News
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Tuesday 9 June 2026 Policing, Criminology and Law at Birmingham Newman University
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Friday 5 June 2026 Year 13 Mass and Celebration Last Friday we celebrated our Year 13 Leaver's Mass, and what a special occasion it was! The largest Year 13 cohort we have had in many years at St Thomas Aquinas came together to wish each other well, and mark the end of two years (and in most cases, seven years) as the Class of 2026. After coming together for some group photos, Fr Srinu celebrated Mass, dedicated to our friend and classmate Jake Timmis. After some words from staff, we watched a video showing how our students have grown and flourished since their induction day back in 2019. Afterwards we retreated to the Quad for pizza, wedges and lots of cake, remembering times shared. So, Year 13: thank you for the memories, the laughs, the madness and the friendships. Thank you for growing alongside one another, for being each other's support and competition, for letting me be 'so cringe', and for making me a much more patient and tolerant person. You are a handprint on my heart. Good luck & God bless.Maria Lavelle Head of
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Friday 24 April 2026 Year 12 Trip to Birmingham University - String Theory Just before Easter some of our year 12 Physics were lucky enough to take part in a trip to Birmingham University to see a lecture on the exciting branch of Physics known as ‘String theory'. The pupils were able to experience university life by not only watching a lecture but also able to taste culinary delights the university had to offer. The students were also told what could await them if they decided to join the Maths department at Birmingham.
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Wednesday 22 April 2026 UOB Discovery Day This week our Year 12 students got to experience workshops and lectures in world class setting. After seeing ‘Old Joe' the worlds tallest freestanding clock tower, they were separated into various subject sessions.
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Wednesday 22 April 2026 Year 12 Geography Fieldwork in Bournville and Selly Oak On Wednesday 22nd April, the Year 12 Geography class visited the Bournville and Selly Oak areas to begin developing their data collection and fieldwork skills in preparation for an independent geographical enquiry. The students carried out a variety of surveys, a people count, questionnaire and other data collection sheets designed by themselves in the classroom. They explored the effectiveness of these methods and studied how Bournville, as a place, reflects both continuity and change. I know this work will result in an outstanding piece of coursework when we get back to the classroom.
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Friday 27 February 2026 What Uni, What Career Live On Friday 27th February, Year 12 students visited the 'What Career What Uni?' event at the NEC, exploring their post 18 options. Students engaged with a wide range of different providers, including universities, apprenticeships and employers, and also participated in specialist talks to help them prepare effectively for their future destinations. Students were a credit to the Sixth Form and many thanks go to Mrs Lavin for organising the event, and to Mrs Cranage and Miss Turner for their support on the day.
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Friday 23 January 2026 UCAS Applications Year 13 students have been working hard on their UCAS applications, 75 applications have been submitted so far, and between them already 109 conditional offers or invitations received, including:1 from Warwick University,3 from University of Nottingham,10 from University of Manchester,2 from University of Liverpool,2 from University of Leeds,4 from University of Bristol,1 from Edinburgh University,1 from University of Bath,1 from Loughborough University,3 from University of Birmingham,... and another 77 offers from everywhere between Stirling and Southampton, for courses ranging from Artificial Intelligence to Virology, and everything in-between!
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Friday 12 December 2025 VIP Festive Afternoon Tea On Wednesday we invited members of our local community to join us for a festive afternoon tea, hosted by our Sixth Form students. Under the guidance of Mrs McGinley, Miss Doyle and Mrs Fluke, they made cakes, scones, sandwiches, sausage rolls and even smoked salmon bellinis! Our special guests were also treated to a round of Bingo, hosted by Sophie & Shojas in year 13; and spectacular performances from our Sixth Form vocal group led by Meryll in year 12. A huge 'THANK YOU' to the army of students who baked, cooked, served and entertained our VIPs, and special 'Thanks' to them for coming and being such fantastic guests!
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Monday 8 December 2025 Year 13 Career Ready Graduation Celebration This week our Year 13 Career Ready students 'graduated' from their programme, and we held a celebration event to mark the occasion! Career Ready deliver structured mentoring, workplace visits, masterclasses and even paid internships, as well as access to an alumni network, to increase young people's social mobility and give them a taste of the real world. Our students have benefitted immensely from participating in the programme, growing in maturity, confidence and mastering skills essential for their future work. We are so proud of how far they have come. A huge 'Thank You' to our co-ordinator, Caroline Emery and all the mentors who supported our students.
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Wednesday 12 November 2025 Walk of Witness for Aid to the Church in Need STACS Sixth Formers joined students from Bishop Challoner to take part in a Walk of Witness, raising awareness and funds for Aid to the Church in Need. We began the day with Mass at St. Dunstan's, offered for those around the world who are not free to worship or practise their faith openly.
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Friday 7 November 2025 Speed Networking event with Ahead Partnership Last Friday students in Year 12 took part in a Speed Networking event with Ahead Partnership. Nine different providers of Higher Education and Apprenticeship programmes came in to engage with students in small groups so that they could ask questions about future options. Representatives from Aston University and BCU spoke to groups about finding and applying for university courses, whilst several other companies offering degree apprenticeships in Law, Conveyancing, Finance, Construction, Engineering and even more spoke about the process involved in finding an apprenticeship. Students found the experience beneficial and it has really got them thinking about post -18.
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Wednesday 5 November 2025 Year 13 Career Ready Programme at Kaplan On Wednesday, students in Year 13 who had completed the Career Ready Programme travelled to Birmingham City Centre to Kaplan - a global educational services company that provides training for professional qualifications and apprenticeships, with. specialism in finance and accounting. Students enjoyed a tour of the workspace and gained an insight into the programmes on offer. They learned about the different routes into the industry, as well as working in training for Kaplan. In the workshops our students spent time learning about their own career path, building their profile and gained an insight into degree apprenticeships in finance and accounting. The Career Ready programme has given our young people a great opportunity to face real world experiences with growing confidence. Thank you to our Career Ready link, Caroline who has organised the programme, Mrs Lavin for arranging the day and Mr Nolan for driving us there!
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Tuesday 21 October 2025 Criminology - Real World Insights into Crime and Justice This week, our Criminology students have been bringing their classroom learning to life through two exciting and insightful experiences.
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Friday 17 October 2025 UK University Search Autumn Fair Students in year 12 attended the University Search apprenticeship and university Fair at Edgbaston Stadium on Friday to begin conversations about life after Sixth Form. They spoke to several apprenticeship providers about careers in law, media, conveyancing, the police and armed services. They also spoke to many universities about degree courses in all sorts of subjects. They came out with tote bags filled with pens, stickers, water bottles, bucket hats and even a few hoodies - and hopefully picked up lots of ideas about next steps. Thanks to Mrs Cranage and Mrs Farrell for supporting these students.
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Friday 3 October 2025 Sixth Formers supporting Reading at STACS Mr Ridgeway asked some of our wonderful Sixth Formers if they would like to support some of our year 8 students with their reading, and they were happy to oblige! As the new term begins Year 12 and 13 students will be helping with Accelerated Reader classes, guiding them through texts, whilst gaining additional life skills themselves. This is what 'Service' looks like at STACS!
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Friday 26 September 2025 Ahead Partnership Launch The Inspiring Futures Programme from Ahead Partnership was launched today for Year 12 students. A careers panel of 5 Professionals from SCC, Intercity and Aston University shared their career journeys and insights into their industries. A series of events will follow, building aspiration and guiding our students' next steps. This is a fantastic opportunity for year 12 to offer real-world experience of work and university life. A Huge thanks to Ahead Partnership, who motivated and engaged our students. We are looking forward to working together again.
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Friday 26 September 2025 Year 13 Criminology Visit On Tuesday, Year 13 Criminology students received a visit from a former detective who worked as part of the Homicide Team at West Midlands Police. Moira shared her experiences as a detective, including how the Police investigate murders, securing evidence from the crime scene through to the court trial. Students were able to see how the concepts that they had been studying in the classroom are put into practice in reality, which will support their studies. Thank you for a fascinating insight into the Criminal Justice System.
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Friday 13 June 2025 Year 13 Leavers Mass and BBQ - June 2025 Our Year 13 Leavers’ Mass and BBQ was a truly joyful occasion, bringing together students, staff, and families to celebrate the end of a remarkable journey. After a demanding term of revision and final exams, it was a chance to pause, reflect, and give thanks.
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Friday 31 January 2025 Adam represents GB in Italy! Adam (Year 12) has been in competitive skiing for several years and is going from strength to strength. In January, he represented GB in Italy and he not only improved day by day and got personal bests every day against much older men in the race, he also came away with multiple podiums from various different categories, and several in first place. Adam has now met the qualifying criteria for selection for the Youth Olympics! Well done Adam - your dedication to your sport is so inspiring!
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Wednesday 18 December 2024 Sixth Form Spirit Week We’re halfway through Sixth Form Spirit Week and today the theme was Matching Day where students dressed to match their friends. We had plenty of characters from Dispicable Me, including lots of Minions, Gru, Vector, Agnes, Edith & Margot. We also had Daphne and Velma from Scooby Doo, and video game characters Fireboy and Watergirl! Tomorrow is ‘Future Me’ day so we’re excited to see what outfits appear!
