Exploring Psychology in the real world!

Our Year 13 pupils recently visited The University of Staffordshire to learn about what studying psychology at university level would involve. They attended lectures on health psychology and learning & memory, participated in an interactive session on Lego therapy, and toured the university’s facilities and psychology labs.

It was a fantastic opportunity to explore how psychology applies to everyday life and future career paths. Thank you to The University of Staffordshire for hosting such an insightful day!

#RespecttheCTAWay #Community #Tenacity #Aspiration

Employment Futures Expo – TRAC Highlights!

Recently, our TRAC Team had the opportunity to attend the Employment Futures Expo! We hope everyone who joined found it valuable and insightful. Check out this video for some highlights from the night!

For those who haven’t yet, don’t forget to follow The TRAC—an Instagram page led by our Sixth Form pupils, designed to keep you updated on events, share revision tips, and provide helpful reminders. It’s a great resource to stay informed and supported throughout your time at CTA.

Follow The TRAC here: https://tinyurl.com/yasz2u28

Year 11 Chemistry Practical

Our Year 11 pupils have been busy in their Chemistry lessons, completing the required practical of flame tests for metal ions.

They learned how different metal ions change the flame’s colour, seeing shades like green, lilac, and crimson. It’s been a great way to bring their learning to life!

Well done to all our pupils for their hard work.

#RespecttheCTAWay #Community #Tenacity #Aspiration

Three days to go until our Christmas Market!

Mark your calendars! Our Christmas Market is just three days away! Join us on Thursday, 12th December, from 5pm-7pm for an evening filled with festive cheer.

What to Expect:

– Delicious food and a licensed bar

– Craft activities for all ages

– Live performances to get you in the holiday spirit

– And so much more!

All proceeds will go to the Teenage Cancer Trust, so your attendance will support an incredible cause.

We can’t wait to see you there!

#RespecttheCTAWay #Community #Tenacity #Aspiration

Year 7 shine in Design Technology!

Our Year 7 pupils in Mr Hewitt’s classes have been working on drawing and rendering techniques while following a design brief. Each pupil has brainstormed unique initial ideas, resulting in some amazing results. They’ve taken their designs from concept to creation, crafting ‘block head’ characters using wood and acrylic, etched by the laser cutting machine.

Fantastic work, Year 7! We can’t wait to see what you create next.

#RespecttheCTAWay #Community #Tenacity #Aspiration

Year 8 Food & Cookery lesson

Our Year 8 pupils have been working hard in their food and cookery lessons, creating delicious dishes such as homemade burgers, chicken arrabbiata, and pasta. By following set instructions and completing their tasks independently at their workstations, they are developing vital life skills that will serve them well in the future.

These lessons not only teach practical cooking techniques but also foster confidence, independence, and an understanding of healthy eating – essential tools for adulthood. Great job, Year 8!

#RespecttheCTAWay #Community #Tenacity #Aspiration

A Christmas Carol Theatre Trip

Our Year 10 pupils recently enjoyed an trip to the Repertory Theatre in Birmingham to watch A Christmas Carol.

Miss H Pickerill, Head of English, shared: “It was a very accurate and immersive experience which brought life to the book, and even the supernatural elements made us jump! The children were impeccably behaved and thoroughly enjoyed it.”

This fantastic outing directly supports our English curriculum, as A Christmas Carol is a key GCSE text for our pupils next academic year. A wonderful way to bring learning to life!

#RespecttheCTAWay #Community #Tenacity #Aspiration

Tom Palmer Inspires Our Year 7 & 8 Pupils!

We were thrilled to welcome author Tom Palmer to our school! Tom hosted engaging workshops for our Year 7 and 8 pupils, diving into his popular football series, historical fiction, and the art of creative writing.

Mrs J Dutton, Librarian, shared: “It was such a privilege to have Tom visit us and discuss his incredible book series, the fascinating ways he comes up with his ideas, and even share some historical artefacts with us. I was so impressed with the thoughtful questions our pupils asked Tom and hope they left feeling inspired. What a fantastic experience!”

A huge thank you to Tom for visiting us!

#RespecttheCTAWay #Community #Tenacity #Aspiration