SAINT AUGUSTINE’SCatholic High School & Sixth Form CentreOur Lady of Lourdes Catholic Multi Academy Company

Principal Mr A F Quinn BA (Hons) NPQH Stonepits Lane, Hunt End, Redditch, Worcs, B97 5LX tel 01527 550400 www.st-augustines.worcs.sch.uk

Newsletter 2 Friday, 18th September 2015

Dear Parents/CarersIt has been a great week in terms of settling in to the new academic term; school uniform looks superb and students are eager to experience new subjects and teachers. With the buses being mainly on time, we are all settling back into our old routines. SPONSORED WALK & OPEN EVENING On the horizon is the SPON-SORED WALK (for CAFOD, Our Lady of Mount Carmel SVP and Guide Dogs UK) and our annual OPEN EVENING, both on Thursday, 8th October 2015. There is an important consent letter at the back of this Newsletter that should be completed and returned to your child’s form tutor by Friday, 25th September 2015. CURRICULUM EVENING Prior to both these events, we have our CURRICULUM EVENING on Thursday, 24th September 2015 for Year 10 parents (6.00pm) and for Year 11 parents (7.00pm). Letters concerning the Curriculum Evening can be found at the end of this Newsletter, including a form to be returned on Monday, 21st September 2015.PHOTOGRAPHS & HPV INJECTIONS Please note that Year 9 students will have their photographs taken on Tuesday, 22nd September 2015 and Year 9 female students will have their HPV injections on Wednesday, 23rd September 2015. MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNINGAt St Augustine’s we are proud of our sterling fundraising record. The first of our charity events takes place next Friday, 25th September 2015 when the Library Learn-ing Zone will be the venue for the Macmil-lan Coffee Morning during breaktime on that day. Students are invited to buy a drink and a cake for this worthy cause.SECONDARY READY TESTSI am pleased to report that the continuing Year 9 Secondary Ready Assessment Tests have been conducted in the most impecca-ble manner throughout this week. Very well done to all students.MIDDLE SCHOOL VISITS Next week Mr Connolly, Ms Paddock,Ms Mason and Mr Long with the Jazz Band will commence their visits to feeder middle schools to speak to Year 8 students who may be

joining St Augustine’s next year. Year 9 students from respective feeder middle schools will have the opportunity to re-visit their former middle school to give a first hand account on life at St Augustine’s Catholic High School.CONGRATULATIONSMany congratulations to Mrs Waite who was safely delivered of a baby daughter, Lola Florence, 8lb 11oz. on Wednesday, 16th September 2015. Mr Quinn, Principal

STUDENT LEADERSHIPSIXTH FORM AMBASSADORSAt St Augustine’s, great importance is placed upon student leadership. Students are able to grow and flourish in these roles and also claim ownership of the immense part they play within school.This week’s focus is on our Sixth Form Ambassadors. At the end of last term, prospective candidates for this prestigious role went through rigorous interviews. This week Ambassadors introduced themselves to Year 9 students during assembly. The successful students are: Back row left to right: Oliver Grubb, William Boyd, Bilal Naseer, Kyle HombachNext row left to right: Mark Palmieri, Amy Flemming, Abigale Cook, Sophie Wilmore, Ellie Brown, Niamh LuckNext row left to right: Mollie Ralph, Charlotte Evans, Danielle Wiggins, Kathryn Sherrard, Jasmine HillFront row left to right: Katie Taylor, Phoebe Smith, Emily Blakemore, Jessica Ball, Bethany Gould

You will see the Ambassadors around school and at important events. Mr Connolly

LET US PRAYPRAYER FOR HOME

MISSION SUNDAY, 20th SEPTEMBER 2015

PROCLAIM ‘15 PRAYER - PRAYER FOR EVANGELISATON

Loving Father,You so loved the world that you sent us

Your only Son,that we might believe in him and have

eternal life.May we encounter Jesus Christ anew this

dayand live the Good News with joy.

Through the power of Your Holy Spirit,help us to “go out to the whole world

and proclaim”our faith with confidence.

Give us the courage to witness to the Joy of the Gospel

by our words and actions.Help our parish to become more

welcoming and missionary, so that You may be known and loved by

all people.We make this prayer through Our Lord

Jesus Christ Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the

Holy Spirit,one God for ever and ever,

Amen.

Our Lady, Star of the New Evangelisation, Pray for us.

Blessed John Henry Newman, Pray for us.St Thérèse of Lisieux, Pray for us.

CALENDAR AUTUMN TERM 2015Monday, 21st September 2015 - Return Form Year 10 and 11 Curriculum Evening Tuesday, 22nd September 2015 - Year 9 photographsWednesday, 23rd September 2015 - Year 9 HPV injectionsThursday, 24th September 2015 - 11GN Chapel Mass;Year 10 and Year 11 Curriculum EveningFriday, 25th September 2015 - Macmillan Coffee Morning; Return Consent Form Sponsored Walk and Open EveningMonday, 28th September 2015 - Year 9 Assembly - Gideons InternationalMonday, 5th - Friday, 9th October 2015 - Year 10 Assessment WeekTuesday, 6th October 2015 - Tate Modern Art Trip - Year 11, 12 and 13Thursday, 8th October 2015 - Sponsored Walk and Open EveningMonday, 19th - Friday, 23rd October 2015 - Year 11 Assess-ment WeekMonday, 19th October 2015 - Year 10 PE Orienteering TripThursday, 22nd October 2015 - 11AH Chapel MassHalf term autumn term 2015: Monday, 26th - Friday, 30th October 2015 inclusive - back to school Monday, 2nd November 2015Thursday, 5th November 2015 - 11SW Chapel MassTuesday, 10th November 2015 - Remembrance Service 11.00am in the QuadWednesday, 11th November 2015 - Sixth Form Open EveningThursday, 12th November 2015 - 11JS Chapel MassMonday, 16th - Friday, 20th November 2015 - Year 12 and 13 Assessment WeekThursday, 19th November 2015 - Year 10 Art Trip; 11BD Chapel MassThursday, 26th November 2015 - 10RV Chapel MassMonday, 30th November 2015 - Years 9, 10 and 11 Advent Reconciliation ServicesThursday, 3rd December 2015 - 10RU Chapel MassThursday, 10th December 2015 - 10MZ Chapel Mass; Year 12 Parents’ EveningThursday, 17th December 2015 - Awards EveningFriday, 18th December 2015 - End of Term Service and Awards CeremonyLast day of autumn term Friday, 18th December 2015 (12.30pm closure)SPRING TERM 2016INSET DAY - Monday, 4th January 2016Tuesday, 5th January 2016 - school open to all studentsTuesday, 5th -Monday, 11th January 2016 - Assessment Week Year 10Friday, 15th January 2016 - Year 9 Geography TripMonday, 18th - Friday, 22nd January 2016 - Year 11 Mock Examinations commenceWednesday, 27th January 2016 - Holocaust Memorial DayMonday, 1st - Friday, 5th February 2016 - Assessment Week Year 9Monday, 8th February 2016 - Year 12 History TripWednesday, 10th February 2016 - Years 9, 10 and 11 Lenten Reconciliation ServicesHalf term spring term 2016 - Monday, 15th - Friday, 19th February 2016 inclusiveMonday, 22nd - Friday, 26th February 2016 - Year 13 Mock ExaminationsMonday, 22nd February - Friday, 4th March 2016 - Fair Trade

FortnightMonday, 7th - Friday, 11th March 2016 - Year 12 Mock ExaminationsTuesday, 8th March 2016 - International Womens’ DayThursday, 10th March 2016 - Year 9 and Year 13 Parents’ EveningMonday, 14th - Friday, 18th March 2016 - Lent Fundraising WeekEaster Holiday 2016 - Thursday, 24th March - Friday, 8th April 2016 inclusiveINSET DAY - Thursday, 24th March 2016 SUMMER TERM 2016Monday, 11th April 2016 - school open to all studentsMay Day - Monday, 2nd May 2016Thursday, 19th May 2016 - Year 10 Parents’ EveningFriday, 27th May 2016 - St Augustine’s Feast DayHalf term summer term 2016 - Monday, 30th May - 3rd June 2016 inclusiveMonday, 13th - Friday, 17th June 2016 - Year 9 Assessment WeekMonday, 20th - Friday, 24th June 2016 - Year 10 Assessment WeekThursday, 23rd June 2016 - St Augustine’s Day/Year 13 Leavers MassEnd of term Thursday, 21st July 2016INSET DAY - Friday, 22nd July 2016 - school closed to students

MAC CALENDAR - OPEN DAYS/EVENINGSt Bede’s Open EveningTuesday, 20th October 2015 - 5.30pm - 8.00pm.Headteacher’s Address: 5.45pm & 7.15pm Our Lady of Mount Carmel Visits welcome by appointmentSt Peter’s Catholic First SchoolWednesday, 30th September 2015 - 5.00pm - 7.00pmFriday, 2nd October 2015 - 9.15am - 12.00pmSaturday, 3rd October 2015 - 10.00am - 12.00pm

FOOD MATTERSBREAKFAST CEREALSThe following website has looked at 20 different cereals and reveals the best and the worsthttp://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/wellbeing/galleries/34492/cereals-the-best-and-worst-revealed/4Cereals the best and worst revealed Every family has a cupboard full of different breakfast cereals, but while many of these claim to be a 'healthy' option for you and the whole family, some are actually hiding heaps of sugar and salt that could be ruining your diet and might not be a great choice for children! It can feel overwhelming to find a healthy cereal when you're standing, strapped for time, in the supermarket aisle. That's why this website has pulled together the not-so-healthy cereals along with the healthiest cereals, so you can make the best choice for your family. Please ensure that you are eating the best cereal for your family each morning.THANK YOUA big thank you to the parents of Mrs Stanley - Mr and Mrs R W Smith, who have kindly donated food equipment to the Food Department. Mrs Winn

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CATHOLICITY OF THE SCHOOLTHE CATHOLIC LIFE OF OUR SCHOOL:Weekly Mass

Congratulations to 11CI who had their Form Mass on Thursday, 17th Septem-ber. The theme chosen was based around the current refugee crisis which we see on the news daily. Father Tony spoke about our daily challenge to show gratitude, and also of some of the challenges we meet in our society today. Well done to Katie Burke for an inspiring piece of reflective artwork showing a refugee child. Well done also to the form and to Mrs Chinn for their preparation for what was a beautiful Mass. There were some thoughtful bidding prayers calling on us all to think about all those who have been displaced in society. Special thanks go to those who took an active role and who have helped to continue the high standard we have set for our class

Masses. Well done to Peter Nicholas, Megan Mellors, Katie Burke, Sam Bevan, Lauren Fox, Katie Slatem, Shauna Rabone and Patrick Mackie. The Pope’s twitter feed

Date: Thursday 17th September“In spite of injustices and sufferings, the Lords victory is

certain”How can you help to fight injustice and suffering? How much faith do you have? Where can we gain strength from in difficult times? Who can we turn to and what help can we expect to receive?

Student leadershipThe Spiritual Life Student Council (SLSC): Watch this

space…………. Mrs O’Connor will be relaunching the spiritual life student council with year 9 in the near future.Please contact Tom Saunders on saunderst16@st-augustines.worcs.sch.uk if you wish to find out more about the work of the SLSC.Praying each day: on this day in history…. 9/11 bombing2001: Workers return to Wall StreetNew Yorkers returned to work six days after the terror attacks which devastated the heart of their city. Thousands died after hijackers deliber-ately flew three passenger planes into buildings in New York and Washington Workers from New York's financial district - many of them draped in the American flag - have said they want to show life can go on. The air was still thick with dust and smoke from the collapsed towers of the World Trade Centre and dozens of those going back to work wore face masks to protect themselves. The devastation and the troops lining Wall Street made the city look more like a war zone than a business district, but the people who work here were determined to prove their defiance. "They expect us to be down on the floor - if it lifts everyone's spirits then I've done something good today," one man told the BBC.GriefJim Textor, a lawyer forced to flee the carnage on 11 September, said Ameri-cans wanted to imitate the British way

of dealing with years of attacks by the IRA. "It's important you demonstrate that you can't be beat and that you have to go back to work," he said. But there was also grief in a city which has lost so many. As the search for survi-vors in the wreckage of the towers

becomes a hunt for bodies, American Red Cross workers mingled with the crowds to offer counselling. "It doesn't matter if you're rich or poor, young or old, you still have those same feelings of trauma," said Pam Jennings.Today, we pray:Loving God,Welcome into your arms the victims of violence and terrorism.Comfort their families and all who grieve for them.Help us in our fear and uncertainty,And bless us with the knowledge that we are secure in your love.Strengthen all those who work for peace,And may the peace the world cannot give reign in our hearts.AmenMacmillan Coffee Morning - Friday, 25th September 2015

Next Friday is our Macmillan coffee morning (not just coffee) so please get baking and bring all donations to the library as soon as you can on Friday morning. The library will be open at break time (10.55-11.15am) with a variety of treats on sale.Please dig deep for this worthy cause.HOME MISSION SUNDAY, 20TH SEPTEMBER 2015In response to Pope Francis’ soon-to-be opened worldwide Year of Mercy, the Catholic Bishops in England and Wales have issued a joint Pastoral Letter to be read out at every Mass in both countries on Home Mission Sunday, 20 September.Signed on behalf of all 33 members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, by Cardinal Vincent Nicholas, President, and Archbishop Peter Smith, Vice President, the letter focuses on the importance of proclaiming God’s Mercy.It reads:"Today is Home Mission Sunday and to emphasise its importance this pastoral letter comes to you on behalf of all the Bishops of England and Wales together… Our response to Pope Francis is to make the task of proclaim-ing God’s mercy the priority in our own efforts. This we will strive to do most especially during the Jubilee Year of Mercy, established by Pope Francis,

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Breakfast Club 8am – 9amBreakfast club is now up and running every day in C8,supervised by a member of staff. Toast and light refreshments, including cold drinks (juice), will be available to all students who wish to attend before the school day. The Pastoral Team

Homework Club 4pm – 5pm Homework club will run on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The purpose of this club is to provide a quiet and supportive environment to enable students to complete homework before returning home, if necessary, and for those students who have not completed homework and have fallen behind. The latter students will be referred by subject teachers and form tutors. The Pastoral Team

beginning this December. He writes: 'How much I desire that the year to come will be steeped in mercy, so that we can go out to every man and woman, bringing the goodness and tenderness of God! May the balm of mercy reach everyone.' (Misericordiae Vultus 5) So we ask your help. Together let us Proclaim God’s Mercy."The Bishops add that the key to effective proclamation is "...to be ready to live constantly in the presence of God, knowing that God never takes his eyes off us, not to catch us out, but because he loves us so much. When we are constantly aware of that loving gaze which is upon us, and of the mercy and encouragement that flows our way, then we are enabled to look on others in the same way.""These are the foundations of evangelisation. On them, other steps can be built: the opportunity to speak about our faith; the expression of that love in programmes of action towards those most in need; a loving care for those who have been hurt by life and hurt within the Church, for whom any return to the practice of their faith is particularly difficult. In this effort for evangelisation we seek out ways of accompanying others, through friendship, through prayer, through conversation, so that they sense in us the welcome that God most certainly extends to them. Our efforts need not be complicated or heroic. As Our Blessed Lady reminds us, through our humble efforts the Lord can do great things!"September 23rd is the Jewish celebration of Yom Kippur. So what is Yom Kippur?

Mrs Clayton, Spiritual Life Coordinator

PASTORAL MATTERSATTENDANCEThis year we have introduced a pyramid of attendance which we would like you to be aware of, as attendance is key to enable your child to achieve. It is expected that your child will be in the Green Zone 96%-100%. If your child drops below 96% attendance a phone call will be made home to discuss actions that need to take place to bring attendance back up to 96% and above. If you would like more information on the school attendance policy this is available on our website. A copy of the pyramid is in your child’s planner for them to look at and familiarise themselves with.Thank you for your support. Mrs GribbenYEAR 9 TRANSITIONThe Year 9s are really settling in well and finding their way around school. I must praise them for their manners and willingness to take part. Their behaviour in their assess-ments has been excellent again this week.STUDENT COUNCILNominations for Student Council have been taking place this week. Final names will be revealed very soon. As part of our assembly on leadership Year 9 students had a visit from the Year 13 Student Ambassadors, who introduced themselves and their roles. There are lots of leadership opportunities available in school and I would encourage the students to get involved. Ms Mason

SPORT MAKES YOU FIT

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RESULTSYear 10 Girls Netball The Year 10 team played Trinity in their first game of the season and won 15-5. A great start to the season girls - well done! GK: Rosie Potter GD: Amanda Bunegar WD: Lucy Jackson/Heike EsparonC: Olivia Williams WA: Grace Robinson GA: Sarah Kennedy GS: Orla Lewis Miss AllenYear 11 Netball Team The Year 11 team also played their first games of the season this week at Trinity High School.The girls lost their first game 17-6 against Trinity. However, hard work and persistence saw them win their second game against Arrow Vale 11-3. A good start for the girls this season, well done! GK: Ellie Rose HarriesGD: Emily Read WD: Olivia Wooton C: Bryony Ward/Amie Iles WA: Bethan Gayle/ Amber Hemming GA: Megan NicodGS: Sabah ShafaqA reminder that Year 11 girls netball club starts on Monday 21st September 2015 at 4.00pm. Miss AllenYear 11 Boys Football The Year 11 team played their first match on Wednes-day this week. Unfortunately they lost 7-1 to South Bromsgrove. Hopefully that's the cobwebs dusted off and we can take the positives in to our next league fixture and get back on winning form. Mr Murphy

FIXTURES WEEK COMMENCING 21.09.15Tuesday, 22nd September 2015Year 10 Girls Netball at South Bromsgrove - Pick up 5.45pm at Saints.Wednesday, 23rd September 2015 Year 10 boys football: Saints vs North Bromsgrove (Home). Pick up 5.30pm at Saints; Year 9 Netball at North Bromsgrove. Pick up 5.45pm at Saints.Thursday, 24th September 2015 Year 10 Rugby Trials. 4.00pm - 5.00pm. Pick up 5.00pm at Saints; Year 11 Boys Rugby at Saints vs Tudor Grange. Pick up 5.30pm approximately.

CLUBSMonday LunchtimeDance Club - Small Hall - Miss AllenIndoor Football - Sports Hall - Mr MurphyMonday After SchoolNetball Training - Week A Year 11 and Sixth Form, Week B Years 9 and 10 - Sports Hall/Courts - Miss AllenBoys Football Training - all years - Mr CrabbBoys Rugby Training - all years - Mr Murphy

Tuesday LunchtimeIndoor Handball - boys/girls all years - Sports Hall - Mr Murphy

Wednesday Before SchoolBasketball Club - Girls - Years 9 and 10 - Sports Hall - Miss AllenWednesday LunchtimeGCSE PE Aerobics - Small Hall - Mrs ChinnBasketball Club - Year 11 and Sixth Form Boys - Mr OwenWednesday After SchoolFitness Club - All years boys/girls - Fitness Suite - Mr Owen

Thursday Before SchoolBasketball Club - Year 11 and Sixth Form Girls - Mr OwenThursday LunchtimeBasketball Club - Years 9 and 10 Boys - Sports Hall - Miss Allen

Friday Before SchoolBadminton Club - all years welcome - Sports Hall - Mr Murphy/Mr Manzur

STAFF INVOLVED IN EACH SPORTNETBALL - Miss AllenFOOTBALL - Mr Murphy - Years 9 and 11; Mr Ross Years 10 and Sixth FormRUGBY - Years 9 and 11 - Mr Murphy; Mr Ross - Years 10 and Sixth Form

SPORT MAKES YOU FIT

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CAREERS MATTERSCAREER SPOTLIGHT ON.....Name: JonOccupation: Publishing Producer in the games industryQualifications: Degree level or equivalent experience. Spatial Design, Art, Design. Maths and strong communication skills essential. Knowledge of 3D editors useful. Computer Game Design, Art and Programming courses.Extra-Curricular experience: To get into a career in games design or games production, interest and ability in coding, computer art or game design is essential. There are a number of free, fully functional downloadable game engine tools that can be used to gain experience in the industry; such as ‘Unreal’ and ‘Unity’. These will give you tutorials on how to get started creating 3D environments/models and basic scripting. There are also well supported on-line modding communities for existing products, including ‘Counterstrike’ and ‘Half Life’, and forums, where you can get support and learn as you go. You have to be self-motivated but it is easy to get started. Why did you choose your career? I have always loved games and gaming and became fascinated by them. I initially trained as a designer, and through a friend, I had an interview with a big gaming company. As I had lots of experience I landed the job as a Designer, and the first game I worked on was ‘Colin McRae Rally’. From there I became a Lead Designer, an Associate Producer and now a Producer. What do you like about the job the most?The most rewarding aspect of the job is working in a creative industry and helping steer teams from an open ended idea and scoping this into an achievable ambition.Anything exciting/didn’t anticipate?You have to be hard working, enthusiastic and take the opportunities that come your way. If you are successful you could be a key person defining the games industry in the future.I’m passionate about my job and I love the creative process. I lead a creative team, moulding their ideas into an end product within a time frame and a budget. The job is as challenging as it is rewarding and the most exciting part is the end result when my team delivers a good game.I didn’t expect to be redefining a genre and winning awards for story telling and characters in games with my latest project ‘Life Is Strange’. starting salary: £20,000-£25,000 depending on experience.Where can I find out more?https://www.unrealengine.comhttps://unity3d.com/https://steamcommunity.com/

STARS OF THE WEEKYEAR 9

Stars of the week for Year 9 are Declan Platt 9CB for volunteering to do the first form assembly for 9CB, Julia Wozniak 9FN and Thomas Fallon 9FN for having the most positive behaviour points in Year 9. Ms Mason

YEAR 10Stars of the Week for Year 10 are the girls of the victorious Year 10 Netball Team who won their first match of the season 15-5 vs Trinity. Well done to Rosie Potter, Amanda Bunegar, Lucy Jackson, Heike Esparon, Olivia Williams,

Grace Robinson, Sarah Kennedy and Orla Lewis. Miss AllenYEAR 11

Star of the Week for Year 11 is Kieran Bates (11BD) who has achieved 5th place in the Six Word Memoir poetry competition run by a small online group called ‘Echo.’ Well done Kieran. Miss Beaumont-Dyer

Further Stars are the students from 11CI for their thoughtful Mass on Thursday concerning the current refugee crisis. Particular mention goes to the following students for their contributions: Peter Nicholas, Megan Mellors,

Katie Burke, Sam Bevan, Lauren Fox, Katie Slatem, Shauna Rabone and Patrick Mackie. Mrs ClaytonAdditonal Stars for Year 11 are Marta Madra, Millie Henderson-Purvis and Josh Burrell for timely completion of

their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Well done to you all. Mr Mill

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Students walking to School via Crabbs CrossIf your child walks to school via the path opposite the Merchants chip shop in Crabbs Cross, kindly please ensure that they are using the public footpath and not the cut through that is accessed from the car park. Students have been using this driveway, which is private property. The Police have been notified. Thank you in advance for your support. Pastoral Team

Ms Mason – Head of Year 9 & Transition LeaderMs Mason grew up in East Sussex and trained to be a Hotel Manager at Hastings College of Arts and Technology. She worked in a number of hotels and restaurants around the country before moving to Redditch in 2002. She then started working in education and gained a number of educational qualifications such as Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) status, where she specilaised in behaviour and attainment. She has worked for Worcestershire County Council, at The Forge and most recently Colmers School in Birmingham, in the Pastoral department. As Head of Year 9 and Transition Leader, her role is a non-teaching one. This will ensure the smooth transition from Middle School to St Augustine’s. She will also deal with behav-iour, attendance and Pastoral issues that arise with Year 9. She is keen to promote positive relationships with parents and is looking forward to making a difference to the Year 9s by supporting them

throughout the year and working with a talented and supportive Pastoral Team.

Mrs Sheedy - Teacher of ScienceMrs Sheedy is originally from Swansea, South Wales. She attended The University of Birmingham from 2006-2009 where she gained her degree in Biological Sciences. She then took a year after studying and became a Science Technician at a school in East Birmingham. After this she gained a place at The University of Warwick to study PGCE Science - Biology in 2010-2011. It was from a placement on this course that she acquired her first teaching position at Bishop Challoner Catholic College where she completed her NQT year in 2011-2012. In September 2012 Mrs Sheedy moved to her most recent previous appointment at North Birmingham Academy where she was assistant Head of Year (APAL) for nearly two years and Head of Biology for one year before joining the team here at St Augustine’s. Mrs Sheedy is very much looking forward to the time that she will spend here and reports that she has felt very welcome since her arrival.

Mrs Gribben - Achievement LeaderMrs Gribben is our Achievement Leader within school working closely with Heads of Year and part of the Pastoral Team. Mrs Gribben is an ex student of the school and left in 1996. Since then she has had a successful start to her career within recruitment before commenc-ing her career within teaching. She worked for a charity organisation in 2005 and became a qualified Lecturer specialising with Disaffected and Disengaged young people in 2008. Mrs Gribben then taught in Further Education at North East Worcestershire College in Redditch until joining St Augustine’s this September. Mrs Gribben has taught students from all backgrounds and academic levels and has a keen passion for education. She is very much looking forward to contribut-ing to a successful learning experience for all of the young people here at St Augustine’s.

Mr Hutchison - Teacher of History/MediaMr Hutchison will be teaching both History and Media Studies this year. Mr Hutchison was born in Cardiff and grew up on Barry Island in South Wales. He moved to Malvern in Worcestershire when he was 14 and has lived there ever since. He studied at Nottingham University before completing his History degree via the Open University in 2010. Before joining St Augustine’s Mr Hutchison was a teacher of English as a Foreign Language where he helped students from all over the world to master the English language. Mr Hutchison said, ‘I am thrilled to be joining the humanities team at St Augustine’s. I specialise in Medieval History and with the new GCSE course including a study of King John and King Richard I. I am hoping my knowledge in this area will be an asset to both colleagues and my students.’Mr Hutchison also has a keen interest in films and anything football or basketball related. He supports Aston Villa but he hopes that staff and students will not hold that against him. Despite his short stature Mr Hutchison used to represent Worcester at basketball and is hoping to see a number of students at basketball practice soon.

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NEW STAFF PROFILES

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Sixth Form Matters What’s Going On? … Last Friday (11th September) Mr Grogan spoke to the Sixth Form about opportunities to volunteer for the Young Enterprise scheme.

This has been a highly successful scheme at Saint Augustine’s and our teams are always incredibly successful in selling their products at school events and further afield at a series of trade fairs. The programme offers students the opportunity to launch their own company during Year 12 and to work as a team to plan, design and sell either a product or a service. And, in addition to developing a range of valuable skills for going on to University and/or into business, they will also benefit from first class

mentoring from experts at AT&T. Students met after school on Wednesday – and were joined by Julia Neale (Young Enterprise Manager for Worcestershire) – to find out more about the programme. For information: contact Mr Grogan or click on http://www.young-enterprise.org.uk/

A reminder that YEAR 13 students need to work on their UCAS applications (which they began before summer break). If you are applying for highly competitive subjects/Universities (ie Oxbridge, Medicine, Veterinary, Law etc) – your application needs to be sent off by mid-October. Everyone else needs to be ready to send theirs off by early December.

The Debating Society is holding its first meeting on Monday, 21st September in C18 from 4.00pm - 5.00pm. Mrs Lake looks forward to seeing the 14 students who have signed up from Year 12 and all 'old' existing Year 13 members! The EES Education Scheme for Engineering with Thorlux is launching again this year – students need to complete an application form and attend an interview. Please see Mrs Winn for further details.

UPCOMING EVENTS: ACADEMIC YEAR 2015-16 AUTUMN TERM Monday, 7th September – Friday, 18th December 2015

September 2015

Yr12: Young Enterprise 2015-16 Student Company Recruitment (date to be confirmed) Yr13: Personal Statement Master-class delivered by Newman University (FRI 18th) Yr13: Student Finance Presentation for Students and Parents (MON 21st) Yr12: Russell Group, Oxbridge, Medicine, Law & Other Competitive Courses Support Programme Induction Session (THU 24th) Yr12&13: Wider Options at 18+ seminar delivered by Push Talks (FRI 25th) Yr13: Personal Statement/CV Writing workshop delivered by AT&T (date to be confirmed) October 2015

Yr12 & 13: Emotional Wellbeing Awareness assemblies and workshops delivered by YMCA (FRI 2nd) Yr12: NCS (National Citizen Scheme) presentation of 2016 Programme (TUE 6th) Yr12/&13: Apprenticeships Explained & Made Easy assembly delivered by HP Training (FRI 9th) Yr12: Why Uni? Assembly delivered by Worcester University (TUE 13th) Yr13: Oxbridge/Med/Law/Vet applicants interview preparation/guidance (various dates across term) Yr12: Student Independent Learning Conference delivered by The Life Skills Company (THU 15th) Yr12: Organ Donation presentation delivered by Anthony Nolan Trust (TUES 20th) November 2015 Yr13: Student Life (Myths v Facts) assembly delivered by Worcester University (FRI 20th) December 2015 SPRING TERM TUE 5th JAN – WED 23rd MAR January 2016 Yr12: Why go to University? Assembly delivered by Aberystwyth University (TUE 19th) March 2016 Yr12: UCAS Regional Convention preparation delivered by Worcester University (TUE 1st) Yr12: UCAS Regional Convention held at Worcester University Arena (THU 17th)

Sixth Form Matters

LITERACY MATTERSQUOTES OF THE WEEK“Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.” Martin Luther King“Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. Accordingly a genius is often merely a talented person who has done all of his or her homework.” Thomas Edison“The point is, you have family and friends who love you. You have a world out there just waiting for you to conquer it. You have a life that will be anything you make it. That's the point.” Malorie Blackman, Boys Don't Cry Miss Beaumont-Dyer

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DUKE OF EDINBURGH SUCCESSA big well done and congratulations to Marta Madra and Millie Henderson-Purvis who are the first Year 11 students this year to gain their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award. Hot on their footsteps comes Joshua Burrell, who received his certificate yesterday. all students have successfully completed 6 months volunteering, 3 months working on a skill and 3 months working on a phyical aspect of their life. A big well done to them all for their dedication and hard work. Over the coming week, there should be news of further students receiving their certificates. Mr Mill, Head of Year 11

ATTENDANCE FIGURES

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ATTENDANCE 14th September - 18th September 2015ATTENDANCE WEEKLY TARGET 2015-2016 - 96%

YEAR 9 - 97.3%YEAR 10 - 96.4%YEAR 11 - 97.5%TOTAL - 97.1%

Superb attendance this week - well done. Miss Bird, Attendance Officer

Saint Augustine’s CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL & SIXTH FORM CENTRE PRINCIPAL: A F QUINN BA (HONS) NPQH THE SUNDAY TIMES: Top 500 Schools

Stonepits Lane Hunt End Redditch Worcestershire B97 5LX 01527 550400 www.st-augustines.worcs.sch.uk saints@st-augustines.worcs.sch.uk A Division of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Multi-Academy Company - Company Number: 9064485

A Christ centred learning community committed to the development of the whole person

11th September 2015

To all parents/carers of Year 10 students

Dear parent/carer

CURRICULUM EVENING FOR YEAR 10 STUDENTS

On Thursday, 24th September 2015 at 6.00pm in the Theatre of the school, Year 10 parents are invited to

attend a Curriculum Evening.

This evening will inform parents how the school will support students throughout KS4 and address the

following important issues:

• Future job market

• Options after KS4

• Attendance

• Targets setting

• Key dates

• Reports

• Exams

• Controlled assessment

• Independent learning

• Support mechanisms

The session will last between 30 and 45 minutes and it is of vital importance that you attend so that we can

disseminate information that will affect your child.

Kindly complete and return the attached tear off sheet to your child’s form tutor by Monday 21st September

2015.

Yours sincerely

Mr G O’Connor

Assistant Principal

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

St Augustine’s Catholic High School, Stonepits Lane, Hunt End, Redditch, Worcs, B97 5LX

YEAR 10 CURRICULUM EVENING at 6.00pm

Thursday, 24th September 2015

Please complete the form below, detach and return to your child’s form tutor by

Monday, 21st September 2015

I/We will be attending the Year 10 Curriculum Evening

I/We will not be attending the Year 10 Curriculum Evening

Student Name and Form Group ……………………................ Signed ……………………………………..

Saint Augustine’s CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL & SIXTH FORM CENTRE PRINCIPAL: A F QUINN BA (HONS) NPQH THE SUNDAY TIMES: Top 500

Schools

Stonepits Lane Hunt End Redditch Worcestershire B97 5LX 01527 550400 www.st-augustines.worcs.sch.uk saints@st-augustines.worcs.sch.uk

A Division of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Multi-Academy Company - Company Number: 9064485

A Christ centred learning community committed to the development of the whole person

11th September 2015

To all parents/carers of Year 11 students

Dear Parent/carer

CURRICULUM EVENING FOR YEAR 11 STUDENTS

On Thursday, 24th September 2015 at 7.00pm in the Theatre of the school, Year 11 parents are invited to

attend a Curriculum Evening.

The evening will address key information relating to all subjects, with a focus on English and Maths, and the

support mechanisms that are available to ensure success.

The session will last between 30 and 45 minutes and it is of vital importance that you attend so that we can

disseminate information that will affect your child.

Kindly complete and return the attached tear off sheet to your child’s form tutor by Monday, 21st

September 2015.

Yours sincerely

Mr G O’Connor

Assistant Principal

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

St Augustine’s Catholic High School, Stonepits Lane, Hunt End, Redditch, Worcs, B97 5LX

YEAR 10 CURRICULUM EVENING at 7.00pm

Thursday, 24th September 2015

Please complete the form below, detach and return to your child’s form tutor by

Monday, 21st September 2015

I/We will be attending the Year 11 Curriculum Evening

I/We will not be attending the Year 11 Curriculum Evening

Student Name and Form Group ……………………................ Signed ……………………………………..

Saint Augustine’s CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL & SIXTH FORM CENTRE PRINCIPAL: A F QUINN BA (HONS) NPQH THE SUNDAY TIMES: Top 500 Schools

Stonepits Lane Hunt End Redditch Worcestershire B97 5LX 01527 550400 www.st-augustines.worcs.sch.uk saints@st-augustines.worcs.sch.uk A Division of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Multi-Academy Company - Company Number: 9064485

A Christ centred learning community committed to the development of the whole person

18th September 2015

Dear Parents/Carers

Sponsored Walk, Early Finish and Open Evening – Thursday, 8th October 2015

On Thursday, 8th October the school is holding its 22nd Sponsored Walk. This annual event is a tradition which has

raised an estimated £30,000 for charity over the last 25 years of the school’s history. We do therefore hope that you will

encourage your child to enjoy this important school event and to raise further funds for a much needed causes; Our Lady of

Mount Carmel St.Vincent de Paul,CAFOD and Guide Dogs UK.

The key information for the event is:

The route is identical to the one completed last year - to and around Morton Stanley Park and return.

This, on average, takes students 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. Students should wear sensible clothing, appropriate

footwear and be prepared for inclement weather. A bottled drink is advisable. Please ensure that your child

brings any necessary medical equipment with them, such as asthmatic inhalers, epi-pens etc. Teachers will act as

marshals along the route and toilets will be available at the park. The police and park rangers will be made aware

of this activity. Students will be dismissed from school after completion of the sponsored walk and after lunch at

12.30pm.

Open Evening will take place later on the same day commencing at 5.30pm. Students will be dismissed from

school after an early lunch and afternoon registration at 12.30pm on Thursday, 8th October 2015. This will allow

staff time to prepare for Open Evening. However, those students helping out on Open Evening should be back in

school by 5.00pm.

The MAC transport (Kev’s coaches) will arrive at school at 12.30pm.

Those students who travel on S57 and S75 will have to walk to Walkwood Road Bus Stop or to the

Evesham Road to catch the public services buses.

Please fill in the consent form below and return to your child’s form tutor by Friday, 25th September 2015 to give

permission for your child/ren to leave school early, to confirm that you are aware of the travel arrangements and to

confirm that you have made the necessary arrangements to pick your child/ren up from school if they are not being

transported by the scheduled school bus on Thursday, 8th October 2015.

In addition please inform us if your child is required to stay on site until 3.50pm on that day by ticking the

box indicated below on the consent form.

Yours sincerely

Mr A F Quinn

Principal

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ST AUGUSTINE’S CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL,STONEPITS LANE, HUNT END, REDDITCH, B97 5LX TEL 01527 550400

CONSENT FORM REGARDING SPONSORED WALK AND OPEN EVENING

THURSDAY, 8th OCTOBER 2015

To be returned by all students by Friday, 25th September 2015 Please tick appropriate box

I/we give permission for my/our child/ren to leave school at 12.30pm on Thursday, 8th October 2015 and have made arrangements for

the safe transportation of my/our child/ren from the school site at 1.00pm should school transport not

be accessible to them.

My son(s)/daughter(s) will remain on the school site until 3.50pm on Thursday, 8th October 2015 and I will make arrangement for

his/her/their collection and return home at the normal time. I understand that there are no school buses at 3.50pm.

Name of Student ………………………………………………………….Form………………………………………………..

Signed by Parent/Carer …………………………………………………. Date ………………………………………………..

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Saint Augustine's Sponsored Walk 2015 – Thursday, 8th October 2015

Name Amount

Total Amount

Form Tutor Signature___________________________________

Please note that we will assume consent unless instructed otherwise

Year 11 Enhancement and Enrichment Sessions 2015/16

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Music – 4:00-4:30

– Music Room –

Mr Long

Geography –

Controlled

Assessment:

Lunchtime – C11

– Mr Morris

Business Studies –

Catch-up Sessions:

4:00-5:15 – Voc1 –

Mr Grogan

Geography –

Controlled

Assessment:

Lunchtime – C11

– Mr Morris

MFL Intervention

Sessions: 4:00-

5:00 - Mrs Albon

History –

Controlled

Assessment:

4:00-5:00 -C14 –

Mr Rose

Health and Social

Care – Catch-up:

4:00-5:00 – Voc3 –

Mrs Birch

Geography –

exam revision

sessions -

students will be

invited to attend.

4:00 -5:00 – C4 –

Miss Marston

Engineering and

Product Design –

Coursework:

4:00-5:00 – Mrs

Winn

ICT –

4:00 – 5:00 – C8

– Mrs Fletcher

Food – Catch-up

with practical work:

4:00-5:00 – Food

Room – Mrs Stanley

Science:Biology

Revision of Core

–4:00-5:00 – Mrs

Sheedy & Miss

Davies

Science:Physics

Revision of Core

–4:00-5:00 – Mr

O’Connor & Dr

Pass

Engineering and

Product Design –

Coursework: 4:00-

5:00 – Mr Jones

RE – 4:00 – 5:00

– C5 – Mrs

O’Connor

Drama – Sessions

for written paper:

4:00-5:00 – C22 –

Mrs Wright

Food – Catch-up

with practical

work: 4:00-5:00 –

Mrs Stanley

Maths – Set 2

Students: 4:00-5:00

– M1 – Miss Beesley

Art -

Coursework

catch up sessions

-4:00-5:00 – Art

2 – Mrs Jack

ICT and Computer

Science – 4:00-5:00

– C14 – Mr Bargh

Science: Chemistry

Revision of Core –

4:00-5:00 – Miss

Hall & Mr Burke

A Christ centred learning community committed to the development of the whole person

SAINT AUGUSTINE’SCatholic High School & Sixth Form CentreA Division of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Multi Academy Company

Principal Mr A F Quinn BA (Hons) NPQH Stonepits Lane, Hunt End, Redditch, Worcs, B97 5LX tel 01527 550400 www.st-augustines.worcs.sch.uk

THE SUNDAY TIME S: Top 500 Schools

THE SUNDAY TIMES: Top 500 Schools

St Augustine’sCatholic High

School

OPENEVENINGThursday, 8th October 2015

5.30pm - 8.30pmPrincipal’s Address 6.00pm & 7.00pm

69% OF STUDENTS GAINED 5+ A*-C GCSE GRADES 2015

24% OF STUDENTS GAINED A*-A GRADES 2015

A CATHOLIC SCHOOL FOR ALLHIGH

ACADEMIC

ACHIEVEMENT82% OF STUDENTS GAINED MATHEMATICS GCSE 2015

TOP PERFORMING SCHOOL IN REDDITCH

INTRODUCTORY

GIFT PACK

FOR EVERY STUDENT VISITOR

OPEN EVENING Thursday, 8th October 2015 - 5.30pm - 8.30pm

Principal’s Address 6.00pm and 7.00pm

A Christ centred learning community committed to the development of the whole person

Music Department Trip Venice 2015

High student satisfaction and achievement and direct accountability to students, parents and staff

Pathways into higher education, apprenticeships and trainingA strong sense of community and a distinctive Catholic ethos, inclusive of all faiths and no specific faiths

Safe, nurturing and stimulating environment in which to live and learn

Enhanced student leadership opportunities

Tailored Pathways and highly successful intervention strategies to ensure optimum success

Academic and vocational excellence for all

Every student is given the opportunity to achieve their full potential

A CATHOLIC SCHOOL FOR ALL

ST AUGUSTINE’S CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOLEXAMINATION RESULTS 2015

ONCE AGAIN SUPERB GCSE RESULTS 2015:

Additional Science 86%, Biology 100%, Business 85%, Chemistry 97%,Citizenship 100%, Drama 83%, Engineering 100%, Geography 83%,

Health Studies 91%, History 88%, Humanities 82%, Information Technology 100%,Mathematics 82% - the best ever results,Music 83%, PE 95%, Physics 97%, Product Design 90%,

RE 84%, Science General 91%HIGH RANKING A LEVEL RESULTS 2015 IN WORCESTERSHIRE YET AGAIN:

69% OF STUDENTS GAINED 5+ GCSES A*-C INCLUDING MATHS AND ENGLISH

85% OF STUDENTS GAINED 5+ GCSES A*-C

88% OF STUDENTS MADE 3 LEVELS OF PROGRESS

24% OF STUDENTS GAINED A*/A GRADES

WITH 15 STUDENTS ACHIEVING A MASSIVE 135 A*/A GRADES BETWEEN THEM

100% PASS AT A2

100% OF STUDENTS GAINED 3 OR MORE A LEVELS (78% NATIONALLY)

THE AVERAGE TOTAL POINT SCORE PER STUDENT - 964

FREE SUMMER SCHOOL

FOR EVERY NEW

YEAR 9 STARTER 2016

FREE SUMMER SCHOOL

FOR EVERY NEW YEAR 9 STARTER 2016