Viktorija, one of our Year 12 students recently spent an interesting 3 days at Staffordshire University on their Unilife programme. This programme is free to students and gives them an opportunity to experience University life. Students took part in a variety of activities including lectures on their chosen course, student finance and degree apprenticeships as well as how to prepare their personal statements. They were then treated to fun activities such as a flight simulator experience and a talk by staff from an exotic zoo in Telford where she faced her phobia by holding a tarantula spider!
During July, 2018 we both participated in the Young Lawyer Programme at University College London. This was a great experience for the both of us as we are both interested in the subject and are currently considering going into it as a future profession. The day allowed us to walk in the shoes of real life lawyers with case studies being presented to us which meant we were really able to engage and share our ideas in group discussions with our fellow peers. The day included talks from various different lawyers who are excellent within their fields. These talks included the Solicitor, Family Lawyer, Barrister and the City Lawyer. We also had a mock murder trial after lunch which gave us the chance to engage and cross examine witnesses which was probably the highlight of our day as it was set up like a real life case and therefore felt as if we were in an actual court. Not only did we have talks from various different professionals but also talks about applying for university and the recruitment process. Then finally the day was rounded off by having a panel discussion where all the lawyers came together to answer any final questions we may have had. So overall, we are very happy that we took this opportunity as it has really helped us decide on what we want to carry on doing after sixth form and has also given us valuable experience.
On PD Day year 12 visited Keele University. An introduction to university life was given followed by a tour.
The campus provides a wealth of amenities including a gym, Multi Faith Chapel , bank and restaurants. The site is a hybrid of modern and more traditional buildings on 620 acres of land with eight lakes.
David Bedford Maths Lecturer gave an insight into infinite number patterns, so Mr Lloyd was in his element! Bartosz Walzak contributed answers and devised his own theorem stating, “the day was really useful and I can’t wait to go to university”.
The Business, Finance & Accounting lecture focused on risks and probabilities and touched upon the effects of Brexit.
The Psychology talk was based on the Harry Potter stories. Dr Yvonne Skipper gave a most amusing talk on how prejudices were demonstrated through the houses in Harry Potter!
The History lecture gave an insight into communication through the ages with the current issue of “fake news” explained. The use of traditional postcards versus the now common instant messaging we were explored.
The day was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
On Thursday 8 March students from St. Edmund’s PE group attended an A Level PE conference at Cheltenham’s Music School in Manchester. Sara Van-Wely opened the day with some excellent exam tips and tactics in particular about how to approach the three exam papers. Karen Foans and Russell Tomlin followed with specialist areas of Anatomy & Physiology, Exercise Physiology, Skill Acquisition, Sports Psychology, and Biomechanics. A great day to consolidate knowledge in preparation for their final exam.
Will Tudor describes his experience.
After an early start and a power nap on the way to Manchester I was ready to see what the day had to offer. The conference went over key topics and looked at the common mistakes that are made by students in the exams. There was also a focus on exam technique which I definitely benefited from as the timings and structure for particular questions were shown in a clear way. Revision techniques were explained by establishing links that can be made between topics to make revision more efficient. Overall I took a lot from the day and feel more confident in the final few weeks leading up to my exams.
By Will Tudor
Friends and peers in the Sixth Form proudly joined forces to host a St. Valentine’s Day event. Gabriella showcased her creative talents by producing weaved hearts. Students had the opportunity to post a message and all proceeds went to charity.
On Monday the Sixth Form team hosted another successful afternoon tea. A number of external students learnt more about our curriculum, enterprise and enrichment programs. Along with a tour given by current year 12 Chloe Diamond.
St Edmund’s were lucky enough to receive a visit from the Great Minds Tour Bus, provided by Staffordshire University last week. The Bus has been visiting 70 locations over the past 3 months and offers students a taste of campus life with a range of immersive and interactive activities.
Years 8, 9 and 12 enjoyed the experience. Karan Mudhar, year 8, said that the virtual reality tour and talk gave a real insight into what university life would be life and she really wanted to go to university now after experiencing this!
Our thanks to Staffordshire University for fitting us into their busy schedule.
On Wednesday 22nd November, the Year 13 Chemistry class had an amazing experience at the University of Wolverhampton. The activities of the day incorporated many of the skills needed to succeed at A-Level Chemistry.
The first session started with an experiment involving the use of activated carbon to purify water using specialised equipment. In the second practical, we used potatoes to generate electricity to light up LEDs, we then took this further to look at electrochemical cells. It ended with several interesting lectures regarding drug discovery and cancer.
We were impressed by the selection of food provided by the university and thoroughly enjoyed the day!
We are very proud of our Senior Prefects here at St Edmund’s who hold roles of prominent responsibility. A ballot is held each June when all students and staff in the academy vote, thereby appointing a Head Boy/Head Girl/Deputy Head Boy and Deputy Head Girl to serve for the following academic year.
We would like students in the lower year groups to be setting their sights on appointment to these roles in years to come – thus holding a position in high regard and a valuable addition to one’s CV!
Some of the duties of our Senior Prefects include:-
- Being Ambassadors for the Academy – they represent St Edmund’s and the student body at a variety of public functions during the academic year, including Open Evening for Year 7 and Year 12 and Presentation Evening
- Greeting important visitors to the academy
- Sitting on the Academy Council
- Representing and speak for all students in the academy and support and prepare activities that encourage and support the learning of others
- Raising money for Charity via many events throughout the year and regularly report to our Academy Committee on their progress to date
- Organising and completely funding a Senior Citizens’ Christmas Party each year which is always a huge success
- Acting as outstanding role models for all students at St Edmund’s Catholic Academy
- Escorting students in the lower year groups around the Sixth Form Area and answer any questions they may have about progressing to the Sixth Form
They lunch with our Principal, Maggie Hughes and Academy Representatives (pictured here), fortnightly to discuss their progress and ways to move the academy forward and certainly make a very valuable contribution.
Pictured left to right:-
Alisha Swali (Deputy Head Girl), Mrs Hughes (Principal), Will Tudor (Head Boy), Georgia Everiss (Head Girl), Tom Boyce (Deputy Head Boy)
A group of year 11 and 12 aspirational students visited Oxford University Oriel College. The students had the opportunity to experience what a typical day involves at Oxford University. They were given information on the application process, the various colleges and the importance of work life balance.
Jakub Kolasa (Year 13) who has applied to Oxford University to read Mechanical Engineering this year said, “The city was picturesque, it certainly had a distinctive feel compared to any other university I have visited, I would love to study there next year”.
India Collins-Davies Oriel College’s Outreach Officer gave an overview of the city’s stunning architecture, history and culture. She gave a tour of the ancient and modern colleges, fascinating museums and galleries, parks, gardens and green spaces in which to relax.
Everyone came away from the visit feeling very positive. Abigail Caron (year 11) said “speaking to current students has definitely inspired me to apply when I am in sixth form, I cannot wait to go on the visit again next year”.
Special thanks to Mrs Lowe, Mr Katumba and Miss Mahay
