Prayers for Refugees

14th December 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Students in Year 8 Geography have been given the opportunity to write prayers for migrants all over the world at the end of their unit on population.

They visited our Chapel where Reverend McKearney discussed how everyone involved in the nativity would be classed as refugees in today’s society.

Reverend McKearney reminded us all about showing every migrant compassion and how our CARE values should be part of our everyday lives.

It was wonderful to see our students so engaged in such a topical issue as part of their journey to become global citizens.

Employer Encounter Assembly

14th December 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Students from Year 10 and 11 were exposed to careers with guest speakers from The Royal Navy and an Architect.

The skills and qualifications for these career pathways were discussed, as well as what these careers entailed. Presentations were wrapped up with questions asked by the students who were interested in these fields of work.

Letty (Y11) said, “the assembly went well. I really enjoyed having different points of view in the workplace from different jobs. This helped me to think hard about my career when I leave school and gives me a better idea of what I want to do.”

Sophie (Y11) said, “Inspiring and enlightening to hear different aspects of these careers. It breaks down the stereotypical barriers around these kinds of jobs.”

“As I am aspiring to be an architect, it was really useful. I learnt a lot about different types of roles and how to get there,” Natalia (Y10) said.

Year 9 Options Evening

12th December 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

We are hosting our Year 9 Options Information Evening on Wednesday 10th January, 5pm to 6pm.

If you have a child in Year 9, please join us for more information on the options we provide.

Second Week of Advent

12th December 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

This week we lit the second candle on our advent wreath

In the Catholic liturgical calendar, the second week of Advent is a period of joyful anticipation and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Each of the four weeks leading up to Christmas represents a different theme, and the second week is often associated with peace. We focus on the biblical messages of prophets like Isaiah, who foretold the coming of the Prince of Peace.

During this week, we engage in prayer, reflection, and acts of kindness to cultivate inner peace and share it with others. The lighting of the second Advent candle, often symbolising peace, serves as a visual reminder of the spiritual journey towards the arrival of the Savior.

As we embark on this season of Advent, we are encouraged to cultivate a sense of calmness and tranquility in our hearts, aligning our lives with the message of hope and peace brought by the Christ Child.

As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight the paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God’s salvation.'” – Luke 3:4-6

Maths Talk with Dr Laura Rebollo-Neira

11th December 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

What a wonderful experience our Year 11 pupil had on Friday with a lecture from Dr Laura Rebollo-Neira (Aston University).

The students got the opportunity to learn about the uses of mathematics, in particular how this shapes future technology innovations, as well as the wide range of degrees available to them at university.

Students were shown how mathematical proofs are built on assumptions and previously known facts. Research was shared with students about how maths is used to develop ideas (such as looking at how to move from MP3 to MP4 sound compression).

Dr Rebollo-Neira ended the presentation with details on job opportunities, labour market and wages in certain sectors connected to Mathematics, such as data analysts.

An aspirational, interactive and informative lesson delivered by a highly experienced doctor of mathematics.

Well Done Dodgeball Team!

11th December 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Last Thursday, a mixed team of Year 7 and 8 students took part in a dodgeball tournament at Highfields School.

There were 3 divisions and we came runners up after playing four teams (Moreton, Heath Park, Moseley Park and Colton Hills). The final games were the 3 division winners and the best runner up. Unfortunately we missed out on a final place to Colton Hills who scored the same points but won more games overall.

The team showed great sportsmanship and represented the academy fantastically! Well done everyone!

Team pictured: Leja L, Daisy W, Sophie G, Kornelia K, Kyela-Shae M, Imogen O and two other students

Year 11 Gold CARE Award Trip

11th December 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Congratulations to all of the students who achieved their Gold CARE Award.

To recognise the effort and hard work they have put into this, students were rewarded with a trip to London.

During the day students got to see some of the main sights of London, including Trafalgar Square, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Leicester Square and Buckingham Palace to name just a few. Then after lunch in Regents Park students attended the Victoria Apollo Theatre to watch the west end showing of Wicked. After the show students sat down to a meal before heading on the tube home.

A massive well done to all the students who behaved impeccably on this trip and enjoyed the day out in London.

Year 9 Bronze CARE Award Trip

11th December 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Students in Year 9 were awarded a trip to Laches Wood outdoor Education Centre in recognition of them achieving their bronze CARE Award.

During the day students were given the chance to do some work on top ropes and take part in axe throwing and archery. All the students who attended were a credit to themselves and the Academy, and they enjoyed the day.

Well done to all the CARE Award achievers, your hard work has a difference to the school community and your personal development.

Year 8 Bronze CARE Trip

11th December 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

As part of Students achieving their Bronze CARE award last year, students were invited to attend a rewards trip to the National Space Centre in Leicester.

During the day students were able to explore the exhibition and see artefacts from various space missions as well as watch an award winning short film on astronaut training in the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium.

Congratulations to all of the students who achieved their bronze CARE Award. You have made a massive difference to the school community and to your own personal development.