BOA Digital Technologies Academy is celebrating after being awarded the prestigious Gold School Games Mark for the 2025/26 academic year, recognising the academy's outstanding commitment to school sport and physical activity.

The School Games Mark is a Government-led award scheme, facilitated by the Youth Sport Trust, that celebrates schools across England for their dedication to providing high-quality sporting opportunities and encouraging participation in competitive sport.

With high temperatures expected this week, the school is taking proactive steps to ensure students remain safe, comfortable, and ready to learn during the warm weather.

Uniform Adjustments in Place

In response to the heat, a temporary adjustment to the uniform policy has been introduced. Blazers and jumpers are now optional for the duration of the warm spell, helping students to stay cool throughout the school day. All other elements of the school uniform remain unchanged and should be worn as expected.

Staying Safe During PE Lessons

Additional guidance has been issued for Physical Education (PE) lessons, particularly those taking place outdoors. Students are encouraged to take the following precautions:

• Wear a hat or cap where possible to protect against the sun
• Bring a clearly labelled water bottle and drink regularly to stay hydrated
• Apply sunscreen before arriving at school and bring additional sunscreen for reapplication if needed
• Wear appropriate PE kit suitable for warmer conditions
• Inform a member of staff immediately if they feel unwell, dizzy, or overheated

PE staff will continue to monitor weather conditions carefully and will adapt activities where needed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students.

Students, parents and staff are advised that planned industrial action will affect services across the West Midlands Railway network on Friday 22^nd May and Saturday 23^rd May.

A significantly reduced timetable will be in operation across many routes, with some services cancelled entirely. Trains are expected to finish earlier than usual on Friday evening, with no services running after 7pm, while Saturday services will begin later than normal from around 7am

Our Student Reward Window is now well underway. Students are currently working towards securing their place on an exciting end-of-year trip to Drayton Manor.

The reward window runs until Friday 12^th June, giving students eight school weeks to demonstrate consistent commitment to their education. To qualify, students must achieve at least 95% attendance and maintain a 95% positive behaviour ratio throughout the period.

On Friday 22^nd May 2026, BOA Digital Technologies Academy will host its annual Culture Day, a celebration of the diversity, identity and heritage that make up our school community. This year’s theme, Culture connects us all, will run throughout the day as students and staff come together to share, learn and celebrate one another.

Saltley Viaduct will close from Sunday 10th May 2026 for approximately 18 months while a new, taller and stronger bridge is built over the railway, the new HS2 line, the canal and the River Rea.