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ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE NEWS

We wish a warm welcome back and Happy New Year to all STAC staff, students, families and the extended community. The new term coinciding with a new calendar year gives us all the opportunity to reflect on a very busy start to the 2019-20 academic year and set some resolutions for the term and year ahead. Year 11 students completed their GCSE mock examinations before the Christmas holiday and experienced the most realistic examinations to date of what to expect in a few months’ time. The results will be discussed at the Year 11 Parents Evening on Tuesday 28th January, 4:00-6.30pm. The 6th Form applications deadline has now passed with just over 700 students from a wide range of schools applying to join the 6th Form in September. Year 13 students now have the UCAS application process behind them with a staggering number of offers from prestigious universities across the country. The focus on academic entry requirements to meet those offers now becomes the priority, following the mock examinations at the very start of term. Lower school boys are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities and activities beyond the curriculum available to them; whether that be extra-curricular sport, music, house competitions, charity events or academic support outside the classroom. We look forward to your continued support and a successful 2020 at STAC. Mr J. Walter Assistant Headteacher

20 Jan 2020 Spring Term, Issue 1

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

PSHCE Day 05.02.20

Remember to also check the website

regularly

Yr 13 Parents Evening

12.02.20

Yr 11 Parents Evening 28.01.20

Half Term 17th - 21st Feb

Yr 12 Parents Evening 26.03.20

OVER 700 APPLICATIONS RECEIVED FOR OUR OUTSTANDING SIXTH FORM

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We start this new year with the very sad news that Mr Roger Davies, who taught guitar, piano and keyboard at the school, passed to his eternal rest on Friday 20th December. Mr Davies joined us in 2005 shortly after the death of his first wife, Gill Davies, who was a maths teacher at the school. In the 14 years he worked with us, he nurtured numerous students on guitar, piano, keyboard and in music theory with his meticulous preparation, infectious enthusiasm and considerable generosity. A touching tribute to his work with the boys was the last set of piano exam results for his students, only published two days before his death, in which Qudus Akib, Year 10, achieved the highest mark ever achieved by a student of the school – 141 in Grade 2 Piano. Mr Davies really was a model teacher and real gentleman, and we will miss him badly. The whole school community sends their deepest condolences to Mr Davies’ second wife, Jacky and all his family and I ask you to keep them in your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

Mr J. Morgan Head of Music

In Loving Memory of Roger Davies

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Since October last year, I have been running a weekly book club, we meet every Monday lunch time to discuss what we have read that week. (And share a few snacks!) My rationale is that I felt it would be valuable to my A level sociology students as it would add wider context for what they have been learning. Sociology aims to provide explanations for what is happening in society and how it functions, so adding more knowledge about societal structures, in this case economics can only enhance their understanding of the social phenomena they study. We have been reading ‘The Undercover Economist’ which tackles questions such as: Who really makes money from fair trade coffee? Why is it impossible to buy a decent second hand car? How do the Mafia make money from laundries when street gangs pushing drugs don’t? Who really benefits from immigration? All of these questions affect society on an individual, local and global scale and therefore link to a range of ideas and topics in sociology. One fundamental theory in sociology is Marxism which explains society in terms of how capitalism creates inequality, so hopefully reading this book has provided students with a broader understanding of the impact of economics on society will help them in their evaluation of Marxist theory. In conclusion I hope I have achieved my aims of challenging my students and developing their analytical skills. Mr J. McTavish Head of Sociology Student Testimony Overall, I believe that the book club was a very exciting and beneficial experience for me as not only was I able to increase my breadth of knowledge about the world, but I was also able to engage in intellectual conversations with my peers. The topics covered within the “Undercover Economist” while difficult to initially understand, were very interesting and helped me to collate concepts from sociology and other aspects of society. I would say that this book seemed to be written by an economist for economists, so as someone who does not study economics it was quite a difficult read. Finally, the snacks were a great addition that I think should remain within the book club! Kyeva Graham Yr 13 Student

SIXTH FORM NEWS

Sixth Form Sociology Book Club

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On Wednesday 18th December, over 150 alumni came together to reminisce and reconnect. It was pleasing to see such a range of ages coming together from the founding members of our sixth form to old boys who had left many years ago. What was clear to see across the age ranges was the fondness with which they remembered their time at STAC. The friendships made, the lessons learnt and the bonds with teachers had endured and lasted over the years. It was also clear that regardless of the broad spectrum of careers and degrees being taken, each of the ex-pupils was very grateful to STAC for providing them with opportunities and a strong academic foundation. Once you’re a part of STAC, you’re part of a special network that extends beyond your time at school. We look forward to welcoming them back again in the future. Miss C. Rodin Joint Head of 6th Form

SIXTH FORM NEWS

Alumni Event

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It has been a very pleasing year in terms of UCAS offers and our most successful year yet, 74% of our students have received offers from higher tariff universities. We have also made STAC history with our first ever students with offers for Nursing, Primary Education and Physiotherapy meaning that our students are truly living the Catholic ethos of service and stewardship. It has also been our most successful Oxbridge cohort ever with Renee Ansah, David Ayeni and Joshua Aboiye receiving offers. Joshua Aboiye to read Chemistry at University of Oxford. Renee Ansah and David Ayeni to read Land Economy at University of Cambridge. We are very proud of all of our Year 13s and their achievements. Miss C. Rodin Joint Head of 6th Form

SIXTH FORM NEWS

UCAS Offers

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SIXTH FORM NEWS

UCAS Offers

Name Degree University

David Ayeni History and Politics University of Birmingham University of Manchester

King’s College London University of Cambridge

Daniel Lam Civil Engineering University of Nottingham University of Warwick University of Bristol

University of Southampton

Emmanuel Lawal Economics University of Birmingham University of Nottingham

University of Bristol

Joshua Aboiye Chemistry University of Bristol University of Warwick

University of Manchester University of Nottingham

University of Oxford

Seyi Matthew International Relations University of Manchester University of Birmingham

University of Warwick

Jeffrey Iyi International Relations University of Birmingham University of Manchester Loughborough University

University of Warwick

Renee Ansah International Relations University of Birmingham University of Warwick University of Bristol

University of Cambridge

Dillon Oppon-Ferguson

Economics University of Manchester University of Nottingham University of Birmingham

Fabian Flores Menacho English University of Sheffield King’s College, University of London

University of Birmingham Queen Mary, University of London

Emmanuel Awobimpe Biosciences Durham University University of Nottingham

University of Bath

Tristan Fellbaum Marine Biology Bangor University Aberystwyth University

Newcastle University University of Southampton

University of Plymouth

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SIXTH FORM NEWS

UCAS Offers Lana Hashim Abdelrahim Neuroscience University of Sussex

University of Essex University of Manchester

Kyeva Graham Social Policy University of Bath University of Manchester University of Birmingham

University of Warwick

Renee Bennett Politics and International Re-lations

University of Aberdeen Liverpool John Moores University

Newcastle University Liverpool Hope University

University of Essex

Noah Mbolokele-Maya International Development University of Leeds University of Exeter

Loughborough University University of Nottingham

University of Southampton

Jayde Ogunberu-Alaga Biomedical Sciences Brunel University London

Enite Efole Psychology University of Nottingham Loughborough University University of Birmingham

University of Warwick

Franklyn Vandy Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences

University of Birmingham Loughborough University

University of Exeter St Mary’s University

Bryan Ano Sport, Health and Exercise Science

Brunel University University of Birmingham

St Mary’s University, Twickenham University of Portsmouth

Jean-Enoch Amasse Economics Loughborough University University of Bath

Samira Begum Psychology Goldsmiths, University of London Queen Mary, University of London

University of Greenwich

Diana Oduntan Mathematics and Physics Loughborough University University of Southampton

University of Warwick University of Birmingham

Naomi Brown Biomedical Science University of Birmingham University of Bristol

University of Warwick University of Manchester

Isaiah Olusanya Sport and Exercise Science Loughborough University University of Exeter

University of Birmingham University of Surrey

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SIXTH FORM NEWS

UCAS Offers Faith Ilori Business and Management University of Kent

University of Surrey Queen Mary University of London

Justina Kayode Philosophy University of Manchester University of Birmingham

University of Warwick University of Sheffield

University of East Anglia Serhii Kudla Mathematics University of Kent

Bournemouth University University of Southampton

Glory Olisaokafor Medical Sciences University of Leeds Brunel University

University of Surrey King’s College London

Nelson Adetuyole Aerospace Engineering University of Leicester Swansea University

University of Birmingham Queen’s University, Belfast

University of Sheffield Esther Ojo Biomedical Sciences King’s College, London

Natalie Bonsu Biomedical Sciences University of Warwick

David Adehuwa-Olabode

Chemical Engineering University of Nottingham University of Birmingham

Tirami Mesioye Accounting and Finance University of Leicester Nottingham Trent University

Coventry University Aston University

Michael Kale Mechanical Engineering University of Birmingham University of Surrey

University of Nottingham University of Sussex

University of Warwick Xiaoying Han Modern Languages University of East Anglia

York St John University University of Sheffield

SOAS University Birkbeck, University of London

Angel Poku- Amank-wah

Chemistry University of Surrey Leicester University

University of Liverpool Emmanuel Nkume Urban Planning and Develop-

ment Loughborough University

Cardiff University University of Birmingham

Newcastle University UCL

Sarah Yemmy-Onabanjo

Biomedical Science University of Warwick

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SIXTH FORM NEWS

UCAS Offers Ogbe Yesufu Economics University of Hertfordshire

University of Sussex University of Southampton

Chibueze Amukamara Economics University of Kent University of Liverpool

Esther Olakotan Criminology and Social Policy University of Kent University of Portsmouth

University of Surrey University of Birmingham

Stephanie Glala Sociology and Social Anthropology University of Kent University of Sussex

University of Birmingham Aston University

University of Essex George Olowojoba Physiotherapy University of Bradford

University of East Anglia Keele University

Zoe Ukeujubola Nursing King’s College, London University of Birmingham City, University of London

Babatunde Olubanwo Mechanical Engineering Coventry University

Michael Asaolu Business and Management Studies University of Sussex University of Kent Aston University

University of Leicester Nottingham Trent University

Kun Fang Mathematics and Computer Science University of Bath University of Bristol

Tobias Ajudua Business and Management University of Bournemouth Nottingham Trent University

Hannah Opeodu Sociology and Economics University of Kent

University of Leicester University of Nottingham University of Birmingham Loughborough University

La’kesiha Owusu Ko-duah

History and Political Science University of Birmingham University of Bristol

Loughborough University University of Warwick

Kimberley Anteh Physiotherapy Canterbury Christ Church University University of East Anglia

University of Birmingham Jada Odero History and Sociology University of Warwick

University of Manchester Queen Mary University of London

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SIXTH FORM NEWS

UCAS Offers Shantel Smith History and Sociology University of Manchester

University of Kent University of Birmingham

University of Warwick Loughborough University

Opiyo Juma Marketing Birmingham City University

Jasmine Ashman Veterinary Biosciences University of Surrey Royal Veterinary College

Folape Iyun Social Policy University of Kent Aston University

University of Reading Chantel Ficher Oni Law University of Greenwich

Birkbeck, University of London University of Westminster

University of Surrey Middlesex University

Esther Kusimo Primary Education University of West England University of Greenwich

University of Hertfordshire Middlesex University

Tory Etafo Business Analytics Aston University University of Leicester

University of Kent Nottingham Trent University

Loughborough University Vlad Kaminskyy Biology University of Derby

University of Kent University of Reading

Erick Medizabal Villarroel International Business Manage-ment

University of Kent University of East Anglia

Newcastle University Lancaster University

Samuel Edun-Olusesi Sport and Exercise Psychology Coventry University University of Hertfordshire

Brunel University University of Portsmouth

Stephanie Adesanya Economics Aston University University of Kent

University of Portsmouth Manchester Metropolitan University

Daniel Bilesanmi Strength and Conditioning University of Central Lancashire Leeds Trinity University

University of South Wales St Mary’s University

University of Wolverhampton Marcos Minos Porras Computer Science Kingston University

Queen Mary, University of London

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SIXTH FORM NEWS

UCAS Offers Nicholas Bellos Computer Science University of Huddersfield

Nottingham Trent University University of Brighton

Loughborough University Yemi Makinde Media and Communications Cardiff University

University of East Anglia Swansea University

University of Nottingham Mohan Williams Economics University of Portsmouth

University of Leicester University of Liverpool

University of Leeds Xheni Pali Business Management London Southbank University

Charmaine Haastrup Law University of Portsmouth University of Lincoln

University of Kent Samuel Olajugba Social Anthropology and Politics University of Birmingham

University of Manchester University of Kent

Peter Adegbemi-Adeyanju Business Management and Fi-nance

University of Roehampton Aston University

Damario Vacianna Sport and Exercise Science University of Kent

Victor Jibona Business and Management University of Portsmouth University of Sussex

Geovanny Carriel Velasco Criminology University of Greenwich University of Kent

James Onaifo Law University of Birmingham

Fraole Ngash Digital Forensics and Cyber se-curity

London Metropolitan University Middlesex University

Sheffield Hallam University Harrison Quinapanta

Tenezaca Economics University of Brighton

Bournemouth University Aston University

University of Westminster Esther Olakotan Criminology and Social Policy University of Portsmouth

University of Surrey University of Birmingham

University of Kent Kadie Koroma Economics University of Kent

Jahari Brand Viera Law London South Bank University

Obafemi Albert-Shoyombo Business and Management Aston University

Artie Junior Chiota-Dube Quantity Surveying and Com-mercial Management

Coventry University

Adora Oluku Chemical Engineering University of Nottingham

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Would you like to design and make your own table tennis bat? Then come along and get involved!

When: Monday

Time: 3.00pm - 3:50pm Where: G76

Starts: 13th January 2020 Ends: 10th February 2020

You must commit to all sessions Year 7 & 8 only Maximum of 12

First come first serve basis Ms S. Howes Head of RM

Reporting Lateness and Absence

Design and Make Your Own Table Tennis Bat

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On Wednesday 18th December, 60 students from Year 7 and 8 were taken on their End Of Term rewards trip to see the Christmas Pantomime at the Peckham Theatre. It was a pleasant end to the start of a fantastic academic year, with students signing and dancing along and cheering their fellow STAC student Amari James, who was in the performance. A great afternoon out supporting local theatre productions. Upcoming rewards - 13th February, Tuck shop. Students will be given a personalised sticker with the number of net points (behaviour minus achievement points) on. These points can then be exchanged for items as our school tuck shop. Points will counted from Monday 13th January, so begin earning those achievement points, as points mean prizes!!! Miss S. Smith Head of Year 7

Yr 7 & 8 Pantomime Trip

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Mr L. Proust Maths Enrichment Coordinator

I’m pleased to tell you that STAC has been selected to participate in Shakespeare’s Globe project Our Theatre 2020 for a second year running. STAC alongside another mainstream school, a special school, Southwark Playhouse Elder’s Company and Southwark Youth Theatre will work together to rehearse and perform a production of Macbeth which will they perform at The Sam Wannamaker Playhouse (The Globe) in July. STAC students will also perform key scenes from they play at STAC. 15 year 7 students will be selected to take part in the product. We are very excited to begin rehearsals shortly and wish the boys the best of luck! Mr R. Anderson Head of Drama

Maths Corner

Our Theatre Project 2020

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MFL Challenge

(

MFL Challenge – Yr 7,8,9,10• Answer the questions correctly; they are

about France, Italy or Spain.

• Give the correct answers to Miss Khan.

• The first person (one per year group) to

have the correct answers gets this

rewards:

A FREE LUNCH and an ACHIEVEMENT

POINT

Translation(into FR ,ITA or SP):My family likes to do the same thing every time that we celebrate any festivity. Festivities like Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Easter are the best. During those times, my family comes to my house to celebrate together. I love to celebrate with my family!Questions:1. Where is the famous “Fontana di Trevi”located?2. “Fete du Citron” is a French festivity, can you explain what it is about?3. From where in Spain does the “Flamenco” dance come from?

Winner of the last MFL Christmas challenge: John Flack FREE LUNCH

Thank You letter from Southwark Day Centre for Asylum Seekers after receiving our Hampers

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Last term, our basketball academy began their mentoring programme to help support the younger students in the school, serving as teaching assistants in the classroom. Our Year 12s, Edward, Kofi, Vincy and Elhadj enjoyed their first session with their mentees and have continued to work outside of class together even supporting some students with their homework! Many of the academy players have been enriched by the experience by helping students in class and are excited at the more opportunities to help the school community. Mr R. Abeleda PE Teacher

Basketball Academy | Mentoring Programme

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St Thomas the Apostle College Sport Extra-Curricular Timetable 2019-20

All students are welcome to attend clubs for their respective year groups. They need PE kit including trainers, and swim wear including a towel for swim clubs. Thank you, The PE Department.

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YEAR 7 Hugo Santos: Great effort in Science. Abolaji Kujore: Fantastic hard work on producing his comic strip. YEAR 8 Juan Aaron Pinilla Trujillo: Great effort in Science. Samuel Mobolaji, Jordi Espinosa & David Merenini: For the achieving highest scores in This is Language this week. YEAR 9 Shamar Mahoney-Smith: Highest score in his class on TIL (this week: 1362 points) Victory Okpara: Diligent attitude in Science. Eric Samuel Marques, Abraham Dosso & Fabricio Pinto Pedraza: For their excellent results in the ranking exams. Ryan Lallaway: Improvements with reading. Tyrell Smith: Top of the Year 9 rank. Jonathan Otolorin: Most improved in the Year 9 rank. Leandro Barros Sousa Nunes: Top of attitude to learning in Year 9 rank. Zaine Thomas: Start of new term Head of Year tie winner. YEAR 10 Nduka Amakihe: Over the Christmas holidays, Nduka worked incredibly hard on TIL. Thanks to his work, his class is now 2nd in the world on the TIL league table. Siaka Sangare: Making positive contributions to the learning of his Science class. Santiago Benitez Campoverde, Carlos Armando Morales Lizarazu & Steve Vargas Gonzalez: For their excellent results in the ranking exams. Gabriel Basusi-Asaam: Huge improvements with effort in English lessons. Micah Simpson-Mais: Fantastic quality report on Blackbird Bakery for BTEC Business. Joel Chigbo, Ezekiel Oyede & Orion Meshesha: Excellent performance in GCSE PE theory rank. Rodney Ekwoanya, Abu Mansaray, Joel Chigbo, Thiery Owusu & Agegnehu Zangrando: Excellent performance in GCSE PE practical. Lamin Sesay, Oluseyi Odumade, Joel Atserunboma, Mark Addo-Kessie, Jesse Iyi, Jesse Ohwariovbe & Jonath Osei: For their excellent reading at the Yr 10 prayer service. YEAR 11 Taufiq Laoye: Highest schore in his class on TIL (this week: 914 points). Quentin Okonyia, Adedayo Adetona, Lenny Cole & Nana Frimpong: For an excellent result in their writing papers in MFL. Babatise Okudero: Excellent attitude to English lessons. Fahad Omari, Michael Ogunsanya & Tolu Oladimeji: Excellent result in recent GCSE Geography mock exam. Mueez Oyeneyin: For making good progress and vauable contributions in his Economics lessons. Year 12 Ogechi Ogbonna-Dhave: Highest score in her class on TIL (this week: 4940 points). Kiara Esprit Amoh, Doris Osemwengie, Rachael Ajagun, Janile De-Anii Clottey & Jean-Pierre Egenti: For consistently working very hard in Psychology and doing well in their latest assessment. Chavel Warren: For an impressive start to her studies this term, which has been evident in her classwork and homework tasks. Year 13 Steven Burbano-Carchi: Highest score in his class on TIL (total: 13301 points).

Roll of Honour

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

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

school’s leadership team.

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

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