St Edmund's Catholic Academy

St Edmund’s 6th Form Turns Orange to End Violence Against Women and Girls

St Edmund’s Catholic Academy proudly joined the city-wide ‘Orange Wolverhampton’ campaign, supporting the global initiative to end violence against all women and girls. This vital safeguarding awareness campaign, initiated by the United Nations, runs annually from November 25th to December 10th. Between these dates, we turned all the desktop screens orange at our school.

At St Edmund’s, we are committed to upholding a community culture where all of our students and staff feel safe and respected. Our participation in the ‘Orange Wolverhampton’ campaign reinforced this commitment through different activities.

Our 6th Form students led the way by holding a special ‘own clothes’ day on Thursday, 4th December 2025. Students embraced the campaign’s colour, wearing orange items to visually signal their solidarity and commitment to the cause.

6th Form students were encouraged to reflect on the issue and make personal pledges. These pledges outline specific actions they will take to promote an end to violence against women and girls, fostering a culture of respect and intervention within our school and wider community.

Staff and students showed their support by wearing orange ribbons. This simple but powerful symbol served as a daily reminder and conversation starter about the importance of the campaign.

At St Edmunds, we believe that by educating the next generation, we are helping to build a future where everyone in our community can live free from fear and violence.

On Tuesday, 25th November, eight of our students received the Sacrament of Confirmation, which was conferred by His Grace, the Archbishop of Birmingham, Bernard Longley. 

This sacrament, the final of the sacraments of initiation, where one becomes a full member of the Church, conferred on all those being confirmed, the seal of the Holy Spirit, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit – Wisdom, Knowledge, Piety, Fear of the Lord, Understanding, Counsel and Fortitude.

Our “Confirmandi” were:

Ochuwa Ewesor – year 7

Omuwa Ewesor – year 7

Elvina Xavier – year 7

Maria Akabua – year 7

Victor Nwakasi – year 8

Akenosi Ewesor – year 10

Amhanesi Ewesor – year 10

Foma Ejohwomu – year 12

Before the Confirmation Mass, at St Michael’s Catholic Church, Coalway Rd (part of the St Carlo Acutis parish), we celebrated at the end of the school day with a special congratulatory cake, to wish our students all the very best and assure them of our prayers for them on this special day. Please keep them all in your prayers too.

Confirmandi with Archbishop Bernard Longley, Monsignor Mark Crisp, Fr Gerry Bowen, and Reverend McKearney

Chair of Governors Mike Shipley, Principal Hazeldine and Reverend McKearny

Chloe is a member of Wolverhampton Swimming Club and swims in the performance squad. She trains 5 times a week.

She has recently competed at the West Midlands Regional short course championships, achieving personal best times in the 50m and 100m freestyle and is currently the fastest in her age group at 100m freestyle short course in Staffordshire.

She has qualified for nine events at Staffordshire County championships taking place in February 2026 in freestyle, backstroke, butterfly and individual medley and is aiming to achieve regional qualifying times for next summer’s regional long course championship.

Congratulations, Chloe, on your swimming success and good luck in the regional championships in February.

Parents and carers were welcomed to join fellow families and staff for a hot drink and a taste of the food served at St Edmund’s. A growing number of attendees enjoyed delicious bagels, hot toasties, pretzels, and pizza at our latest parent partnership event.

More than 20 volunteers from Severn Trent Water and Friends of Smestow Valley teamed up with our Eco Club pupils to reconnect with nature and carry out much-needed maintenance in our beautiful wetland area.

Braving the chilly weather, the group worked tirelessly to cut back overgrown vegetation and collect bags of litter. Reverend Mick McKearny opened the day with a prayer, reflecting on our shared responsibility to care for our common home.

Thanks to everyone’s hard work, the area is looking better than ever.

Well done everyone — an incredible team effort!

Eight of our talented chemists from Years 9-11 represented St Edmund’s at the Royal Society of Chemistry Top of the Bench Competition, held at the University of Coventry.

They formed two teams and competed in a written quiz against schools from across the West Midlands region. They also enjoyed a tour of the laboratories and university facilities, where they heard about the range of science-related courses on offer.

Today, St Edmund’s came together for remembrance assemblies to honour those who gave their lives in the world wars and other conflicts.

Each year, we pledge to honour and never forget the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces, civilians, and emergency service workers who have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.

Staff and students united in reflection and respect, paying tribute to all who have suffered or died as a result of conflict.

We will remember them.

Earlier this week, members of the Eco Club were invited to WCR FM Radio to share their latest achievements — including earning the Eco-Schools Green Flag Distinction, now proudly flying outside the student entrance!

You can catch the full interview with the Eco Club on Monday, 10th November, between 6–7 pm on 101.8FM, or listen live and on catch-up at www.wcrfm.com.

The Eco Club is passionately led by science teacher Mrs Alsop, whose dedication to caring for the environment continues to inspire students and colleagues alike. Her incredible efforts were recognised when she was nominated as a Black Country Hero in the Environmental Champion Category, hosted by the Express & Star.

Mrs. Alsop shared,

“Eco Club pupils put tremendous effort into their activities throughout the year, and their actions have made a real difference. Our young people are dedicated to improving the environment and well-being of our school and local community. They’ve shown true commitment to caring for our common home, planet Earth, and have inspired others to get involved too.”

Following their victory in the Severn Trent Eco Competition, the club’s pond restoration project received fantastic support from Severn Trent and the Friends of Smestow Valley.
A huge thank you also goes to Severn Trent, the James Beattie Charitable Trust, Digital Disability and Councillor Nasim for their generous support, which will help repair the bridge and continue the transformation of this wonderful habitat.

Earlier this year, Eco Club members joined conservation officers from Smestow Valley for an exciting pond dipping session, using magnification tools to study a fascinating array of aquatic life. Students explored the vibrant pond and lush surroundings of the reserve, guided by experts who shared insights into the ecosystem and its inhabitants.

Students also teamed up with the Black Country Amphibian and Reptile Group for a nocturnal wildlife survey to assess the positive impact of their restoration work so far.

Congratulations to all our incredible Eco Club members for their dedication and success in protecting our environment!