St Mary’s Newsletter Summer 2016

The cover photos are taken from a selection of articles inside this newsletter

St Mar y’s Catholic School

International School Award 2010-2013 As another school-year draws to an students’ achievements over the Edinburgh, Oxford and Cambridge. end, I am delighted to be able to last academic year. I hope that you enjoy reading about introduce the Summer 2016 all these exciting activities. We had an excellent summer music newsletter. Students from across all concert with outstanding perform - Finally, my immense thanks go to the year-groups have continued to ances from singers and musicians, our incredible members of staff who throw themselves into the life of the as well as from the school’s choirs, provided our students with superb school over the last term and they orchestra and various bands. We support over the course of the last have made an outstanding have also enjoyed two fantastic term during the exam season. Our contribution in so many different Year 6 transition days – when we students worked very hard and areas. I hope that you enjoy reading welcomed the new Year 7 students deserve great success in the about some of their experiences who will join St Mary’s in September summer when results are published. and adventures. – and celebrated all the achieve Well done to every one of them for As we go to press, a busy couple of ments of our Year 11 students at their efforts. Thanks also go to all weeks of end-of-year activities are their truly memorable prom. parents, governors and friends of coming to a close. We have had Everyone is now looking forward to St Mary’s for your continued four excellent celebration events in Sports Day, Activities Day, the Year support of the school. It is really school for our Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 13 Prom, International Day and the appreciated. students. It was a pleasure for me end-of-year mass, which are all I hope that everyone has a to present certificates to students taking place during the last week wonderful, peaceful and enjoyable for academic progress and of term. summer break. attainment, as well as for their Students have travelled far and contributions to the sporting, wide this term, and have made very Emma Patterson musical, spiritual and wider life of successful trips to Paris, Normandy Deputy Headteacher the school. The celebration for Year and Taizé in France, enjoyed a July 2016 9 students took place in the cultural visit to Barcelona in Spain, evening, as it marked the end of a and left for an expedition to the key stage for them, and it was Philippines. There have also been absolutely wonderful to be joined by visits closer to home, including trips the students and their families and to Holy Island, North Yorkshire, the friends, as well as by many staff Emmaus Youth Village in Consett, from our school. These events the Northumberland National Park, marked the culmination of the

A small number of this year’s prize-winners with their awards

2 SIXTH A-Level Drama Students FORM Question Leading Actress

A-Level Drama students recently had the opportunity to take part in a question-and-answer session with professional actress Amanda Drew. The timing was brilliant as the students were preparing for their performance exam and the many tips that they received for learning lines, developing characters, and preventing or over - coming stage-fright were invaluable. The students enjoyed the experience so much that they all bought tickets to see Amanda perform in The Father at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle the following evening. After the show, they were privileged to be invited backstage by Amanda who introduced them to Olivier Award-winning actor, Kenneth Cranham. As well as requesting autographs, the students also made the most of this opportunity to ask in-depth questions about the production. Miss Stearman Amanda Drew at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle with three of the students

A Year Spent Learning YEAR YEAR SIXTH The 10 11 FORM Russian Language at a beginner’s which was a great experience.” level in September and have all Rachael Young: “In May, our Russian made fantastic progress. As well as class went to see a modernised focusing on the language, they have version of Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan also incorporated as many cultural Lake at the Theatre Royal. It was a elements as possible. Three of the new experience for many of the students wanted to share their students and it offered an excellent experiences from the year. insight into both past and present Conrad Bell: “I would recommend Russian culture.” taking Russian at GCSE because it Robert Hill: “Earlier this year, we is quite an unusual language which celebrated the Russian festival of can set you apart from others. You Maslenitsa. This is the equivalent of also get the opportunity to learn Pancake Day, but it lasts a week. about the amazing culture of . GCSE and A-Level Russian students During the lesson, we learnt the ahead of seeing Swan Lake For example, instead of a Pancake vocabulary for ordering pancakes Day, they have a Pancake Week. My It has been an exciting and busy and tried lots of different toppings class also had the chance to go to year for the Russian students at St on our blini.” the Theatre Royal to see Swan Lake Mary’s. Year 10 students started Miss Lamb

3 YEAR YEAR SIXTH 7 8 FORM Drama Club Success

The Drama Club has been a major success in the Performing Arts Department this year. Each week, fifty enthusiastic and very talented students from Years 7 and 8 have attended sessions which have given them the opportunity to work towards acting – often for the first time – in front of a live audience. Lauren Hastie, Katie Middleton and Ellie Brown of Year 13 assumed directorial responsibilities and did a fantastic job in helping the younger students to prepare and perform a series of plays during May. These productions were well-attended and showcased the amazing talent that we have at St Mary’s. In addition to their own performances, Members of the Drama Club enjoy a break from rehearsals members of the Drama Club enjoyed a visit to the Theatre Royal in Newcastle during Drama lessons and therefore very well and they all agreed that the to see a production of Goodnight really appreciated seeing the story trip to the theatre was excellent and Mister Tom . The Year 7 students brought to life on the stage. As always, memorable. already study Michelle Magorian’s novel our students represented St Mary’s Miss Stearman YEAR Young Scientists Lead The Way 9 A team of enthusiastic Year 9 scientists has been working on an exciting project with the help of Dr Jankowski since January. The Leading Edge project encourages young people with an interest in science to develop their skills and talents in the subject. This involves working in close collabora - tion with leading local academics in some cutting-edge scientific research. The six students – Rory Bell, Matthew Brown, Anna Gallagher, Sam Jankowski, Tim Jones and Emilia Keavney – have been working with Professor Fiona Oakley and Dr Lee Borthwick from the Fibrosis In the laboratory with Rory, Emilia, Matthew, Anna, Sam and Tim Research Department of Newcastle University’s Medical School. The laboratory, the students handled a lot to visit the Science and Natural students have researched the viability of up-to-date equipment with confi - History Museums and the prestigious of a new and exciting model for dence and skill. Royal Society. This was the culmination of several months of drug-testing to be used in the The students were also recently scientific research. treatment of liver and lung diseases. rewarded with a day-trip to London During their work in the research Dr Jankowski

4 SIXTH RE Visit To Holy Island FORM At the end of June, Year 12 students studying Philosophy and Ethics and the NOCN vocational course enjoyed a day on Holy Island. They visited Lindisfarne Priory, the central seat of religious power in the North of England over a millennium ago, and gained a sense of why St Cuthbert found this to be such a sacred place where anyone could undertake deep spiritual reflection. The students then went on a walk around Lindisfarne Castle, a much later addition to the island and a key fortification for the Tudors. The Year 12s really enjoyed having the space for some contemplation and the time to consider where they are heading in the future. Maxwell Mak summed up the experience very well when he said that “Holy Island is a beautiful and tranquil place.” Mrs Conway and the Year 12 students on Holy Island However, everyone agreed that a main highlight of the day was the Conway scored a hat-trick to seal Mrs Conway, Mr Donnelly and football match during which Mrs the fate of Mr Donnelly’s team. Mr O’Connell

YEAR Graphic Products Young SIXTH 10 Trip To Northumbria Writers FORM

Earlier this term, seventeen Year 10 were able to develop their awareness Graphic Products students visited of what it takes to complete a high- On Retreat Northumbria University to see the quality degree in a design discipline. Three A-Level English Language ‘Reveal’ graduate show. This event They also left with a wealth of inspira - students – Sophie Beadling, Alberto showcased examples of final-year tion and ideas to help them as they Castillo and Lakha Singh – recently degree work and covered all the begin to cover the design elements of design disciplines that are taught by their GCSE coursework. stayed at a pirate-themed youth hostel at Boggle Hole, near Whitby, to take the university. The Year 10 students Mrs Clark-Hall part in a literary retreat. The Year 12s explored the art of storytelling through a range of workshops that covered such things as characterisation and narrative-structure.

By the end of their stay, Sophie, Alberto and Lakha were suitably inspired by the landscape of the North Yorkshire coast and had each written a short story to submit as coursework. Mrs Clough Year 10 Graphic Products students at Northumbria University

5 A Musical Year At St Mar y’s The end of the academic year gives John Rutter’s ‘The Lord Bless You involvement in the school’s Maundy us the opportunity to look back at and Keep You’. As has become Thursday reflections and in the Good the many music-related events that tradition, ‘The Last Post’ was played Shepherd Mass at St Mary’s our students have taken part in since at the end of a period of silence. The Cathedral. last September. It has been a very trumpet-player was Euan Restall of Even now, at the end of the year, our busy, but very rewarding time. Year 12. work is not done. The annual In October, a choir of sixty students The autumn term ended with the Summer Showcase of Talent and performed at the launch of the John annual Christmas concert and carol end-of-year mass are on the horizon Paul II Award at St Mary’s Cathedral services. The concert was a real and will provide further opportunities in Newcastle. Led by Mr Richardson musical success, providing the for our talented ensembles and on piano, and accompanied by opportunity for the school’s soloists to perform a wide variety of students on African Djembe drums, ensembles, groups and selected music. Slots in the programme for the singers gave a stirring rendition soloists to perform a range of festive the concert are becoming highly of the ‘African Alleluia’. Presiding favourites in front of a sell-out – and sought-after as we see more of our over the event were the Papal very appreciative – audience. students developing their God-given , His Most Reverend talents. It is wonderful to see so At the start of the year, the Music Antonio Mennini, and many of our students engaging in Department contributed to a Bishop Seamus Cunningham. This music-making of all kinds and we poignant event that was held on event ended with a reception at the continue to develop our programme Holocaust Memorial Day when the Old Assembly Rooms where those of extra-curricular activities to chamber choir sang ‘Bridge Over students who had either performed support them. Troubled Water’. It also played an or were working towards the award active role in the school’s production Finally, a huge thank you goes out to were warmly congratulated by both of The Lion King with an in-house everyone – students and staff – who His Excellency and Bishop Seamus. band of students and staff providing have contributed to this year’s In November, the school marked live, high-quality music during all the programme of events. Congratula- Remembrance Day by holding a performances. tions to you all on your wonderful whole-school gathering in the Atrium. achievements and excellent music- Moving on towards Easter, the choir During the service, the chamber making. was kept very busy through its choir beautifully and movingly sang Mr Richardson

Mr Richardson and the choir at St Mary’s Cathedral last October

6 YEAR Spelling Bee Competition 7 At the beginning of morning of the day of the event and July, Mehek Hathiramani and reached Cambridge with time to spare Aleksandar Vuletic – both of Year 7 – for a quick tour of the city. There was competed in the final of the Spanish even time before lunch for a walk Spelling Bee Competition. Organised around the stunning grounds of by Routes Into Languages, this event Christ’s College which was founded in was held in Cambridge at Anglia 1505 by Lady Margaret Beaufort, the Ruskin University. Four other Year 7 mother of Henry VII. students – Helen Biwer, Daniel Hall, Over 75,000 students from across the Lauren Herbert and Bobby Ramsey – country competed in the regional heats also attended the competition to of the Spelling Bee and we were support Mehek and Aleks. extremely proud that Mehek and Aleks At Anglia Ruskin University The party of six students and two staff were among only one hundred left Newcastle by train early in the youngsters to qualify for the finals. In Everyone on the trip agreed that they the competition itself, Mehek and Aleks had had an exciting and fun-filled day. each had one minute to pronounce The work now begins on preparing and spell as many Spanish words as students for the Translation Bee possible. They also had to do this Competition that will be held next year. standing in front of two judges and Miss Largue hundreds of spectators. Mehek and Aleks did extremely well and, not unnerved by the occasion, both spoke with accuracy and confidence and were fantastic representatives of St Mary’s.

At Christ’s College, Cambridge

YEAR Languages Club Think Physics Languages Club has had another 10 Since January, a very successful term. Students thirty-strong group have continued to meet on of Year 10 students has been Thursday lunchtimes to broaden involved in a series of physics- their knowledge of different related workshops. James Brown, cultures and the world around of the Think Physics team at them. The two most popular Northumbria University, has been topics this term have been visiting St Mary’s and organising Ramadan and the Cannes Film themed activities for the students. Festival. These sessions have covered a careers in STEM. The students will Many students have also valued range of subjects: the scale of the also soon spend an afternoon at being given the chance to learn Solar System and the maths Northumbria University with James sign language thanks to our visit - involved in measuring distances and the Think Physics team to learn ing expert Mrs Bell. This has been across space; the composition of how to apply a programming- a really enjoyable experience and stars; the International Space language called Arduino in a real- has given the students an insight Station and the British astronaut life situation. into the importance of different Tim Peake’s experiences; and Mr Elliott forms of communication. Miss Mullan

7 YEAR Big Bang Fair Success Mother YEAR 9 10 Seven Year 10 girls – took this to the event at the end of Tongue, Anni Glen-Findlay, June and explained their project to Polina Kirkevich, Eleanor Mundy, other students, industrialists, visitors Other Tongue… Rose Nicholson, Erin Pennock, and members of the judging-panel. Christianne Salvatierra and Rachael Earlier this year, a group of Year 9 After a long day of talking, demon - Young – have competed this term strating and explaining, the girls students visited Newcastle University with forty other schools in this year’s were rewarded with the ‘People’s to attend Routes Into Languages’ Big Bang Fair at Northumbria Award’. After spending many weeks Mother Tongue, Other Tongue event. University. researching, testing and building The day itself formed part of the launch Under the supervision of Mr Elliott their project, this was a highly of a national multi-lingual poetry and Mr Turnbull, the students deserved achievement. competition. This was created by constructed a working-model of a Mr Elliott and Mr Turnbull Routes Into Languages to celebrate hydroelectric power plant. They cultural diversity and the many languages that are currently spoken in secondary schools.

During the day, our talented linguists took part in a series of language- learning workshops which included an introduction to Lithuanian. As well as learning new languages from native speakers, the Year 9s also had an opportunity to be creative and write some poetry of their own in French or in Spanish. They were then given the chance to enter their pieces into the national Mother Tongue, Other Tongue competition.

All in all, everyone enjoyed an exciting, jam-packed day of cultural and The winning team with Mr Elliott and Mr Turnbull linguistic activities. Miss Oliver

SIXTH Chemistry FORM Outreach Day

The current Year 12 Chemistry The skills that the students acquired students recently spent a full day at during this session will be invaluable Newcastle University’s Chemistry during their preparations for next Outreach laboratory where they all summer’s exams. They will also be successfully prepared and purified a able to include the results in their sample of 3-nitromethyl benzoate. practical endorsement which is In fact, all the students achieved a awarded alongside the new A-Level purity in excess of 99% which is specification. remarkable. Dr Jankowski

8 Mary’s Mercy

Welcome Plans For End- A Prayer For We would like to wish you a very Of-Year Mass warm welcome to the second The Summer instalment of ‘Mary’s Mercy’. This As we go to print, preparations are section of the newsletter shares with Creator of all, thank you for underway for the annual end-of-year you the details of a variety of events the summer. mass. The theme this year is ‘Rest In God’s Mercy’. This invites us to think – all of which support the Catholic life Thank you for the warmth of the about not only how we rest, but also of the school – in which our students sun and the increased daylight. how we find time and space to listen have participated. Thank you for the beauty I see to and to reflect on the presence of all around me and for the This term has been very busy with God in our lives and the world. opportunity to organising the Good Shepherd Mass, Furthermore, it provides an opportunity be outside and enjoy finalising a trip to Taizé, and for everyone in school to open them - Your creation. completing the John Paul II Award. selves up to the mercy and love of Thank you for the increased The enthusiasm of our students, and God. time I have to be with my their willingness to be involved and to friends and family, During the final week of term, students make a difference to others, is and for the more casual pace of will be invited to take part in three fantastic to see. We would like to the summer season. different workshops to prepare them take this opportunity to thank all of for the mass. They will also have the them for their commitment in this Draw me closer to You this opportunity to help create a ‘sofa of area of school-life. summer. rest’ and to make some rosary beads We do hope that you enjoy reading Teach me how I can pray no that will be given out as gifts. The ‘Mary’s Mercy’ and finding out more matter where I am or what I beads will help our community to pray of what has been happening at St am doing. for and to spread God’s mercy in the Mary’s. We also wish you all a lovely Warm my soul with the world. summer holiday and look forward to awareness of The mass is always a fantastic welcoming you back in the new Your presence, and light my celebration of the successes of the academic year. path with year and this one will be no exception. Mrs Blackburn and Mrs Race Your Word and Counsel. We wish all those involved in the As I enjoy Your creation, preparations much success and we create in me pray that all our members of staff and John Paul II a pure heart and a hunger and students earn some well-earned rest Award Update a thirst for You. over the summer.

Saint John Paul II famously said to the helping with liturgies, and even doing completing the scheme. Over the young people of the world, “Do not be some cleaning. They have also spent summer, they will all be working on afraid.” Throughout this academic year, time each week volunteering in local their reflective presentations and will fourteen of our Year 12 students have charity-shops, helping at the nearby soon share their experiences with the set aside their own fears and have food-bank and, in the case of one next intake of Year 12s. We are taken part in the new John Paul II student, working for the local Daft As incredibly proud of the work and the Award that is offered by the diocese. A Brush organisation. time that they have given to the John Many of the students have been busy Paul II Award. We look forward to them The students have worked in their parishes selecting music for formally receiving their certificates and tremendously hard and are close to services, designing new websites, medals next March.

9 A Pilgrimage To Taizé In France CAFOD Early in July, Mrs Race and four end-of-day prayers and then many students from Years 11 and 12 – people headed to Oyak, the Young together with a group from Our Lady community’s bar and social area. Leadership and St Bede’s school in Stockton – The prayer-sessions at Taizé were very joined the community of Taizé in Programme different to anything that the group France for a week of prayer and had experienced before. They began A new and exciting initiative has reflection. On arrival, everyone was with simple chants and, after one of been offered to current Year 9 greeted very warmly by Brother Paolo, the monks had read a piece of students. From September, St the monk who is in charge of welcom - Mary’s will take part in the scripture, there was an extended ing English schools. Breakfast was diocesan-wide Young Leadership period of silent reflection. The Programme that is run by taken and then it was time to sessions ended with the brothers CAFOD’s national youth team. It celebrate mass with over two leading prayers for the world before is open to all students regardless thousand other young people who the whole assembly sang more of their religious background. The had travelled from all over the world. chants. aim is to equip young people with skills in leadership, to open their Every day that followed had an identi - Throughout the week, the students eyes politically, to help them cal rhythm. Morning prayers took grew in confidence and quickly made understand the causes of poverty place before breakfast and then small firm friends with people from many and social injustice, and to groups met to discuss pieces of scrip - other countries. Overall, the pilgrimage encourage them to play an active ture. Midday prayers were followed by role in various initiatives in school. was a huge success and everyone lunch and the afternoons were spent Through the programme, they will who took part returned to St Mary’s attending a range of workshops. also become volunteers for feeling renewed and refreshed. CAFOD. Evening meal-times gave way to The students will need to be committed to the programme for a full year and to attend several training-days. These will intro - duce the Year 9s to the work of CAFOD, give them the chance to develop and discuss leadership skills, and explore possible resources to use in assemblies and fundraising campaigns. Each training-day will have its own specific focus and the students will also be given the chance to meet together to discuss what they would like to do. This is a fantastic opportunity for selected students to take the lead in issues that they are passionate about. It will give them a platform to develop a variety of skills whilst enabling them to speak openly to their peers about some major issues. We hope that many of our students will take an active interest in this programme and we wish them a successful and Brother Paolo with Mrs Race and the students from St Mary’s inspiring year.

10 Sixth Form Festival – Hope Unseen

At the end of June, twenty Year 12 Mulcahy gave a very insightful talk on students joined over two hundred the need in our world for both hope other sixth-formers from around the and mercy. He also shared his wealth diocese at the Emmaus Youth of experience working as a mission - Village in Consett for the annual ary in Africa. Afterwards, in what was Diocesan Sixth Form Festival. This a highlight of the day, the students one-day event formed part of the were invited to discuss what they diocesan festival fortnight and was had heard and to share their ideas hosted by the Youth Ministry Team about the concepts of mercy and for the purpose of providing support hope. for people on their journey of faith. The day was both insightful and The specific theme for this year’s thought-provoking for all our get-together was ‘Hope Unseen’. students. They thoroughly enjoyed The day began with some team- the event and are grateful to the YMT building exercises and even some then led in a time of praise and and the Diocesan Education ‘prayerobics’. The students were worship before Father Eamonn Department for organising it.

‘God Camp’ The stay also included plenty of opportunities for the students to In June, sixteen Year 10 students demonstrate their dance, music and braved the cold, the wind and the mud performance skills. They entered to camp for two nights at the annual wholeheartedly into every activity and ‘God Camp’ which was held at the took away a great deal from every Youth Village in Consett. Along with experience. As always, the Youth hundreds of students from other Ministry Team ensured that the stu - secondary schools, they explored the dents enjoyed a fun and lively festival theme of ‘Love Undeserved’ and were whilst encouraging them to find their inspired by two guest-speakers who own way to speak to God. explained how their lives have been Miss Plass changed through God’s mercy. Some of the Year 10s at ‘God Camp’

message the need to reflect on and The Good respond to God’s call – also commemorated the fiftieth Shepherd anniversary of the charity. Mass Held St Mary’s chamber choir provided the music and led the congregation In April, the Good Shepherd Mass in singing. This added greatly to took place at St Mary’s Cathedral what is always an uplifting service in Newcastle. This was a great that provides an excellent opportu - celebration of the fundraising that nity for the Catholic community to had taken place for St Cuthbert’s celebrate as one. We very much Care in the local primary and look forward to next year’s Good Shepherd Mass. secondary schools this year. The St Mary’s chamber choir at the Good mass – which took as its main Shepherd Mass in Newcastle

11 YEAR YEAR 8 9 A Rugby Day In Manchester In June, combined with terrific ball-carrying Brown also showing their terrific twenty-five rugby-players from Years and support-play. individual abilities. 8 and 9 took part in the RFU’s ‘Day The Year 9s came up against some After finishing the fixtures, everyone of Rugby’ in Manchester. The Year 8 very tough opposition but rose to the travelled to the AJ Bell Stadium, the team had a brilliant day, winning four challenge and lost only one of their home of Sale Sharks, to watch an and drawing one of five matches. three matches. As usual, the Kain under-20 World Cup fixture between These results were achieved through brothers were excellent with Brandon New Zealand and Wales. For many some excellent rucking and tackling Wilson, Josh Scott and Matthew of the students, this was their first experience of live international- standard rugby. The game was a thriller with New Zealand coming out on top 20–19 thanks to a last-minute penalty by All Black inside-centre Jordie Barrett. The boys were fantastic throughout the day and represented the school brilliantly. Both sides have impressed in all festivals this year and we look forward to seeing them continue to develop next year. Miss Gleadow and Mr Hook What’s Happened In The Library?

The Library has continued to grow this another exciting and competitive year performed admirably. One particular year with the addition of hundreds of with the Library once again offering cause for celebration is that Mark new books and has – as always – students the chance to take part in the ended the contest as the top under-15 proved itself to be a popular and busy Delancey UK Schools Chess player from this region and progresses place. Since September, the facility has Challenge. The first, school-based to the Gigafinal in August. attracted over 45,000 individual visitors stage of the competition attracted over Dr Richardson and, once again, has processed the forty competitors – all of them very loan of more than 5,000 books. These keen to grab a share of the £20,000 are very impressive figures which prize fund – and ran from January to testify not only to the Library’s March. popularity with students but also to the After seven rounds of matches, a total strong reading culture that is an of seventeen students – led for the important part of the school. second year in a row by Mark Plans are already in place for the arrival Broughton (Year 10) – qualified for the of the new intake of students in regional finals in May. By all accounts, September and arrangements have those students who were able to been made for some exciting events. compete at the RGS were exceptional, At the top of the list is a visit to St and Mark and two other students, Mary’s by best-selling children’s author, Edmond Kelly (Year 7) and Mrugaya Dan Smith. The Library is also working Mulay (Year 9), scored enough points closely with the English Department to to make it to the Northern Gigafinal. organise a book fair before Christmas. This was held in Manchester in mid-July and all three students On the chess-scene, this has been Mrugaya Mulay with the trophy that she won in May at the regional finals

12 YEAR The Physics Challenge Energiser 11 A group of Year 11 students recently STEM Event took part in the Physics Challenge, a competition that At the end of June, sixty Year 9 is run by the University of Oxford. It students were given the involves sitting a formal examination opportunity to take part in an that tests students’ knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts engineering event called whilst encouraging the study of Energiser. This was run by a physics in particular. charity called the Smallpiece This year, St Mary’s attained two gold Trust which promotes careers in awards through the efforts of Owen science, technology, engineering Bell and Shafiat Dewan. Owen and mathematics. The challenge achieved a result that placed him in Shafiat Dewan, Mr Turnbull and Owen Bell for the students was to build a the top ten students of the entire small solar-powered vehicle that competition and earned him the bronze certificates, a tally that placed could travel over a certain honour of a visit to Oxford to collect St Mary’s well above the national distance in a straight line. his award in person. The school also average. Thankfully, all the students were collected thirteen silver and thirteen Mr Turnbull able to accomplish these things. They also used the event to discover more about related SIXTH Geographer sTour careers and the pathways to FORM these that can be taken. National Park Mr Elliott Year 12 Geography students The students were also able to enjoyed two days of fieldwork investigate the local geology and to earlier this year when they visited see, in Holyrood Park, Hutton’s the Northumberland National Park Section. This feature was named before heading up to Edinburgh. after the eighteenth-century The trip to Scotland allowed the geologist James Hutton after he group to investigate the impact of used it to prove his theories about volcanic activity on the landscape how and when this planet was of the British Isles. Geologist Angus created. Finally, the students visited Miller guided the students around the attraction Dynamic Earth which the world-famous Arthur’s Seat, a allowed them to take a trip through volcanic batholith that is found right geological time. in the heart of one of Europe’s Mr Gamesby greatest cities.

The geographers photographed in front of Hutton’s Section Cars lined-up at the start of a race

13 YEAR YEAR Boys Rugby Competition News 7 8 Earlier make good ground, he darted down tackle. Alex also managed to score this the wing, beat several players with two fine tries to help St Mary’s com - term, the Year 7 and Year 8 boys his fantastic turn of pace, narrowly plete the win. rugby teams took part in the outran the defence, and scored a St Mary’s performed brilliantly again Emerging Schools Festival at sensational solo try in the corner. St in the next game against St Cuthbert’s Wallsend RFC. Mary’s then defended well and and quickly opened up a lead thanks deservedly won the contest 5–2. The Year 7s played Churchill in a 60- again to Alex and Ben. Some minute fifteen-a-side fixture. This was The Year 8s played three fixtures excellent organisation in defence easily the longest and most signifi - against Kenton, St Cuthbert’s and nullified the St Cuthbert’s attack. cant match that many of the students Churchill. They started with a good Luke Devlin was particularly out - had ever played. However, the team victory against a strong Kenton side. standing and disrupted the opposi - tion at each breakdown. Thanks to a try from Kevin Palliser-Bosomworth, St Mary’s recorded a fine 3–0 victory. In the final match of the tournament, St Mary’s played Churchill in a winner-takes-all contest. Still tired from their previous game, the Year 8s started slowly and Churchill quickly earned a well-deserved try. However, the more experienced players organised and rallied their team-mates very effectively, and – thanks to Alex Warton – St Mary’s went level with only three minutes to go. Barely a minute later, Ben Jubb quickly adjusted to the greater space Ben Jubb scored a fine individual ensured that St Mary’s were the and extra players to play some very effort from the first kick of the game overall winners of the festival after he good attacking rugby. after bursting through the defensive scored a match-winning try in the line. Admittedly, St Mary’s did then Sam McDonald was responsible for corner. struggle against some big and the try of the match when he stole a powerful players until Kevin Palliser- Mr Hook loose ball at the halfway line. Quickly Bosomworth and Alex Warton took seeing that he had the chance to responsibility for making the first

Tabl e-Topping Tennis Triumph YEAR

This is the first year that St Mary’s has 7 entered an under-13 girls tennis team into a league competition, but that did YEAR not prevent five Year 7 and 8 students – Ria Caven, Thea Cowie, Amy 8 Henderson, Jade Hogarth and Grace Taylor – from topping the table. The girls played superbly well in their singles and doubles matches, and won all their contests against Kings Priory, Dame Allan’s, Churchill and Westfield to take the title. The matches were played on a range of surfaces and the girls came up against some difficult opposition. However, their determination to win and their skilful play proved too much for the experienced competition. Miss Hillon 14 Year 12s Plan YEAR Students Spot The For Success 10 Next Design Trends Following an intensive exam peri - od, students in Year 12 spent the At the end of June, twenty-five Year 10 mood-boards that were based on final weeks of this term focusing Textiles and Graphic Products students those trend-drivers that Trend Bible their minds on planning for the attended a fascinating talk by trend- had forecast as being the ‘next big future. This process began with a analyst, Hannah Matthews. Hannah thing’. All the groups produced UCAS Launch Day in June when explained her educational background excellent boards and will be able to students were guided through the and discussed the path that had led use this experience to develop online Universities and Colleges her to a career with the forecasting innovative and unique designs for Admissions System. This is such company, Trend Bible. Trend Bible is a GCSE coursework. an exciting time of year for consultancy firm for huge national and Mrs Clark-Hall students in my year-group as international companies, advising them they begin their university on the direction that they should take journeys. when it comes to fashion, homewares, Early in the new academic year, gifts and children’s merchandise. The there will be a UCAS information talk was very informative and gave the evening for parents. This will students an invaluable insight into one ensure that students are provided of the numerous careers that students with effective and consistent can aspire to in the design industry. support throughout the entire application process. The students also took part in a group-based workshop activity during Mrs McEwan A mood-board created to represent which they had to produce tactile the ‘Celebration’ trend-driver

YEAR Students Athletics Club News 9 Try To Crack St Mary’s has had an extremely Turing Code successful athletics season this In April, six Year 9 students travelled to year. The Athletics Club has been Manchester University to take part in very popular and many students the Alan Turing Cryptography have shown a keen desire to Competition. The students – Lucy represent the school in a range of Hobbs, Anna Hodgson, Ellen O’Brien, competitions. It is worth noting that Hannah Pountney, Rebecca Scott and many long-standing school records Martha Wylie – spent an afternoon have been broken both during PE trying to solve three very tough codes lessons and in external meetings. in a contest with other schools. The Among those individuals who have students also attended a lecture titled recorded notable results this year, ‘No, The Aliens Are Not Trying To Kill the following deserve a special Us’ which offered a fascinating insight mention: Kristan Beech (triple into how modern-day technologies work. jump), Joy Eyze (100 and 200 metres), Exodus Guangul (hurdles) Although the team did not win the and Archie McConnell (800 metres) code-breaking competition, it was a of Year 7, and Mia Collins (high pleasure to see them apply their jump), Josh Collinson (800 metres) mathematical skills to real-life situations while working brilliantly as and Phinehas Zozo (high jump) of a team. Year 8. Josh Collinson leads the way in a race at Gateshead Stadium Miss Greenwood Miss Hillon

15 University YEAR Junior Detectives Open Day 9 Solve The Case primary schools courageously Experience accepted their mission and, under the expert guidance of more than As part of our work in encouraging fifty Year 9 volunteers, carried out Year 12 students to begin planning a range of scientific experiments. for their futures, they were allowed These included the analysis of to attend open days that were held various fibres, fingerprints, foot - early in July at Newcastle University prints and types of hand-writing. and Northumbria University. These events presented an excellent The different teams’ commitment opportunity for students to gather and cooperation – combined with information regarding various A Year 9 student helps the young generous helpings of dark humour degree and foundation courses, as sleuths search for crucial clues – were commendable and enabled well as to get a flavour of life as an Who needs CSI or NCIS when the junior detectives to crack the undergraduate. Year 4 students are assigned to case. The Year 12s were able to tour the the task of identifying the killer of So, who killed Mr Flower? Now, two campuses to see for them - the Head of Science, Mr Ben that would be telling! selves the facilities and accommo - Flower? The cerebral young Miss Rees dation that each university has to super-sleuths from our feeder offer. They were also able to talk to admissions tutors about individual courses, as well as get some advice about the whole process of YEAR YEAR applying for a place. Under -13 Girls We do hope that the students found the day useful in helping 7 8 Rugby News them to make an informed decision as to whether or not they want to apply to Newcastle, Northumbria or, indeed, any other university. Mrs McEwan

Unde r-15 Girls Cricket Tournament In June, the under-15 girls team attended the Northumberland Schools Cricket Tournament. The girls played six fixtures and did The under-13 girls team – Mariyah local schools, winning four and amazingly well. The effort shown by Ahmed, Thea Cowie, Hannah drawing two. Considering the relative the students was outstanding and, Crowdy, Helen Dooner, Jasmine inexperience of the team, this set of despite not qualifying for the final, Ghajar, Kate Lievesley, Megan Lucas, results represented a superb achiev- they all thoroughly enjoyed the day. Chloe Mason, Ellen Parker, Grace ement. It reflected the excellent All the girls deserved to be congrat - Taylor, Paris Warden and Lily attitude shown by the girls through - ulated for their excellent and Young – recently competed in the out the day and their willingness determined performances. RFU’s rugby festival at Kingston both to tackle hard and to be Miss Gleadow Park. The girls played seven involved with the ball. matches against teams from other Mr Hook 16 YEAR SIXTH Raising Aspirations 11 FORM

After all the exams had been Anne’s College. Given the highly completed, a group of Year 11 and competitive nature of the Oxbridge Year 12 students set out for Oxford to admissions process, the students were experience what life at one of the encouraged to find out more about life world’s leading universities is like. This at an ancient university by visiting as trip is an annual event and forms one many other colleges and academic part of a comprehensive support departments as possible. They were all package within St Mary’s for students extremely positive about their time in who aspire to study at Oxford or Oxford, and we do hope that the trip Cambridge. has helped them to form their future plans. The students were lucky enough to stay at Magdalen College and St Mrs McEwan Bonjour La YEAR YEAR Paris Sports Tour 8 9 Forty-three On the next day, the whole group France – Ici students attended a football training-session that from the Year 8 and Year 9 football and was delivered by members of Paris netball teams represented St Mary’s in Saint-Germain’s coaching staff. St Mary’s! Paris in May. On the first full day of a Everyone thoroughly enjoyed this Earlier this term, a Year 9 French four-day visit, and after seeing some of experience and took away many tips to class enjoyed a Skype call with the city’s most famous sites, all the help them that evening against two students at our partner school, St Laurent, which is located close to Paris in Lagny-sur-Marne. This was a very exciting experience for both schools and gave all the students who were involved an important and fun opportunity to develop their respective language skills. Both groups asked and answered questions about their likes and dislikes, their hobbies and their experiences at school. Our students said afterwards that this was a great opportunity for them to use their French in a students headed over to the British very strong local teams. Nevertheless, real-life situation and they felt School of Paris for the first fixtures. despite applying some new tactics and playing very well in their respective great that the students at St The Year 8 netball team, captained by matches, both the girls and the boys Laurent had understood them. Grace Taylor, had a very successful were narrowly beaten. Mrs Connolly afternoon and won two out of three oppositions. This set of results was The final day of the tour was spent at equalled by the Year 9 netballers who, Roland-Garros, the home of the French under the leadership of Lucy Hobbs, Open. Here, the students saw some only lost to a very experienced team. In world-class tennis stars like Jamie the football competition, the Year 8 Murray, Heather Watson, Aljaz Bedene boys, who were captained by John and Feliciano Lopez in action. This Carr, won their fixture 5–3 and the Year tremendous experience brought this 9s, led by Aidan Williams, won their successful first sports tour to a fitting match 7–0. All the students – netballers end. and footballers – played tremendously Miss Knott well and proudly represented the school.

17 YEAR YEAR 7 8 Un Long Voyage Formidable

At the end of June, fifty intrepid students from Years 7 and 8 – all accompanied by Mr Boyle, Mr McGee, Miss Mullan, Mrs Nelson and Miss Oliver – set off for Normandy. The excitement was palpable and, despite the prospect of having to endure a long journey, spirits were high as everyone looked forward to four action-packed days in Northern France. After many hours on the coach and a rocky ferry-crossing, which helped to prepare the group for the rollercoasters at Eurodisney, we finally arrived at our destination and were greeted by our enthusiastic guide, Hannah. We instantly made ourselves at home in an idyllic château by ordering dinner and

taking part in a treasure-hunt. At the Roland Réauté chocolate factory The next morning, after a few pains au chocolat and croissants for breakfast, the students were ready to go to Laval After a short journey by bus and a relax before preparing for our final Market and impress the locals with quick picnic, we next found ourselves hectic day in France which, for obvious their French. They took great delight in at Refuge de l’Arche, a sanctuary for reasons, was renamed Disney Day. injured animals. This provided us with chatting with a local bee-keeper about Preparations for the visit to Eurodisney a rare opportunity to see some wild his honey, ordering crêpes and maca - began on the bus with screenings of animals up close and to feed them roons, and picking up new vocabulary Toy Story and Ratatouille . As we their mid-afternoon snacks. Who knew from the fruit and veg stalls. When it approached the gates to the theme- that monkeys were so fond of pop - was time to go, it was clear from all park, there was definitely some magic corn? Our final pit-stop for the day the purchases that had been made in the air. Everyone was keen to was the Roland Réauté chocolate that the students’ confidence in speak - explore the place and to ride on the factory where we learnt the tricks of ing French had grown massively. Space Mountain attraction as many the trade and sampled the many tasty times as possible. For many, Euro- delights that were on offer in the gift- disney was the highlight of the trip and shop. it provided a fitting end to our stay in Back at the château for the evening, France. and after a meal that included snails The students were left with some and frogs’ legs, everyone donned amazing memories from their four days stripes and berets for a French-themed abroad. As one of them commented, quiz and fashion show. A lot of thought “This was an amazing experience that I had been put into the costumes and will never forget.” Another student also the students could definitely teach the remarked on how everyone had French a thing or two about being à la discovered so much about the French mode . language and culture in such a short The next day was filled with a variety of space of time. outdoor activities that included The members of staff who were on the swimming and archery. A visit to Le trip would all like to thank the students Mont Saint Michel was also arranged for their wonderful attitude and positive and the sun shone on us as we enthusiasm. They made it a truly walked through winding streets and memorable experience. made a very peaceful visit to the Miss Mullan Three of the party enjoy themselves at Eurodisney abbey. This was the perfect way to

18 University Maths Challenge Farewell Challenge. This entailed a series of To Year 11 difficult mathematical problems which tested students’ numeracy Many of our students will be looking skills and – at least in my case – forward to the long summer break but, patience. On returning to school, for Year 11s, the next few weeks the completed work was submitted represent an agonisingly long wait for and everyone waited a few weeks GCSE results to be issued. Although while the answers were checked. we say a final farewell to a small number As one of the students at St Mary’s of students who are continuing their who achieved the best marks, I was education at college or who are joining invited to attend a ceremony at the the world of work, we are delighted university early in May. The evening that the overwhelming majority of Year began with an entertaining lecture on higher and lower spatial dimen - 11s will be returning to St Mary’s as sions by Dr Martina Balagovic. sixth-formers in September. Immediately after this talk, all the Whatever the next step may be, we are competition-winners were present - proud of the whole year-group and, as ed with certificates and other prizes Head of Year 11, it has been a by Professor Robin Henderson, the Head of the School of Mathematics particular privilege for me to work with and Statistics. these students. Since joining St Mary’s nearly five years ago, they have I felt very proud of my achievement developed into hard-working, passion- especially as I was the only prize- winner from Year 7. The other top ate and confident young adults who Professor Henderson presents students from St Mary’s were have achieved many great things and Matthew with his certificate George Atkinson and Daniel Young have contributed greatly to the life of Over the February half-term, (Year 8), Lucy Hobbs (Year 9), and the school. students in Years 7 to 10 were Patrick Caragay, Robert Hill and As is the tradition, all the Year 11s given the task of completing Rachael Young (Year 10). attended two significant and important Newcastle University’s Junior Maths Matthew Hill (Year 7) events that were held on one Friday early in July. In the morning, the leavers mass proved to be a very emotional YEAR experience as the students reflected on On The CREST their time at St Mary’s and members of 11 staff congratulated them for everything Of A Silver Wave that they had accomplished. Then, in the evening, the prom gave everyone Congratulations to Year 11 students, the opportunity to celebrate in . It Owen Bell and Matthew Nicholson, for was especially pleasing to see so many achieving their Silver CREST Awards in parents sharing this event with us at Science. This scheme, which is the start of the night. organised by the British Science I am sure that the students will Foundation, recognises successes and continue to be excellent role-models enables students to develop skills in and, for the many who will be returning project-based scientific work. Owen and Matthew worked extremely hard to St Mary’s in September, I know that on a project to design a probe to they will continue to make a valuable explore Mercury and even received and varied contribution to all aspects positive feedback from the managing of school-life. director of a firm that designs satellites. Mr Henson Dr Wood Owen Bell collects an award for science 19 St Mary’s Catholic Schoo l

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