On Wednesday afternoon our previously undefeated team travelled to Washwood Heath School for the semi-final of the most prestigious cup in local schools football, the Aston Villa Cup. Our opponents yet again were to be Bishop Challenor a team that is always well organised and determined to succeed.

The first half was goalless although Tommies had the better of the game. Good opportunities were created but our front players were hesitant in front of goal.

The second half saw us play with the slope and wind and although we were again well on top, there was a risk of being caught on the counter attack. However, the goal eventually came and it was this good finish from Dale Kenny that was to be the only goal of the match.

Particularly outstanding for us were our captain Jack McGinn and the ever improving Lewis Johnson.

The final is traditionally played at Villa Park but that has to be at the generosity of the club. The date has yet to be announced but is likely to be at the end of May. Tudor Grange School from Solihull will be the opposition in the final.

A big thank you to all the staff and parents who gave their support.

Never having played 7-a-side rugby competitively before, it was always going to be a tough challenge for our year 10 team which was also supplemented by four year 9's. Arriving at King Edward's Aston, the challenge grew even larger as we discovered that the other teams in the tournament were all rugby-playing grammar schools.

The gap in experience was made clear in the first match against the eventual easy winners, King Edward's Aston; the heavy defeat was a great lesson. The team showed great spirit and an ability to bounce back and win the second match against Queen Mary's Walsall. This took the team into a play off for 3^rd place against Fairfax. Despite a great match, in which we showed great commitment and a vast improvement from out fist match, tiredness took over in the last two minutes and we ended up in a highly creditable 4^th place overall.

Well done to all the lads involved - Daniel Cushing, Layton Bartlam, Tom Dacre, Kieron Haines, Matthew Hodges, Phill Cadogen, Pierce Butler, Jack Molloy, Ejiro Orhorhoro, Tre'rail Peters, Ben Love and Reece Chapman.

Daniel Cushing (Captain)

Throughout the last 5 weeks, the year 10 girls' football team have played some outstanding football at Colmer's astro turf pitches in Rubery. We have had some fantastic results with the girls being undefeated until the last week where they unfortunately lost 1-0 to Bartley Green. However, we must give credit to them as all other matches were won. Lauren Wilson, the captain, stayed calm and collected in defence and with outstanding control on the ball kept pressure on the opposition's attack. Shardai Gaye in midfield supplied the forwards with some accurate overhead passes. Grace Grandon, the sharp shooter had fantastic ball control and found it easy to place the ball in the back of the net. Our top goal scorer Hayley Hunter, who played alongside Grace, also shot some quality goals. Let's not forget our brilliant goalies Zoe Gregory and Maddie Smith who made some smashing saves. Thanks to Sian Peal who stepped in at last minute when she was needed, and also a big thanks to Miss Jordan and Mr Smylie for committing themselves to taking us every Tuesday.

78 year 8 pupils visited Alton Castle from 1-3 March. The Retreat Centre is owned and run by the Archdiocese of Birmingham and has over 7000 children visiting every year.

On the first evening, the pupils were put into groups and took part in team building exercises and were given a tour of the historic castle.

During the course of the retreat, all pupils took part in 3 activities which included trekking, survival skills, wall climbing, the adventure course and crate stacking. At some point during all the activities, there was a break and the children were all asked to meditate and reflect on what they were doing. The pupils were encouraged to look for "God in all things". For example, when have you had to show real courage and overcome an obstacle like a vertical wall? Or during the walk in the woods, where have you seen God?

Everyone (including teachers) took part in the range of activities and they all showed great enthusiasm and energy. As a result, huge appetites were built up and meal times were eagerly anticipated.

Each day was finished with prayer in small groups. With music and candles setting the atmosphere, often pupils really opened up and prayed for things dearest to them. The final evening Mass was a real celebration and the highlight of the retreat; it was a truly spiritual occasion and the children responded with respect and enthusiasm, especially during the hymns.

The Mass was followed by an entertainments evening, when the children took part in a talent show and a disco, which both pupils and staff clearly enjoyed.

A big thank you to all the staff who accompanied the pupils on the trip -, Mr Flood, Anne-Marie, Miss Kavanagh, Miss Radinez, Mrs Ulmkalms, Mr Rowlands and Mr Saunderson.

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