Apprentices at St Edmund’s – Miss Dickson

7th February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we’re looking at three apprentices from St Edmund’s.

Miss Dickson is currently completing a Business Administration Apprenticeship. Her reasoning for choosing an apprenticeship is below.

“From when I was a child I always wanted to work in a school, I was not sure what this was going to be in the beginning.

When transitioning from a school to an apprenticeship, although this is scary in the beginning, it begins to become routine. You become used to the idea that you are now the teacher who is helping the students to get through their school experience.

My apprenticeship is not only helping me to develop my administrative skills but it is also helping me to build the life skills I need to build my career.

So far, throughout my apprenticeship, I have learnt how admin can take you anywhere within any career, I have learnt how within every department even within every school environment needs admin to be able to complete task in their day-to-day working schedule.

In my opinion, having an apprenticeship is the best move for a child to do when leaving school as you have the opportunity to gain a qualification, with skills and support whilst earning money whilst doing this.

I am now coming up to the end of my apprenticeship, I am due to finish in June, and St Edmund’s has allowed me to do this, giving me the quality time needed to complete the tasks for my apprenticeship.

My next step in my career is to find a job where I can elaborate on my skills that I have developed, St Edmund’s has allowed me to make the decision that I would love to continue working in Admin within a school as it varies through completing a range of different tasks for a range of different departments.”

Girl’s Rugby Skills Taster

6th February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Today a few of our Year 7 girls got the opportunity to take part in a rugby skills taster session at Aldersley, lead by Wolverhampton Rugby Club coaches.

They spent the afternoon learning about and practicing the different skills needed in the game of rugby.

The students thoroughly enjoyed themselves even if it did get a bit wet!

Thank you to Mrs Ridley for accompanying the students.

St Edmund’s Students Are Engaging in Local Politics

6th February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Recently our Heads of School elected our Upper and Lower School Academy Councillors.

As part of our Academy Council revamp we have added specific roles – Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Secretary and Deputy Secretary. Our councillors were asked to complete an application to be elected for one of these roles.

To engage students with the British Value of democracy, Year 7 to Year 10 students voted to allocate roles amongst the Academy Council – just like we do at the polling booths for local and national elections!

They also had the opportunity to vote for the areas our Youth Parliament should focus on.

Thank you to everyone involved with the organising, setting up and overing the elections – especially Miss Fradgley. All your hard work has made the biggest difference!

Options Guidance From VI Form Students

5th February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

On Friday 2nd February, the Sixth Form subject ambassadors and the Lower School Prefects helped guide the Year 9 pupils on their options choices.

This is in preparation for the Year 9 Progress Evening on Thursday 8th February and the Options Choices which are being opened the following day (Friday 9th February).

Pupils received lots of advice on the courses and were informed of the content, assessment methods and prerequisites for the course and beyond.

A huge thank you to all who provided the extra guidance for our Year 9 pupils.

Children’s Mental Health Week

5th February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Children’s Mental Health Week underscores the inherent dignity and worth of each child as a unique creation of God. It emphasises the responsibility to care for the whole person, recognising that mental health is an integral aspect of a child’s well-being.

This years theme is “My Voice Matters” chosen to empower children and young people by providing them with the tools they need to express themselves. Feeling empowered leads to a positive impact on well-being and can create a greater sense of community and self-esteem.

In alignment with Christian values, this week seeks to cultivate compassion, understanding and support for children facing mental health challenges. It encourages us to embrace a holistic approach that incorporates prayer, pastoral care and the teachings of live and empathy found in the Catholic faith.

Children’s Mental Health Week strives to foster a nurturing environment where children can thrive emotionally, spiritually and socially.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7

Table Tennis Competitions

5th February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Last Wednesday (31st January) a select few of St Edmund’s pupils entered the Black Country Individual Championships for their respective age groups.

Many schools entered and the standard was of a high level. All of our boys competed really well with many of them qualifying for the knockout rounds.

A special mentions to Armin B, who came second in the under 16 competition, and Geno M, who came third in the under 13 competition.

Due to their success in winning the regional qualifiers, Daniel D, Michael O O, Ethan D and Armin B advanced to the West Area Finals for Schools Table Tennis which took place on Saturday 3rd February.

The boys competed against several different schools who also qualified through winning their local competition.

The standard was exceptionally high, nonetheless the boys competed marvelously and finished 4th at the end of the competition.

A massive well done to the team on their successes so far this year!

The team: Daniel D, Michael O O, Darragh S-W, Ethan D, Armin B, Hassaan S, Loveraj S S, Cayden R, Geno M, Rio-Ashton D, Enzo M, Ralph O’C, Daniel M and Adesola O

Race Equality Week

5th February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Race Equality Week is a poignant time for reflection and action, emphasising the Church’s commitment to the inherent dignity of every person, created in the image of God.

Rooted in the teachings of Jesus, who welcomed all and broke down societal barriers, we are called to actively promote justice, understanding and equality among all races.

This week serves as a reminder that, as members of the same human family, we are called to foster unity, eliminate discrimination and work towards a world where every individual is respected and valued.

Guided by the principles of love, compassion and social justice, we strive to contribute to a society where race is not a source of division but a celebration of the beautiful diversity created by God.

Through prayer, education and advocacy, we seek to build bridges of understanding, fostering a world where all can flourish and live in harmony.

But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them. – 1 John 2:11

Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week

5th February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week holds a deep significance as it aligns with the Church’s unwavering commitment to promoting human dignity, compassion and justice.

Recognising the profound impact of sexual abuse on individuals and communities, we acknowledge the urgency of addressing these issues with transparency, accountability and support for survivors.

This week serves as an opportunity of reflection, prayer and collective action within our community to raise awareness about the devastating consequences of sexual violence and to foster an environment where healing, prevention and restoration are prioritised.

Embracing the teachings of Christ, we are called to stand in solidarity with survivors, to advocate for justice and to contribute to a culture that ensures the safety and well-being of all individuals, promoting a society rooted in respect, love and the protection of the vulnerable.

He is the God who avenges me, who subdues nations under me, who saves me from my enemies. You exalted me above my foes; from a violent man you rescued me. – Psalm 18:47-48

Rosa Parks Day

4th February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Rosa Parks day aligns with the Church’s social teachings that advocate for justice, equality and the dignity of every person.

Rosa Parks, through her courageous act of refusing to give up her bus seat, became a symbol of resistance against racial injustice and segregation. Her commitment to civil rights resonates with the Church’s call to promote human dignity and work towards a more just and compassionate society.

On Rosa Parks day, we are reminded of the Gospel imperative to stand against discrimination and to actively engage in efforts that promote equality and respect for all. It serves as a moment for reflection on the Church’s commitment to social justice and the ongoing work needed to build a world where every individual, regardless of race or background, is treated with the dignity they deserve as children of God.

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. – Genesis 1:27