Winter 2015 - Issue 18

More News LETTER FROM THE HEAD TEACHER

activities that the students have undertaken this Well, another bumper edition of’ More News’, packed with amount of students who received academic term. We see in the photos of the Awards Evening the vast a special mention to YR 11 Fiona Swift who won recognition and prizes for their achievement last year, with students as she personifies what St Thomas More the Head Teacher’s Award. Fiona was chosen amongst all , hard working and yet with a humbleness about School strives for in its students: kindness, service to others inspirational – her parents must be very proud. her that actually makes her stand out amongst others. Truly e of students who have committed themselves to hard work, The extensive photos of this evening display the sheer volum and er. Such evenings are wonderful, and demonstrate the vast achieved highly and stood out in one subject area or anoth to their parents and carers. varied talents within our student population – all are a credit was has again been extensive. The Christmas Gift Box appeal The amount of Charity work undertaken by the students and area was full of their contributions, wrapped with great pride supported with immense energy by YR 10; the reception In en Childr to off sent and with a Mufti Day, funds were raised generosity of spirit. Pudsey visited the school and coupled ier mudd off on the Cross Country Course, arriving back a lot Need. The Sixth Form Fun Run saw finely dressed folks set while. supporting the St Vincent de Paul Charity made it worth than when they set off, but knowing it was in a good cause es! I’m just glad that I didn’t have to wash any of the costum in The U16 Basketball team have reached the County Finals In sport the U14 Basketball team (Year 9), remain unbeaten. yet for ring be in the County Finals. The Cheer Leaders are prepa January, and if the Year 9s win on Thursday, they also will s! they were now too good to be allowed in local competition more national competitions, having been told last year that What an accolade for them. had rt the students in promoting reading, and all students have As this term draws to a close we do again wish to suppo feet their with sit group. So do please encourage your child to a novel purchased for them – a different one for each year erful pass time of reading. It will also afford you a bit of quiet up for a couple of afternoons, and indulge them in the wond time as they become immersed in their novel. celebrations, a Gospel Choir, concerts and, last Friday, a Music continues to thrive with the students involved in Mass for over Bedford – special note must go to Rochelle Blake here Massed Upper School Concert joining with other schools gst with full band and backing singers and stood out amon her solo performance; Rochelle stole the show singing ‘Run’ her g but positive things to say about Mrs Stevens’ work. I thank many talented performers. The music service has nothin to ses promi it – g g together for our Advent Celebration Evenin for this dedication. Next week sees Music and Drama comin s. be a fun-filled celebration of yet more of our students’ talent s, to the classroom, from Maths Challenges, to visits to Care Home It becomes difficult with so much going on in and out of rsities, Business Enterprise Activities and much, much more, visits to the Shard, the Theatre, Museums, Art Galleries, Unive So, please do read on and enjoy this Advent edition of ‘More not to give everyone a mention here in this opening letter. in our school life. News’, where you will see much more of what is happening this short piece from ‘Take Time to be Aware’ I wish you all a peaceful Christmas time, and leave you with by Edward Hays (A Pilgrim’s Almanac): t preparations for the celebration of Christ’s birth in ancien Take time to be aware that in the very midst of our busy e to s and daily lives. Take time, slow down, be still, be awak Bethlehem, Christ is reborn in the Bethlehems of our home ry yet is wondrously present. the Divine Mystery that looks so common and so ordina With Blessings, Alison T Wilshaw

St Thomas More Catholic Teaching School

1

More News... New Trips & Activities Payment Method Did you know you can now pay for school trips and activities on- line via the St Thomas More website ? This new service gives you more choice in how you pay for school trips and activities. Although cash and cheques are still accepted, our preferred method of payment is online by debit or credit card. This payment method is safe, secure and completely free - there is no charge to users for paying via the on-line facility! Simply logon via the school website and enter your security details to view your child’s account. The link can be found under Parents/Trip/ Activity/On-line payments. Still want to pay by cheque or cash? If you want to send in a cheque or cash to pay for a trip or activity then please place the payment, along with any permission slip, in a sealed envelope and return to the school.

ATTENDANCE & PUNCTUALITY As a school we place great importance on attendance and punctuality as these have a real impact on the attainment of all students. We are therefore asking for the continued support of all our parents and carers in working towards having no lateness to school each day and the lowest possible absence rate. We have been set a school target of 97%. We acknowledge that the majority of our students have excellent records of attendance and punctuality. However, for a small minority this is not the case and therefore the following procedures have been put in place: • S  tudents falling below 92% attendance will be discussed with the Education Welfare Officer • S  tudents falling below 90% attendance will have an Attendance Plan

Remember to write the student’s name, Tutor group, trip or activity and amount on the outside of the envelope then simply place the sealed envelope in the payments post box in the school reception. If you haven’t got an envelope they are available in reception or from your child’s teacher. By now, each student should have received a letter containing their unique registration details and instructions on what to do the first time the site is used. If you have not received a registration letter please contact central. [email protected] for a copy.

ance d n e t t A Target 6 is 5/1 for 201 97%ol – ho Be In Scpired Be Ins

2

St Thomas More Catholic Teaching School

• T  he school will not sanction any holidays in school time as directed by the Department of Education • S  tudents who are late to school will have a phone call home • S  tudents with more than 3 lates will have an after school detention with their Progress Coordinator • F  ailure to attend the after school detention or continued lateness will result in a Senior Management detention There is a REWARDS system in place for those students who have good and improved attendance and punctuality. If you have any queries about attendance then please contact Mr. Hopkins at the school.

Year Group Updates yr7 & 8

yr9

It’s been a very busy first term for both year groups…

YR9 Celebrate 100% Attendance!

Our YR7 students are now settled in and I am pleased to say, not getting lost! They have made a great start to their STM education and are throwing themselves into their lessons. The level of maturity they have demonstrated is to be commended, as is their ‘can do’ attitude to learning. Their fantastic work can be seen on display throughout the school and I know that many parents were particularly impressed with the level our YR7’s have achieved in such a short space of time when they visited us for Parents Evening. Well done to you all!

Remember, remember the 5th of November…. well we certainly did when all the YR9’s with 100% attendance were invited to a special Pizza Reward Lunch in the assembly hall. The students enjoyed tucking into the huge trays of pizza, while chatting to their friends and enjoying some music! It is fair to say they were all full up by the time they left! It was a great lunch and a well-deserved reward! Keep up the good work YR9!

YR8 they have also settled in and are hard at Miss Yadav, Head of YR9 work. Having been the first set of students to make the transition from YR7 to YR8, they are leading by example and enjoying the added responsibility being in YR8 brings. I am delighted to see so many YR8’s joining in with extra-curricular clubs and activities with so many trying With Pudsey something new for the first time! Don’t putting a smile on forget, there is also the More 4 7 2 8 Club everyone’s face, held every Wednesday in the Library – STM raised an perfect for those chilly lunchtimes!

Children in Need

Have a Fantastic Christmas and see you in 2016! Miss Millar

yr10

amazing

£775

for Children in Need!!!!

As part of St Thomas More’s work within the community, the YR10’s have been collecting small items to put in shoeboxes as part of the Samaritans Operation Christmas Child. These shoeboxes will be delivered to underprivileged children this Christmas, to provide them with something that will bring a smile to their face. As a year group we collected 37 shoeboxes in total, a fantastic amount that exhibits the sense of responsibility that the YR10’s felt to help and support children who are not as privileged as them.

Yr11 By the time you read this the YR11 students will have completed their Mock Exams and will be eagerly awaiting their results. In the last assembly before the Mocks I spoke of these exams as being an opportunity rather than a challenge. It is an opportunity to show off all the hard work and preparation that they have put into the lead up and to put into place the foundations for the next stage of their learning.

I would like to thank all YR10’s for their efforts as well as many individual students who contributed complete shoeboxes to this collection. I am sure this sense of responsibility and caring will continue throughout their time at St Thomas More, making my sense of pride for the year group even greater. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish all YR10’s and their parents a happy festive period.

The term after Christmas is a very busy one because so much has to happen in such a short space of time – Mock Exam results, final pieces of Controlled Assessment, Parents Evening (26th January 2016), Sixth Form Open Evening (11th February 2016) and drawing up a revision plan for the summer exams. I won’t do a countdown quite yet but it is significant that a number of students have already spoken to me about drawing up one of these long term plans. For you as parents and carers, it is encouraging to know that our students are doing these things and that they have so much ambition for themselves.

Mr Kennard

Mr Aquino

I finish writing this after the first calling-in of the Mock Exam week. Their conduct was excellent and speaks volumes for the attitude of our year group. I expect to end the week wishing them well for the Christmas break and hoping they enjoy a well-deserved rest.

St Thomas More Catholic Teaching School

3

6th Form Update St Thomas More students remember the fallen On November 11th as Tristan Carter from 6th Form sounded the Last Post, the St Thomas More community stopped and was silent. Tristan has performed this very important role every year since joining the school in 2012 and it was a poignant backdrop for all of the students and staff who remembered together the servicemen and women who gave their lives for our freedom. Those who could, gathered on and around the school steps, where Matthew McDonald (YR10) and Mrs Burgess, School Chaplain, led us in prayer and reflection. Oxford University Access Day

cut

A group of YR12 students had a very successful day in November when they visited Wadham College at Oxford University. They had the opportunity to participate in an academic taster session and attend presentations delivered by professionals at the university about making competitive Oxbridge and Russell Group applications.

We are thrilled that so many of our Sixth Form community have embraced the opportunity to complete at least 1 hour of enrichment each week. Students are involved in many projects both within school and in the wider community.

It has been a busy autumn term with many YR13 students making applications to Higher Education. We have had several visits from representatives at the University of Bedfordshire who have been sharing their top tips on how to produce an excellent personal statement and how to perform well in a university interview.

Those students who have taken on leadership roles such as Peer Mentor for YR11 students, Literacy Leader or Duty Leader are making a valuable contribution to the positive ethos of our school and are fine role models for students in lower school years.

It is important that students make realistic choices when deciding which 5 universities to apply to and that they consider carefully the entry requirements of each of the universities. Tutors have been supporting students and offering their guidance through this important process.

th

6

r corner btecJa te h et 8t el out and – th of n cut am th e i ead 5 ex on ll b H wi h, e n mit io m ock ac corner at rs S or M pl rm y M th F ke out fo 6 in nt b ta l l se Fu

It was an exciting start to their journey of making an application to Higher Education.

Sixth Form Volunteering Opportunities

Formill w

We are proud of the involvement that our students have had with projects organised by the National Citizen Service, CAFOD, Young Enterprise Programme and Health Watch Bedford Youth Ambassador Scheme as they are making a difference to the lives of others and gaining lifelong skills which will make them more ‘marketable’ when making future higher education and apprenticeship applications.

UCAS deadline for applications: 15th January 2016

corner

week out 6 01 cut y2 focus ar nu

eM yon to ever cmillan Coffe Ma

:

4

r

ou ratulations part in g g k o o t Con ornin e who

St Thomas More Catholic Teaching School

We raised

! ! ! 7 3 £1 ou!

Thank

y

6th Form Update 6th form head boy interview

6th form head girl interview

Tell me a bit about yourself? My name is Callum Murphy; I’m in my 5th and final year at St Thomas More where I will carry out the role of Head Boy. I am studying A Level Maths, Geography and Business.

Tell me a bit about yourself? Hi, my name is Gwendolyn Mukuze; most people call me Gwen, I’m fortunate enough to be in my 5th year at this school and have been awarded the role of Head Girl.

What made you want to be Head Boy? In my time here at St Thomas More, I’ve seen how much effort the teachers put in and the support that they have given me – I felt it was time that I gave back to the school and offered some support to others. What does your role of Head Boy consist of? In the roles of Head Boy and Head Girl, Gwen and I have very similar roles. We will act as a gateway between students and teachers, supporting students throughout the school and doing everything we can to make the school a better place for everyone. We will also represent the school at many events – we would love some of you to get involved too! Parents are going to be reading this – is there anything you want to tell them? Your kids are in good hands! I honestly believe that I will be leaving STM a far better man, than the boy I started here as. What has been your most memorable moment at STM? YR11 STM Day was a brilliant and memorable day – it was a great opportunity to have fun with a great community that we had built over the past 3 years, before some of us headed off in different directions. When you move on from STM, what mark do you hope to leave? Other than my oil leak in the car park? I was far from a model student when I started here in YR9, so I hope that others see that it’s never too late to make a change for yourself and others. What is your favourite quote? ‘Life is not fair child’ has got to be my favourite quote! I’m sure most of you will be aware that this is one of Mr Quinn’s favourites – you soon stop complaining! What does the future hold for you? I’m currently applying for enrolment on Automotive Engineering courses, with plans of a future in the automotive industry.

Our Deputy Head Boys and Girls are: Tom Rawes (YR12) Dario Mongiardi (YR12) Anya McLoughlin (YR13)

What made you want to become Head Girl at STM? Going through St. Thomas More I have tried to take part in as much as I could, so I wanted to give back to the school that has aided my positive development, plus it looks good on UCAS. What does your role as Head Girl consist of? The role consists of a lot of different things, I can tell you now after just a month in the role of Head Girl, I given more speach’s than I have done in my life. We have put together an action plan for the year with the SLT, which includes ways we can improve integration within the school. As Head Girl I am always present at open evenings and parents evenings to support the school and give a first-hand experience on how education is at St. Thomas More. What has been your most Memorable moment at STM? I’d have to say my most memorable moment would be the ‘WE WILL ROCK YOU’ school show. I have made so many great memories at this school, but that is by far the best as I made so many great new friends in various years, and built so much confidence in myself and from that day I was encouraged to take part in so much more. Plus not everyone can say they were part of the ‘Killer Queen Crew’. Parents are going to be reading this, is there anything you want to tell them? Well your child is part of the St. Thomas More family and will make memories for life if they put themselves out there both academically and socially. The teachers here honestly go above and beyond to ensure we achieve what they know we are capable of and I promise, your child will find someone they can connect with whether that’s a fellow student or a member of staff. When you move on from STM, what mark do you hope to leave? I don’t hope for the students to aspire to be me, but rather to use the school to help them grow and discover the strengths within them like I did. What is your favourite quote? My greatest quote after Mr Quinn’s legendary ‘’Life’s Not Fair’’ has to be a quote that taught me to not let my past determine my future and has pushed me to believe in my own potential; in turn influencing me to apply for the role of Head Girl. ‘’Surrender to what is. Let go of what was. Have faith in what will be.’’ – Sonia Ricotti. This applies to all aspects of my life. What does the future hold for you? Hopefully, more self-discovery as well as success. I hope to do something that sparks my interest and will continue to along with helping people and Physiotherapy definitely fits the bill. So whenever you have a bad shoulder, you know where to find me!

St Thomas More Catholic Teaching School

5

Trips and Activities

Lest We Forget…

History Department Battlefields Trip September 2015 As part of the national commemoration of the centenary of the First World War, two students from every school in Britain were offered a free trip to Battlefield sites of World War One. Part of this is the Legacy 110 project which is the idea that every student that attends the trip communicates to 110 people what they have experienced. The idea is that this will inform the same number of people today that died in the First World War. Hritik and Cindy were chosen to attend this trip for a number of reasons; for their interest in history and commitment to the subject. Friday was orientation day at Grosvenor Hall in Kent with teambuilding and adventure activities for the students and professional development for the staff. The question for Saturday was ‘How were ordinary people affected by WW1?’ Our first stop was at In Flanders Field Museum in the Cloth Hall in Ypres. This museum has exhibits on the experiences of all the people who were affected by the War; Allied and German soldiers and Belgian civilians. We then visited the Death Cells and Talbot House in Poperinge. The cells held soldiers before they were executed for a variety of reasons; cowardice (18 killed), disobedience (5), murder (35), sleeping at post (2), striking a senior officer (4).

silent as buglers from the city’s fire brigade sound the last Post: ‘to commemorate and express the eternal gratitude toward the soldiers of the British Empire who fought and fell in the defence of the city and Ypres Salient, saving the independence and freedom of Belgium.’ Two students from each group laid a wreath to commemorate the dead.

The question for Sunday ‘Was the Battle of the Somme in 1916 Our next stop was at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery. This used to be the site of a military hospital and those buried here did not really a disaster for the British Army?’ Our first stop was at the Indian Memorial at Neuve Chapelle. survive their injuries or treatment. After checking into the Hotel and having a spartan dinner, we returned to Ypres for the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate. For two minutes every evening this part of the city falls

6

This commemorates 4,661 Indian soldiers with no known grave. Around 130,000 Indian soldiers fought on the Western Front between 1914 and 1915 before being transferred to the

St Thomas More Catholic Teaching School

Trips and Activities

Middle East. Indian soldiers won 13,000 medals for bravery, including 12 Victoria Crosses. Next was a site from the Battle of the Somme at Newfoundland Memorial Park at Beaumont Hamel. We then visited the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme. This is situated on one of the highest points of land on the old Somme battlefield, and there are 72,192 names of missing British and South African men who died on the Somme battlefields.

Views from Thiepval Memorial On Sunday evening there was a comparison between a WW1 soldier’s kit and a present day soldier’s kit. Monday was our final day, with the focus ‘Is remembrance more or less important 100 years on?’ With visits to Langemark Cemetery, Tyne Cot Cemetery and then completing the Coming World Remember Me workshop, creating a clay memorial to be displayed in Ypres much as the poppies were around the Tower of London.

Langemark Cemetery Reading information on specific German soldiers buried at Langemark. Considering why this cemetery is different to those of the CWGC. On Friday evening Cindy and Hritik had researched a name given to them, H T Dickens, and found that he had lived on Stanley Street in Bedford and the location at Tyne Cot where his name is inscribed as one of the fallen whose body was never recovered. At Tyne Cot they found his name among 4 panels of other Riflemen.

Tyne Cot Cemetery We remember on behalf of the St Thomas More community H T Dickens of Stanley Street, Bedford, who gave his life in WWI and whose name is inscribed at the top of this memorial (as shown above).

While this is not the actual post against which soldiers were shot, it is a recreation not far from the actual site.

We were with groups of students and teachers from Milton Keynes, Luton and St Albans. Students and teachers made many new friends and many interesting conversations were held (late into the night for some!). Cindy and Hritik are putting together their Legacy 110 project so look out for that in Assemblies and Open Evenings.

St Thomas More Catholic Teaching School

7

Trips and Activities Computer Science EGX Trip On 24th September, 48 students - mostly YR10 and 11 Computer Scientists – went on a trip to the EGX Euro Gamer Convention at the NEC in Birmingham. Spirits were high as we left on the sunny morning and made our way up the M1 and M6. When we arrived, we faced a long walk from the coach park to the entrance. As we walked across the first car park, another school had just arrived and their pupils were running around and jumping on each other. I was proud as I looked back at the pupils behind me and saw 48 examples of perfect behaviour! Once wristbands had been sorted, we let the pupils loose. They had several hours in the convention. There was plenty to see – all the latest games, consoles, computers and other technological innovations such as VR headsets. There were plenty of previews of new and upcoming games – FIFA 16, Elite Dangerous, Need for Speed 6 and Star Wars Battlefront to name just a few, as well as Minecraft mini tournaments, indie developer games and classic old-skool machines to play on.

Sadly, it was all over too quickly. Many miles had been walked, many spaceships, aliens and enemies destroyed, races won and plenty of goals scored. We made good time getting back home, with tales of success, new high scores and birthday wish-lists ringing through the conversations. The department is looking forward to the next trip – off in January with YR10 Computer Scientists to Bletchley to discover more about Alan Turing and Enigma, see The Bombe and Colossus and expand their learning about how computers have developed! Mr Cooper

Although there were a few thousand people inside, it never really felt too crowded and everyone managed to get a few goes on their favourite games.

Kidzania Town Recently, I went on a Business Studies trip to Kidzania and I was enchanted and amazed by the style and vastness of this place; it was like I entered a new town! On arrival, we were all given an electronic tracking bracelet that we had to wear throughout the visit to keep us safe. This meant that we were free to discover the Kidzania Town, as we could not leave the place without the alarm going off. We were given 50 Kidzos, the currency of Kidzania, to use in the town. To earn more Kidzos you had to have a job. All the jobs were educational and also entertaining – my friends and I had good fun. There were a variety of jobs you could choose from. I worked in a nursery with newborns (these were interactive dolls), as a hairdresser and as a dentist. I also got to walk down the red carpet, which was a great laugh. Some of my friends made chocolate bars and ice-creams; other people climbed walls and became radio DJs.

With the Kidzos I earned, I got to have a fake tattoo (which lasted a couple of days) and had my face painted. With the extra Kidzos I didn’t spend, I got to keep and take home as a souvenir. Overall, I enjoyed my time at Kidzania and learnt various different business ideas that will help me in the future. Leah Bangerh

The staff there were very helpful and made the activities interactive. They took photographs that were available for us to buy at the end as a memory of our day.

Join The Crew! 6th Form’s Young Enterprise Initiative At the beginning of September, we choose our activities for Wednesday afternoon and one of them was Young Enterprise. We formed a group of ten YR12 students and as we were already a good friends, we had fun from the start. We have set up a legitimate private limited company called Crew Limited and are busy working towards our main product of our Crew t-shirts. We are hoping to expand and sell more products in the near future having already taken a stall in Bedford town centre on the 5th December, selling our t-shirts and hand crafted candles! We will also continue our fundraising for our business so keep an eye out for notices. Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far! #jointherevolution Contacts: Email - [email protected], Instagram - crewltd, Twitter - @CrewLtd, Facebook - Crew Limited

8

St Thomas More Catholic Teaching School

Chaplaincy News Chaplaincy News Introductions to the prayer room The new term has started with a warm welcome to all our year groups and especially to our YR7 and YR9. The students have all visited the prayer room with their forms groups, sharing in the ethos of this room and what it means for our school community followed by a time of reflection.

they were able to learn two new songs including one using sign language. The YR7 Mass on October 7th was a joyful occasion, our students behaviour and sense of respect was outstanding and we are very grateful to Father Jonathan and the parish of St Philip and St James for hosting us. CAFOD visit

Reflection time visits Increasingly, form groups have been visiting the prayer room in their afternoon registration time where there is just enough time for a reflective activity, as part of our daily 2.30pm prayers. Student and staff feedback has been very positive, welcoming the change of approach and environment for this activity. Diocesan Mass On Friday October 8th, with the help of Mr Quinn and the school mini bus, a small cohort representing all year groups from school set off to Dunstable for the annual Diocesan Schools Mass. This wonderful opportunity enabled our school community to feel part of the larger family of schools across the Diocese of Northampton. We held our banner with pride. YR7 Welcome Mass YR7 visited the prayer room as part of their RE lessons in late September. The students used this time to prepare for their Welcome Mass where they reflected on the Mass and what it means for Catholic Christians. Our students who are new to this experience investigated with the help of their peers, some of the language used in the Mass as well as the signs and symbols. Together with YR8,

Remembrance

We have already had many visitors to the prayer room this term including a memorable visit from Deborah Purfield from CAFOD. Deborah inspired and encouraged our 6th Form Chaplaincy Ambassadors, with many ideas which they are working on disseminating across school. Our younger YR7 students also enjoyed exploring the work of CAFOD in the lunchtime ICTHUS group. Refugee crisis As a community we have been challenged by the Refugee crisis. We have kept the situation in our prayers and captured our thoughts into a wall of prayer for the crisis. Preparing for the Year of Mercy On December 8th we will begin the Year of Mercy. Pope Francis has called for this special theme. In the prayer room we have started to reflect on what it is to be merciful using the parable of The Lost Son and some creative prayer activities.

corner

out cut

On the corridor display boards and in the prayer room, students were encouraged to reflect and consider the theme of Remembrance. The English Department invited their students to compile poetry and a range of poignant texts were submitted and displayed. In the prayer room students took part in reflective activities as enrichment or during their individual visits to the prayer room.

ts en 22 d u y st da to - Fri 6 pen ne l o 6 Ju Termhoo ay Sc ond 016 M ly 2 s Ju t en d u st y - 6 to uar 201 n 4 pe ebr rch F a o ol 22 M Termho ay y 24 day Sc ond da oli 11 M urs r H say t e h d t T s en 27 on Ea M 4 ud ay t y s s 5 id da 2 ay nt y 12 to - Fr d e on l ay n 6 i d ida T erm d r e 1 M E u T S 20 p Ap on 3 ay - 6 o st - Fr IN ril ol o 12 M d 201 n t ary p o y A h a 6 ay TermSET ary pe nu Sc esd 201 lid IN nu ol o 5 Ja 16 Tu ay ho 6 Ja ho ay 20 M ank 201 m c d y S es ar m B ay Ter u r u T br Te M alf e F alf H H

corner ates

outerm

cut016 2

D

T

corner out cut

St Thomas More Catholic Teaching School

9

In the Spotlight awards evening 2015

Corporal Rachel Armstrong joins us for the Awards Evening 2015 to recognise the great achievements of all our prizes winners. We were extremely pleased to welcome to present the awards  our special guest who was once a student here at St Thomas More and who went on to gain her degree with Honours in Adult Nursing from the University of Leeds in 2013.

award winners 2015... Y7 English Award, Emily James. Y9 English Award, Daniel War. Y10 English Award, Amy Rizzo. Y12 English Award, Monica Fitzgerald. Y10 Media Award, Urja Patel. Y12 Media Award, Suraj Ram. Y7 ICT Award, Rachel Bunker. Y9 ICT Award, Belinda Gmajner. Y9 Special ICT Award, Joe Bichener. Y10 ICT Award, Nadia Bianchi. Y10 Computer Science Award, Liam Bunker. Y12 ICT Award, Jack Bateman. Y12 Special ICT Award, Giuseppe Picciano. Y7 Mathematics Achievement Award, Alessia Riccio. Y7 Mathematics Progress Award, Nicole Sutherland. Y9 Performance Award, Zarrin Rahman. Y9 Progress in Mathematics Award, Gabriele Caruso. Y10 Performance Award, Fabrizio Baio. Y10 Progress Award, Cicely Preston. Y12 Best Performance in Mathematics Award, Alexander Elliott. Y10 Business

10

The expertise that Rachel has in her field has opened up opportunities to carry out important work both in this country and abroad and after working with the prison service in Leeds and nursing in South Africa, Rachel joined the Army. At her Passing Out ceremony, Rachel was awarded the ‘Soldiers Award’ – a prestigious award and one that is nominated by fellow soldiers who decide on the best recruit. Rachel has since been in  Kenya providing medical support for exercising troops and working as a research assistant in part of a study between the American military, British army and Kenyan forces before joining us for the evening. Rachel’s achievements were an inspiration to our students!

Award, Liam Bunker. The Applied A Level Business Award, Jack Bateman. The BTEC Subsidiary Diploma Award, Nip Uddin. The BTEC Diploma Award, Alysha Sheimar. The Business Special Award, Mario Colapietro and Tonicha James. The awarded of Excellence from the Learning Resource Centre, Paloma Christy-Ramos, Alfie Openshaw, Sasha Foley, Kordian Kmiec, Gabrielle Lawrence, Amy Rizzo, Rebecca Masih, Jordan Carver. Y7 Science Award, Leonie Brunning. Y9 Science Award, Behram Van Driwala. Y10 Science Award, Luca Cam Popiano.Y12 Science Award, James Davies. The Krys Hawkins Award Science Award, Alex Elliott. Y7 Award for History, Alfie Openshaw. Y9 Award for History, Charlie Owen. Y10 Award for History, Ronan Cook. Special prize for History awarded to Monica Fitzgerald. Y7 RE Award, Hilda Makamba. Y9 RE Award, Kordian Kmiec. Y10 RE Award, Ronan Cook. The Theology

St Thomas More Catholic Teaching School

Award, Jack Bateman. The Ethics Award, Hannah Flowers. The Philosophy Award, Olivia Freda. Y7 Geography Award, Rachel Bunker. Y9 Geography Award, Francesca Hrymajlo. Y10 Geography Award, Maya Acton. Y10 Geography Special Award, Amy Rizzo. 6th Form Geography Award, Jordan Carver. Y7 Award for French, Alessia Riccio. Y9 Linguist of the Year, Abi Barkas. Y10 Linguist of the Year, Luca Campopiano. Special Prize for the Independent Linguist of the Year, Fleur Budek. Y12 Linguist of the Year, Anya McLoughlin. Y7 EAL Award, Manuel Della Monica. Y9 EAL Award, Wojciech Baranowski. Y10 EAL Award, Weronika Bagienska. The Emmaus Awards for progress, achievements and contributions go to Lewis Ziccardi, Lucia Riccio, Rachel O Dell. Y7 Emmaus Award, Katherine Goatley. Y9 Emmaus Awards, Joe Bichener and Roberta Nocera. Y10 Emmaus Award, Brooklyn Brady. Y10 Emmaus

More Team In theRacing Spotlight

Award, Antwam Cole. Y10 BTEC Health and Social Care Award, Leigh Davis. Y12 Health and Social Care Award, Rachel Kumah, Kierra Barratt, Rebecca Masih, Simran Nahar, Niamh Cook. Y7 Performing Arts Award, Leonie Brunning. Y7 Performing Arts Special Award, Lara Bacino. Y9 Performing Arts Award, Amy Miller. Y9 Performing Arts Special Award, Bethan White. Y9 Performing Arts Special Award, Arafat Welagembey. Y10 Performing Arts Award, Maya Acton. Y10 Special Performing Arts Award, Luca Campopiano. Y12 Performing Arts Award, Hannah Flowers. Y12 Special Performing Arts Award, Suraj Ram. Y7 Music Award, Ruby Armstrong. Y9 Music Award, Erin Jackson. Y10 Music Award, Rosie Armitage. The Special Music Prize goes to Nathaniel Ivy. Y12 Music Award, Jacob Frederick. Psychology Prize awarded to Greyson Un Gureanu. Y10 Sociology Award, Lucia Riccio.

Yr12 Sociology Award, Nipa Uddin. Y7 Art and Design Award, Leonie Brunning. Y9 Graphics Award, Rachel Hunt. Y10 Graphics Award, Eryk Ratajczyk. Y9 Art and Design Award Abi Barkas. The Art and Design Special Award, Olivia Devaney. Y10 Art and Design Award, Amy Rizzo. Y12 Art and Design Award, James Davies. The ‘Let’s Get Cooking Club’ Awards go to Kinga Gomicka, Lily Brandon and Jagoda Drozd. Y7 Food Technology Award, Ruby Armstrong. Y9 Food Technology Award, Marco Fasulo. Y10 Food Technology Award, Jordon Miles. Y9 Textile Award, Imogen Zuco. Y10 Textiles Award, Mariella Prodromou. Y12 Textiles Award, Alma Mali. The Special Award for Textiles goes to Kaitlin Goldthorpe. Y7 Resistant Materials Award, Leonie Brunning. Y9 Resistant Materials Award, Rachel Hunt. Y10 Resistant Materials Award, Amy Rizzo. Y10 Resistant Materials Special Award,

St Thomas More Catholic Teaching School

Cherise Allen. The St Thomas More Racing Team Congratulations to: Oliver Hull, Matthew Andrews, Liam Bunker, Michael Furr, James Robinson, Daniel Devaney, Karl Chiodo, Sunny Morgillo, Lara Bacino, Luca Realmuto, Kate Foley, Sasha Foley, Christoper Young, Michael Sinha, Leonie Brunning, Stanley Bunting, Adil Rahman, Kordian Kmiek. Y7 Pastoral Award, Victoria Starczynowski. Y9 Pastoral Award, Arafat Wela Gembey. Y10 Pastoral Award, Angelo Moscaratolo. The Award for Outstanding GCSE Results, Pelin Morgan. The Award for Outstanding AS Results, Alex Elliott and Hannah Flowers. The Award for Outstanding 6th Form Community Service, Callum Murphy. The Sportswoman of the Year Award, Olivia Leadbetter. The Sportsman of the Year Award, Theo Dryden. Student Mentor of the Year, Claudia Sharpe. The Head Teacher’s Award, Fiona Swift.

11

Trips and Activities Spotlight on History The rain pounded on the roof of the car in one of the biggest downpours I have seen this year. I wondered how our young archaeologists were getting on. This really wasn’t the weather we hoped for!

The Higher Education Field Authority with Cambridge University offer a fantastic opportunity for specially selected students from YR9 and 10 to experience a 2 day archaeological dig and a day at Cambridge University. Mr Kennard found me in the car park of the Church Hall in Riseley where the project was based, and I followed him as he glibly proceeded to walk into people’s gardens! Here we found groups of students from 4 schools in Bedfordshire digging metre square holes. Students had been instructed that morning how to excavate methodically a metre square pit, in ‘contexts’ (layers) of 10cm, using specialist tools. As we went round visiting the various different test pits (there were 10) we saw different soil types and many different types of finds. Students looked a little tired but were fascinated by the process and what they had found. None seem particularly put off by the downpour.

into someone’s party. An awning was up, and since I recognised Dan Waugh I continued into the garden, and was immediately offered a cold drink and a biscuit. The owners of this house were fascinated with the project and were observing with interest, while keeping the students well supplied with drinks and snacks. 10 houses in Riseley had allowed HEFA to dig test pits in their garden and some hosts were truly generous to the students. Day 3 was at Cambridge University, and started with a lecture from Dr Carenza Lewis on the patterns of human settlement from the Stone Age to the Present day. We learned about research on Deserted Medieval Villages (DMVs) and the new research into Currently Occupied Rural Settlements (CORS) in order to establish in greater detail the nature of settlement in Britain. Our group was taken to Peterhouse College where we had a lovely lunch and were shown around the college. We returned to the Archaeology department for information on universities and preparing to apply for a place, and then information on how to complete the field report. Each student will submit their report to be marked by Cambridge University, and this will be a real asset not only in their university application, but also in research and essay writing skills. The students have used and developed a combination of skills they will need at GCSE and A level, not only in History. The methodology part of their study as well as their data analysis will definitely help with many of the students work in their Geography controlled assessment as they have been introduced to valuable and essential skills that gives them a fantastic footing in this part of their project. No doubt it will also help in science also when they are planning and writing up experiments. The STM students were amazing, working in teams with other schools, sometimes doing more than their fair share of digging. They were a real credit to St Thomas More School.

Day 2 started off digging and was to be the last day. Some students got down to 6 context, others 2 or 3. A Medieval jug and floor tile was found. By now I also was quite used to walking into people’s gardens (I had a map of where our students were with their test pits) and in one garden I thought we had walked

12

St Thomas More Catholic Teaching School

Trips and Activities

The students who attended the HEFA 3 day archaeology event produced a GCSE level report which was marked by Cambridge University – grades ranged from A* to B – a fantastic achievement! Charlie Owen Lucy Fleming Belinda Gmajner Rachel Hunt Francesca Hrymajlo Katie Bowser

Daniel Waugh Matthew McDonald Fabrizio Baio Elsa Iacono

St Thomas More Catholic Teaching School

13

Trips and Activities And Now For The News… On the 24th October, Miss Spavins and a group of students from YR10, 11 and 12; embarked on a two hour journey to the ITV Anglia Studios in Norwich to celebrate and explore diversity in the newsroom. The day started in the main entrance which is where we were kindly greeted by staff, who told us to sit on some of ITV’s most famous people: Phillip Schofield, Keith Lemon and obviously, Ant & Dec. But of course we were just sitting on cushions! We were shown a quick presentation by the executive producer, who then asked us about who we were and what we want to do. After the presentation, we were then shown through the building, which is where we saw Jonathan Willis, one of the presenters! It was a shocking sight to see someone who is a celebrity to nearly half a million people, working like the rest of the journalists do, and in such a calm environment. We were then shown into the studio, which is where many of us got to try out being a news anchor on ITV Anglia. We all had a fun struggle trying to read the auto-queues and coordinate ourselves to

Paris 2015 Looking back, I run down a list of ‘regular’ features of this trip: • the usual crack of dawn departure • the power-walking around Paris • the students being more tired than the staff • the super-inquisitive questioning • the visit to Chartier - http://www. bouillon-chartier.com/en/ • the flexibility of our students to make the most of unexpected opportunities • the interest in the culture around them • the ever-excellent behaviour and community spirit • the students writing the articles for us – thanks to Dom and Luca! Were they the best ever? They were certainly a very good vintage! – Mr Aquino Imaginez : les rayons du soleil sur vous et ils vous encouragent à admirer la beauté de l’architecture française, pendant que tu marches dans les rues de la ville de l’amour. Ton estomac gémit de la faim mais ne t’inquiète pas car il y a une sandwicherie traditionnelle autour du coin. Veux-tu un casse-croûte ? À droite il y a une crêperie. Aie, tu es entré dans la partie la plus active de la ville. Oh regarde, c’est l’Arc de Triomphe et il y a la Tour d’Eiffel dans l’arrière-plan ! Oui, nous sommes allés à Paris.

14

the correct camera but it makes you realise just how much work the anchors really have to put in! Some students also got to try their hand at being a weather presenter, which was fun because Amanda Houston (the weather presenter for ITV Anglia) joined us in the studio to ask us some questions and give us some advice. We were also joined by Jonathan Willis, who many students got ‘selfies’ with including me! We were then shown around the rest of the building, which involved us seeing the achieve library and of course the control room. The control room was perhaps the most organised thing I have ever seen in my life! It was here that the controllers and producers make sure all the timings are correct and that the program runs smoothly. We were allowed to watch the recording from the control room of the ITV Anglia, West News, which is recorded half an hour earlier than the live show to give a more personal feel with viewers. During a latter part of the tour we were told we would be having a try at filming C’était tôt mercredi matin quand nous sommes arrivés à la gare de Bedford. Tous étaient fatigués mais aussi désireux et impatients de commencer le voyage. Le voyage était très bien. En début d’après midi nous avions déposé nos sacs et les avons laissés dans l’auberge, qui était étonnamment décent. La plupart des nuits, après les promenades du soir et du tourisme, ont été passées à plaisanter et jouer aux cartes! A partir de là, nous avons entrepris le voyage que M. Aquino avait organisé. La première journée était la plus longue mais toujours bonne. Outre les plaintes de la marche et le manque de sommeil, nous nous sommes tous bien amusés. Nous avons visités beaucoup d’églises et sommes devenus familiers avec Paris. Apres le dîner, nous sommes allés à Sacre Cœur. Jeudi, à mon avis, était le meilleur jour parce que nous faisions beaucoup de choses comme : monter sur la Tour d’Eiffel, flâner sur les Champs Elysées, visiter le Palais de Versailles et l’Arc de Triomphe. Les vues de la Tour d’Eiffel étaient magnifiques et le temps était excellent, idéal pour prendre des photos. M. Aquino a travaillé sa magie et nous a garanti seulement 15 minutes d’attente pour monter.

St Thomas More Catholic Teaching School

our own story with the help of some of ITV Anglia’s reporters, one of whom has interviewed David Attenborough! We were then given some food which we shared with most of the reporters! Overall the trip was amazingly enjoyable and it was interesting to know how the whole process from finding news to presenting it worked. I think the greatest highlight of the day was meeting and realising that all of the reporters and anchors are actually extremely down to earth and they are of course, human. I can safely say I learnt a lot! Watch our video to see how we got on at https://www. youtube.com/user/stmmediaandfilm Sam Holland, YR12 Le vendredi, nous sommes allés au Louvre, sur le Bato-bus pour voir la (vraie) Statue de Liberté et nous sommes allés jusqu’à Montparnasse. Ce soir-là, nous avons mangé dans un des restaurants plus célèbres et vous pouviez goûter la différence ! M. Aquino a réussi à nous faire arriver des boissons gratuites dans un café après. Et le samedi, nous avions du temps libre pour explorer le reste de Paris. Je voudrais dire, au nom de nous tous, un très grand merci à Madame Gillies et Mademoiselle Esposito, et surtout pour M. Aquino, pour nous avoir permis de passer un si bon voyage. Luca Campopiano – juillet 2015

Dni spędzone w Paryżu na zawsze pozostaną w mojej pamięci, ponieważ wyjazd ten był najlepszą wycieczką zorganizowaną przez szkołę St Thomas More. W tym pięknym mieście zawsze znajdziemy coś godnego podziwiania, od zwiedzania słynnego muzeum Louvre do wchodzenia na sam szczyt Wieży Eiffela. Takiej szansy drugi raz niestety się nie dostaje! Serdecznie polecam, Dominik Janus

Spotlight on Performing Arts YR10 Performing Arts YR10 Performing Arts students have been working exceptionally hard this term working on Grimm’s Tales ’Hansel and Gretel’. They have been using a range of physical theatre skills to communicate the well-known fairy tale with a twist. The students have taken part in a make-up master class creating special effects for the performance. As you can see from the pictures the students picked up the skills really well! If you are in YR9 have you thought about asking Miss Cooper or Miss Pillar what it is like to be part of YR10 drama class? Ange Coops!

YR11 Performing Arts The YR11s having started the year off with dedication and commitment to the course. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for turning up to the weekly Tuesday and Wednesday revision sessions after school, preparing for their external written exam. By now, YR11s should be busy rehearsing two monologues’ based on the theme ‘destiny’ for their second external assessment.

WELL DONE IN YOUR MOCK WRITTEN PAPER! RESULTS ISSUED ON MOCK RESULTS DAY! Miss Coops

YR11 LION KING TRIP NOVEMBER 18TH What an amazing trip this was to take the YR11 Performing Arts students to see Lion King The Musical. From the bus journey singing ‘Hakuna Matata’ to the watching of the live show, which was spectacular, to the watching of Covent Garden street theatre, the whole trip was superb!

YR13 CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT TIME I had the pleasure of taking seven YR13 students to see this show. The students have been studying the work of Frantic Assembly Physical Theatre Company, so to see their work in action was sensational and inspiring.

St Thomas More Catholic Teaching School

r e d n i m Re

touch keep in to us to : remember enable To to your , please you changes with of any telephone tell us ontact ,C mail. and E Address Number

ks

han Many t

15

Literacy and Numeracy Amazon’s 2015: g Books Top Sellin

xt? you read ne rs 7-9) What could lliams (Yea David Wa

Escape by 13) pa’s Great (Years 9 – 1. Grand ackintosh 13) M re la ea C s (Y rs 9u Go by la Hawkin u Pa 2. I Let yo by rs 8 – 13) ain wall (Yea l on the Tr nard Corn er B 3. The Gir by m or 11) rs of the St (Years 8 – 4. Warrio 10 – 13) Zoe Sugg by r u e To Le (Years 5. Girl on by Harper rd bi g rs n ea 9 -13) a Mocki Healey (Y 6. To Kill by Emma g n si 7-13) is M rs th is iestley (Yea 7. Elizabe s by J.B Pr ll a 13) C 9r to rs ec ea 9) Morton (Y 8. An Insp (Years 7 – se by Kate er ou m H m ke Su 9. The La 9) – e Sword of 7 th d rs n ea a (Y s Chase Morpurgo 10. Magnu by Michael the Snow in le g a 11. E

English Revision Guides!

See Miss Morris or Mrs Barrett to purchase a CGP English Language/Literature Rev ision Guide! This Revision Guide covers all the imp ortant skills students need! It’s great to dip into for revis ion and reference all the way through the course, with load s of advice for producing top-notch essays, creative original writing and convincing arguments. Price: £3

Accelerated Reader Update Who’s Read the Most in November? YR8 most read/quizzed: Boy – Stanley Bunting, Girl – Ruby Armstrong Class – Miss Morris YR7 most read/quizzed: Boy – Vincenzo Lettieri, Girl – Orla Keaveney Class – Ms Murdoch Well done everyone!

6th Form Update

Many congratulations to all newly nominated course representatives for KS5 English. Elisa Gray, Abi Colmer Penial Kyei Baffour, Alessia Ives

My Favourite book:

International Literacy Day

1. ‘My favourite book is Shadow by Michael Morpurgo. I like this book becaus e it has a great story line. It has a good plot , interesting characters and good cliff hangers . The story was relevant to the news today and the characters were a similar age to me.’ By Sam Barnes 2. ‘My favourite book is Dark Matter by Michelle Paver. I like this book because it’s different to my usual genre so it stood out in my memory.’ By Isabella Knight 3. ‘My favourite book is Hetty Feather by Jacqueline Wilson. I like this boo k because it’s about the Victorians, which I find interesting. It is also emotional as it’s about the struggle of a young girl to find her mum.’ By Martha Pacey 4. ‘My favourite book is The Girl who rode the Wind by Stacey Gregg. This is my favourite book because the author writes about an unbreakable bond – it’s a really emotional and engaging novel.’ By Aine Ngwang

YR12 YR12 students have recently been to the Royal & Derngate theatre to see Aldous Huxley’s “A Brave New World”. First written in 1932, the novel shines a blazing light on our present. The trip formed part of the preparation and background knowledge c. HG Well - “The Time Machine” for George Orwell’s “1984” - one of the d. Cormac McCarthy - “The Road” YR12 examination texts in June 2016. e. Margaret Atwood - “The Handmaid’s Tale” Recommended additional reading to f. Yevgeny Zamyatin - “We” support the study of George Orwell’s To support the students preparation for “1984” (YR12): their 2016 examination, an A Level lecture a. Aldous Huxley - “A Brave New World” day about Hamlet was organised in b. Ray Bradbury - “Fahrenheit 451” November for YR12.

16

2015

YR12 students may also like to visit the following website which details a whole list of novels focusing on the ‘Dystopian’ genre: http://bestsciencefictionbooks.com/ best-dystopian-science-fiction-books.php YR13 For YR13, an A Level lecture day covering “Wife of Bath” was organised to support the students preparation for their 2016 examination texts. Miss Dosanjh

St Thomas More Catholic Teaching School

Literacy and Numeracy a gift for christmas This year, St Thomas More Catholic Teaching School will be giving each student in the school a gift this Christmas – the gift of reading. Each student in each year group will be given the following book to take home this Christmas:

YR7 and 8 – “The Rooftoppers” by Katherine Rundell YR9 – “More than This” by Patrick Ness YR10 and 11 – “Ketchup Clouds” by Annabel Pitcher YR12 – “The Fault in our Stars” by John Green MathsWatch YR13 – “If I Stay” by Gayle Foreman Clip Number

mber Nu etor: h ig H : s c ti a The books will be given out students by form tutors during the last week of term m e th a CSE M Using a Calculator Reccuring Decimals

Estimated answers

Numeracy

5x5

50 x 70 ificant x 72 1 sign 51 Numeracy isfigur a ekey skill that5+ students 2 +1.6 4.7 develop across all of their subject areas. 3500 “Maths To support this, we have = created 7 at home. Mats” for use both in class and These mats link to the mathswatchvle. = 500 MW

means 5 0

ything = 1

MW

135

resourceXboth 1 6 ) = 4 7 at+ home! ÷ ( and 7 2in)school ( 5 1 Miss Martin button 101

155

4 4

5 means 5x5x5x5 4

add

Fra

root

Standard Index Form Standard MW A number Index between Form 10 56underIndex number between Standard Form 51 means 5 A1 and 1 and under 1056 Standard A number Index between Form 300 3x10

A = kD

Tα1 S

T=k S

2

MW e Divid 156

MW 57 45 MW

MW

45

156

Clip Number

propor Using a Calculator Using a Calculator

.

51 51 xx 72 72 e to find k then re-write

.

. .

multiply by 10 to line up the decimals

multiply by 10 to line Subtract up the decimals 10x 9x = 77.7777777..... Subtract x = 0.7777777..... multiply by 10 to line 9x up the decimals 10x So x = 0.7777777..... 77.7777777..... multiply by 10 to line Subtract So x= 7 up the decimals 9x =9 77.7777777..... 10x Subtract 9 So9x x=7 MW MW So x = 9 7

Clip Number

47+16 47+16

= 3500 5+2 7 = 3500 7 Reccuring Decimals = 3500 MW = 500 7 io 98 MW 155 = Rat 101 flip MW Simplify MW = 9 98 155 7500 101 MW MW MW MWand ratio a 0.7 means 0.777777....... in = 500 e Divid 98 155 94 101times 4 Expand MW98 MW Compound or Simple Interest 8:Surds MW = 500 155 5Compound 50 x 70 or Simple Interest 101 Surds ÷2

( 5 1 X 7 2 ) ÷ ( 4 7 + 1 6 ) = ( 5 1 X 7 2 ) ÷ ( 4 7 + 1les 6 ) = Mu7ltip Even numbers Fac aand ( MW 5 Using 1ortors Xuse 7 2the )Calculator ÷ ( 4 button + 1 6 ) = fraction es iples Prim Mult ( MW 5Fact 1orXuse 7 2the) fraction ÷ ( 4 button 7 s) + 1 6 ) = Odd numbers 101 ors table s 101 orinto) use the(time fraction button MW(go MW re roots bers 101 Direct Inverse Proportion num MW are use the fraction buttonand squa Squ MW orand 159 MW Direct and Inverse Proportion 46 101 MW Cost is directly proportional 159 cube roots C = kN and α N bers num MW to96 theisNumber purchased CubeCProportion Direct and Inverse Cost directly proportional C = kN MW 159 CαN to the Number purchased Direct and Inverse Proportion prime factors Cost is directly proportional of 159

.

MW 157 MW 2 157 (2 + √7) Expand MW 2 by 10 to line = (2 + √7) √7)(2 multiply + √7) 157 MW Expand 2 up the decimals = (2 (2 + √7)(2 + √7) 4 +2√7+2√7+7 157 + √7) Expand = 4 +2√7+2√7+7 =11+4√7 2

÷2

2x4= 8 3 5 15

Compound interest

Simple interest

Compound interest

Simple interest

Compound interest 9

Simple interest

4% of £300 = £12 4% of £300 Interest over=9£12 years =9 x £12

9

MW 137 9 MW 137 MW9 137 MW x2 21÷3

Convert to decimal Fractions 137

MW Comparing Costs Fractions 58 Simple MW Compound or Interest 56 Comparing Costs Fractions MW 56 Cheapest Hotel 56 Comparing Costs Cheapest Hotel Fractions Add or 56 Subtract MW

Interest over=9£12 years =9 x £12 4% of £300 4% of £300 Interest over=9£12 years =9 x £12

4 =9 x £12 Interest over 9 years MW flip

and 57 Divide flip MW times and 572 Divide 4 = 2 X 5 =times Surds flip MW 3 ÷Divide 5 2 3 5 4 and 4 572 ÷ = X = flip MW 3 5 3 4 times

Prod C α N2uct C = kN2 AαD A C = kD kN C N A α D2 A = kD2 7 2 ( 5 1 2 X 742 2 ) ÷ ( 2 4 84= 7 2x2 + 1x3x6 ) = A α D A = kD T α 21 12 T=k 2 2A A T αα S 1D T == S kkD 30=2x3x5 7 Tre-write T3 αkS 1then =S k HCF: 2x3=6 use evidence to find use MW evidence to find T αkS 1then Tre-write =S k x7 S LCM: HCFx2x5x7 x2x3 101 84=2 S use evidence to find k then re-write

MW 95

=11+4√7 = MW =4 (2+2√7+2√7+7 + √7)(2 + √7) √27 = √9 x√3 158 MW =11+4√7 = 4 +2√7+2√7+7 √27==3√3 √9 x√3 158 Rationalise denominator =11+4√7 MW √27==3√3 √9 x√3 x√7 3√7 Rationalise 3 denominator 158 MW √7 = 3√3 √27 = √9 x√3 7 x√7 3√7 3 denominator Rationalise 158 = 3√3 7 x√7 √7 x√7 3√7 3 denominator Rationalise 7 √7 3 x√7 3√7 7 x√7 62 Ratio √7Simplify MW Ratio Simplify 94 Divide in a ratio MW MW Ratio94 Simplify Divide in a ratio 157 ÷2 ÷2 MW £20 ratio 2:3 Expand Ratio ÷2 2 ÷2 94 Simplify Divide shares £20 ratio in 2:3a 5ratio (2 + √7) MW

or use the fraction button

Factors and Multiples use evidence to find k thenEven re-write numbers Multiples Factors Multiples Primes Even numbers Factors and (times tables) Inverse Direct and Proportion Multiples (go into) Primes Odd numbers Factors Factors and Multiples (times tables)and squareOdd Even numbers Square numbers roots numbers (go into) ber Num Multiples MW MW Factors Factors Multiples Square andPrimes square Even roots numbers Costand is numbers directly proportional (times tables) 1 46

8:4 8:4 nds Best Buys 572 Divide 4 = 2 X 5 = er and Lower Bou 8:4 2 + or 4 =Subtract 10+12 56 ÷ Add Upp 2:1 Best Buys £300 3 5 3 4 MW 94 invested at a rate of 4% PA 9 years 56for Cheapest Hotel 3 5 15 s Divide ÷ratio 5 = in £4a ratio lier 2 4 2 5 ltip 2 4 10+12 8:4 Boys:Girls Mu £20 2:3 e tag 56 + or=Subtract = (2 + √7)(2 + √7)£20 ÷ or =Improper X4 = cen 2:1 Mixed Per Add 3 5 3 3 5 15 BestMW Buys Cheapest 56 £20so. ÷ 52x£4=£8 = £4 Hotel Gas charges Boys:Girls MW £20 ratio 2:3 4 10+12 2 + or Mixed2or Improper 5 50 Add 2:1 =3:1 4 +2√7+2√7+7 Gas charges 55 and 3x£4=£12 BestMW Buys so. 2x£4=£8 3 5 =Subtract 15 £20 ÷ 5 = £4 MW 10kg. Boys:Girls 123or Improper 3 nearest 2:1 2 + 4 = 10+12 the 50 Mixed Compound interest MW MW 55s 860kg and 3x£4=£12 MW Simple =11+4√7 2 £21 3:1 3 Multiply 5 interest 15 Gas charges MW £20so. ÷ 52x£4=£8 = £4 13 A553car weigh 64 Boys:Girls 57 2Multiply MW 3 MW Mixed2or Improper 160 50 3 4= 8 MW are 2 55r bound = 665k and 3x£4=£12 £21 g boys Recipes charges MW 3:1 so. 2x£4=£8 64 Really important to showGas and explain your work Convert to 1 3 decimal 3 Uppe 57 2 MW 3x4 5 15 3 21÷3x2 MW 3 8 are boys MW 2 5 50 MW 4 √27 =62√9 x√3 MW to decimal MW 3Multiply x 5= 2 £21 55r bound = 855k and 3x£4=£12 g Really important to show and explain your work Convert 3:1 Recipes 64 15 21÷3x2 1 3 3 MW Lowe 58 57 2Multiply MW 3 158 4 3 are boys 4 8 MW MW

Fractions

and times

1.60 1.50

ercentages

1.40 1.30

1.20

÷2

÷2

5 shares

÷2

÷2

5 shares

same as same as

40% increase

of of

same as

of

MW x137 2 of £21 = 62 3√3 Really important explain your work Convert 58 to decimal 64 1.10 to show and 5= 57 3 MW 321÷3x2 is the Original 9Amount 4 3 are boys Recipes 2 x 4 = 15 8 Rationalise denominator MW 1.00 to100% e work Really important show and 30% explain your 62 Convert decreas 51 3 d= 5inter Recipes 58 to decimal 15 est 21÷3x2 on Calcu poun Percentage Multipliers ing 0.90 £300 x 1.04 Upper and Bounds Percentages Com MWlations round 4% of £300 £12 Fractions t ofLower Decimals MW 4Effec indices (To divide, subtract) MW 3√7 x√7 MW 3 62 0.80 2 Percentage Multipliers 58 Upper and Lower Bounds Percentages 92 Decimals 52 s MW MW Fractions 0.70 Halves 7 x√7 √7Upper InterestPercentage over 9 years =9 x £12 92 Multipliers MW Quarters Percentages and Percentages 137 Fractions A car weighs 860kgLower the nearestBounds 10kg. 0.60 MW Decimals Halves MW Fifths 135 Percentages 0.50 92 Percentage Multipliers A car weighs 860kgLower the nearestBounds 10kg. Quarters Upper Percentages rest Decimals 160 Upperand bound = 665kg Tenths MW MW MW Fractions Halves Fifths0 10 20 300.40 MW entages 70 80 90 100% 40 50 6092 Lower = Percentages 160 51 Reverse perc Upper bound bound = 855kg 665kg A car weighs 860kg the nearest 10kg. Quarters Tenths x0.70

MW

54 ntage of £30

1.40 1.20 1.60 1.30 1.10 1.50

138 MW

heapest Hotel

30% decrease 30% decrease

MW percentages Reverse 138 MW 138

0.00 0.20 0.10

MW Multiply

MW 110

57 4= 8 -2x =23 x100 5 15

x3-2x

5 -2x5=115 43-2x4=56 3

0.00

P= V V R2 P= £20 ratio 2:3R P= V 5 shares R

8:4 ÷2

V 2 Divide Rratio P in =onaCalculations Effect of rounding Effect of rounding on Calculations

÷2

0.3

146

2 of145 £21 3 21÷3x2

y

0.2

Convert to decimal 0.2

target 100 too big too small

58

-6p

-4p

-2p

2p

y

x 4p

6p

-0.5

-0.1

0.5

2

1

x2 x3

Reciprocal (1x)

Cubic 2 y

2 y

y

3

x

x 90

180

270

360

-90

90

-1

-1

-2

-2

180

270

360

2

1

x

Sine MW 168

1.60

Solve Equations 1.20 1.10

x1.40

1.40 1.30

40% increase

100% is the MW Original Amount 1.00 a = 6 2x=14 0.90 2x-1=3 30% decrease 105 2 x+1=70.80 0.70

84

-3p

Cosine

Sequences MW

-2p

-p

p

2p

x

MW

137 Compound interest St

65

160

Upper bound = 665kg Linear Graphs MW Lower bound = 855kg y=2x+1 113

MW

Coordinates (x , y) 78 Mid-point of a line segment

Thomas More Catholic Teaching School 2, 6, 10, 14 MW Effect of rounding on Calculations Complete tables

x y

-1

0

1

2

Tα1 S

T=k S

3D Coordinates (x , y , z ) Draw graphs

M.Betteridge November 2014 Product of prime factors M.Betteridge November 2014

2 42 Subject of a formula MW 2 21 107 Make x the subject:

y=2x+4

p/2

4

1

1

-90

95

x

-p/2

Percentage Multipliers

MW

Clip Number

4e -6f = 22 15e +6f = 54 MW 6219e = 76 Quadratic e =4 MW 170 + 2f = 18 Upper and Lower5(4) Bounds 20 + 2f = 18 MW 165 2f = -2 f = -1 Exponential (3 ) A car weighs 860kg the nearest 10kg. MW 3

x 1

-0.1 -0.2

MathsWatch

and 3x£4=£12 Simultaneous Equations MW 142

3 are boys 2e - 3f = 11 5e +2f Recipes = 18 4

y

4

0.1

0.1

MW

3:1

55 MW MW

A = kD

Factors and Multiples

160

Upper bound = 665kg 2 Effect of rounding on Calculations Simplify Lower bound = 855kg 2

2:1

MW

123Graphs53

For 1dp remember to1.50 try ?.?5

51 MWSimple decreases 52

flip

40% increase 100% is the Original Amount

same as

x0.70

MW

x

3

x 5 4 Fractions 4.5

Percentages

1.00 1.00

and Divide 100% is the Original Amount 137 MW 1.00 percentages times Reverse Compound interest 94 MW Reverse percentages 2 X5 = 138 ÷4 = MW 5 3 4 Reverse 138 percentages

AαD

159

use evidence toMW find k then re-write

MW Lower bound = 855kg A car weighs 860kg the nearest 10kg. 160 Upper bound = 665kg Effect of roundingMW on Calculations Lower bound = 855kg

15 £20 ÷ 5 = £4 Boys:Girls GCSE Mathematics: Higher: Algebra Mixed or Improper so. 2x£4=£8

Trial and Improvement

Decimals

1.10 0.90 1.30 1.50 0.80 1.20 1.40 0.90 0.70 1.10 1.30 0.80 0.60 1.20 0.70 0.50 0.90 1.10 0.60 0.40 0.80 0.50 0.30 0.70 0.90 0.40 0.20 0.60 0.80 0.30 0.10 0.50 0.70 0.20 0.00 0.40 0.60 0.10 0.30 0.50 0.00 0.20 0.40 0.10 0.30

3 5

Gas charges

and explain your work

1.20 1.40 1.00 1.60

MW

Fractions

Percentage decreases 57 52 51 MW Simple Interest £30 withincreases 25% off and MW MW Percentage MW £30 withincreases 25%MW off and 54 53decreases Simple Interest 52 MW 2 93 56£6MW MW as a percentage of £30 54 53 £30 with 25% Simple Interest MW 3 93 off £6MW as 56 a percentage of £30 54 53 £30 withMW 25% off MW or Subtract MW 93 Add £6 53 as a percentage of £30 MW 54 2 £6 10+12 of £30 93 + 4as=a percentage

137 MW Compound137 interest CompoundMW interest Ratio 137 CompoundMW interest

40% increase 100% is the Original Amount 30% decrease 100% is the Original Amount 40% increase 30% decrease

C = kN

plac Arranging order of sizees22% 1 0.23 Decinimal Numberin order of size 22% 15 0.23 Arranging 5 1 0.23 Numberin order 27x0.01 Non-calculator methods Arranging of size 22% 100 5 27x0.01 1 Non-calculator methods 0.23 Arranging inMW order of size27 times 22% 43 60 5 MWmethods 27 times 43 27x0.01 Non-calculator 60 roots, cubes, cube roots Squares, square MWmethods 27 times 43 27x0.01 Non-calculator M.Betteridge November 2014 Squares, square 60 roots, cubes, cube roots Even numbers MW 27 times 43 Significant figures Decimal places Squares, square cubes, cube roots Primes 60 roots,Multiples Factors Significant figures Decimal places MW(times tables) Odd numbers Squares, (gosquare into) roots, 100 cubes, cube roots Decimal places MW Significant figures 100 numbers and square roots Square Significant figures Decimal MW MWplaces MW 100 M.Betteridge November 2014 MW numbers 46 96 Cube cube M.Betteridgeand November 2014 roots 100

V P= R

40% increase

x0.70x0.70x0.70 x0.70

MW

MW MW 0.30 Halves Fifths0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100% 51 52 Percentages Percentage increases and decreases 0.20 Quarters Tenths MW MW 300.10 80 decreases 90 100% 40 50 60 70 Fifths0 10 20 increases Percentage and 52 51 MW Simple Interest Tenths MW 0 10 20 30 0.00 40 50 60 70 80 90 100%

x1.40x1.40x1.40 x1.40

1.60 1.50 1.60 1.40 1.50 1.30

CαN

MW

96 cube Odd rootsnumbers (go into) Cube numbers and MW22% 0.23 MW Primes Factorsto theMultiples size r of Number orde 46 inofand g purchased Square numbers square roots 96 (times tables) ngin Cube numbers and cube roots 5 Arra Odd numbers (go into) prime factors MW MW MW 84 Product numbers square roots 46 9695 Square numbers and cube roots Product ofand prime factors MW MW MW Cube 84 42numbers and cube 46 9695 2Cube 84=2x2x3x7 roots 27x0.01 Product of prime factors ods MWNon r meth 2 2 284 21ulato Area directly proportional 2is42 -calc 84=2x2x3x7 30=2x3x5 95 Product of prime factors s 43 time 27 MW to284 the2square Diameter 3 21 7of the MW 42 30=2x3x5 84=2x2x3x7 95 HCF: 2x3=6 3 7 60 242 21 2 84=2x2x3x7 LCM: HCFx2x5x7 84=2x2x3x7 HCF: 2x3=6 30=2x3x5 LCM: HCFx2x5x7 2 3 21 7 84=2x2x3x7 s, cubes, cube roots root re30=2x3x5 Time taken is, inversely squa HCF: 2x3=6 ares Squ 3 7 LCM: HCFx2x5x7 84=2x2x3x7 proportional to the Speed HCF: 2x3=6 Number Number84=2x2x3x7 LCM: HCFx2x5x7 Significant figures

5 shares

same as

51 x 72 47+16 84

to theisNumber Area directlypurchased proportional Cost is directly proportional to the theisNumber square the Diameter to Area directlyofpurchased proportional to the square of the Diameter Area is directly proportional Time inversely to thetaken squareis of the Diameter Area is directly proportional proportional to the Speed Time taken is inversely to the squaretoofthe theSpeed Diameter proportional Time taken is inversely proportional to the Speed Time taken is inversely proportional to the Speed

= (2 (2 + + √7) √7)(2 + √7)

Simple interest

Compound interest

2

Clip Number

Clip Number

4.7+1.6

1 and under 10 2 A number 300 between 3x10 3 3750 3.75x10 1 and under 10 -23 3750 3.75x10 0.034 3.4x10 300 3x102 -2 3 0.034 3.4x10 3750 3.75x10 300 3x102 Calculations with standard form 0.034 3.75x10 3.4x10-23 3750 Add indices (To divide, subtract) Calculations with3 standard 4 7 form -2 3x10 X 5x103.4x10 =15x10 7 0.034 Add indices (To divide, subtract) 4 7 =1.5x10x10 Calculations with3=15x10 standard form MW 3x10 X 5x10 8 =1.5x10 7Add indices (To divide, 135subtract) =1.5x10x10 MW 4 3 7 Calculations with =15x10 standard8 form 3x10 X 5x10 =1.5x10 7 135subtract) =1.5x10x10 Add indices (To divide, 4 3 7 MW 8 3x10 X 5x10 =15x10 =1.5x10 7 135 =1.5x10x10 MW Comparing Costs 8 =1.5x10 135

ain your work

0 100%

AαD

Clip Number

2

0

x1.40

7

proportional

=

51 x 72 1 significant 2÷4= 2X = 5 =5 £20 ratio 2:3 figure x Surds = 0.7777777..... 3 5 3 4Compound £300 investedoratSimple a rate of 4% PA for 9 years Interest 5 shares £3005+2 investedoratSimple a rate of 4% PA for 9 years 4.7+1.6 Compound Interest Hotel Surds 10x = 7.7777777..... tract Add or Sub 1 2: multiply £300 invested at a rate of 4% PA for 9 Subtract years £20 ÷ 5 = £4 anything = 1 2 + 4 = 10+12 9x = 7 s:Girls £300 invested at a rate of 4% PABoy for 9 years 15 so. 2x£4=£8 3 5 fraction So x = 7 = 3500 Mixed or Improper MW means and 3x£4=£12 9 √arg 8 indexes 1.04 55 5 x7 1 3: 2 same as £300 root £300 x 1.04 3 13 £300 x 1.04 MW of £21 iply MW MW 3 are boys Recipes MW =23500 MW MultMW 98 MW 155 £300 x 1.04 45 15657 101 3

CαN

evid Wenc 47+16 51 xatch72 5+2 GCSE Mathematics:503500 Higher: NumberuseMaths 47+16 x 70 51 x 72 5+2 5 means0 5 3 means 6 5negative index means 5-2 = 115522 =index fraction (5 ) = 1512 3 8multiply reciprocal anything0 = 1 means 2 83 12= √ indexroot means 5-2 = 552 index negative 6 8multiply fraction anything = 1 reciprocal (5 ) =8315 = √ 3 root answers 1 index means Estimated negative means 5-2 = 52 reciprocal MW MW 831 = √3 8 index fraction means root MW 45 156 5 = 152 index 8 = √8 index means MW MW reciprocal 45 156 ctions

159

C = kN

Cost is directly proportional to the Number purchased

is directly MArea athsW atch Higher: Number Mto aths atch of the Diameter =11+4√7 theWsquare Higher: Number M aths W atch = √9 x√3 √27 Higher: Number MathsaWCalculator atch Using Reccuring Decimals is inversely Timeataken Higher: = 3√3 Using Calculator Reccuring Decimals Number tional to the Speed

torDecimals mina 0.7 means 0.777777....... Reccuring Rationalise deno 0.7 meansDecimals 0.777777....... 50 x 70 3 x√7Reccuring 3√7 x =0.777777....... 0.7777777..... 505+2 x 70 0.7 means 7 x√7 x == 0.7777777..... 10x 7.7777777..... √7 0.7 means 0.777777....... 50 x 70

5 means 5x5x5x5 Estimated answers 34 7 add 1 significant 51 x 72 answers 5x5x5x5 Estimated 5 9x 55=means 5 = £12 51 of means 5 significant 51 x 72 1figure £300 5 = 50 x 1.0544 x 53 4= 57 add 4% 5 means 5x5x5x5 6 2 4 4 6 4.7+1.6 figure 51 means0 5 5£30 ÷552subtract 5= =5 5 4 3 7 add 62 12 1 £12 significant 51 x 72 multiply x =9 s 4.7+1.6 x 5 = 5 year 6 26 2 4 4 9 1 (5 ) = 5 MW est0 =5over anything 1 Inter figure 62 12 5 means 5 ÷5 5= =5negative 5 4 3multiply 7 add 1 significant 51 x 72 (5 )2137 = 15 x 53 = 5fraction anything 4.7+1.6 figure 1 4 =1 -2 26

MW

tion

Direct and Inverse Propor

2

4

or use the fraction

MW

98 Each mat covers one area of Maths (algebra, number, data handling and MW 157 geometry) and can be downloaded from Surds Expand (2 + √7)VLE site under the the St Thomas More = (2 + √7)(2 + √7) Maths GCSE section. 4 +2√7+2√7+7

GCSE Mathematics: GCSE t Simple interesMathematics: Compound interest GCSE Estimated Mathematics: MW answers GCSE Mathematics: 158 Estimated answers 5 means 5x5x5x5

Indices Indices subtract Indices subtract 6 2 4 5 ÷5 =5 6 2 4 Indices subtract 6 5 ÷ 5 = 45

multiply by 10 to line

MW MW

to. Once logged on to the mathswatch pound or Simple Interest Com website, the clip numbers from the years for 9the PAfind 4%to at a rate offor mats stedsearched invebe £300can

vide, subtract)

MW

x = 0.7777777.....

up the decimals corresponding and additional 77777..... 10x = 7.77video Subtract = 7 mats can be used as a 9x The questions. 7 x =methods promptSofor or a reference guide 9 to find supporting clips much faster.

com website that all students have access 101

156

51 x 72 6 47all+1 I hope you can make the most of this

.

0.7 means 0.777777.......

84=2x2x3x7 30=2x3x5 y- 4 =2x y- 4 HCF: = x 2x3=6 84=2x2x3x7 2 LCM: HCFx2x5x7 3

Make t the subject:

v=u+at v- u =at Number MW

7

v- u = t a

Arranging in order of size 164

22% 1 0.23 5

27x0.01 27 times 43 60 x -xsquare - 12 roots, cubes, cube roots Squares,

Non-calculator methods Quadratics - Factorise and Solve Factorise: 2

MW

17

A.O.B. Bedford Catholic Schools The Complete Education Bedford Catholic Schools (St John Rigby Primary, St Joseph’s Lower, St Gregory’s Middle and St Thomas More) offer an all-through education to the children of Bedford aged 2-19 years.

Take a look at our NEW website to find out more... www.bedfordcatholicschools.org Facebook: Bedford Catholic Schools Twitter: @BedsCatholicEd

Angela Wiley

Celebrations

Martin McMonagle

30 Years of Service

A Fond Farewell

This year marks a very special milestone for one of friendliest and longest serving employees – Angela Wiley

This October we said goodbye to one of our longest serving members of staff, Martin McMonagle.

Angela joined STM in 1985 as a Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant in our school canteen and stayed there until last year. During this time Angela has helped serve thousands of school lunches, ensuring the students were not just well fed but kept in line too!

It was September 1986 when Martin joined STM as Deputy Head and teacher of Maths, a position he held for 19 years. It was then that Martin decided to retire from full time teaching and take up the role of Exams Officer, a position he held until November 2014 when he decided to reduce his working hours and concentrate on examinations work.

More recently Angela reduced her hours but still comes into school every day, making endless cups of coffee and tea for STM staff and visitors during morning break and ensuring our staff room is spotless! Over the years many things have changed but during this time, we have always been able to count on Angela. Her stories are legendary, her enthusiasm boundless and her happiness infectious! So, on behalf of all of the staff and students, both past and present, we would like to say ‘Congratulations’ on this remarkable achievement and thank you for everything you have done and continue to do.

Are your children entitled to Free School Meals? To find out if you qualify, talk to the Free School Meals Department at Bedford Borough Council

Don’t Delay, apply today… 01234 228948 www.bedford.gov.uk

To all of the staff who organised, supported and attended every trip and activity…

18

Many, many students will remember being called in to their exam by Mr McMonagle and listening to his reassuring words. Before each exam, he would say a prayer, calling for guidance, positivity and self-belief – you couldn’t wish for a better start to an exam! On behalf of all the staff and the many students you have supported and guided over the years, thank you and we wish you a healthy and happy retirement.

Parent Mail By now you should have all received a letter about ParentMail, our new parental communications and online payment App. Registering your ParentMail account can be done in just 5 Easy Steps! Step 1: Receiving your registration email Step 2: Register your account Step 3: Your child’s DOB Step 4: Your details Step 5: Create a password With ParentMail you will have just one account where you will receive information, book parents evenings, receive feedback and much more – and it’s completely free!

St Thomas More Catholic Teaching School

More Racing Rockingham International Final – Best ever results! It was an early start on Sunday 11th October and to be honest, we couldn’t have anticipated the day ahead. There was a hive of activity in the garage preparing the cars for the day and we had to get through the initial scrutinising checks. The pit crew and drivers shared the tense excitement that came before the race as we paraded along the pit lane and starting straight.

The Team 2015

The last race of the day came and went too soon. Along with the rest of the teams we listened eagerly for the results. With 79 cars competing, some from other countries, we are proud to announce that the STM racing car ‘ 002’ came 36th and car ‘005’ in 57th place. A special word of thanks must go to Mr Prudden for all of his time, effort and dedication to the More Racing Team. The finals were a fantastic experience definitely to be repeated. Also, a big thanks to our sponsors, the Institute of Measurement and Control, who came to support us on the day – we couldn’t have done all this without you! Roll on Season 2016! Report Written by: Leonie Brunning YR8 Edited by and pictures by: Christopher Young YR12

Ex-student signs Professional Contract Frankie Musonda ex-pupil at St Thomas More has just signed his first professional football contract with Luton Town FC. Before leaving the school in 2014, Frankie was captain of the football team that were finalists in both the district and county cups. As he has developed technically and physically, he now finds himself a leader from centre back. His youth team manager commented, ‘He’s a player who we can show to our under-13s and say “this is the kind of player on and off the pitch you need to aspire to be like if you want to be a success.” Current Students Selected for County On Saturday 14th November, representatives of Bedfordshire County Schools faced Norfolk at Flitwick Community Football Centre at Under 14, 15 and 16 levels. Aaron Hudson was included in the U16 squad; Arafat Walugembe, Neville Nzembela, Fraelias Mienambolo and Brandone Mutombo also lined up for the U15 side and Duncan Idehen and Oliver Raymond faced Norfolk’s U14s.

Shout out to Michael Sinha, Matthew Andrews, Michael Furr, Liam Bunker, Ollie Hull and everyone else who was there on the day. Also thank you to Mr and Mrs Grimley for driving the bus and supplying refreshments!

SPORTS LEADERS As part of their Community Sports Leaders Award this year’s group have been busy undertaking courses and helping to set up, organise and run a variety of activities. On Wednesday 4th November all the Lower schools in the Bedford and Kempston School Sports Partnership came up to St Thomas More where they took part in a multi skills sports event. The purpose of the day was to help improve and develop the children’s multi skills. The day was overseen and run by our Sports Leaders. They did a fantastic job and all the children had a fun day. On the 9th December, the group completed an Emergency First Aid Course. In it they covered Mouth to Mouth Resuscitation, CPR, bandaging and much more. They were all successful and can now use their qualification to help run children’s activities in and out of school. Well done to all the group! A busy term for the Sports Leaders!

Under 14 manager and STM teacher Mr Allen says, ‘These boys are fantastic examples of hard work and commitment, always performing to the highest standards – proof of just how good the schools football teams have been in recent years.’

St Thomas More Catholic Teaching School

19

Sports and Activities In recent years cheerleading has significantly grown in popularity both on a global scale and in St Thomas More. This was endorsed when a record number of hopefuls turned up for the gruelling auditions.

necessary. However, this year St Thomas More decided to create a ‘Pom’ squad and an all-star squad so all that was left was to select the individuals for each team and to deliver the good news.

In order to establish a fair approach even those in last year’s squad were required to re-audition to secure their place this year. The judging panel consisted of 5 teachers who were looking for passionate, committed and talented individuals. However, only 20 pupils out of the 80 hopefuls would be selected and make the eventual competition squad.

The pupils were delighted with the outcome, with younger students placed in the Pom squad to develop their skills and acquire the potential to progress into the all-star squad in forthcoming years. The Pom squad will also have the opportunity to compete in competitions alongside the all-star squad, albeit in a different category.

The auditioning process was rigorous with pupils being called in number order to perform a newly learnt dance routine, jump sequence and to perform their best tumbles in front of the panel. The atmosphere in the gym was extremely tense with individuals nervously performing in front of the judging panel.

Now the hard work begins with training for both squads having already commenced. The all-star squad show their enthusiasm and dedication on Wednesday and Friday evenings after school. Their commitment is a pleasure to observe as they train hard to ensure they reclaim their national championship title.

The remainder of the pupils frantically practised and watched others perform in awe. After the first auditioning phase the candidates were reduced in number as not all could proceed to the next round.

The school has entered the British Cheerleading Association (BCA) and Future Cheer competitions both of which are eagerly anticipated. A trip to the University of Bedfordshire will also enable the teams to utilise specialist equipment so everyone can develop their tumbling skills and perfect the routine on the correct matting. The sweat and hard work, the aches and pains are bound to pay dividends as an exciting year approaches for the 2 squads.

The list was placed on the PE notice board the next morning where expectant pupils anxiously checked to see if they had made it to the next stage. For those that were successful, the next round of auditions commenced the following evening and required pupils to perform a range of group stunts, with all demonstrating their ability to take on a variety of roles. The judging panel still had the unenviable task of reducing numbers further and after careful deliberation made further cuts. With only 40 nervous pupils remaining the atmosphere was tense as they were under the impression further reductions in numbers would be

20

Miss Danino

St Thomas More Catholic Teaching School

Published by St Thomas More Design and print by Baines: www.bainesdesign.co.uk Tel: 01707 876555 A65668 St Thomas More School, www.stthomasmoreschool.org.uk, 020 8888 7122

Cheerleading ‘round-off’