On the 3rd December, exam students from St Edmund’s Catholic Academy performed three songs at Newhampton Arts Centre in a multi-school pop event.

Pieces included ‘I need a dollar’ – Aloe Black, ‘We found love’ – Rhianna/Calvin Harris & ‘Das Model’ – Kraftwork. The show was a complete success and all of our student performances were excellent.

The students conducted themselves admirably, supporting each other and students from other schools. They were a credit to the school.

Miss Kelly and Miss Toor accompanied Year 10 students on a visit to the Wildside Activity Centre.

The morning was spent learning about wildlife, natural habitats, conservation and how local volunteers help to keep the canal and Hawthorn Wood habitable for local wildlife.

The group enjoyed going out into the woods and learning some fascinating facts about bats from the Ron Rock bat expert.

He also kindly showed the pupils a Noctule bat, which can fly up to 40 mph and is the biggest bat in the UK.

Special thanks to John Roberts and Mr Playford for providing transport in the school mini bus and thanks go to the Ron Rock carers for the bats and nurturing them back to health.

Year 10 photography students were offered an exciting photography demonstration by a professional freelance product photographer Simon Bruntnell, at the Science Park.

He demonstrated in the photographic studio the use of lighting and equipment, where students watched, listened, developed techniques and skills to improve their presentation. Simon encouraged them to discover their hidden creativity and learn how to shoot perfect, captivating photographs.

The trip was enjoyed by all and some stunning photographs were taken.

Many of the students were intrigued to learn about the different lighting and background effects which they can now use as part of their assessment.

On Friday 28 November, it was the St Edmund’s Feast Day Mass. We came together as a whole school and celebrated our Patron St Edmund and all the activities and successes we have had in and around our community.

It was a beautiful service led by Monsieur Father Mark Crisp, Father Brendan Carrick and Father Przemek Sobczak.

Father Mark Crisp reminded everyone of how “St Edmund Campion was victim of severe religious intolerance and how the story of his life should stir us up to make sure that we all become passionate ambassadors of tolerance.”

After Mass, Governors and friends were treated to cakes and refreshments to mark the Feast of St Edmund.

Special thanks to everyone who attended including; the readers, the Alter servers, the choir and those who contributed in making it such a wonderful celebration.  

On Wednesday, 19^th and Thursday, 20^th November, Year 7 visited Alton Castle in Staffordshire to participate in a day of team-building.

When the groups got to Alton Castle they were split into 5 groups of 15. They followed a carousel of activities with the intention of developing co-operation, organisation and teamwork skills. The carousel also included a Meditation that focused on the importance of our hands and what they can do for good.

The improvement seen from the first exercise to the last was noticeable and we hope that all of Year 7 can bring the techniques learned into their lessons to help each other make progress in school.

Thanks to the leaders at Alton Castle and all the staff who accompanied the groups.

Sisters, Maresha Grewal 6HM and Kaitriona Grewal 9DS, both participated in promotional gradings during last month.

Kaitriona Grewal graded for her 3rd star, on Saturday 11th October in Dudley along with other Juniors across the West Midlands. This promotion represents her three years as a black belt Junior.

Maresha Grewal graded for her 2nd Dan, on Friday 17th October in Bristol, in the Taekwondo Head Quarters along with 600 others across the UK.

This is a fantastic achievement and congratulations to both students.

Year 9 students were delighted to donate 15 sleeping bags to ‘The Little Brothers of The Good Shepherd” who run a food service and support for the homeless in the city centre.

Mrs Maggie Hazeldine, Vice Principal set a challenge to each of the 6 tutor groups in year 9 to raise enough money to buy one sleeping bag. She commented: “I think it is important that our young people can show their support for the homeless in our community, especially as the weather’s getting colder. I’ve known the Brothers for many years and they really do a superb job working with very vulnerable people.”

A group of the Year 9 pupils took a trip down to the shelter last week and delivered 17 sleeping bags, far exceeding the challenge!  They had the opportunity to hear all about the work that they do there. Helen Holloway, Fundraiser said: “It’s great that you have managed to donate these sleeping bags. Here in Wolverhampton we have around 15-20 people who sleep outdoors each night and this will make a difference.”