Newsletter
December 2024
Headteacher's Letter
We are approaching the end of the Christmas term, after what has been an extremely busy and successful year for our school. Our newsletter contains just a snapshot of all the different activities and enrichment opportunities that occur within St Thomas More Catholic Academy. It highlights what a vibrant and positive community we have. Further details can be found on our Twitter feed, on Facebook and on our website.
Over the recent weeks, we have been preparing for Christmas through Advent; last Tuesday we held our Christmas Concert, which was a fantastic evening and the students' talents and effort shone through. I am delighted the music department is thriving and enabling students to develop and show their musical talents.
On the last day of term, we are having a Christmas jumper non-uniform day to raise funds for CAFOD. As you know we have been supporting Stoke-on-Trent foodbank though advent and putting our faith into action by bringing donations into school. Thank you for your support.
The Year 13 students have recently completed their mocks and we are delighted with their approach to the academic challenge. Year 11 students are now preparing for their mocks in January and we wish them a restful break in preparation for the challenge in January. All other years are in the middle of assessment and we are proud of the academic excellence you can see within school.
As we come to the end of a very long term, I would also like to express how delighted I was to send out the Headteacher's awards. The threshold to achieve the Headteacher's Classcharts Award was +250 points and I am very pleased to say that over 250 students achieved this benchmark.
I would like to thank the governing body for all their commitment this year and every year. Mr Rob Flello continues as Chair of the governing body, with Mrs Kathleen Harrison our Vice Chair.
Finally I would like to wish you all a happy and holy Christmas.
Thank you for your continued support.
Chaplaincy at St Thomas More Catholic Academy
Chaplaincy Commissioning Mass
16th September at St Mary's College , Oscott, Birmingham.
The Chaplaincy commissioning Mass at St Marys College, Oscott , Birmingham, served as both a celebration of faith and a commissioning of the chaplaincy team, who will play a vital role in the spiritual well-being of the School. The Mass emphasised the significance of the chaplaincy team’s role in leading the school in prayer, worship, and service throughout the year.
Year 6 MAC Retreat
The MAC Retreat for the Year 6 students was a deeply transformative experience, providing students with the time and space to reflect on their faith, grow spiritually, and strengthen their connection to both God and one another.
TC Prayer service
25th September 2024
Our school joyfully celebrated the Feast of St. Teresa of Calcutta, a beacon of love, compassion, and selfless service. The students of TC form reflected on her life, and inspired to live out her message of love and compassion in our daily lives. In the spirit of St. Teresa of Calcutta, let us strive to be instruments of peace and love, embodying her words: "Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love."
Reconciliation Service for Year 8, 9, and 10.
Theme: “A Journey of Healing and Renewal”
The Reconciliation Service for Year 8, 9, and 10 was a deeply spiritual and reflective experience, providing students with an opportunity to reconnect with God, seek forgiveness, and embrace the grace of reconciliation.
The theme of the service, "A Journey of Healing and Renewal," emphasised the power of God’s love to heal brokenness and restore relationships with Him and one another.
Students had the opportunity to visit the school chapel during RE lessons to take part in the Reconciliation service throughout Advent.
Retreat Days
During this season of Advent, students from our MAC primary schools were invited by the RE Department into the Academy to take part in some festive activities and to reflect on the true meaning of Advent.
The students reported that they enjoyed having the chance to visit the Chapel and reflect on the Gospel stories. Our Lay Chaplain here at STMCA guided the children through the scripture and students shared how much they enjoyed visiting the Chapel, library and other parts of the school building, to prepare them in their transition to St. Thomas More Catholic Academy.
Students also got creative as they worked together to design their own advent wreath to complete upon their return to school. Many of the children wrote prayers for peace and hope and reflected on how the lives of those less fortunate would be affected during the Advent and Christmas season.
A thoroughly enjoyable morning was had by all. Merry Christmas from Team RE!
One Million Children Praying the Rosary for Unity and Peace
On Friday 18th October, students across our school community joined RE staff in the Chapel to pray the rosary. It was incredibly special to know that we were joining children all across the world, praying together for unity and peace, strengthening unity in our Church and forming one family across the globe. Staff and students opened their hearts to pray our brothers and sisters in need, as we grew together in love for God and our neighbour.
This prayer initiative by Aid to the Church in Need aims to rekindle faith in the power of prayer. The worldwide campaign is an invitation to remember the words of Our Lady of Fatima that the childlike and trusting prayer of the rosary can truly change the world, defeat evil and bring peace.
Year 7 Church Visit
All year 7s have had the exciting opportunity to visit St. Gregory's Catholic Church and meet our Parish Priest Father David Newell. Father David taught our students about the importance of the Catholic Church for our Catholic community, exploring the importance of Mass and explaining the different features of the Church, including the Tabernacle, Font and Stations of the Cross. Year 7 thoroughly enjoyed their visit and acted with reverence and respect throughout the retreat. It was fantastic to see the enthusiasm that our students had when asking Father David a wide range of questions about the Church and the Catholic faith, showing their ambition to learn more and to develop in faith and spirituality!
Combined School Mass
On Thursday 10th October, All Saints Catholic Collegiate, were delighted to be hosting the Combined Schools Mass.
St Gregory’s Church was filled with students, staff and families, from the Catholic schools across Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent. With students reading, singing and coming together in prayer, it really was a joyous event.
Thank you to everyone who attended.
CAFOD Family Fast Day
On Friday 4th October, staff, students and sixth form students, came together to share a lunch of soup and roll to support CAFOD Family Fast Day.
Thank you to everyone who was involved to make this such a success!
Christmas Card Competition
All students have been invited to design Christmas cards this Advent, to share with those in need across our parish and city, with the winning designs being published on cards for sale through school and the parish. Students across key stages 3 and 4 shared fantastic entries with Mrs Murphy and we look forward to sharing their work with our community over the Christmas period.
Local Food Bank
We want to take this opportunity to say thank you to all of the staff and students who have been collecting items for our most vulnerable brothers and sisters, to support them throughout the Christmas period and into the new year. Together, students have collected food items to donate to our local food bank which will directly support families within our local parish and community this Christmas. Alongside this, staff have been collecting toiletries and hygiene items for Fr Hudson’s Caritas, which will go to support refugees, asylum seekers and those who are homeless. As a Catholic community, we have lived simply, standing in solidarity with those in need, fulfilling Pope Francis’ call to love one another. In Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis reminds us that ‘[Jesus] asks us not to decide who is close enough to be our neighbour, but rather that we ourselves become neighbours to all.” Let us be reminded that charity does not restrict itself to one kind of person. Love for others powerfully renews us. Let us reflect on this this Christmas, as we pray for spiritual renewal, peace and love for all, particularly those in need, as we reflect on our Catholic Social Teachings. Let us remember, that true happiness comes not from receiving things ourselves, but from the love we feel and share when we give to others.
CAFOD Live Simply
This half term we continue to work towards achieving the Live Simply award, below are some of the fantastic things which our school community have been working on throughout the Autumn term to promote living in sustainably and in solidarity with our brothers and sisters across the globe:
- Fundraising for CAFOD World Gifts, with students choosing the gifts we purchase
- Exploring how to ‘live simply’ through RE, 15 Minutes of Faith, Acts of Worship and PSHE
- Collecting food items for our local foodbank
- Collecting toiletry and hygiene items for Fr Hudson's Caritas for the most vulnerable people in society including homeless people and refugees
- Pupils are designing and writing Christmas prayer cards for our local parish and sending these to vulnerable people across our community
- Promoting key events such as the Carol concert through St Gregory’s Catholic Church to invite members of our local parish
- Continuing to pray for peace through our weekly prayer services and adoration
- Supporting those in need within our community through recycling coats to those who are without one this winter
- Celebrating National Fitness Day X Live Simply by encouraging students to walk/cycle to school
- Celebrating CAFOD Family Fast Day through breaking bread together and sharing a simple meal together
- Regifting and recycling at Christmas to support those in need within our community
- Developing our shared spaces including working towards harvesting rainwater, composting, building a polytunnel and irrigation systems in our green spaces
Religious Education
Exploring the Church
In year 10 RE we have been learning all about the Church, exploring the meaning and importance of the Church, as well as the architecture and features of a Catholic Church. We really enjoyed getting creative with year 10 and building our own Churches which reveal many of the important features which we have been learning about in class. To help to prepare for this, we visited our chapel to explore the features in there:
Key Stage 4 CAFOD Retreat Day
This term, all KS4 students had a visit from David from CAFOD, to speak to them about the important work of CAFOD and how they help our most vulnerable brothers and sisters all across the globe. Students then enjoyed becoming project managers in the follow up tasks ran through RE where students completed a CAFOD quiz, explored how the work of CAFOD links to Catholic Social Teachings, and had to budget to plan which projects to support and why. This will help our KS4 students in the lead up to Christmas, where they will be choosing which CAFOD World Gifts to purchase following our Advent fundraising events!
Creative Learning in RE
Every unit in RE offers students an opportunity to creatively express their learning. This term, this has included Church building, creating 3D Paschal Candles and creating 3D Advent Wreaths. In Key Stage 3 in particular, students have the opportunity to explore ethical and artistic links to each element of their curriculum which they thoroughly enjoy!
Sixth Form
University Trip
Our sixth form students had a great day at the University and Apprenticeship fair at Edgbaston, Birmingham. A whole range of different universities and apprenticeship providers were present offering advice, along with different seminars on topics including, writing UCAS Personal Statements and Student Finance. The students really enjoyed the day!
Sixth Form Open Evening
The RE Team, along with some of our current A-Level RS students, enjoyed welcoming students from across the city to the A-Level RS stall at our open evening. We explored the ‘trolley problem’, key ethical debates across the course and hidden theological messages in jelly babies! All aspiring Philosophers' names were entered into a raffle with three students winning a Philosophy book to engage and enthuse them as they prepare for studying A-Level RS.
Higher Horizons
Our sixth form students had a great day at the University and Apprenticeship fair at Edgbaston, Birmingham. A whole range of different universities and apprenticeship providers were present offering advice, along with different seminars on topics including, writing UCAS Personal Statements and Student Finance. The students really enjoyed the day!
Sixth Form meet with Richard Stakes, Teaching Fellow @ Keele University
Sixth formers taking Mathematics had a session with Mathematics Teaching Fellow Richard Stakes to discuss exam techniques and Mathematics at University level. We are thankful to Richard for always supporting our school and sharing his expertise with our sixth form learners.
David Campbell Soccer School
Our David Campbell Soccer School students attended a talk where they learnt about the amazing Camp America programme, two students did return for an interview and they have secured a place to work in America next year, which is a fantastic opportunity for them.
Maths
Within the Maths department this Autumn Term we have had some great opportunities for students within all year groups. Staff and Students are looking forwards to a restful Christmas break after a long term! We have managed to fit in Y8 and Y9 Data Point assessments and feedback as well as Y13 Mock Exams, visits to Keele University and Staffordshire University as well as lots of extra-curricular opportunities at school! Y7 start their Data Point Assessments in the first week back and Y11 have Mock Exams in January too.
Rising Stars
Members of the Maths department have been working closely with Rising Stars students to broaden their understanding and work on exam techniques. Students have the opportunity in smaller groups in form time working on specific skills to enhance and boost their progress in Maths.
Keele University Y11 Visit
Our Year 11 students recently enjoyed an inspiring and productive enrichment day at Keele University, focused on revising key GCSE Maths topics. The event provided an excellent opportunity for students to immerse themselves in challenging and engaging sessions, aimed at solidifying their understanding and boosting their confidence ahead of their exams.
The day was structured around four intensive workshops, each led by expert educators and tailored to students of similar ability. Topics were explored in depth, with activities designed to enhance problem-solving skills and foster a deeper grasp of complex concepts.
We would like to thank Keele for their ongoing support with these sessions and our Y11 students as they get closer to their GCSE examinations.
Staffordshire University STEM Visit for Y8
A coach full of Y8 students had the opportunity to visit Staffordshire University for the day before half term. This trip focussed on careers in Mathematics as well as had a focus on STEM. We had a great day exploring the university, talking with Maths specialists and even creating our own coded robot from Lego pieces. Thank you to Mrs Kerr for organising this and allowing our students to dream big and think mathematically.
Careers
Another busy and exciting term in Careers across the school in both curriculum lessons and pastoral care; helping students plan their pathways, as well as the specialist careers programme that we offer whole school.
All our mathematicians, economists and all of Year 8 as part of their Careers in Maths focus, were invited to take part in a cyber-security and Artificial intelligence talk with Ben Mcmanus who explored the fascinating new world of AI and the careers opportunities within even finding time to incorporate using AI to write a new Rap song about Techno in Tesco! Years 8s were invited to join the Cyber Explorers challenge to learn valuable cyber security skills in a government led initiative and to have the chance to take part in a national competition – it's not too late to check your emails for details, and click on this link to sign up https://www.cyberexplorers.co.uk/register/864987
Other employer encounters include Duncan Coleman from Trentham Gardens who discussed the wide variety of employment opportunities at Trentham due to diversification, ensuring large historic estates stay financially viable and protecting our heritage and sustaining countryside and wildlife. The Year 9s were invited to enter a competition to design an event of their own to win a day out at Trentham, meeting all the employers and visiting all the employment sectors, and maybe even seeing their event come to life.
Y8 Careers in Maths Campus Visit
As part of the Year 8 Careers in Maths focus our Year 8s were also given the opportunity to spend the day at Staffordshire University, exploring Careers in Maths Pathways.
STMCA are excited to be working with Higher Horizons to provide a completely funded trip for Yr 8 Maths Day. This was a fantastic opportunity to participate in a creative workshop in the Catalyst Gallery led by the university lecturers, enjoy a Campus tour and an opportunity to experience University Campus Life.
Topics covered during the day were: Global Economics – Division of Labour; Bang for your Buck- Budgeting workshop; Inflation – What’s the solution? and Numeracy in the News, current affairs round up also in the Catalyst Gallery. The day was completed with a super fun LEGO coding and programming robotics race challenge.
Lots of great opportunities for all our aspiring professionals, academics, mathematicians, accountants, financiers and investment bankers, but provides a valuable insight for all year 8s.
Magistrate’s Mock Trial Competition
Aspiring Year 9 barristers, solicitors, police and court artists and reporters are busy preparing for the prestigious Magistrate’s Mock Trial Competition, in which they will go to court and act out a trial having prepared the case and taken all the roles in the courtroom – local heats coming soon.
Y9 Univision Conference for Science at Staffordshire University
The vast array of careers in Science pathways was discussed and key vocabulary pre-taught at the start of our enlightening and varied Year 9 Univision Conference Science Day.
It began with a Campus Quest, where our intrepid year 9s had to solve puzzles to find their way around the Campus, Facilitated by ambassadors. We observed research conducted in the University Science Laboratories, attended workshops on Entomology, Psychology, and Sports science in the Sports hall where they encountered a talented para-athlete.
Post 16 Pathways for Year 11
We were thrilled to host our STMCA Trinity open evening this term and look forward to working with Year 11 throughout their time in sixth form. Remember to submit applications as soon as possible so that we can save your place!
We also welcomed local colleges and Higher Horizons to talk about post 16 and University Pathways to ensure year 11s understand their choices as part of a longer-term plan.
Human Utopia came to school again to deliver high quality training to Year 11s ensuring that they are fully prepared for this important year.
Forensic Science Crime Scene House visit
Forensically-minded year 10s and 12s experience a fascinating day studying forensic sciences at Staffordshire University. We took the role of first attenders at a crime scene, gathering evidence, identifying clues, we also analysing confiscated illegal drug samples in the laboratory and met a digital forensics expert from West Yorkshire Police.
Chester University and Christmas Markets
Year 10s enjoyed a fabulous taster day at Chester University where they were presented with post 16 and post 18 options and pathways, thinking about courses at Chester university and enjoyed a campus tour before exploring the historic city of Chester and the festive Christmas Markets.
Science
Honours Masterclass
Honours students form Years 7-10 learnt how to Stableford score in the game of golf with Miss Shuff and Mr Nixon.
They also enjoyed having a go at the game, chipping into the nets.
The Science Department delivered an Honours Masterclasses this term on Medical Physics.
The students were taught about X-rays, CT scans and MRI scans. They then had the opportunity to take their blood pressure, check for colour blindness and have a hearing test. Some students measured the amount of oxygen in their blood using a pulse oximeter. It works by shining light through skin and measuring how much light is absorbed.
Space Lab
Miss Shufflebotham and Mr Melling ran Space Lab in October for all Y7 students. Space Lab supported the transition from Primary to Secondary school. Students were able to work with their new peers to develop their scientific skills by investigating which materials are best suited for parts of a spacecraft.
Particle Physics Lego
Students were learning about Particle Physics and used Lego to model the three generations of fundamental particles which include quarks, leptons and neutrinos.
Synthesising aspirin
The Y13 Chemists synthesised Aspirin from salicylic acid and ethanoic anhydride and recrystallised their aspirin from water to purify their samples. The crystals were left to dry then students measured the melting point using melting point apparatus to determine the purity of their samples.
CREST Club
The Bronze Award students have started making their products in CREST club - lip-gloss, soap and bath-bombs. The Silver Award students are busy planning; they will be making washing soda & lipstick and investigating the detection of drugs. At Gold level we are carrying out case-studies on a few ailments such as fibromyalgia and arthritis, both of which may be linked to food sensitivity. We are looking at the importance of nutrition, to potentially prevent and cure some illnesses.
TREE PLANTING:
As part of their 150th anniversary, Wood Goldstraw Yorath Architects, who have worked with local Catholic schools on building projects for many years, have genourously donated a number of trees to the school. These indigenous British trees will contribute to natural biodiversity, supporting our pledge to Live Simply and demonstrating one of our Catholic Social Teaching Principles: stewardship and care for God's creation.
Faculty of Performance
Year 11 Sport Studies
It was an honour and a privilege for our STM students to visit a local residential home on Friday 6th December to spread some Christmas cheer and joy, playing bingo for prizes and giving gifts to the residents. Our school values of ‘Faith, Excellence and Respect’ were on show from all Y11 Sport Studies students who volunteered to attend.
STMCA Badminton Teams
It has been fantastic to see the U14 and U16 boys and girls STM badminton teams in action this term. There are a large number of students who regularly attend the badminton club on a Friday after school and this then gives the students the opportunity to develop a range of skills that can be used in competitive matches against other schools.
Year 7 and Partnership Games
Y7 and Y8 students this term were selected to participate in the ‘Partnership Games’ where the focus is for students who don’t often represent the school in sports competitions to have the experience of doing so.
City School Primary School Competition - supported by STMCA Year 10 Sport Studies Students
Our Y10 STM Sport Studies students have represented the academy in leading a city schools primary sports competition at Northwood stadium. This was a fantastic opportunity from which our students have gained valuable experience that they can use in their GCSE qualification. The students were praised by the school games organisers and primary school teaching staff for their hard work and effort with younger primary students.
Year 10 City Schools Indoor Athletics Competitions
This term has seen Y10 participate in the city schools indoor athletics competitions. We selected Y10 sports studies students for this opportunity to give them the opportunity to compete against other schools across the city.
Cross Country
We had a range of boys and girls who were selected to represent the academy in the U12, U14 and U16. Schools cross country competitions this term. This was a great opportunity for students to test their long distance running abilities against schools from across the city.
Netball Club
We have seen five different netball squads in city schools competitions this term representing Y7, Y8, Y9, Y10 and Y11. Our KS3 girls have been training every Wednesday and our KS4 girls every Thursday in our after school clubs to prepare for competitive events. It has been great to see such a positive turn out at the after school clubs.
Football
There have been a range of football fixtures taking place this term with the boys teams being represented at Y7, Y8, Y9,Y10 and Y11 age ranges in city schools league fixtures.
It has also been brilliant to see the U14 girls and U16 girls football team develop through training as part of the after school girls' football programme on a Monday to then playing competitive 11 v 11 fixtures also.
PSHE
PSHE Competition and Getting GOLD for Rail Safety!
Honours students created a wide range of resources from websites, information pages and posters, to promote the importance of rail safety which led to us achieving the Gold Rail Safety award!
PSHE Themes
For each extended form period, students vote on which PSHE themes they feel are most important and what they are interested in learning more about. This term we have explored social justice and British values, Black History Month, and bullying and discrimination with a focus on Cyberbullying and Islamophobia. Students engaged brilliantly throughout the sessions, showcasing our values of Faith, Excellence and Respect.
PSHE Week
This week, all students have had the opportunity to engage with a range of PSHE activities and talks including:
Road Safety sessions looking at the risks of distractions and peer-influence in key stage 3, and the dangers of texting and drink-driving in key stage 5. Students at St Thomas More stated that the talks were ‘informative and eye-opening’ and that they helped them to know that they need ‘to be careful about who are our influencers because they have an impact in our choices’.
John Pridmore shared his story of his extraordinary conversion from a life of crime to a life devoted to God. His missionary work continues to inspire people all over the globe with students at St. Thomas More Catholic Academy stating that ‘John inspired me to read my Bible more and start focusing on my relationship with Christ to follow his footsteps’
Year 8s had a full retreat day ran by Rise Theatre Company and the RE/PSHE team at St Thomas More where they explored the true meaning of happiness and how to find happiness through God. Students particularly enjoyed watching the drama productions and having time for spiritual reflection through mindful colouring and art work.
English Department
Young Writers
All students in Year 7 have the exciting opportunity to have their work published in the Young Writers book: 'Fight or Flight' by entering the competition.
Students are invited to write their own 100 word mini saga where their character may find themselves in a moral dilemma and decide which outcome is best! Will they decide to face the consequences or flee the scene?
The closing date is Friday 20th December. Students can enter directly by:
Emailing their entry along with their, name and full address to: competitions@youngwriters.co.uk
OR
Uploading their entry at www.youngwriters.co.uk/competitions/enter.
OR
Posting their entry along with their, name and full address to:
Young Writers SS
Remus House
Peterborough
PE2 9BF
Library Talk
On the 20th November all students in Year 7 received a talk from a representative from Longton Library who spoke about the wonderful opportunities that the library has to offer. In addition, all students received a library card, with which they will be able to borrow 2 books at a time. Students will also have access to all of the online materials which cover the latest magazines and much more!
Creative Writing Club
Creative Writing Club has had an exciting and productive first term, bringing together students with a passion for storytelling and self-expression. Held every Tuesday after school, the club provides a welcoming space for writers to explore their creativity in a variety of ways (and chocolate biscuits).
To kick off the term, members participated in workshops focused on writing "recipes" for themselves. This fun exercise encouraged students to describe their unique personalities and interests through the lens of a recipe, blending creativity with a dash of humour.
The highlight of the term, however, has been the exploration of Blackout poetry. Students have been captivated by this unique form of expression, where they take a page of text (from newspapers, books, or even magazines) and black out certain words, leaving behind a poem crafted from the remaining words. It’s a creative exercise that transforms ordinary text into powerful, evocative poetry, and has sparked some truly inspiring works.
As the year draws to a close, each student has chosen a Christmas-themed project to work on, spending their December sessions revising and perfecting their work. From holiday short stories to festive poems, students are pouring their creative energy into pieces that reflect the season’s spirit.
Arts on Angels
Students from all year groups have contributed to our Arts on Angels poetry recitals to showcase our outstanding oracy skills.
Students have showed a passion and excellence in performing their poems which we hope to replicate in the Poetry by Heart national competition.
The competition judges students' skills in speaking poems with a focus on: voice, understanding, performance and accuracy. Finalists of the competition are invited to perform at the Globe theatre in London.
The Three Musketeers: Year 7 Trip
Year 7 have had a fantastic opportunity this half term to see The Three Musketeers at The New Vic Theatre. The students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and represented the school wonderfully.
The performance was fantastic and the New Vic Theatre did a great job presenting a new adaptation of a classic story. Our students loved seeing how a well-known tale can come to life on stage and it has fuelled their passion for drama and performance.
Thank you to those students that attended the trip and we hope you enjoyed it as much as us.
We already can’t wait to book again for next year!
Modern Foreign Languages
European Day of Languages
To celebrate European Day of Languages, our KS4 linguists visited year 7 and 8 forms to deliver prayer in their home languages. Pupils also had the opportunity to complete a quiz about the 48 different languages spoken in our school community!
German Unity Day
On Wednesday 3rd October we celebrated German Unity Day in the MFL department. Pupils in years 8, 9 and 10 had the opportunity to learn more about the fall of the Berlin wall, were able to listen to German music and try some traditional German food.
Year 7 French cinema experience
On 13th December, to enhance cultural capital, all of year 7 pupils had the opportunity of a French cinema experience.
They have watched the film “Le Petit Nicolas”, completed a quiz and been treated to a tasty French snack!
Music Department
On Friday the 6th of December, the Music department took members of the junior choir to Royal Stoke University Hospital for the second year in a row to sing carols and spread Christmas spirit. The Choir stood proud on the 1st floor balcony overlooking the foyer and sang to those below entering and exiting the hospital. Raising money for UHNM Charity.
The full junior choir will be singing again at the Christmas concert on Tuesday the 17th of December. Along with multiple members of the music department. Including senior choir, the Year 11 BTEC bands, Year 12 CTEC band and our Tuesday after school band. All students have been working really hard and we hope to see you all there!
Equans Social Value Project at St Thomas More Catholic Academy
Through the Sixth Form work experience, one of our students, Michael Olatinpo, was placed at the company Equans. Each employee at Equans has two days of volunteering each year and their aim is to increase their social value in the local community.
Project Manager Thomas Clarke, alongside Michael, created an environmental and sustainability project that has been funded by Equa’s. This has included, installing rainwater harvesting systems, composting bays and the poly tunnel restoration in the communal garden area, as well as restoring the plant bed areas. This has all been funded by Equans, has taken place over the last 5 weeks.
The school are very grateful for all the support and hard work from everyone involved in this project.
Kibblestone
On a wet October day, 5 of the ASDAN students went on a day out to Kibblestone Activity Centre, the group completed a day of activities such as night line - this was an team building exercise where all the group except one were blindfolded and led the others around a course, it relied on good communication skills and trust to make it around the course. The group also had a go at abseiling, axe-throwing and crate stacking, all the activities took the individuals out of their comfort zone, as they were challenging but the benefits of the day outweighed any difficulties, all of the students had an amazing day, conquered fears and gained an module for the ASDAN course, it was a fabulous experience and everyone was proud of what they had achieved and a day that will be talked about for a while to come.
