STAC Newsletter Summer Term, Issue 4

ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE NEWS

Summer Term, Issue 4

Dear Parents/Guardians,

16 June 2023

It’s hard to believe that we are now entering the final week of public exams. Indeed many of the students will have already finished their last exam when reading this newsletter. These students have been outstanding in their commitment and approach to their exams. For those who are still completing public examinations keep working hard the finish line is near! We look forward to celebrating their success at their respective leavers events.

We now turn our attention to our Year 10’s and 12’s. Year 10 have their final ranks starting 19th June and Year 12 will have their important UCAS exams starting 26th June. I know that both year groups will be working hard to ensure they are as prepared as possible.

As is always the case with the final half – term the calendar is full with exciting events for the students. We have already had our Year 7 -10 students enjoying themselves at Chessington and Thorpe Park, reaping the benefits in the glorious sunshine of all their hard work and excellent behaviour. Some other events that are still to come over the next few weeks include the Year 11 and 13 leavers events, Year 10 and 12 work experience week, Aspirations evening, Summer Concert, Sports Awards Evening and of course our Sports Day.

We hope that all our students make the most of upcoming opportunities and continue to enrich and challenge themselves in all areas of their lives.

Mr B. Tynan Assistant Headteacher

YEAR 8 HANDBALL CHAMPIONS OF ENGLAND!

(see article on page 10)

Year 9 Stewardship Retreat

The Year 9 retreat was an enlightening experience that helped us to recognise the importance of Stewardship and the world around us. We started off the day with an introduction lesson, outlining the fundamentals of stewardship and creation before a double period discussing and thinking of ways to solve the effects of littering on the environment. We then had a session where we explored case studies about how climate change is affecting the world’s poorest communities, especially children, impacting their education and health. Both lessons were beneficial and fun however a visit from the ‘Bird Man’ and his many feathered friends seemed to have taken the cake. He brought in some birds of prey which flew around the Drama Studio, and explained to us how they have evolved into what they are today, helping us to appreciate how incredible our natural world really is. In general, the day was very insightful and fun, and I look forward to the next one!

Joel Amaechi Year 9 Student

Stewardship Prayer: Living God, have mercy on us, for the times we forget that we belong to each other. You call us to be still, to hear the whisper of our Sister Wind, to feel the radiance of our Brother Sun, and to be nourished by our Mother Earth. Renew us in your healing love. Inspire us to water the earth, and nurture one another, so all may flourish. Together, as one family, may we always sing your praise. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Year 7 Rewards Trip to Chessington

On Friday 9th June, 140 Year 7 boys were selected to attend our annual end of year rewards trip. The boys were chosen based on their efforts over the entire year in terms of attendance, punctuality, behaviour and achievement points, and their contributions to wider school life including their participation in house events. As you can see from the selection of photos below, the boys had a great time. The weather was perfect and the day gave the boys the opportunity to bond, form new friendships and get to know one another on a deeper level. Their conduct and behaviour was exceptional and they were all a credit to their families and the school. I look forward to Year 8 and hope that the whole year group push themselves to be in contention for all of the rewards events that will be taking place.

Mr A. Vaughan Head of Year 7

Year 8 Rewards Trip to Chessington

On Friday, we had the end of year rewards trip to Chessington, and we couldn’t have asked for a better day. The sun was out as selected students enjoyed the attractions; a result of their hard work over the past couple of months. It has not been an easy time, with ranking exams and results, but through it all, these students maintained our expectations and were therefore deserving of some fun. With new rides, it was excitement all round, and the opportunity to cool off. For those who found the adrenaline a little too much, time spent with peers, out of lessons and snacking, was enough. A reminder that the hard work is worth it, especially with Thorpe Park on the cards for next year.

Ms C. Cullen Head of Year

8

Year 9 Rewards Trip to Thorpe Park

On Friday, 140 Year 9 students embarked on an exciting adventure as they visited Thorpe Park for their annual rewards trip. The air was filled with anticipation and laughter as they stepped into the realm of thrilling rides and captivating attractions. From heart-pounding roller coasters to immersive water rides, there was something for everyone to enjoy. It was a sun-filled day from beginning to end. We’re already counting down the days until next year’s trip.

Mr D. Campbell Head of Year 9

Year 10 Rewards Trip to Thorpe Park

Well done to all those students in Year 10 that secured a position on the Thorpe Park trip. It really was a wonderful day full of sunshine and smiles. We were fortunate enough to attend the park on one of its less busy days, meaning queues for rides were minimal and we got to enjoy plenty of what the park has to offer!

I hope that I'll be seeing many of you on our trip next year to Paintballing; it's one you won't want to miss.

Miss T. O'Neil Head of Year 10

Student Council Update

Recently the student council met to discuss and reflect on our business this year. One of the successes was our role in our STAC Charities Week (where we raised a huge amount of money), the student council have been discussing upcoming plans for the set up of a bake sale to raise more money for charity! Moreover, we also discussed organising a charity sports matches with 6th Formers playing against teachers in a football and netball to support this cause. Another success has been the debate club that has been running every Monday after school for the past few months which has many participants developing their debating skills covering many emotive topics. Also we have been pushing for the revision materials prior to the rank to be released earlier and the school has agreed to try and give this to students three weeks before rather than two! The student council have also taken the initiative to begin talks to introduce a ‘Welcoming Mass’ for newly enrolled Year 7 students and their parents in September to give them a warm welcome and invite not only students but parents to our STAC community. Also discussed was the need for more ‘visually obvious’ recycling bins to improve our recycling practices (see the bin in SEN as an example). We were also asked to think about which students who always go ‘above and beyond’ and we feel should be nominated for the Jack Petchey award. We have some nominations, but if you have anyone else in mind please let us know. Finally we have also been discussing our thoughts and ideas on an acronym which embodies STAC and reflects the school’s values and expectations from a student’s perspective as well as the teachers. Look out for this around school from September.

Lexie Donkor-Arthur Year 12 Student

Year 10 Trip to Victoria and Albert Museum

On Monday 12th June, the Year 10 DT students visited the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington. The trip is an enriching part of the KS4 curriculum, where students investigate through analysing real primary sources, looking at iconic products and influential design periods. The boys were given the opportunity to venture around the museum, researching key designers, such as William Morris, Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood and their work. They also investigated 20th century design movements, Art Deco, Art Nouveau and Bauhaus. This was an eye-opening experience, that the students can take into their final GCSE coursework to gain marks from this external visit.

Mrs J. Kubeyinje Head of Technology

SIXTH FORM NEWS

6th Form Transition: Bridging the Gap KS4—KS5

There will be Bridging work tasks sent to all 6th Form offer holders. This will be a 3 week programme of tasks to be completed in the subject you have been made an offer in. These tasks will give you a flavour of what to expect in your level 3 tasks. Staff will be grading these tasks at the end of the programme. Year 11 offer holders –details for this will be given on taster day and you will be sent a follow up e mail.

6th Form Team

Year 12 Rewards Trip

A Year 12 reward trip to a netball game Mavericks vs London Pulse, took place on Monday. The game was played in the Copper Box Stadium, a relatively new venue in Stratford built for the 2012 Olympic Games. Both the stadium was vibrant and so was the atmosphere. The presenter of the game acknowledged the many schools that attended. When STAC was announced, we cheered the loudest, showing a huge sense of pride. Everyone was clinging to the edges of their seats during the entire game as we cheered on the local London squad. Many of us who were present had never been a professional netball game before, but the event did not disappoint. Despite the 52:45 loss to the Maverick

Kai Henry

Year 12 Student

SIXTH FORM NEWS

Year 12 English Literature Book Club Review

Year 12 English Literature Book Club read 'Open Water' by Caleb Azumah Nelson, a local writer from Bellingham. The book is largely set in Southeast London and is a love story written in the second person. We agreed that the second person narrative made the book an intimate read as we connected with our narrator deeply.

However, as a group we felt that the ending was quite rushed but gave us food for thought about themes of masculinity, mental illness and race.

Overall, we found it to be a beautifully written book that dealt sensitively with issues and presented them in a nuanced way.

Jeremiah Fayeye Year 12 Student

Bank of England Trip

On Thursday 8th June my classmates and I went on a trip to the Bank of England. It was amazing to see the size of the Bank in Central London. We were given a worksheet full of questions about the history of the bank, which we had to explore the Museum to find answers to. Everyone seemed to enjoy the evolution of the bank notes throughout the years since the 1700s to today and were inquisitive about the history of the bank. We also got to hold a bar of gold weighing 13kg and worth over £650,000. It was great to deepen our understanding of the role of the Bank of England and how they operate as a business also. Later on we were given a talk by a senior member of staff from the Bank of England, who works in risk management within the Bank. We asked him what daily life is like working in the bank. He also told us how he got his job and how he feels about the job and as all of us were are inspiring economists we tuned in to what he had to say. I was especially fascinated by the work experience and graduate programs they have in place. Overall, we learnt how the Bank of England was originated and how they operate on a day to day basis and it brought our learning to life.

Ryan

Lawot | Year 12 Student

SIXTH FORM NEWS

Career Insight Day at Black Rocks

We went for a career insight day at Black Rocks’ offices at Liverpool Street. Many of us visited due to our strong interest within the finance sector and to also find out how you could gain a career at the largest asset manager in world. Black rock manages many assets mainly for pension schemes and endowments. Many of us had never heard of Black rock but they are essentially behind the scenes for banks as they don’t advertise to the public but mostly to companies. They also create investment solutions and aim to maximise the returns for clients that they have such as Royal mail, British Airways and Southwark Council. We were also spoken to by a panel of Black rock employees and were informed about the many pathways into a career at Black rock. The panel gave us an amazing insight into a career at Blackrock by talking us through the day-to-day tasks they complete and the skills and attributes you must develop to work in a corporate environment, for example having a strong work ethic. The panel were extremely inspiring as people of the same background as us were in positions that we as a group aspire to be in the future. They provided us with a real motivation that we can be in their position if we take on their advice and work really hard. Three things I learnt from this Career insight was that you must take as many opportunities as possible that come your way, be resilient and always demonstrate a curious nature.

Kwame Aarkwa Year 12 Student

Homework Update

We are proud to celebrate the outstanding commitment to homework that so many of our students exemplify. The names of students who have received achievement points for excellent homework are listed below, well done to all of you! Year 7: Year 8:

9: Year 10:

Handball National Finals 9

CHAMPIONS OF ENGLAND!

—3

Last weekend the Year 8 handball team travelled up to Nottingham to compete in the national finals, having won two rounds of qualifying going undefeated. Unfortunately, the team lost their first game, but regrouped and managed to win the remaining group games to advance to the semi-finals. They then obliterated the opposition in the semi-final winning 10-1. They faced Sprowston Community Academy in the final, winning 9-3 with some excellent handball on show. This is, we believe, the first national championship that a STAC team has won so is a huge achievement for all the boys involved. They worked hard throughout the year and totally deserved to be crowned champions of England.

Mr D. Whitfield Teacher of Economics/Handball Coach

Basketball News

A catch up on some basketball news as our teams reach the tail end of the season.

Our Year 10/11 team, who were agonisingly close to reaching the final in Manchester were edged out to Barking Abbey 39-50.

The Year 9 team fell in the quarter final against Cheney losing 58-66. No doubt both teams will make a push next year and improve from these results.

Finally, a huge congratulations to both our Year 7 and Year 8 basketball teams who both qualified for the Jr NBA finals after winning their playoff games against Harris Purley and Ark Globe respectively.

The finals will take place at the University of East London on June 22nd and 23rd, where they hope to win the championship!

STAC on 3! Family on 6!

Mr R. Abeleda Basketball Coach

Year 11 Football—South London Cup Final

The Year 11’s for the final time in a competitive match, put on the famous maroon STAC shirt for the school in the South London Cup Final vs Kingsdale on Friday 26th May.

The match started as a tight affair, with both teams being rushed on the ball from good defensive pressure. After the pressure had worn off and the nerves had calmed, the STAC boys started to get the ball and pass it around, playing some really neat and tidy football without creating a clear-cut chance in front of the Kingsdale goal.

The turning point in the first half came when a STAC committed a foul just outside their own penalty area and to the amusement to everyone playing and watching the game, the referee gave a penalty, with this decision resulting in a Kingsdale goal.

Jean Francois in goal pulled off an outstanding save to deny Kingsdale a second goal not to soon after the penalty had been scored. STAC stayed within the game, however, got caught out with a cut back that found its way to the back post and being scored, 2-0 to Kingsdale going into half-time.

At half-time Mr Reynolds made it clear to the boys that they were playing some good football and there were plenty of positives that they needed to take from the first half, into the second. This is exactly what happened, moments into the second half, STAC had three good chances back to back to score, with none of them falling our way.

Looking to push on and try get a goal back, the changes were made, however, with 15 minutes to go Kingsdale scored a third and wrapped up the game. This didn’t stop the STAC boys attacking right until the end, unfortunately, without scoring that goal that everyone wanted. The game ended 3-0 to Kingsdale but the overall performance, despite the result, was a very good one and a performance that the boys can be proud of as their last game in a STAC jersey.

The last five years have been a real pleasure with these boys, seeing them grow and mature into some very good footballers but more importantly, young men that will go on to do well in life. I hope they have liked all the football journey’s that we have been on over the last five years and the enjoyed it like I have.

All the best for the future Year 11.

Mr B. Reynolds Second in Charge of PE

St Thomas the Apostle College

Extra-Curricular Timetable 2022-23

15:15

St Thomas the Apostle College

Extra-Curricular Timetable 2022-23

15:30

15:15

Yr

15:00-15:50

15:00-15:50 G81

Year 8 Football

15:00-15:50 G81

15:00

15:00-16:00pm

This year has been a learning curve on the football pitch for the Year 8 boys. The boys have put the effort in and they have turned up in their numbers on a Tuesday morning at 7am. On the pitch there has been some very good performances individually and as a team. The standout performance as a team this year was in the Inner London Cup against St Mary Magdalene. With the Year 8 boys playing out from defence and attacking with great intent, they found themselves 1-0 down.

Keeping the same intensity going into the second half, the quality of the Year 8 boys took over. Joshua Sesay scoring a lovely whipped shot from the far left with his right foot that found its way into the side netting with Abdul thunderous strike across the keeper and Emmanuel Faoye lobbing the keeper from close range, the Year 8’s ended up winning the game 3-1.

Some unfortunate draws in the cup competitions this year have seen the Year 8’s play against some tough school’s and this will only strengthen them going into Year 9.

The PE department hope that the Year 8’s learn from their experiences this year and we want to see them progress in the cup competitions even further next year.

Mr Reynolds

Second in Charge of PE

House News

Table Tennis

Year 7 had their table tennis house event just before half term and they were excellent, with over a third of the year group attending. Behaviour was perfect throughout and the boys were very supportive of each other. The final game was extremely tense and both players showed expert play in a very defensive game of table tennis. The competition was eventually won by Alex (7.3) in Gunstone.

Points:

Gunstone- 500

Griffith- 400

Jones- 300

Rigby- 200

Year 10

Year 10 table tennis was very well contested with some very good games played. After the group stages we had a final table of Felix, Ayomide, Kevin and James. All of the games played were very close, with the players exhibiting some classy skills. In the end Ayomide proved unbeatable, winning all of his games and being crowned Year 10 champion for Jones.

Points:

Jones: 450

Griffith: 360

Rigby: 230

Gunstone: 150

The House Team

Roll of Honour

YEAR 7

Akinsola Akinremi, Osazenomwan Momoh, Jason Nkhansah & Fabio Andres

Qunitero Flores: For excellent effort on Memrise French homework.

Adrians Metra, Jack Persson, Jaiden Kigozi & Uyiosa Erhabor: For excellent effort in Food Technology, especially in the practical part of the lesson.

Levon Horsley-McKay, Milton Palma Arcienega, Jordan Obukohowo, Al

Amin Yusuf, Joel Masabanda-Tiban & Nathan Frampton: For excellent work in RE.

Adam Haid & Israel Ajo: Excellent contributions in Science.

Prince Kwabena Awuah, Storm Allen & Israel Joseph: Outstanding homework in Science.

YEAR 8

Fawwaz Aliu, Jemill Golfa, Oghenetejere Eruemrejovwo, Prineike Nnaji, Joshua Layzell, Oscar Welch, Kester Owusu, Sajmir Dennis, Amir ElSayed

Kassem, Yohannes Odero & Ethan Fewry: Excellent effort and organisation in History.

Oghenetejere Erumrejovwo, Princeike Nnaji & Alfie Zelinger: For excellent effort on Memrise French homework.

Jamal Al-Din Bukenya, Reeco Mewes-Coker, Emmanuel Faoye, Jhon

Cajahuisca Pilatasig & Ephraim Adusei: For improving their reading ages this year.

Joshua Layzell, Yohannes Odero, Raphael Weldemariam, Oseru Omar-Pharooq, George Leaton, Bernardo Garey Rodrigues & Daniel Perez-Arteaga: For excellent effort in Food Technology, especially in the practical part of the lesson.

Muhammed-Fathiu Kolawole, Mosolade Owoeye & Olorunsogo Balogun: Excellent work in RE.

YEAR 9

Daniel Rowland, Ezra Thompson & Ebubechukwu Unegbu: For excellent effort on Memrise French homework.

Aaron Brice, Cameron Brown, Samuel Lawrence, Manuel Gallardo Romero, Oluwamayode Dada & Nyasha Baffoe: For improving their reading ages this year.

Michael Mensah, Xavier Ogbonna, Ebube Unegbu, Matthew Egbedo, Chimeka Chinedu, Rhys Evans, Isaac Martins, Osaro Ayobore, Jude Chandler & Joel Amaechi: For excellent work in RE.

YEAR 10

Michael Ayomide Akinsanya, Emrys Egenti, Daniel Manu-Nations & Chibuike Chinedu: For excellent effort on Memrise French homework.

Michael Ojo, Israel Rotimi-Bakare, Yusuf Adedokun, Santiago Hurtado Valencia, Dany Carrion Alvarez, Cordell Reynolds-Richardson, Chanda Simbule & Jureyll Williams: For improving their reading ages this year.

Emmanuel Bateren & Sule Bedward: For excellent effort in Food Technology, especially in the practical part of the lesson.

YEAR 12

Yosola Adebeso, Awa Amon, Princess Mansaray, Tyler Whatle, Angel Otobo, Shanei Pringle: Well done to the following Year 12 Sociology students for their great performance in recent assessments.

Faizat Lawal: Working exceptionally hard in Chemistry.

Esosa Momoh: Consistently high marks in Chemistry assessments.

Roll of Honour Continued

YEAR 12 CONTINUED

Ayomide Ayodele-Omole, Breanna Gbetey, Kabembe Benite, Kwame Adarkwa, Jamaine Loka, Yedidia Bouah, Chioma Eze, Nkem Ogunjobi & Sazed Choudhury: Amazing essay writing in Economics.

Jennika Lubwama, Allana John, Gabriella Ertl, Angel Otobo, Awa Amon, Princess Mansaray, Yosola Adebeso & Ericka Ramos: For their brilliance in Sociology book club this year. They have shown commitment, prepared well and this has made for some quite excellent discussions.

Best Attendance—Tutor Groups

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in our school is the responsibility of the whole school community. All adults working in this School (including visiting staff, volunteers and students on placement) are required to report instances of actual or suspected child abuse or neglect to the Designated Safeguarding Lead who is a member of the school’s leadership team.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead is: Mr C. Smart, Deputy Headteacher

c.smart@stac.southwark.sch.uk tel: 0207 639 0106 ext 2149

The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads are: Miss C. Rodin, Assistant Headteacher

c.rodin@stac.southwark.sch.uk tel: 0207 639 0106 ext 2143

Miss C. Crompton, Head of Inclusion/SENCO

c.crompton@stac.southwark.sch.uk tel: 0207 639 0106 ext 2139