At Solihull Academy we are passionate about listening to our students and giving them a voice. Here's what some of them have to say:
“At my last place I got kicked out for fighting and messing about. Then I went to another school and did the same and got kicked out of that one. Then I came here. Teachers are a bit more lenient in what they do. They are a lot more patient. They know how to talk to you. They bring people in to help me with my anger management. Teachers know the technique and what to say or do. I’ve got a few career thoughts ahead of me…either a boxing coach, in landscaping or a sports physio.”
Rudi – Year 10 – Solihull Academy
“In my old school…it was just my behaviour…they didn’t like it. Here they put things in place to help you more. They are nicer here. They just listen to you more and understand more. I’ve got good relationships with the staff. They are good at listening. Everything is going well here for me. I want to be a paramedic when I leave here. Advice? – Just be yourself because the teachers will understand and work out strategies to help you.”
Maddie – Year 11 – Solihull Academy
“So…I got into a fight at my last place. Did not mean to, but I did. Next day I was excluded. My big brother came here…he said it was sound really, so I thought yeah. I love it here to be fair, 100%. Here, when you get angry, teachers are laid back. They let me have personal time which helps me. Here, I feel like I’ve finally got some self-respect. Positives?...learning in general. I get more done and am getting just better and better. I’m learning. Predicted grades are better. I’m just a better person…I’m trying to get an apprenticeship with Aerospace.
I’m happy to talk to the teachers about anything. Teachers are chill with you. Advice?... Just enjoy, be yourself, but don’t be a pain. This school helps you when you can’t cope.”
Keaton – Year 11 – Solihull Academy
“Staff are lenient with you on lots of stuff, but strict about being in lessons. Other teachers in other schools would look at punishing you, instead of working with you like they do here. Positives?... Relationships with staff. These are good. I’ve now got a chance for a Carpentry Apprenticeship… because the staff are so understanding – they will allow me to change my timetable and have a few days in school and a few days working on carpentry. I need more impulse control. I do stuff that gets me into trouble which does not help. But to be fair, the staff are good at helping me out of it. Yeah just give it a chance!”
Jake – Year 11 – Solihull Academy
“They don’t really care about you in my other schools. They focus more just on education – more on that than on your well-being. Here they actually check up on you. Better because you get to know everyone here – both staff and students – because it is smaller, its easier. Everyone has got each other! Oh and free transport…so that is good!”
Mason – Year 9 – Solihull Academy
“In my last school, I had a fight and got kicked out. Next school I kept getting put in isolation. Here they listen more. Because there’s less of you and more of them, there’s more people to deal with stuff with you. They let me wear my uniform – my eyelashes and that – that helps me to relax. Positives?... Being dropped into school and dropped home again – I live 40 minutes away and there is no chance I am getting 3 buses! Advice?...Yeah, don’t come in here with problems for other students.”
Lily – Year 11 – Solihull Academy