adventures and opportunities to write our story together.

Are you excited by the opportunity to grow and shape a new school?

We are looking for passionate, dynamic, ambitious and inspirational staff to be part of the inaugural team for Matford Brook Academy.

Read more about our mission and values and share your CV with us here:

Spot anything familiar?

Be part of our exciting new team at this exciting new school. 

Matford Brook Academy is opening with state-of-the-art facilities to support every part of school life. Please enjoy the images below and join us in imagining the site when it is first open (due June 2023!).