Work Experience Success for Jessica

14th July 2025Mrs D Curtis

Jessica, a Year 10 student at St Edmund’s, completed her work experience placement at Wightwick Hall School 7th – 11th July. She had the opportunity to support students with complex needs and built wonderful relationships with both the students and the staff.

The placement was so succesful, Jessica received a glowing reference from the class teacher highligting her commitment, reliability, creativity and initiative.

This placement demonstrated how important work experience can be to students and the successes they can bring.  Jessica clearly had the opportunity to develop what it would be like to be employed and has shown that working with SEND complex needs students will be a career path to consider beyond St Edmund’s.

Well done Jessica. You truly embraced the work experience opportunity and demonstrated how vaulable they can be.

Thank you to Wightwick Hall School for giving Jessica the opportunity.

 

 

Duke of Edinburgh Gold Achievement

11th July 2025Mrs D Curtis
The Duke of Edinburgh programme is a life changing experience for 14-24 year olds.  Those taking part get the chance to develop essential skills for life and work whilst having fun, engaging in new experiences and making new friends. When successfully completed the programme leads to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.

 

We are delighted that some of our students completed and passed their gold expedition section this week.  They have climbed over 800m, travelled between 15 -18km per day and all while carrying heavy rucksacks.  They have seen all sorts of weather conditions and survived the plague of midges!!!

 

Mr Deeming, expedition leader said, “I can’t express how unbelievably proud I am of of all the students who have taken part this week and what they have accomplished. I believe this is the first group of students to achieve the  Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award at St Edmunds. They have all been so amazing”.

 

Lessons At University of Wolverhampton

11th July 2025Mrs D Curtis

Year 12 chemistry students had the opportunity to carry out the synthesis of aspirin in the School of Pharmacy laboratory at University of Wolverhampton this week, as one of their A level practicals.

They worked really well all day (the synthesis and analysis takes at least five hours), learning new techniques, developing their practical and analytical skills and their understanding of organic chemistry. They gained insight to what it might be like working in university and professional level scientific facilities. As a result of their efforts, they produced a good yield and high purity of aspirin and really enjoyed the day.

 

 

 

Year 10 Work Experience Week

10th July 2025Mrs D Curtis

Year 10 students have been on work experience this week.  This opportunity provides valuable exposure to the world of work in a professional environment and gives students the chance to explore different career paths and develop essential skills.

Work experience gives students the chance to find our about strengths, values, motivations, interests and how to take responsibility for their own actions which developes a sense of independence. During the week students will develop soft skills, such as team working and problem solving.  They will meet new people and build networks of contacts.

This has been a successful work experience week for the students.  We would like to thank all of our placement providers who have supported our students over this week.  Without you this would not be possible.

 

Frank  – NVP Football Development

 

Bradly – VHT Healthcare Training

 

Tizzy – City of Wolverhampton College

 

Livvy – Arena Theatre, University of Wolverhampton

 

Erin – St Michael’s Catholic Primary Academy Nursery

 

Noah – Zoom

 

Arthur – BlackRook Academy

 

Emerging Technology in the Workplace

10th July 2025Mrs D Curtis

Sixty of our Year 10 students participated in Emerging Technologies in the Workplace. The
workshop, run by Technocamps Scotland, explored the impact of ever-changing technologies on careers, from mechanisation in the Industrial Revolution, to today’s AI, and what may lie beyond.

“Today’s students will work in industries which don’t yet exist”, explained Dr Lee Clift, from the
Department of Computing and Information Sciences at the University of Strathclyde, “by
understanding past changes, we can empower students to choose career pathways which are flexible enough to embrace the ever-changing business landscape.”

Even jobs which still exist are subject to massive technological change, and students were quick to point out how, even during their lifetimes, apps have changed how we do almost everything we do.

The event even raised some eyebrows amongst staff! “I remember visiting my parents’ work and seeing the typing pool”, exclaimed Mr Langford.

St Edmunds’ Careers Team would like to express their thanks to Dr Clift and the University of
Strathclyde for running this engaging and insightful event.

 

Incredible News!

4th July 2025Mrs D Curtis

Incredible news!

Our Year 9 students took on plastic pollution, writing heartfelt letters to leaders like King Charles and Sir David Attenborough.

Their efforts paid off! We’re thrilled to share that they’ve received inspiring replies from @BluePeterOfficial and even from the Head of the Royal Household on behalf of Prince William.

It just goes to show, young voices truly can create change!

#EnvironmentalAction #StudentPower #FutureLeaders #PrinceWilliam #BluePeter

 

SciFest 2025

30th June 2025Mrs D Curtis

A group of students attend the SciFest at the University of Wolverhampton on Friday 27th June 2025.

Students had the opportunity to explore the amazing world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) in a completely new way through a range of free workshops, interactive science shows, experiments, games and drop-in activities – all designed to bring STEM subjects to life.  

STEM is something for everyone, no matter who you are or where you come from, or what you look like. 

The event was engaging, informative, and the students had an amazing experience.

Photos: Zara, Anu, Joshin, Archie, Ariane, Maja, Chukwunonso, Delia-Roberta, Omari, Oscar, Yad and Lola

 

 

 

Big Bang Event Huge Success

20th June 2025Mrs D Curtis
On Wednesday 18th June, 90 Year 8 students attended the ‘Big Bang Fair STEM event’ along with staff from Computer Science, Maths and DT; Mr Morris, Mr Langford, Mrs Rahman, Miss Underhill, Mrs Smith and Mrs Geal, at the NEC in Birmingham.
As part of the event, students were able to explore various stalls run by companies offering key information and hands-on activities, such as engaging with animals over at the Zoolab UK stand! Becoming a  BBC reporter for 5 minutes, exploring hydraulics with Rolls Royce, flying drones and engaging with robots, building circuits to explore electronics, even having an eye test and ear exam over at Specsavers, learning about budgeting and finance with help from Nationwide Building Society, and even taking part in the ‘pit stop challenge’ changing tyres on racing cars and trying to get a space on the leaderboard with Alpine.
Students got involved and explored the potential benefits of STEM careers, along with displaying excellent conduct and behaviour. We hope that they can take away something from this experience, and we can not wait to visit next year!
More photos – Click Here

Harry Potter Wizardry

11th June 2025Mrs D Curtis

On Monday 9th June, 45 Year 10 and Y12 Art, 3D Design and Drama students attended a visit along with Mrs Geal, Mr Parker, Mr Corns and Mrs Sehera,  to the Warner Bros Harry Potter Studios Tour in Watford.

Students had the opportunity to view the inspirational ideas behind the sets, costumes, props and special effects involved in the Harry Potter movies, and even had the chance to ride on a broomstick (courtesy of green screen technology!).

All students involved were an absolute credit to the Academy and fully immersed themselves in the tour, taking plenty of photos and drawings to use back within their lessons in order to support their coursework development. A wonderful day was had by all.