GCSE Poetry Live!

2nd February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Yesterday some of our Year 11 students went to see GCSE Poetry Live! at Birmingham Symphony Hall.

There were performances by several poets who feature on the syllabus of AQA GCSE English Literature, including Simon Armitage, Carol Ann Duffy and John Agard.

The students also got the opportunity to attend sessions by exam board Chief Examiners. These session were great and helped the students with their preparations for their GCSE Literature exams.

It was a great time had by all and the students now have a new zeal for the poems they are studying.

The Presentation of the Lord

2nd February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

The Presentation of the Lord commemorates the biblical event described in the Gospel of Luke (2:22-40), where Mary and Joseph present the infant Jesus in the Temple in accordance with Jewish law.

This feast, also known as Candlemas Day, holds great significance in tradition as it marks the moments when the Holy Family encountered Simeon and Anna, who recognised Jesus as the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies. The liturgical celebration often involves the blessing of candles, symbolising Christ as the Light of the World.

The Presentation underscores the obedience of the Holy Family to God’s law and the profound humility of Jesus. It invites us to reflect on the consecration of their lives to God and the revelation of Christ’s mission as a light.

This day reminds us of the importance of recognising and embracing Christ’s presence in our lives with faith and devotion.

When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord – Luke 2:22

Time to Talk Day

2nd February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Time to Talk Day serves as an important occasion for fostering open and compassionate conversations about mental health, recognising the intrinsic dignity of each person as created in the image of God.

This day invites us to embody the Christian values of empathy, understanding and support for those facing mental health challenges. It encourages us to follow the example of Christ, who showed compassion to those who were suffering.

By acknowledging mental health concerns and engaging in dialogue, we can help break the stigma surrounding mental health issues and create an environment where individuals feel valued and understood.

Time to Talk Day aligns with the Christian call to love one another and provides an opportunity for us to demonstrate solidarity and care for those experiencing mental health struggles.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:7

Parent Partnership Meeting

1st February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

This week we held the first meeting of the Leading Parent Partnership working party.

A range of stakeholders, including students, staff, governors and parents, met to discuss how St Edmund’s can increase parental engagement.

A range of topics were covered, from home-school communication, to parent workshops and utilising parental skills in the academy.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated.

 

Dudley College Visits

1st February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Over the past few weeks some of our Year 11 pupils have visited Dudley College. They have had a tour of the campuses, met with staff and been offered career workshops to support their future pathways.

This has been a really good experience for our pupils and has been supported by the team at Dudley College.

Pupils were able to take up the opportunity to look at the subjects on offer and discuss chosen subjects in more detail to support their knowledge and understanding of the pathway options available to them.

LGBTQ+ History Month

1st February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

LGBTQ+ History Month is a time to honour and acknowledge the historical contributions and struggles of the LGBTQ+ community.

For us, it is an opportunity to reflect on the Church’s teachings on love, dignity and respect for all individuals. We can emphasise the importance of treating every person with compassion and understanding.

It is a time for us to engage in thoughtful dialogue, fostering an environment where all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feel welcomed and valued.

This month invites us to reflect on how they can contribute to a more inclusive and loving society while remaining rooted in the teachings of the Church. It is a call to recognise the shared humanity that unites all people, fostering a spirit of empathy and unity within the diverse tapestry of God’s creation.

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. – 1 John 4:7-8

Prayers for Vocations

1st February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

In the tapestry of faith, vocations weave the threads that connect individuals to their divine calling within the Church. A vocation is not merely a career choice; it is a profound and spiritual journey where one discerns their unique role in serving God and His people.

Vocation is a calling from God to live a life dedicated to His service. It includes many paths, such as priesthood, diaconate and religious life. Each vocation is a unique response to God’s invitation, and as members of the Church, we are called to support and encourage those on this sacred journey.

The distractions and pressures of modern life can drown out the gentle whisper of God’s call. This is where the power of communal prayer comes into play. Praying for vocations is not just a passive act; it is a conscious effort to create an environment where individuals can discern their calling and respond with courage and clarity.

In the quiet spaces of our hearts and the collect echoes of our prayers, the call to vocations resonates. Let us, as a community of believers, continue to lift our voices in prayer, nurturing and sustaining the vocations that will shape the future of the Church and illuminate the path for generations to come.

Chat with Scientists

31st January 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Yesterday our Eco Club students, from Year 7 to Year 10, go the opportunity for a virtual chat with environmental and earth scientists as part of the “I’m A Scientist Get Me Out Of Here” project.

This included a paleontologist, marine biologist and a range of people working to find sustainable solutions to global problems.

The students asked some great questions and were inspired hearing about the scientists’ work and career paths.

A-Level Cervantes Trip

31st January 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Yesterday our A-Level Spanish group travelled to Southwalk in London.

They enjoyed a tapas lunch before heading over to the Cervantes Theatre where they watched La Casa de Bernarda Alba – one of the plays that is studies for A-Level paper 2.

The students enjoyed the atmosphere and how the play was brought to life. Everyone enjoyed their day trip to the capital!

Saint John Bosco Feast Day

31st January 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Saint John Bosco, also known as Don Bosco, holds a cherished place in the Catholic tradition as a remarkable educator, priest and advocate for the welfare of young people.

Born in 1815, he dedicated his life to the service of God and the guidance of impoverished and at-risk youth in Turin, Italy.

Inspired by a vision, Saint John Bosco founded the Salesian Order, an educational community committed to the holistic development of the young, combining academic, spiritual and vocational training. HIs approach emphasised kindness, understanding and a deep trust in the power of love to transform lives.

Saint John Bosco’s tireless efforts to provide a nurturing environment for the marginalised youth and instill in them a sense of faith, hope and responsibility have left an enduring legacy.

Saint John Bosco – Pray for us

Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. – Matthew 18:5