St Thomas Aquinas Open Evening 2012

Open Evening 2012 was set to be our best ever and it did not disappoint. Hundreds of families turned up to find out more about our school and they certainly left with an understanding of why Ofsted judged us to be Outstanding in September 2011.

The evening began with a presentation in the main hall, which included a solo flute performance of "Danny Boy" by one of our very talented Year 10 musicians. This was followed by our wonderful choir who sang the Gary Barlow Jubilee song "Sing". It was a great start to the evening and really set the tone for what was to follow. The parents and children listened to the headteacher, Mr Jim Foley, talk about why St Thomas Aquinas is such a great choice and then went around the building to discover this for themselves. Hundreds of our students, dressed in perfect uniform, were guiding the parents around or discussing their learning in one of our ten faculties.

As ever the Technology Faculty was a hive of activity with key rings being personalised and produced on our laser cutter, masks being made in Art and the ever popular chocolate fountain in Food Technology (made much healthier with the introduction of fruit!). In English the children and parents were treated to a performance of Oliver Twist which our Year 7 students are currently studying.

The fun continued in the Humanities Faculty with anyone daring to make it up the D staircase being met by "The History Mob". It was a journey back through history to a time of prohibition, mobsters and the Great Depression. Meanwhile the Geography Department showed off some of the great work completed by our students in June on the Olympics.

The PE Faculty demonstrated some of the amazing talents of our students with footballers, gymnasts and a whole host of fitness experts. The fun and games continued in ICT and Business with a variety of quizzes and in Science the children really were spoilt for choice with over twenty experiments to choose from including the ever popular "Jelly Bean Explosion!". It really was a great evening and it is easy to see why the evaluations were so positive. Please watch the video below to give you a sense of just what a great night it was.

Mr J. Baker
Teaching and Learning Manager

Comments from Parents

Very impressive throughout. Very exciting to think that my child may be part of it.

The pupils were polite, friendly and helpful. A credit to your school.

Our guide Michael was an excellent ambassador for the school. Very helpful. All the pupils and teachers were very informative.

It’s interesting to see how subjects change every time I attend these Open Evenings. (This is for my third child). He has really enjoyed exploring the different subjects, especially Science.

Fab evening well worth visiting and an inspiring Headteacher’s talk.

Staff very helpful lots and lots of activities etc. Found the surroundings real fun! I think my son will be happy to come here next September. Thank you!

Absolutely amazing, so impressed, full of opportunities, full of experiences, superb. Definitely where I would like to send my daughter. Thank you.

We were taken around the school by Gemma who was fabulous and very patient with us!

My daughter had a fantastic time trying all the many different experiences in each faculty. Everyone was very helpful and answered our questions readily. Harri Mai was a fab guide. The choir were fantastic. Phoebe and Judith – Year 8 Drama clowns made us laugh.

Excellent Open Evening, very well planned and informative to students and parents.

Very impressed. Our tour guide was great and showed us round everything, well done Ryan. Very helpful, polite and easy going lad.

Absolutely fab – very informative. Thank you.

Had a very nice evening. Musicians and singers brilliant!

Excellent evening. My child is looking forward to starting with you. God bless.

Our guide Ursula was excellent! Fantastic atmosphere!

Daniel thinks he would like to come to this school and had a very positive experience at The Open Evening. Happy, friendly pupils.

Improves every time we come (third child now!)

Our tour guide Lauren was very good!

Fantastic learning environment. Positive, accommodating pupils and members of staff.

Catherine was an excellent guide. Thank you.

Awesome. Very informative.

Year 11 Phoebe was fab – she answered all the questions in depth and deserves special praise!

Lovely school, we were shown round by Alice who is a wonderful ambassador for your school.

Josie was a marvel and well mannered pupil. Josie attended to all of our requests, she is an ambassador for your school.

George was a fantastic guide – very informative and attentive. Thank you. Enjoyable engaging activities.

Best ever Open Evening I’ve attended (and I’ve got 4 children! This is the last!) Pupils are confident and proud of their school. The guide was lovely and had excellent manners. Well done Sean! Thank you.

Samuel was our guide – a real credit to the school. We thoroughly enjoyed our evening. Thank you. J

Excellent evening, my child really enjoyed having a go at all the activities. All the staff were very enthusiastic and helpful.

We had not seriously considered Aquinas, but were impressed by what we saw and especially by our guide Ella who was extremely friendly, courteous and helpful.

Our guide Katie Year 10 greeted us and secondly showed us everything! Very pleased with school and Katie was excellent!

Shaun our guide was amazing he showed us around and explained everything. Well done.

Looking forward to Year 7!

Excellent atmosphere! Really helpful students! Thank you.

Loads to do – great evening well done. Musicians and Choir excellent.

My daughter loved the school and activities, very welcoming. Our guide Jennifer was very helpful and knowledgeable.

Katie in Sixth Form was helpful, knowledgeable and well behaved. Angel loved the school and is definitely coming to St. Thomas Aquinas.

An excellent evening. Cameron our guide was very good. He knew what he was talking about. This will be my fourth child hopefully attending St. Thomas Aquinas.