Newsletter
December 2023
Headteacher's Letter
We are approaching the end of the Christmas term, after what has been an extremely busy and successful year for our school. Our newsletter contains just a snapshot of all the different activities and enrichment opportunities that occur within St Thomas More Catholic Academy. Further details can be found on our Twitter feed, on Facebook and on our website.
Over the recent weeks, we have been preparing for Christmas through Advent; last Tuesday we held our Christmas Concert, which was a fantastic evening and the students' talents and effort shone through. I am delighted the music department is thriving and enabling students to develop and show their musical talents.
On the last day of term, we are having a Christmas jumper non-uniform day to raise funds for CAFOD. As you know we have been supporting Stoke-on-Trent foodbank though advent and putting our faith into action by bringing donations into school. Thank you for your support.
As we come to the end of a very long term, I would also like to express how very grateful I am for your support with ClassCharts as this is proving to have huge benefits with allowing us to more regularly and instantly communicate information to you. The threshold to achieve the Headteacher's Classcharts Award was +250 points and I am very pleased to say that 121 students achieved this benchmark. Letters and rewards will be sent home in the first week of the new term.
I would like to thank the governing body for all their commitment this year and every year. Mr Rob Flello continues as Chair of the governing body, with Mrs Kathleen Harrison our Vice Chair.
I would like to wish you all a happy and holy Christmas.
Thank you for your continued support.
Mr M Rayner
Catholic Life at STMCA
We had the opportunity to take our year 7 students to Alton Castle for a Retreat on Team Building on the 4th / 5th of December 2023.
MAC Advent Retreat – The MAC advent retreat took place on the 7th/8th of December for the year 5 students of the MAC primary Schools on the theme of AVENT.
Impact Prayer Group- This Prayer Group is solely organised by the Vice Presidents for Faith who joined along with Sixth form students, by actively engaging in preparing and delivering messages and prayers and Bible Reading in the Savio Centre.
House Mass VP- The House mass was celebrated on the 22nd of November in the school Auditorium attended by all the year groups who belong to the VP form. The students volunteered to read the scripture and the Prayers of the Faithful. The mass was celebrated by FR. David our priest Chaplain from St. Gregory’s church, Longton.
Word for You Club – The Word for you Club takes place during the lunch break every Tuesday in the Savio led by Mrs. Bussell; our school Science Technician. During which students engages in activities linked to the scripture.
Foodbank – Harvest Day Our students collected food items for the Stoke on Trent Foodbank for the Harvest Day. We had collected around 87.63 Kg of food items which was donated to the foodbank
Wetley Manor - Christmas goodies for the care home: our student chaplains wrote Christmas wishes and packed few essentials to be given to the elderly in care homes.
Lunch time mass – On the 8th of December we celebrated the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary during Lunch time Mass celebrated by Fr. David and attended by students at our School.
Bishop Marcus' Advent message to Catholic schools
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In this liturgical season of Advent, we encounter refrains of preparation and expectation. These are experienced in the daily and Sunday readings; they culminate at Christmas in celebration of the birth of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and the renewal of the calendar year with the Solemnity of Mary the Holy Mother of God.
Soon the school term will also give way to the holiday period. To school leaders, teachers, learning assistants, chaplains all those employed in our diocesan schools and colleges, I offer my thanks for their dedicated work and for their vocation within Catholic education.
Every year yields new challenges and those who exercise governance give so generously of their time, experience, and expertise. I wish to express my thanks therefore also to school and university governors and to trust boards, for their stewardship of the Church’s school, college and university communities and their important role in Catholic education.
Of course, parents are the first teachers of their children. The school environment in which children are taught and can flourish is founded upon all that they learn first in the family home. The parental love and encouragement which children receive in their home is reflected in the continued success of Catholic education at all levels, and for this grace we give thanks to the Lord.
May Almighty God bless you, your families and loved ones through these joyous days of Advent and Christmas and keep you safe throughout the Year of Our Lord 2024.
With the assurance of my prayers for you all, I remain,
Your servant in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rt Rev Marcus Stock
Chair of the Catholic Education Service
Bishop of Leeds
Wellbeing Award
A huge congratulations to the staff and students at St Thomas More Catholic Academy who achieved the Wellbeing Award for Schools with an incredible report which highlights all of the amazing support the school provides on a daily basis.
The report reads,
"clearly demonstrated the school’s continued commitment to ensuring that wellbeing and mental health remain central to its best practice. In its most recent Ofsted report (October 2022), the school was rated ‘Good’ and Inspectors noted that:
‘Pupils are happy and safe at St Thomas More Catholic Academy because staff provide them with excellent care. Staff make time for pupils’ welfare and no problem is too great. Pupils trust their teachers and talk openly with them.’ And
‘Students and staff demonstrate a deep sense of belonging to this welcoming community. They feel valued and cherished; they appreciate all the academy offers them.’
I couldn’t agree more as I saw this in action during my time at the school and was made to feel really welcome and valued myself!"
We are incredibly proud of the pastoral support that is provided for students at St Thomas More, and this report is a reflection of the commitment and dedication that staff show towards students receiving the best academic results whilst ensuring each student is known and loved.
Maths Department
Within the Maths department this Autumn Term we are pleased to report on the opportunities that have been provided for students so far! We would also like to congratulate all year 11 students on the completion of their first mock exams and look forward to Data Point 1 after Christmas for KS3 and Year 10.
Numeracy
Year 7-9 Students continue to complete Numeracy Ninjas during form time to test both their numerical skill, and time management. Each year group currently has a diverse set of questions, over the 3 years, with a wide variety of numeracy skills tested and, over time, their scores should improve, allowing them to achieve higher coloured belts in their Ninja programme. Y10 take part in a more bespoke set of questions that link to real life Maths made by Mr Moore.
Sparx Superstars
We are excited to announce that the Maths department have decided to swap over to Sparx Maths as it’s main homework platform. Sparx Maths is a brilliant online homework space which allows students to practice work previously studied in lesson at home. It has been programmed to identify whole class weaknesses as well as tailor its questions to each students level of working. Here are some success stories from Sparx so far!
Year 8 Staffordshire University Day
A bus full of Y8 students had the opportunity to visit Staffordshire University for the day before half term. This trip focussed on careers in Mathematics as well as had a focus on STEM. We had a great day exploring the university, talking with Maths specialists and even creating our own coded robot from Lego pieces. Thankyou to Mrs Kerr for organising this and allowing our students to dream big and think mathematically.
Andrew Bailey Visit – The Governor of the Bank of England!
Wow, what an opportunity. We were absolutely ecstatic to welcome Andrew Bailey and his team to STM for a detailed Q&A with all Y8 students as well as a hand-selected few form years 9 to 13! It was brilliant to see so many brilliant students offering questions to Mr Bailey and be so enthusiastic towards learning about the country that we live in and the financial decisions that go into it.
A Christmas Carol, The Rep Theatre, Stoke
Key Stage 4 students were treated to an enthralling production of Charles Dickens’ classic ghost story, A Christmas Carol, at The Rep Theatre in Stoke. This festive informative trip involved an interactive session in which students had the opportunity to hot-seat the actors, further enhancing their understanding of the novella. This was a fantastic adaptation of a text which all students study as part of their GCSE English Literature exam and offered an insight into life in Victorian London. This live production of Dickens’ mesmerising story offered a magical way to engage and interact with some of Dickens’ most famous characters.
The Nutcracker
Year 7 have had a fantastic opportunity this half term to see The Nutcracker at The New Vic Theatre. The students were all brilliant and represented the school wonderfully.
The Nutcracker performance was incredible and the New Vic Theatre did a great job presenting a new adaptation of a classic festive story. The production was packed full of magic, beautiful music, Christmas sparkle and unbelievable special effects - they even managed to include an enormous floating Christmas tree, which really fuelled our Christmas spirit.
Thank you to those students that attended the trip and we hope you enjoyed it as much as us.
We already can’t wait to book again for next year!
Longton Library Visit
At St Thomas More, we value the importance of reading and take every opportunity to promote reading in our school. Therefore, we were delighted that on the 16th November, the community librarian, Janet Eardley, came to visit our school. She spent a morning with all Year 7 students, talking about the library in Longton and what a fantastic facility it is for our community. The students took part in quizzes and games to share their own interests as readers and also develop an understanding of the sorts of books which are available to enjoy. At the end of the visit, all Year 7 students were given a library card which they can use at any library in the local area.
St Thomas More Library, upcoming event
We are very excited to be hosting a session in January being delivered by the National Literacy Trust.
A group of 15 students across year 7&8 will be offered the chance to sign up to become ‘St Thomas More Youth Literacy Champions’.
With support from the trust and staff at the school, they can learn to lead on projects within their school setting to boost literacy among their peers.
The National Literacy Trust in Stoke Will deliver details about activities they run and time for students to develop ideas for their own projects. By the end of the session they will be trained Literacy Champions!
Students could also get involved in some of their hub projects that are run throughout the year if they’re up for that.
I’m sure you will agree that this is a great opportunity for those students taking part and will help to promote a love of reading for themselves and other students in St Thomas More.
More Science
Honours Masterclass
The Science Department have delivered a number of Honours Masterclasses this term including Medical Physics, Astronomy and Profit and Loss in Business.
In the latest workshop we had a guest speaker from Cauldon Cement. Mr. Wattoon told us about the alternative fuels they use to heat their kilns. This ranges from homogenised general waste to pelletised poo!
Miss. Law, Mr. Watton and the students discussed the importance of phasing out the use of fossil fuels and looked at some of the alternative fuels that can be used to power our society.
Salmon Dissection
As part of the Year 12 Biology curriculum, we investigate how organisms exchange substances with their environment. After looking at gas exchange in single celled organisms and insects, we then moved on to gas exchange in fish. It was during this lesson we discussed how fish are adapted for gas exchange. This provided us with the opportunity to examine the structure of gills during a dissection. The fish used was a salmon!
Top of the Bench is an annual Chemistry Competition run by the Royal Society of Chemistry for students in Key Stage 4. The competition has been running for over 20 years and provides students a team of students with the chance to see Chemistry in a new light, and put teamworking skills into action.
Filip and Nazar from Year 9, Maysoon from Year 10 and Karol from Year represented St Thomas More this year receiving excellent feedback from the Royal Society of Chemistry who confirmed that the team performed at a high level and should be commended for their efforts. All students received a certificate and prize from the Royal Society. Well done Filip, Nazar, Maysoon and Karol!
CREST Awards
Last year’s CREST Award projects have now been assessed, and they have all passed. The students receive a certificate from the British Science Association.
This year’s Bronze and Silver CREST Clubs have now commenced. The students are busy researching for their projects which include solid shampoo, soap and bath bombs. They are also looking up recipes so that they can start making their products in the New Year.
National Chemistry Week (the annual celebration of chemists and the chemical sciences) was celebrated from 5th-11th November.
Teams of up to 5 people from Years 7, 8 and 9 were invited to take part in an escape room challenge after school every evening during this week. The teams worked together to complete 5 challenges to obtain codes to unlock 5 locks to escape the room, competing against the other teams from their year groups.
The challenges involved the teams using their knowledge of chemistry to complete a jigsaw and then using a UV torch to reveal a code; completing elemental “Guess Who” to leave a number of elements whose symbols could be rearranged to spell a code; carrying out a thermochromic revelation to reveal a code; undertaking a series of microscale reactions to identify a colour code that could be converted to a padlock code; carrying out a series of electrical conduction tests to reveal a code.
The students worked incredibly well as teams and managed to escape the room each evening to win prizes.
The winning teams were:
Year 7 – Aayan, Ansar and Ozair
Year 8 – Aisha, Aya, Fatima, Heebie and Humaira
Year 9 - Ayo, Joel, Jordan, Nazar and Seeley
Well done to all that took part!
Chef Visit to STM
In October we were delighted to welcome a visit from Jamie Smith the Group Executive Chef at the Parogon Group, a successful group of restaurants in our area. Jamie spoke to and answered a wide range of questions from our students about his career path from school to his current position.
Jamie demonstrated a wide range of preparation skills used in one of the group’s new dishes using fresh salmon, there was a long queue of students eager to try the finished dish! They all commented on how good it was.
Visits like this are fantastic for our students allowing them to interact with potential employers and to find out about the real world of work. Our students also picked up some very useful hints and tips about working with fresh ingredients and particularly kitchen organisation and food presentation. We hope to welcome Jamie back at a later date to work with our KS4 students again.
MFL - Why Study Languages
Year 9 - Michelin
This term, students in year 9 attended the auditorium for a presentation from a representative of Michelin.
The talk was centred around the benefits and opportunities that learning a foreign language can have and why it is such a vital skill for many international companies, including Michelin.
With options approaching next year it was a great opportunity for year 9 to being thinking about their futures and where their language learning can take them.
German Unity Day
This term has seen the successful launch of German as a new subject taught at St Thomas More.
On Wednesday 3rd October we celebrated German Unity Day in the MFL department. Pupils had the opportunity to learn more about the fall of the Berlin wall, were able to listen to German music and try some traditional German food.
St Thomas More Catholic Academy
French trip to Paris
This year, pupils at St Thomas More have had the exciting opportunity to go on a trip to Paris, the capital of France and heart of French culture. On the last week of the autumn term, 41 pupils from St Thomas More will be travelling to Paris to visit the Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysées, Sacré Coeur basilica and Disneyland Paris. Bon voyage!
Year 7 French cinema experience
On 12th December, to enhance cultural capital, all of year 7 pupils had the opportunity of a French cinema experience.
They have watched the film “Le Petit Nicolas”, completed a quiz and been treated to a tasty French snack! C'etait extra!
Music
On Tuesday the 12th of December the Music department took members of the choir to Royal Stoke University Hospital to sing carols and spread Christmas spirit. The Choir stood proud on the 1st floor balcony overlooking the foyer and sang to those below entering and exiting the hospital. After their amazing singing they were visited by Mr and Mrs Claus who danced away to ‘Rocking around the Christmas tree’. The students enjoyed their time and hope to do it again next year.
The Choir will be singing again at the Christmas concert on the 19th of December alongside other fantastic members of the Music department.
Social Sciences
Year 13 Law and Psychology students enjoyed a visit to Shrewsbury prison to support their studies of the criminal justice system and forensics. The prison was decommissioned in 2013 and now offers a unique educational experience into life behind bars. Students were given a guided tour of the facility and gained an insight into how prisoners were treated and why a life of crime was sometimes so appealing for inmates. They were able to spend time in the cells and see the huge changes in prison conditions across time in real life. They were even brave enough to explore the 'haunted' wing!
Careers
Another busy and exciting term in Careers across the school with our highlight being an amazing visit from the Governor of the Bank of England: Andrew Bailey, Ali Moussavi, Senior Private Secretary to the Governor , and Graeme Chaplin, Agent for the Bank of England's West Midlands and Oxfordshire network in November 2008.
All our finest mathematician's, economists and all of Year 8 as part of their Careers in Maths focus, were invited to take part in a question-and-answer session, following an explanation and CBBC video featuring Andrew Bailey.
The Year 8's rose to the aspirational challenge of interviewing the Governor of the Bank of England, with pertinent questions ranging from, crypto assets, the Gold Reserves, King Charles III on Bank notes to how much Money he had in his wallet!
Andrew Bailey commented that he had never had so many questions, or so interested an audience; It was inspiring to see so many financiers of the future making the most of an employer encounter like no other.
Other high-Profile visitors include Price Waterhouse Coopers who came to recruit our year 11s, 12s and 13s, in October explaining how to apply for their Talent network and explore the apprenticeship, Internship and training opportunities, working for a Global Fortune 500 company can offer.
Y8 Careers in Maths Campus Visit
As part of the Year 8 Careers in Maths focus our Year 8s were also given the opportunity to spend the day at Staffordshire University, exploring Careers in Maths Pathways.
STMCA are excited to be working with Higher Horizons to provide a completely funded trip for Yr 8 Maths Day. This was a fantastic opportunity to participate in a creative workshop in the Catalyst Gallery led by the university lecturers, enjoy a Campus tour and an opportunity to experience University Campus Life.
Topics covered during the day were: Global Economics – Division of Labour; Bang for your Buck- Budgeting workshop; Inflation – What’s the solution?; and Numeracy in the News, current affairs round up also in the Catalyst Gallery. The day was completed with a super fun LEGO coding and programming robotics race challenge.
Lots of great opportunities for all our aspiring professionals, academics, mathematicians, accountants, financiers and investment bankers, but provides a valuable insight for all year 8s.
Y7 Careers in English Campus Visit Tuesday 7th November 2023
Our day started with a dynamic Marketing and Advertising copy writing workshop using Treasure Island for inspiration, in the Catalyst Gallery.
This was followed by a Campus Tour Led by Staffordshire University Student Ambassadors and the chance to ask questions about life at University.
During the afternoon our hardworking year 7s attended workshops on Sports Journalism, Philosophy and Ethics, Blackout Poetry, and finished the day with a fascinating employer encounter with a practising solicitor about the importance of English for Law Careers.
STMCA Y9 Campus Visit Staffordshire University Wednesday 4th October 2023
The vast array of careers in science pathways was discussed and key vocabulary pre-taught at the start of our enlightening and varied Year 9 careers in Science Day.
It began with a Campus Quest, where our intrepid year 9s had to solve puzzles to find their way around the Campus, Facilitated by ambassadors. We observed research conducted in the University Science Laboratories, attended workshops on Entomology, Psychology, and Sports science in the Sports hall where they encountered a talented para-athlete.
The afternoon saw our year 9s experience a fascinating Taster Lecture on Environmental sciences in which we studied humanity's effect on nature as well as how physical, chemical and biological processes maintain and interact with all life on Earth.
Year 10s enjoyed a fabulous taster day at Chester University where they were presented with post 16 and post 18 options and pathways, thinking about courses at Chester university and enjoyed a campus tour before exploring the historic city of Chester and the festive Christmas Markets.
Years 10 and year 12 Business studies Students have enjoyed specialist Careers in the curriculum lessons, targeting using Unifrog to research and plan career pathways.
Our students continue to use our careers platform: Unifrog, to explore careers pathways, record skills and activities, create CVs and make applications, as well as finding the answers to their many and varied Careers questions. As usual if you have any questions to ask that Unifrog can’t help with, or need more support, please contact careers vkerr@stmca.org.uk
Physical Education and Performing Arts
This term has been another busy one in the Performance faculty with a whole range of extra-curricular clubs on offer including Boxing, girls football club, boys football club, basketball club, netball club, volleyball club, rugby club, badminton club, table tennis club, fitness suite, dance club and performing arts club. There has also been a whole range of teams representing the academy in football, netball, cross country, sports hall athletics and the partnership games.
Well done to all of the students who have been participating in after school clubs and representing the academy this term.
Performing Arts
Mrs Nutbeem recently took students from the Performing Arts club to attend the show of ‘Six’ at the regent theatre
on December 6th. The students had a fantastic time watching the performance.
Year 10/11 5-a-side football
In November the Y10/11 students put in a great effort in the city schools 5 a side competition. So close to getting to the final and the smallest of margins made the difference.
Year 9 5-a-side football
The Y9 students participated in the city schools 5 a side football competition this month in freezing temperatures and produced some pleasing performances.
Cross Country
In September and October the boys and girls cross-country squads competed on their two events hosted by different
Schools. We had some top 10 finishes in the KS3 races. Well done to all who participated in heavy conditions.
Netball
A combined Y7 and Y8 Netball team went to Painsley Catholic school recently to participate in a friendly fixture. Five mini matches were played and our STM students won 4 of them! Well done girls.
Under 12 Football Team
Well done to the STM Y7 football team this term. Playing in their first ever competitive football matches together, they put in some excellent performances. Some very well worked goals were scored.
Year 7 Partnership Games
It was Fantastic to see our new Y7 STM students involved in the city schools partnership games in October to support transitioning into secondary school. Many gold medals achieved in a range of activities
Well done to the Y8 STM students in October when participating in the Y8 partnership games to develop confidence in sport and physical activity. All of the students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity.
PE Educational Visit
The A level PE students were developing their kayaking skills this term at Stanley Head Outdoor Education Centre.
They have been their kayaking skills in the lake to then use on a canal journey the following week.
Year 9 Girls Football
The Y9 girls were in action in November in the city schools 5 a side competition. The girls showed resilience and produced some great performances Well done to all who participated.
Stoke School Games
Dance and Performing Arts Club
The dance and performing arts clubs with Mrs Nutbeem have been working on a range routines and performances this term. Performing Arts club is on a Tuesday after school and Dance club is on a Wednesday after school. New members are always welcome to attend.
Transitioning to Trinity Sixth Form by Melissa TJ:
For me, the transition to Trinity was easy. I attended St Thomas More for high school, and so moving up to the college was an easy shift. The college provided plenty of opportunities before our time began to get used to the environment, talks from students and teachers who worked within the Sixth Form, sample lessons in July, the Open Evening and of course familiarity with the buildings. This made sure that when we began, the transition from high school to sixth form was as smooth as possible. Returning as a sixth former, we had all the information about the school as we could possibly need, and our student support made that even easier to ensure. There was always a way to ask questions and to gather any information we didn’t already have.
When we began lessons, we had plenty of support from teachers. Every class began with a full explanation of the course we’d be taking explaining the exam board, the ways we’d be assessed and what work we would have to do. Although many of these lessons looked different to those taken at GCSE, the support we received more than made up for it. All the classes I take, for example, have extra resources on the team such as full uploads of every lesson and even extra texts. All of these adjustments meant that we had a simple time transitioning into sixth form.
Higher Horizons:
Students in Year 12 and Year 13 have attended a series of workshops delivered by Higher Horizons about transition in to Sixth Form and preparing for University. The students that have attended the sessions have found them to be incredibly inspiring and thought provoking as they showcased to students the opportunities that are available to them.
#HelloYellow
Students within our Sixth Form participated within the #helloyellow campaign to promote awareness of mental health and wellbeing. The students participated within this campaign to share positivity and optimism throughout our Sixth Form community.
University Interviews:
As part of the university application process, a small group of students participated in mock interviews with a panel of interviewers. The afternoon was incredibly challenging with students being asked a range of ethical questions about how the study of medicine, economics and history can contribute to the wider world and development of society. The feedback was extremely positive with the students being praised for their appearance, aspirations and achievements.
Egdbaston:
In October, Year 12 students visited Edgbaston University and Apprenticeship Fayre, providing them a chance to speak with University exhibitors and apprenticeship providers who gave a great insight into University life, what courses are available and more information on apprenticeships.
The day started with a stroll around the stands, collecting information (and freebies!), followed by seminars on an array of things including student finance, UCAS and personal statements and Russel Group Universities.
Our Year 12s represented us well and made sure to ask lots of questions and gain as much knowledge as they could and expressed the day was very really useful and came away inspired, ready to prepare for their next steps!
David Campbell Soccer School
The David Campbell Soccer School students participated in a two-week European Training Camp in November 2023.Students made their way to the opulent Algarve Marina, where they played the Benfica Youths in three friendly games. They won one match, drew one match and lost a match. Students attended a cup match on the 25th November between Braga FC and Portimonense FC, which Braga FC won 4-1. Furthermore, students had the exciting opportunity to tour the Portimonense FC training facility on the 27th November and were able to get numerous player photographs and autographs. Among the players recognised was Sylvester Jasper, a former Fulham FC player.
David Campbell Soccer School: Jack
On Tuesday 5th December, David Campbell Soccer School students had interviews for a coaching contract in America that will take place over the Summer in 2024. After preparation in Portugal students were incredibly nervous about the interview session with each student having to lead an individual session that would be analysed and assessed by one of the workers from Challenger Sports. Students were required to be vocal, supportive, enthusiastic and demonstrate a good understanding of what they were coaching. The assessor revealed that all of the students involved in the interview process had received the ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’ grading required for them to receive a contract. Jack and Zagros now await the news of where they will be going and when they will be starting their American experience.
Diary Dates 2024
January
8th January Staff INSET Day
9th January All students return
10th January Invite Y10 & KS3 Family Revision
11th January Year 11 Human Utopia Workshop
12th January Honours Workshop
13th January Ski Trip
15th January Parent Partnership Progress Evening KS4
22nd January Year 12 Assessments
24th January Year 8, 10 & 11 Positively You Revision
25th January House Mass for JB
30th January Year 11 School Photo
February
5th February National Apprenticeship Week
6th February Parent CIAG Event
8th February Student Council Meeting
12th February - 16th February HALF TERM
19th February Year 11 Mocks Commence
22nd February House Mass for MK
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