THE SIXTH FORM VOICE

ST THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC ACADEMY

TRINITY SIXTH FORM

'LEADERS OF TOMORROW' EVENT

Trinity Sixth Form Leadership Event

On the 17th February, STMCA sixth form, alongside the other Trinity colleges, St John Fisher Catholic College and St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy were invited to a 'Leaders of Tomorrow' event at King's Hall in Stoke.

There, we listened to a range of speakers, such as Jenna Downing, a world champion inline skater! Jenna inspired us with the story of her life as a skater, especially empowering girls to aspire and follow their dreams.

Another speaker at the event was Mrs Leese, who continued the discussion of empowerment, not only for women, but for everyone to achieve and aid their future.

Year 13's meeting and chatting to Jenna Downing!

Year 13's meeting and chatting to Jenna Downing!

The different talks we received throughout the day allowed us to feel motivated to be the best person we can be; showing how we can achieve whatever we desire for the future.

The event was also an opportunity for the Trinity colleges to unite as one as we are all in the same position.

'SENDING LOVE TO SYRIA' CAKE SALE

On February 14th, student leaders and the sixth form area hosted a fundraiser for CAFOD in support of Turkey and Syria following the devastating earthquakes.

'Sending love to Syria', gave students the opportunity to purchase a cake in the sixth form bake sale, with food donations flooding in from both staff and students. As well as the chance to reflect and write a heart shaped prayer to those who have experienced loss and heartache in the affected countries.

In total, over £300 was raised to support CAFOD's earthquake appeal. Thank you everyone for your generous donations.

STAFF CAR WASH

Another event held was the staff car wash, in which sixth form students offered to wash staff cars.

Kitted with sponges, cloths and lots of water, sixth form students managed to clean 10 cars over the space of 2 hours on a Wednesday afternoon. Unfortunately, the heaven's opened, meaning that rain stopped play- we look forward to another chance to clean Mr Shuff's grey campervan!

Thank you to Marawah and Ruth in Y13 for helping to organise!

Mr Halliday is still in search for his bucket. Any sightings of a red bucket with a handle, please report back to him.

HISTORY VISIT TO AUSCHWITZ

On Tuesday 9th February, history students in sixth form had the opportunity to go to Poland and visit Auschwitz I and Auschwitz-Birkenau.

The experience was funded by the Holocaust Educational Trust, who created 'Lessons from Auschwitz' to take students to the camp and educate them on the history of the Holocaust.

The outside of the gas chambers in Auschwitz I, as well as the crematorium.

The outside of the gas chambers in Auschwitz I, as well as the crematorium.

The entrance to Auschwitz I - 'work will set you free'

The entrance to Auschwitz I - 'work will set you free'

Students were taken aback by the whole experience; shedding light on the horrific acts that not only took place within the camps, but also in other areas of the world during the Holocaust.

This experience would also aid Year 13 history students as they have been studying Nazi Germany and the Holocaust for their coursework.

UNIVERSITY INTERVIEWS

With UCAS applications finally being sent off, university is creeping up on Year 13's! Which means that a lot of interviews for universities have been occurring recently!

Many students have undergone these interviews with various universities; hoping to secure their place and get accepted into their dream course. It can be a stressful time, so here are some students who have attended an interview to discuss their experience and give some tips!

Corbin was invited to the University of York for an interview for the maths course he applied for. He told us about his experience: "I started off with a campus tour, where I also managed to get some free food!"

"The interview was beneficial for me as it was tailored to maths students. The university staff asked me maths questions on the spot to test my knowledge and determine whether this right for me. I also experienced a university level maths lecture, giving me the opportunity to experience what the method of learning in university is like."

"After this, my offer got reduced from A*AA to AAB!"

'THE CUBE'

RESILIENCE AND MOTIVATION CHALLENGES WITH JENNA DOWNING

On the back of the successful 'Leaders of Tomorrow' Trinity Day at King's Hall. Jenna Downing was invited back to STM to lead a number of challenges which required 100% focus and composure. Designed to test students' resilience and motivation, the selected Y12s worked together to overcome some tricky mental and physical challenges.

Jenna will be back at STM after Easter to again challenge our Y12 students.

TEACHERS TOP TUNES

As an avid lover of music, I (with the help of Mr Halliday), decided to create a article on our teacher's favourite albums and songs! I've also set myself the challenge of listening to all of the albums suggested and sharing my view on them. Maybe you might recognise some, or discover something new! All in all, this is just a bit of fun!

Mr Halliday

Since it was Mr Halliday who gave me this idea, it would only be fair to discuss his favourite albums first.

The first one recommended was Blue Lines by the band Massive Attack. I had never heard of this band prior to this, and was excited to find out more!

Apparently, this album is very popular, but I wasn't into it! I didn't mind the song 'Be Thankful For What You've Got', but the album as a whole just didn't gel with me. It has quite an 'electric' style, so if that's your thing, I'd recommend it! But for me, it's a miss.

Overall: 3/10 just because I added that one song to my playlist

Another album sir told me about was Scary Monsters by David Bowie, released in 1980. I love many songs by Bowie and see him as an icon, however I didn't know a single song from this album, so I looked forward to listening.

Now, I LOVED this album! I added a majority of the songs into my playlist, and it was so fun listening to more Bowie songs. If you love 80's rock, I highly recommend it! 8/10 since some songs were hit or miss, and I already love Bowie

Blue Lines- Massive Attack, 1991

Blue Lines- Massive Attack, 1991

Mr Moore

Going into listening to this, I was frightened. Mr Moore told me that one of his favourite albums is 'The Sound of Madness' by Shinedown. From what I saw after searching for the band and based on my little knowledge of his music taste, I had a strong feeling that I wouldn't enjoy this one.

And I was right to feel that.

Of course, everyone has a different taste in music, and this really wasn't it for me. It's slightly metal, hard rock for a start; I'm more into classic rock myself. There's a lot of shouting, guitar shredding and grumbling american accents, but that might be your thing! Now, I love some electric guitar, but this is too hardcore for my liking. Weirdly, some songs are less aggressive and even include what I think to be violin, which is a strange but interesting mix.

Anyway, overall this is a 2/10. I appreciate some of the guitar. Not my thing but I'm glad that someone likes it. Cheers sir.

The Sound of Madness - Shinedown, 2008

The Sound of Madness - Shinedown, 2008

Note: I (Ellie) have a very varied music taste. There is no set genre I like, mostly it's 70's/80's music. But my playlist ranges from Queen to Doja Cat. Pulp to Childish Gambino. The Smiths to TV Girl. This will all be my opinion only and I recommend listening to these albums!

Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) - David Bowie

Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) - David Bowie

Mrs Burton

I was looking forward to asking Mrs Burton what her favourite album was since I knew of her love for music. However, she couldn't think of a single album! Instead, she gave me her favourite song, which is also her ringtone - 'Weak' by Skunk Anansie.

At first, I was getting into the song. But later on, I decided that it wasn't really my thing. Maybe in the future I'll ask Miss for more recommendations, since I think we have some similar taste.

Overall: 5/10 - probably should give it another listen though!

Mr Myatt

Again, another band I had never heard of! Other than Fleetwood Mac's 'Dreams' (which is probably one of my favourite albums), sir suggested an album by Bombay Bicycle Club called 'So Long, See You Tomorrow'.

This genre of music isn't really my thing, but I've got to say, I quite enjoyed it! Some songs gave me some summer/holiday vibes, which I always love. Others were a bit too slow for me, but still sounded alright. A few songs were even added to my playlist! If you like sort of alternative pop, you could take a listen.

Overall: 6/10 (I'll be listening to the song 'Luna' over summer)

So Long, See You Tomorrow - Bombay Bicycle Club, 2014

So Long, See You Tomorrow - Bombay Bicycle Club, 2014

And that's all for this segment! Thank you to all teachers who participated, I really enjoyed listening to some new and different music!

SIXTH FORM SUCCESES

Congratulations to the sixth form students who have achieved recent successes. If you have achieved any recent success which you would like to share, please let the newsletter team or Mr Myatt know.

Lewis Holland

Congratulations for gaining a scholarship to study at Bangor University. Lewis will receive £3,000 for excelling in Bangor's entrance scholarship exam.

Nura Bakari

Congratulations for being selected to take part in the HEE Medicine Insight Programme in Middlesbrough. Nura will be taking part in a residential internship at the James Cook Hospital in July.

Leila Totton and Kacper Moszczynski

Congratulations for achieving bronze and silver certificates in the national Chemistry Olympiad. Competing against other A-Level Chemistry students in the UK, Kacper and Leila did exceptionally well to finish in the top 72% and top 32% respectively in the country.

Halishba Fareen, Morgan Wynne, Leah Stubbs, Nathan Yorke

Congratulations for passing your driving tests, stay safe on the roads!

Anna Vijee

Well done for a fantastic dance performance on Arts on Angels this term!

FANTASY PREMIER LEAGUE UPDATE

The Sixth Form FPL continues to be a competitive affair. Staff have however, began to take control at the top of the end of the table with Mr Barnett, Mr Myatt and Mr Mills sitting in the top 5.

Some firepower needed from those edging away from the rest of the pack. Remember: Chip cards can be used (wildcard, bench boost, triple captain, free hit) to boost your points tally!

Current league standings below (as of 31/03/23)

1

Kroos control
Jordan Barnett

52

1805

2

Matip-py tippy toes
Tom Myatt

78

1672

3

Botman and Robin
Nathan Yorke

50

1622

4

Bowen Arrow
lewis bunn

20

1571

5

Klopps Gospel
Joshua Mills

12

1476

6

Change Name
Ethan Smith

26

1443

7

Harrisons hench
Harrison Mitchell

31

1442

8

Boom Xhakalaka
Lewis Holland

50

1400

9

Too Eze
Shae Balfour-Lee

12

1384

10

YEEEEEEEEEEEEH CAUSE
Thomas Holland

33

1372

11

Tekkerslovakia
Mason Ketteringham

26

1367

14

angie
angie wright

15

1153

15

aimlesswanders
Daniel Holland

17

1116

16

the goat
Amy Kelsall-degg

42

1069

18

Stranger Ings
Calub Finikin

34

1032

Based on the highest number of points scored in each month over the last term, the managers of the month for Janaury, February and March are listed below:

Manager of the Month

January- Lewis Bunn

February- Nathan Yorke

March- Mr Myatt

Stay tuned for next term's FPL update!

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