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The Campion Chronicle
Class tackles ‘Brexit’ poll Year 7 pupils held a mock European Union referendum before the country went to the polls on Thursday 23 June. Ahead of the tightly fought vote— which resulted in the UK voting to leave the European Union— English teacher Mr Harris gave pupils the chance to have their say.
opment day as part of a current affairs unit, looking at the political system and how it works. After watching a recent televised EU debate, the class was split into 3 sections: Vote Remain, Vote Leave and Undecided. The groups discussed major issues involved in the referendum such as the NHS and immigration.
The class looked at the arguments from both sides and developed their understanding of the wider issues within the debate.
Barcelona tour Charity walk Reward trips Logo Competition
Prize for paper name
Students put on a display of their creative talents at the school’s ‘Final Fling’ concert. It featured performances from the Folk Band, Orchestra, Drama Club and gymnastics team at the end of year showcase on Thursday 6 July. The Drama Club put on a piece
of their own making, called Holiday That Went Wrong. Mr Bard, Curriculum Leader for Performing Arts, said: “It was a fantastic evening which showcased the talent we have at St Edmund’s and the hard work that they have put in. I’m looking forward to the Christmas Concert next year— everyone should come and see it.”
Last minute goal breaks Welsh hearts By Jake Ruscoe & James Worley
Gareth Bale free kick.
Football fever took over St. Edmund’s as the school came together to cheer on the Home Nations in Euro 2016.
The Three Lions, of course, earned the three points right at the end with Jamie Vardy’s equaliser and Daniel Sturridge’s last minute winner.
Televisions and projectors in the Arena, Dining Room and Lecture Theatre allowed staff and students to watch England play Wales at Euro 2016 in France. It was a tense atmosphere at times. England went in at the half time break a goal behind, thanks to a
Vice Principal Mrs Hazeldine said: “It was a fantastic occasion to bring the school together like this. Even though it was a tight match, I was proud of how the pupils supported their teams in the right spirit.”
PROM PICS INSIDE >>> The Student Newspaper of St Edmund’s Catholic Academy
In the next issue >>>
Mr Harris conducted the discussion in the school’s Personal Devel-
‘Final Fling’ Concert
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Newspaper launch Sports Day Personal Development Day Year 11 Prom Police give safety advice Author visits school Final Fling > England v Wales
EU Referendum >>>
By Kieran Hill
Issue
Summer Term In this issue >>>
The
Campion Chronicle Reporters meet deadline photographs and create the layout design for the new newspaper.
By Eve Dawson
St Edmund’s relaunched the school newspaper with a special ‘Newsday’ to give students a chance to show their journalistic talents. Mrs Gallagher awards John Smith his £20 prize
John Smith won the competition to come up with a name for the Academy’s new student newspaper. His entry The Campion Chronicle was selected from a raft of entries. John (10AJ) collected a £20 cash prize for his winning name from Chair of the Academy Committee Mrs Gallagher. He said: “When I found out I was very surprised because I didn’t expect to win, but it was a good feeling.”
Students had the opportunity to take part in reporting for the paper as well as turn their hand to layout and design as well as photography. The day, held on 22 June, was organised by Mrs Curtis along with a team of prefects and teachers. The idea behind the day was to show students how a newspaper is run. Students worked in groups to go
Reporters from Y8 & 10 put together news stories
out and gather information to cover a range of stories from African Drumming to a mock EU referendum. The next task was to write their reports, take
He also said: “Pupils will gain an understanding of how the media works, which is extremely useful in today’s digital world.” Overall the day was a success which participants thoroughly enjoyed.
Editor outlines newspaper vision
The Editorial Team Editor: Natasha Dawes Deputy Editor: Nathan Jones Editorial Consultants: Miss Kane, Mr Joglekar and Mr Sohker
One of the organisers, Mr Joglekar said: “Pupils have an opportunity to have their own voice throughout school. This day was created for students to develop skills they might have which they don’t usually explore through the normal school curriculum.”
Deputy Editor Nathan Jones & Editor Natasha Dawes
“The Campion Chronicle is a paper created by the students, for the students - a motto we intend to remain integral to our work as editors. We hope you enjoy this first edition of the newspaper.
I, Natasha Dawes, the Editor, along with Nathan Jones, the Deputy Editor, aim to give the students a voice in the school and an opportunity to hone their journalism skills.”
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The Campion Chronicle
Pupils move to a different beat By Jasmin Banga, Yuting Xue, Jan Delos Santos & Thea Moriarty
with the rhythm. I would love to do it again.”
Year 7 experienced African rhythms as they took part in a traditional drumming and dance workshop.
The drumming workshop took place as part of the school’s fourth and final Personal Development (PD) day of the year. Among the other activities that took place, students looked at the environment, health and fitness, the law and being part of a community.
They were taught how to play the drums and to perform a traditional dance called Cou Cou, usually danced to celebrate the arrival of rain. The dancing was so fun that the staff joined in. They also played different types of drums, including a Doug Doug. The workshop was run by Kwame Bakoji-Hume and his partner Pape, through their company African Activities. Mr Bakoji-Hume said: “We have been drumming
Kwame Bakoji-Hume gives a demonstration.
since childhood. I love to drum and dance as I can share my culture with people. We teach the world about West African culture and we recently visited Holland.” Participant Serena Mayoudom (7JT) said: “My favourite event was the dancing because it went
In addition to this, Sixth Form students listened to an insightful lecture from Liz Bowden about employability skills and the UCAS process. This was done to help give students a head start in university applications and future careers.
University fair for VI formers Students tackle online bullies Safety Advice >>>
By Alishya Jose & Jenisha Patel
Year 12 attended a convention at the National Exhibition Centre organised by university admissions body UCAS.
Year 7 were warned about the dangers of cyberbullying by a visiting policewoman.
Held on Monday 27 June, the day allowed students to find out more about work options, university and the application process.
Trudi Brittle, a Police Community Support Officer from West Midlands Police, gave advice to Year 7 about the dangers and consequences of online harassment.
Head of Sixth Form Ms Toor said: “Our students used their initiative to find out more information about different university and apprenticeship options that they might not have been aware of, for example BP, which offers the BP Maritime Cadets programme. They also found the seminars extremely useful for preparing their applications.”
She gave out information about what pupils should do if they receive unwanted messages and how they should seek help to help tackle the issue. She also stressed to pupils that anything they put online cannot ever be fully removed and that what happens to it is out of their hands.
Sun shines on Sports Day Year 10 had their final Sports Day at St Edmund’s on Thursday 22 June. The six tutor groups competed at rounders, cricket and football. The athletics competitions culminated in a relay race between every tutor group in that year.
On a warm sunny day, the competition saw 10TW take first place as the winning tutor group with 10LD ending up as runners-up. Thea Moriarty (10NK) said: “We lost in the end but it was special because it was the final sports day for our year.”
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Summer Term News in brief >>> Languages Competition Launched
Y11 prom at Wolves
A poetry competition celebrating the languages spoken at St Edmund’s has been launched, called ‘Mother Tongue Other Tongue’. Pupils who speak another language are asked to nominate their favourite poem. Also, students who are studying French or Spanish can compose their own poem. The competition closed on 14 July. The top prize was a £15 voucher.
The school’s GCSE students celebrated in style at Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Molineux stadium. Held on Thursday 30 June, the prom featured some entrances worthy of the red carpet before students enjoyed a buffet dinner and then hit the dancefloor to dance the night way. The event was organised by the Prom Committee, along with Head of Year 11 Mr Harris.
Successful trial for Bronze Award Year 10 students participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award successfully completed their practice expedition. The group left from Wombourne Leisure Centre on Saturday 18 June with only maps and compasses for guidance. They set up a camp, cooked and completed a trek before returning the next day. Mrs Wrenshall-Jones said: “Thankfully we were lucky with the weather. The students had a lot of fun at the campsite and the walk was successful. I’m looking forward to the final expedition in September where I will be camping with the students.”
Exams season comes to a close After the end of GCSE and ALevel examinations for 2016, Years 7 to 10 took their end of year tests in the Sports Hall. The lower years sat exams in Maths, English, Science & Religious Education. Year 10s sat their mock examinations in preparation for next year’s GCSE papers. The tests are an opportunity for them to demonstrate the progress they have made throughout the year and prepare them for the experience of sitting public exams in Year 11.
Children’s author gives masterclass By Julia Przybylska
Published author MFW Curran gave English students a masterclass on creative writing. Mr Harris organised for Mr Curran to give a writing workshop for Year 8, 9 and 10 English students on Tuesday 14 June. The 42-yearold writer introduced his book The Secret War, which was his first book to be published. The workshop was aimed at selected talented student writers to
aid in developing their flair. The writer writes mainly science fiction and fantasy books so the activities were aimed at creative writing. He helped students develop their ideas in writing and explore various structural devices. After the session, Mr Harris said: “He gave expert suggestions to students and showed them how to turn good ideas into great ones.”