ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE NEWS

Letter From The Head It’s been another busy and exciting start to the year. As a school we continue to be extremely proud of our students’ achievements. Our first cohort of Year 13s received their A Level results. With 32% of all grades A* - A, they have set the benchmark for subsequent years. I am confident that we have prepared them well, both academically and personally, for the next stage of their journey. We wish them well. Our GCSE results are equally impressive. Despite the changes to Maths and English (in terms of more challenging content and reporting), our boys showed that they are capable of outperforming some of the best schools in the country and we continue to be one of the highest achieving schools in South London. The no excuses culture and the high expectations we hold are the reason their results, and ours as a school, continue to be so impressive. I am also pleased that so many of our Year 11 boys are staying on in our 6th Form. It is a fitting recognition of the schools standing that we are now oversubscribed in both Year 7 and 12.

15 September 2017

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

26 Sept

Open Morning 9:00-11:00am

Autumn Term, Issue 1

It looks set to be an another challenging year, but I feel we could not be better placed as a school to deal with whatever is thrown our way. I have faith that with your continued support for the school and God’s blessings that we will have an outstanding year.

E. Connolly

Open Morning 9:00-11:00am

27 Sept

Open Evening 4:30-7:30pm

28 Sept

Prayer for the start of term Dear Lord, You have chosen this time for a new beginning. This new beginning can help us to begin afresh and try harder. This new beginning can help us to do new things and try out new skills. This new beginning can help us work together for the good of everyone. Help us all make the most of this new beginning. Be with us all as we discover more about your world, more about ourselves and more about each other. We thank you that we are back together. We thank you for our school, Lord We thank you for the new pupils and staff that have joined us. We welcome them to our school community and ask that you strengthen them to share the wonderful gifts you have given them.

Amen

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As a Catholic school, we pride ourselves in being a community of Charity.

The school’s annual Charity week, where each Year Group will raise as much money as possible for CAFOD, is a great opportunity for us to live out our mission. Each day of the week there will be various sporting events, entertainment and food for sale.

Please take this into consideration as your son will be invited to support these events. These will usually cost between 50p and £1 each.

The week ends with a sponsored walk along the Southbank of the River Thames with STAC staff and students from City Hall to the Southbank Centre.

We hope that all students to attend the walk and raise money through sponsorship. Whilst the amount of money is important because it goes to a good cause, it is the effort and participation that really counts. This means that the smallest amount is of great value.

Please encourage your child to attend.

Chaplaincy Team

CHARITY WEEK 9-14 October 2017

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HEAD OF YEAR 7 UPDATE Welcome to the start of your son’s time at secondary school! We have hit the ground running and been working hard to ensure that all of the Year 7 boys are aware of and understand our high expectations at St Thomas the Apostle School. Most of the Year group have shown an exceptional resilience to change and have adapted well to the differences from their individual primary schools. Others have found this more of a challenge but we hope they will soon be on the right path with the assistance of appropriate interventions. The boys are becoming familiar with their tutor groups and seeing the value of having time to spend with one of our devoted tutor team each day. They have also been reading some interesting books during this time such as Charlotte’s Web; with some being supported further by ‘reading buddies’. Many of the boys attended the football trials and we eagerly await the outcome of this from the PE department. There are many upcoming events for the Year 7’s including the important Road Safety workshop on 28 September. We will also be reviewing English books this month to decide who is able to obtain their pen license. The ranking exams will also be starting on 2 October which will allow us to make important and well informed set changes. I have a few reminders to ensure that your son has the most efficient start to the year: Ensure your son has all equipment required including a scientific calculator. He will

continue to receive missing equipment points until he has everything. When leaving for school check that they have everything, if it helps put a check list by the

front door. Ensure Parent Pay has funds for lunch available. If you are unsure how to sign up and have

lost the letter, please get one from the office. Familiarise yourself with the behaviour policy at the front of your son’s diary. Sign your son’s planner every week and ensure all homework is completed to the best of his

ability. Label every item of clothing/equipment. Many boys are losing their blazers etc on a daily

basis. I would also like to congratulate the following boys on their achievement in only 5 days! Each teacher has very few achievement points to give out so this shows what an excellent impression and effort some of the boys are making. Julien Yukito Saunders 7 achievement points Rahman Katwazi 6 achievement points Ryan Lallaway 6 achievement points Omatshola Urowayino 6 achievement points I look forward to the fantastic year ahead!

Ms Wright, Head of Year 7

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SIXTH FORM NEWS

A Level Results The first set of A level results saw our Year 13 students enjoy phenomenal success and secure places at some of the most prestigious universities across the country, a selection of results and destinations are as follows:

STAC 6th Form 2017 Leavers Highlights As a year group, the alumni of 2017 have set the standard high for future year groups to aspire to. We are proud to secure 100% of students on to places in higher education or on to post-18 apprenticeships. The founding year group will form the basis of our STAC alumni network that will grow year on year and contribute to the success of the school and stay in touch with our community here. The new year 13 cohort have achieved some equally impressive results in their AS exams and end of year 12 exams; attention now turns to the rigors of UCAS applications over the coming term. Parents are encouraged to support their sons and daughters in this process and take an active role in the selection process of universities they aspire to gain places at this time next year. Weekend visits are an invaluable experience to see what to expect beyond a prospectus or website. The summer 2017 work experience placements were also hugely successful and the 6th Form staff and students are grateful to the vast network of providers in industry that accommodated our students.

Student Results Destination Course

Guidi Emanuele A*A*AAAAB University of Chicago Mathematics

Adepoju Oluwaseyi A*A*A Loughborough University* Mechanical Engineering*

Adetula Samuel A*AA Loughborough University Chemical Engineering

Ayoola Samuel A*AA Kings College London Maths & Statistics

Ibe Christopher A*AA University of Nottingham Pharmacy

Popoola Opeyemi A*AB Manchester University Philosophy, Politics & Economics

Purslow Jeanie A*AB University of East Anglia English Literature & Creative Writing

Kadiri Lydia AAB University of Nottingham Medical Physiology & Therapeutics

Sy Owen AAB Loughborough University Banking Finance & Management

Umeokoli Ikechukwu A*AC University of Warwick Mechanical Engineering

Alabi Prince BBB Brunel University Electronic & Electrical Engineering

Ama Angelo Joshua ABC Kings College London Mathematics

Forrest Russell BBB University of Aberdeen Computer Science

Ofoajoku Desiree ABC University of Essex Biological Sciences

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SIXTH FORM NEWS

September 2017 Induction The academic year got underway for our new Year 12 cohort with an intensive 3-day induction programme to prepare for the challenges ahead and mixing with a new set of teachers and peers.

It is fantastic to welcome 86 students to our 6th Form, many STAC Year 11 boys gaining the grades to progress and also the significant percentage of applicants from other schools across South East London who have chosen to further their studies at STAC.

Beyond the academic administration and course information, students were presented with: An excellent guest presentation on independent learning from ‘Live & Learn’ to develop

generic study skills Access to the Pathway CTM employability network for future work experience, internships,

interview practice and careers Robotics challenge to investigate technology advances, coding and engineering Investment2020 presentation to get a foot on the ladder for those interested in finance,

banking and economic careers Outdoor education trip to experience assault course challenges, team work tasks, archery

and ‘out of the comfort zone’ high ropes and climbing

Mr Walter, Head of 6th Form

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HISTORY DEPARTMENT NEWS Vietnam War Veteran Visit Many thanks to John Wilson for coming to STAC on Tuesday 12 September to talk to Year 10 History students about his experiences in the US navy during the Vietnam War. The boys posed some excellent questions about John’s feelings about whether this was a just war, his regret in his involvement as well as reasons for American failure. Their behaviour and attitude was exemplary and we look forward to welcoming John back to school again soon.

Trip to Edinburgh 6-8 October 2017 We hope that the Year 7 and 8 students on the Edinburgh Trip are counting down the days to this exciting opportunity! There will be a parental meeting on Wednesday 27 September at 4.30pm to give important information for all parents of students on the trip. We look forward to seeing you then.

Trip to Berlin 16 November 2017 German phrasebooks are at the ready for all boys involved in the Berlin History trip this year. This will be an excellent opportunity for the boys to immerse themselves in the history of Nazi Germany and the Cold War, to coincide with their GCSE study of this. All parents will receive a letter soon requesting a copy of their son’s passport as well as detailed information on our departure and arrival times.

Ms McWilliams, Head of History

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Dear Year 7s, 8s and 9s,

Trip to France 27-30 June 2018 Do you want to improve your language skills at the end of this academic year while enjoying an amazing experience abroad? After our first trip to Normandy two years ago, and a fantastic one in Padua and Venice last June, we are going back to France and can’t wait to bring you out of school and practice your language skills in the real context. Come and join us for our next trip to the Opal Coast in France in June 2018! The itinerary will include a night and a whole day at Disneyland Paris too! If you are interested and want to be part of this exciting ad-venture, you are just two steps away from it. Return your reply slip to Ms Lai ASAP and make sure your parents pay the first instalment via ParentPay by Wednesday 20 October.

Mr Lemaire, Act. Head of MFL

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EXPRESSIVE ARTS UPDATE

The big event will be STAC’s annual production, which will take place in the spring. Details about the production and auditions will be released soon – watch this space! Please see below a curriculum overview for the new Expressive Arts carousel.

Instrument Exams Congratulations to all those boys who took instrument exams at the end of the Summer term with all 31 passing and taking the grand total for the year to 51! A special mention to the following who all passed with Distinction – Stephen Oduleye (Initial Grade Keyboard), Rodney Ekwoanya and Joshua Okyere (Initial Grade Guitar), Evander Adjei and Toyosi Fayemi (Grade 1 Piano), Rhys Rooney (Grade 1 Clarinet), Chiudo Igwebuenyi (Grade 1 Drum Kit), Jabari Smith (Grade 2 Piano), Joseph Oluwadare (Grade 2 Trumpet), Seblon Mpereboy(Grade 2 Tenor Horn), Babatise Okudero (Grade 2 Drum Kit), Timi Adelagun (Grade 3 Drum Kit), Daniel Riley-Poku (Grade 3 Trumpet). Pride of place goes to Jonathan Adeyemi and Michael Bamgboye with outstanding achievements of Distinction in their Grade 7 Drum Kit exams!

Instrument Lessons All Year 7 boys who would like to continue lessons on instruments learnt at primary school should now have returned forms. Trials will take place in the week beginning Monday 18 September. More information will be issued soon regarding boys wishing to take up an instrument for the first time. Reminder to all boys in Years 8 – 13 to return letters regarding continuing instrument lessons this year by Monday 18 September at the latest. Lessons are due to begin from Monday 18 September but only if letters have been returned. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or your son’s Expressive Arts teacher. For more information, follow us on Twitter @STACExArts!

Mr Parratt, Head of Expressive Arts

Dance Drama Music

Year 7 KS3.1 Introduction to Dance KS3.1 Introduction to DramaKS3.1 The Elements of MusicKS3.2 Tinkle the Ivories

Year 8 KS3.1 Introduction to Dance KS3.2 Developing Drama SkillsKS3.3 The BluesKS3.4 Dance Music

Key Stage 3

This year sees the exciting creation of the Expressive Arts Faculty. Boys in Years 7 and 8 have already started lessons in Expressive Arts, studying either dance, drama or music. They will be taught these subjects on a carousel, having the chance to study all three subjects in depth by the end of the year.

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The Art department will be running an Art Club on Tuesday lunchtimes. This is open to all young budding artists in Years 7, 8 and 9 who wish to lavish in art with like-minded friends. The first topic explored and self-governed will be based on ‘zines’, whereby students can choose what they wish to draw/create/paint with the idea in mind that the work is to be shared and enjoyed by all in the school. This is a fantastic way to develop organisational, leadership and time management skills as you will start, create, organise and finish an artwork individually and as a team.

The Art and Technology department are hosting BIG DRAW inspired activities and workshops every Friday lunchtime in October, tying in with The National BIG DRAW festival which runs throughout the month of October globally. We believe drawing is a powerful tool and valuable medium for learning and engagement, not only within our subjects but cross-curricular as well. This year’s theme is ‘Living Line’, whereby we will be exploring ways to interact with line, diverse types of animation and mark making. We will be running drawing competitions, with prizes to be won. If you are a drawing enthusiast or just want to have a go, come join us, connect and draw in G80 Friday lunchtimes during October. #livinglines17

Art Department

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SPORT NEWS

The PE Team

Our extracurricular timetable is now up and running, and we have a plethora of activities going on all week, every week! These clubs are open to all pupils in that respective year group, so please do come along. Whether its Basketball, Futsal, Football, Swimming, Gym or Table Tennis, there is a club for everyone, so see you there!

Clubs for All!

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HOUSE NEWS

Welcome back to the new school year, which means another year where points are up for grabs throughout a range of different events. Last year was the closest house competition we have had in a number of years here at STAC, with Jones House winning the house trophy. This year we have lots of events to look forward to, starting with the football competition followed by the basketball competition. Towards the end of this year, we have the Christmas card competition that leads up to the half-way house rewards. In 2018, the following house competitions will be running: Translation Dominoes Table Tennis Spelling Bee Rowing Maths Challenge STEM Rugby T-Shirt Design Swimming Gala & Sports Day We hope that you, the boys here at STAC take pride in representing your house and get involved in as many house competitions as you can throughout the year. Remember the more students attend for your house, totals more points.

Events List & Dates

Wednesday 20th September – Year 11 House Football

Tuesday 31st October – Year 7 Football

Thursday 2nd November – Year 7 Basketball

Tuesday 7th November – Year 9 Football

Thursday 9th November – Year 9 Basketball

Tuesday 14th November – Year 8 Football

Thursday 16th November – Year 8 Basketball

Tuesday 21st November – Year 10 Football

Thursday 23rd November – Year 10 Basketball

House Team

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Hollydale Rd, Nunhead, London, SE15 2EB | www.stac.uk.com | 020 7639 0106

ROLL OF HONOUR

Mueez Oyeniyen 9.2- fantastic start in History lessons this year Emmanuel Faminu 9.6 – outstanding start in terms of organisation and homework Dante Mitchell-Prempeh 9.2– outstanding effort in class and at home so far this term Theo Thomas 9.3 – excellent attitude and start to Year 9 Cameron Deleon-Jones 9.4 – excellent attitude and start to Year 9 Mohammed Bakkali 9.3 and Tamari Taylor 9.2 for his excellent classwork in French Ayomide Jokomba 9.5 for his amazing participation in class

Year 10 Abdul Aziz Bah 10.3 - outstanding classwork in Maths with numerous contributions made Misael Welday 10.3 – outstanding classwork in Maths with numerous contributions made Bertrand Mel Meledjie 10.2 – outstanding classwork in Maths with numerous contributions made Mohamed Kalokoh 10.3— For his outstanding contribution in his start to GCSE Business Studies so far. Morgan Ellis 10.5 —Student of the Week Orofeoluwa Bello 10.2 and Abduraman Sesay 10.1 for their excellent contribution in class in Italian

Year 11 Vladyslav Kaminskky—Head of Year Student of The Week – excellent effort outside of class to revise previous lessons work. Vlad has arrived early to school most days to work on topics that he has found difficult. Max Luna Jumbo - starting the year with determination and focus Tami Ogunnowo and Al-Amin Sillah – they have had an exceptional start to the year Taiwo Lawal-Owonifari - student of the week last week Al-lamin Sillah – working extremely hard and understanding difficult concepts in Maths. Behaviour has also improved. Victor Jibona – recently moved to 11.3 maths and has worked extremely hard, presentation is exemplary. Daniel Bilesanmi – receiving lots of achievement points from all subjects making a positive Impact Nana Owusu Sekyere – amazing start—already using his weekends for revision. Kema Anintah and Oluwatamilore Ogunnowo for their excellent effort in class in French so far.

Year 7 Julien Yukito Saunders 7.7 - excellent presentation in his English exercise book and pushing himself to complete challenge questions Daniel Joseph, 7.4 - excellent start to the year.

Year 8 Ambrose Derefaama 8.5 - excellent group work; able to keep others on task and the whole group working efficiently Joshua Frimpong 8.2 and Tafari Nation 8.2 for a great start to Year 8 Science

Year 9 Teslim Kolapo 9.6 and Affieu Mansaray 9.5 for excellent work and effort in Year 9 Science Camlo Gordon 9.6 – completing work to a very high standard in Maths and completely focused Gershon Allen 9.4 – completing work to a very high standard in Maths and completely focused Morgan Jordan-Ferguson 9.1—for an impressive start in his GCSE Economics Course. Michael Campbell 9.1– highly intelligent and thoughtful contributions to class discussions in History