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.

City Dodgeball Champions

8th December 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Last week, eight of our Year 9 girls represented the Academy in the city dodgeball championships at Highfields School.

The team displayed some fantastic skills and tactics, winning 3 of their pool matches and drawing one. This placed them into the semi-finals against Colton Hills.

The team continued to display determination and skill, and went on to win all three games. This placed them in the final against OLSC.

The final was so close that both teams drew and shared the city championship accolade.

Congratulations and well done to Kayliah Henry, Tori Chambers-Brown, Paris Edgington, Julia Simoni, Sade JOhnson, betty Erhabor, Enya Thelwell and Karis Benaiah.

Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

8th December 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a profound and cherished dogma that underscores Mary’s unique and singular role in salvation history.

This teaching asserts that, by a special grace from God, Mary was conceived without the stain of original sin, preserving her purity and holiness. This immaculate state allowed her the honour to bear Jesus Christ, the Son of God, into the world.

The Catholic Church holds that this extraordinary privilege was granted to Mary due to her future role as the Mother of God. The doctrine, solemnly defined in 1854 by Pope Pius IX, reflects the deep veneration and honor accorded to Mary within Catholic theology, emphasizing her exceptional holiness and cooperation with divine grace in the plan of redemption.

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a joyous celebration in the Catholic liturgical calendar, marking Mary’s conception as a moment of grace and sanctity in the unfolding story of salvation.

Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem! The LORD has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The LORD, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm. – Zephaniah 3:14-16

Senior Citizens Party 2023!

6th December 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

On Tuesday 5th December 2023, we held our annual Senior Citizen Party.

Around 100 members of our community were invited to join us for a fun filled afternoon of celebrations. This community event is run by Mrs Hogg and St Edmund’s Catholic Academy Sixth Form students and is looked forward to each year.

Members of the community were welcomed into school and spent the afternoon with Year 13 students, playing bingo and reindeer hoopla, eating and being served party food by Year 12, listening to a performance from St Edmund’s Faith Band and we even had a visit from Wolfie and Santa!

Lower School Prefects also ran a project for Year 7 to write prayer cards which were included in the gift bags.

Thank you so much to our sponsors: Homesmart Blinds, Repose Furniture and The School Psychology Service. Your generous donations were greatly appreciated.

Alongside our sponsors, we had a donation of Christmas crackers and fundraising from B&M Bentley Bridge staff, raffle prizes donated by St Edmund’s staff, cakes made by Samantha Deakin, and cakes and sausage rolls made by Ros Haines.

A huge thank you to everyone involved in the running of this annual event.

Advent Preparations

6th December 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Last Thursday, some of our Year 10 and 11 students helped get the student entrance ready for advent.

Adelina and Charlie helped Mr Jackson set up the nativity scene in the student foyer.

The careful set up of the nativity scene reminds us of the careful preparation we must take in the coming days as we approach Christmas.

The Advent season invites us to prepare our hearts and minds for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The liturgical color of purple, symbolising penance and expectation, sets the tone for a period of prayer, fasting, and increased devotion.

Advent not only commemorates the historical anticipation of the Messiah’s arrival but also directs us towards the eschatological anticipation of Christ’s second coming. Each Sunday, the lighting of the Advent candles on the wreath – representing hope, peace, joy, and love – heightens the sense of anticipation.

Through Scripture readings, prayers, and acts of kindness, we are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of patience and readiness, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Savior, who brings light and salvation to the world. The Advent season serves as a sacred journey, fostering a deepened connection to the profound mysteries of the Christian faith.

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. – Isaiah 9:2