THE ST.THOMAS THE APOSTLE COLLEGE

Achieving Excellence With Care

NEWSLETTER

Friday 16^th July 2010

Headmaster’s Report

This is the final newsletter of the year. I will write more formally before September to inform you of changes and to remind you of our expectations for the New Year. We finish this year with a renewed determination to succeed. We have all worked hard and, with your support, we have shown yet again that we have a wonderful spirit of prayer and a deep sense of respect for the unique nature of each individual. I know that we will never lose this. We are aware that there are areas that need particular attention. We have already put plans in place for this and have begun working to ensure we return with a clear vision for improvement. We will return in September to the beginnings of the new building. It is an exciting time but will provide many challenges. Let me assure you that effective learning will continue on this site. The boys will not lose out. I want to thank all of you and the boys, not just for the support, but also for the overwhelming confidence you have shown in us. On your behalf, I would like to thank the staff for their work throughout the year. Whatever you do in the summer, I hope you are able to find time to relax and recharge the batteries. God Bless to you all.

 Associate Headmaster

Forthcoming Events

• New Intake Parents Evening – Monday 19^th July at 7 p.m.
• International Non Uniform Day – Tuesday 20^th July.
• Summer Concert – Wednesday 21^st July at 7 p.m.
• New Intake 2010 – There are a small number of places left.  If you know of anybody who would like to apply please contact the College.

Assistant Headmaster          Mr Smart

The new Commendation initiative has been a great success.  Congratulations to all those who have won.

Philosophy             Mr McDermott

A number of Year 10 pupils have been attending Philosophy workshops organised by the Southwark Schools Learning Partnership at Alleyn’s School this term. At the last workshop, 'There's More to Seeing Than Meets the Eye' they discussed the theory of Direct realism, also known as naïve realism or common sense realism, this is a theory of perception that claims that the senses provide us with direct awareness of the external world.

The pupils enjoyed the challenging presentation and discussion. They demonstrated a high degree of understanding and sophisticated debating skills. The pupils were outstanding in the company of JAGs, Dulwich College and Alleyn’s School.

The pupils included: Tyler Robinson, Patrick Chin, Bambo Odugbesi, Dayo Maleek, Tobi Obasi, George Toohy,

Joseph Oseyemi, Luke Dubey, James Ekeocha.  Try some of the optical illusions on http://www.michaelbach.de/ot/ and wonder!

Year 10                   Mr White              

As the year draws to a close I want to thank all parents and carers for their unwaivered support. It is rare to talk to a parent who does not want the same for the student as we do.

The yr 10's do have some final exams next week. This will set them for next year, and help facilitate the controlled testing that all GCSE level exams now require. All media students have for example, during this week, gone a long way to completing the coursework aspect of their file.

Three year 10's, George Toohey, Alasan Kabia and Naeem Gabriel have been performing at the young Vic along side Harris Academy, Lewisham College and St.Saviour's and St.Olave's. It was a great success and very well received. Well done to all involved.

Finally I hope everyone has a great summer. Next year is the defining year for your's, our young men.   The boys will be able to come in on August 24th, from 11.30am to collect their GCSE results from this year. Gulp!!

Gifted and Talented              Ms Asirelli

Congratulations to three boys, who got awarded a place on a Documentary course which will take place over the summer holidays. They will be given the chance to research, present, film and edit their own short documentaries. They will learn how to prepare and conduct live interviews. This project will run from 26th to 30th July from 9.30 to 3.30 at the City Learning Centre.

Christopher Uyiekpen          8A           Akinbunmi Bamgoye           7A           Sean Leech             7A

Inter-House Cup Competition            Mrs Dickinson

The house standings are currently changing on a daily basis as the credits and commendation information continues to be sent in by your teachers. At the time of the newsletter the standings are as follows:

Inter-House Scores   

                    Griffith      Gunstone      Rigby     Jones

Total Points    5271           4112           5002      3521

Position           1st              3rd             2nd        4^th

Congratulations to Jones House for an excellent performance at both Sports Day and The Swimming Gala earning themselves both of these annual trophies!  Remember these are not the final Cup scores there is data still being added daily and it is a very close competition!

MFL - French      - Mr Molloy

Year 7 boys are taking part in a study about primary school languages. The aim of the study is to improve links between the college and its feeder primary schools.

The college will be piloting a national vocational qualification in French in September. It will be teaching boys how to use the language in the work place.

Italian - the department will be introducing Italian in year 7 in September for the first time. This is an exciting venture and Ms Asirelli is looking forward to the prospect. Ciao!

Music Department                Mr Morgan

Southwark Splash

Congratulations to all those boys who took part in the Southwark Splash at the Royal Festival Hall on Wednesday 30th June. It was a wonderful occasion combining music, science, drama and design. Many thanks to Miss Howe for all her hard work preparing the boys.

Instrumental Exams

Congratulations to the following for their recent ABRSM exam success: Samuel Imie(7A) & Ryan Germaine(7.2)(Grade 1 Clarinet), Dominic Canning(8.1)(Grade 4 Piano) Albert Nguyen(9&)(Grade 5 Trumpet), Akil Benjamin(11A2)(Grade 6 Trumpet), Tyrell Williams(11A1)(Grade 4 Jazz Piano) and pride of place to Joshua Adu(7A) with his distinction in Grade 1 Piano!

Reminder to all those boys taking their Trinity Guildhall exams next Thursday(22nd July) to put in that extra bit of practice this week in order to achieve the results they are hoping for.

Summer Concert  

Reminder to all boys involved to attend rehearsals at correct times and with correct equipment and return any outstanding reply slips by Monday 19th July

Learning Support Mrs Emirali

The TESCO scheme has now finished.  If you have any at home please bring them in.  We have until the beginning of July to send them in. We are collecting vouchers to get computer software for the department.

Your son's can pass on to any member of the learning support department or at reception.  The more vouchers we get the better the software.  So please collect for us.

Sainsbury’s Vouchers 

The College is now collecting Sainsbury’s vouchers.  If you shop at Sainsbury’s can you please collect the vouchers and bring them into the office. 

P.E.Department  Mr Morton

JONES HOUSE DOUBLE CHAMPIONS!

Congratulations to JONES House on winning "the double". Jones won the Swimming Gala for the 8th time, (more times than any other house), to add to their Sports Day trophy which they won at Crystal Palace last week.

Well done to Mr Scafe and all the Jones competitors. 

Southwark Caribb Youth Football & Sports Academy Charter Standard Community Club

We are looking to recruit volunteers on Saturday’s between 12 – 2 p.m.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for Southwark Caribb please phone the Southwark Caribb Club line on 020 7732 4593 or 07931592558.  Our Training takes place at Peckham Rye Park, Homestall Road every Saturday between 12 – 2 p.m. (U9’s–U21’s)

 TERM ENDS NEXT FRIDAY 23^RD JULY AT 1.30 P.M.

 AUTUMN TERM BEGINS FOR YEARS 8 AND 9 ON WEDNESDAY 8^TH SEPTEMBER.

AND

FOR YEARS 10 AND 11 ON THURSDAY 9^TH SEPTEMBER