Core Days 4 & 5 2026

Core Day 4 

Year 7 – Castles and Landscapes

Medieval England came to the heart of Bilston for the year 7 core day as students got to grip with castles and battles from a bygone era. After some reflection on the history of castles and weaponry,  and some tactical planning, students tested their own creativity and ingenuity in creating castles and weapons strong enough to withstand the pressure of battle. The result? A winner takes all medieval tournament! With banners and coats of arms aloft, and medieval war cries ricocheting around the academy, students faced the enemy and pitted their engineering ingenuity against each other to see which team had what it takes to rule supreme!

Year 8- Personal Safety

Here at SWB, Character and Respect runs through every aspect of our CORE values and this was exemplified in a day that saw our students focus on the effects of Knife crime and Online Hate.
Their task? To design and create a social campaign highlighting the dangers of both issues. Selected pupils also had the opportunity to experience a VR Knife crime session with our Schools Laison Officer which gave pupils a real insight into the dangers of carrying a knife. We ended the day with a talk from Rae-Ann Preece from Precious Lives who gave us an insight into the impact of choosing a life of crime. 

Year 9 –  Countryside Experience

Students got to see the sights beyond Bilston High street as they ventured to two separate countryside locations. From the heathland, wetlands and wild ponies of the 2,400 acre National Park that is Sutton Park to the breathtaking landscape and the wild deer experience of Bradgate Park in Leicester, students took a moment to appreciate life outdoors.  

Year 10 – Careers

Getting ready for the world of work is never easy, but for Year 10 students they took the next steps to employment in their stride as they approached the world of work. In a day that involved apprenticeship workshops,  career mapping and 1:1 interviews with real life employers from Collins aerospace, Compton Hospice and Lloyds to name but a few, students immersed themselves in a day set to explore what was needed in order for students to be employable. 

Core Day 5 

Year 7 – Careers.

Ever spent time grilling an engineer responsible for working on Trident, or put a judge on the stand with questions about their career? Well, year 7 did! Even at the age of 12, students were exposed to the world of work from a wealth of employers who gave up their time. Topped off by the most inspirational of talks from Stephen Seki who, once again, showed our students that mindset and resilience makes the difference. 

Year 8 – Brean Sands

Nothing screams summer holidays more than a trip to the beach..and that’s exactly what Year 8 experienced. For our special day, even the sun itself made an appearance! From sandcastles,  beach cricket, volley ball, rounders, beach walks and fort walks, students got to experience the sunshine of the Somerset coast.  With faces adorned with ice-cream and more importantly, smiles, Year 8 had a day building memories at the seaside.

Year 9– Army Training Day.

Pupils and staff alike were put through their paces with a Army character building day. From in class scenario based activities to on the field activities built to test teamwork, resilience and focus , students were challenged to #bethebest, and the best they were. Working with our external provider, MW Impact, students embraced a range of outdoor, army-inspired activities, showing teamwork, resilience, and determination throughout the day. It was a brilliant experience from start to finish—well done, Year 9, for your excellent attitude and effort!

Year 10 – Wellbeing Day:

From Bake Off,  Boardgames and Football  to understanding about  the importance of sleep hygiene, Year 10 took time out from the academic rigour of the year to focus on day dedicated to their well-being (and no screen time).