Once again, St Edmundâs is delighted to report some fantastic GCSE results with many
students thrilled to achieve top grades.
Our top achieving students include:
Raphael Peralta – four grade 9s; six grade 8s
Kiera Dallas four grade 9s; six grade 8s
Aswin Valentine Pushpakaran – three grade 9s; four grade 8s; two grade 7s
Stella Ojo – four grade 9s; three grade 8s; three grade 7s
Aniya Birdi – one grade 9; five grade 8s; four grade 7s
Aedan Mapalo – one grade 9; three grade 8s; six grade 7s
Phallan Wakeley – one grade 9; seven grade 8s; two grade 7s
Lauren Butler – one grade 9; seven grade 8s; two grade 7s
Principal Mrs Hazeldine said, âThis year 11 cohort have truly applied themselves, and this hard work and dedication is demonstrated in their GCSE results. The resilience and positivity of staff and students throughout the covid years is clear today. I could not be more proud of this aspirational community that cares for every single child. We are very excited to welcome our largest ever sixth form cohort next month. Congratulations class of 2023!â
Photo: Daniel Slodowski
Photo: Stella Ojo
Photo: Kiera Dallas
Photo: Aniya Birdi
Once again, St Edmundâs is delighted to present the fantastic achievements of our year 13
students. This year we want to highlight the success of students accessing higher-level
apprenticeships with top global organisations such as Jaguar Land Rover, BBC and
AstraZeneca.
Amongst the many higher achievers:
Niven Rooprah (A* A* A) has secured a higher-level apprenticeship with the BBC based in
Salford /University of York (Data Science)
Martyna Szpojankowska ( B C D ) has secured a higher-level apprenticeship with AstraZeneca (Laboratory science)
Navin Sonsana (B B C) has secured a higher-level apprenticeship with Jaguar Land Rover
(Product design and development engineer) with Warwick University
Yusuf Bhogal (A* A* A A) Chemical Engineering with a year in industry (University of
Birmingham )
Kyle Luis (A* A A B ) Chemistry with a year in Industry (University of Cardiff)
Gurjot Singh (A* A B B) Physics and Astro Physics (University of Birmingham)
Crystabel Rufus Shaba ( D* D* A B ) Pharmacy (De Montfort University)
Principal, Maggie Hazeldine said, âI am thrilled that our young people have achieved such
outstanding grades this year. We pride ourselves on the bespoke advice and guidance we give to each student so that they can pursue truly aspirational career paths. They have made their school and their families very proud indeed.â
Photo: Niven Rooprah, Kyle Luis and Gurjot Singh
Eco Club students have been making wildflower seed bombs to boost the biodiversity on the academy grounds.
Wildflower seed bombs offer several benefits and promote pollinator habitats by providing a variety of nectar-rich flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
Additionally, they help restore native plant populations, conserve biodiversity, and enhance the visual appeal of urban and neglected areas.
Overall, wildflower seed bombs offer an innovative and eco-friendly approach to supporting the growth of wildflowers, promoting biodiversity, and beautifying landscapes.
Creating your seed bomb:
- In a bowl, mix together 1 cup of seeds with 5 cups of compost and 2-3 cups of clay powder (you could use clay soil instead if you have it).
- Slowly mix in water with your hands until everything sticks together.
- Roll the mixture into firm balls.
- Leave the balls to dry in a sunny spot.
Photo: Aya Ali, Christina Agbasoga, Cilla Tandoh and Grace Chihohwa
St Edmundâs Catholic Academy is delighted to announce that our LiveSimply Action Plan has been approved by CAFOD which means we can now start working towards achieving the LiveSimply award.
Achieving the award is an opportunity to respond to Pope Francisâ invitation in Laudato Siâ to âwork with generosity and tenderness in protecting this world that God has entrusted to usâ.
We are now working towards becoming a LiveSimply academy and pledge to:
- Live simply
- Live sustainably with creation
- Live in solidarity with people in poverty
Find out more:Â https://cafod.org.uk/campaign/livesimply-award
St Edmund’s Catholic Academy’s annual charity walk and litter pick event took place on Friday 21st July. It was heartwarming to see the school and the community coming together to raise funds for deserving charities, chosen by our students, and promote environmental stewardship. This year parents and carers were also invited to join in the fun.
The chosen charities for the event, are as follows:
1. Local Charity: Let Us Play
2. National Charity: Promise Dreams
3. International Charity: Action Against Hunger
By supporting these charities, the school is not only making a positive impact on the local community but also contributing to national and international causes. It’s great to see parents, carers, and even the local Police being involved, which makes the event even more special and inclusive.
Such events play a crucial role in promoting awareness about social and environmental issues while instilling values of compassion and empathy in the students and the community at large
âIf the simple fact of being human moves people to care for the environment of which they are a part, Christians in their turn realise that their responsibility within creation, and their duty towards nature and the Creator, are an essential part of their faith.â Pope Francis, Laudato Si
Photo: Sahil Gill
Photo: Ashley Nightingale and Sophy Handley
Photo: Millie Carter, Amelia Ruscoe, Rowan Ridley, Mathea Soller and Isobel Cartwright
Photo: Mr White, Mrs Hicks, Mrs Henry, Mrs Watts-Robinson, Mrs Nwenwu, Mr Reynolds, Miss Harris, Miss Baker, Miss Rowland and Mr Endean
Photo: PCSO Steven Munn and Reverend Michael McKearney
Saint James the Apostle, also known as James the Greater, holds a significant place in the Christian tradition. He was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus to be part of his inner circle. Throughout his life, Saint James displayed great zeal and dedication in spreading the teachings of Christ. He witnessed important events such as the Transfiguration and the Agony in the Garden. James was the first apostle to be martyred for his faith, being beheaded by the order of King Herod Agrippa I. His martyrdom occurred around 44 CE, making him an early Christian martyr. He is often depicted with a pilgrim’s staff and a scallop shell, symbolising his role as the patron saint of pilgrims. Saint James remains a revered figure, inspiring believers to remain steadfast in their faith and mission, even in the face of adversity.
If any of you lack wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. – James 1:5-6
Saint James – Pray for us
On Tuesday 18th July, our Year 7 students participated in the Year 7 Drama Festival.
Year 7 classes have been working hard, writing play scripts and rehearsing, culminating in a class vote where each group put forward a performance for the festival. All performances were original pieces, written, designed, and performed by our students.
Year 7 was treated to eight very different performances that had us laughing, crying, and
considering our own morals. All finalists have received a copy of Taran Matharuâs novel The Novice from The Summoner series. Well done to the winning group from 7XB who have won tickets to the National Theatreâs performance of The Ocean at the End of the Lane at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre in September.
One Year 7 student commented âI enjoyed the Drama Festival because it was fun to watch and was amazing to prepare; the performances were fabulous!â One of our performers said âWe really enjoyed getting to perform â it was nice when everyone said they enjoyed our play.â
On Friday 14 th July, our Year 8 students participated in St Edmundâs very first Performance
Showcase.
Year 8 enjoyed watching performances from students who had taken an original text and transformed it into a very unique piece of theatre. We were treated to an array of wonderful pieces, including two moving adaptations of Wilfred Owenâs Dulce Et Decorum Est and a very clever performance based on a Much Ado About Nothing monologue. However, Year 8 voted for an extremely engaging performance from 8XR as the winning entry.
All finalists have received a copy of Taran Matharuâs novel The Novice from The Summoner series.
Our winning performers will also enjoy free tickets to our September visit to Wolverhampton Grand Theatre to watch the National Theatreâs performance of The Ocean at the End of the Lane.
