French Trip update!

We have received the following update from Mrs Scholes, Trip Leader:

On Day one of the trip, pupils went to the sealife centre Nausicaa where we learned about ecological marine life and saw a sea lion training session where the keepers teach the animals to position themselves to enable them to be checked over medically. We then spent a couple of hours on the beach where the pupils enjoyed games of volleyball and football as well as practising their French to order ‘deux boules de glace’. The evening was spent at the centre playing football and volleyball.

On Tuesday we spent the morning in St Omer where pupils got to explore a French town and practise the language they have been learning this half term in school.

We also went to a local bakery where the pupils learned all about the bread making process. The baker puts 150 loaves in the oven by hand in 5 minutes!! All pupils showed great aspiration and community in their ability to support each other in translating what the baker had said.

Tous les profs sont très fiers des élèves

CTA earns School Games Gold Award

We’re incredibly proud to announce that we’ve been awarded the School Games Mark Gold Award for the second year running!

This national award recognises our school’s commitment to promoting competitive sport and physical activity, both within school and across our community. It celebrates the wide range of opportunities we offer for all pupils to get active, participate, and compete.

A huge thank you to our amazing PE team for all their hard work – this achievement wouldn’t be possible without you!

Well done to everyone involved!

#RespecttheCTAWay #Community #Tenacity #Aspiration

Year 9 historians reflect on modern conflicts!

Our Year 9 pupils embarked on a school trip today to the Imperial War Museum in Manchester. Here, they examined the sources, stories and scholarship surrounding all aspects of modern warfare – such as World War I, World War II, the Cold War and the War on Terror – which compliments and concludes their Key Stage 3 studies in Year 9 History.

Pupils witnessed exhibits such as the remnants of the 9/11 World Trade Centre attacks, Harrier Jump Jets from the Middle East, decommissioned nuclear weapons from the Cold War and tanks, clothing and other real artefacts from World War I and II.

This was a fascinating field trip which showed pupils that History is not just confined to textbooks and classrooms, but is constantly being shaped in the world around us each and every day.

Year 10 Employability Day

Our Year 10 pupils recently took part in an invaluable Employability Day, gaining real-world experience through mock interviews with local employers and entrepreneurs. This hands-on opportunity helped them develop essential interview skills for their future careers.

We’re incredibly proud of how respectfully and enthusiastically our pupils embraced the day.

A huge thank you to the fantastic employers and entrepreneurs who generously gave their time to support and inspire our pupils!

Year 7 Historians take part in the War of…

Our Year 7 history pupils recently embarked on a fascinating and exciting trip to Warwick Castle, in which they explored the medieval fortress’ rich and significant history.

Pupils spent the morning exploring the defences of the castle, such as the tower and battlements, great hall and old Norman motte and bailey mound, before watching an incredibly engaging jousting tournament! Our Year 7 historians sat on the side of the House of York and cheered its historical heroes on as they competed against the villainous House of Lancaster – two bitter rivals during the War of the Roses, which pupils will learn more about in their first term of Year 8. After learning the story of local legend, the Earl of Warwick “The Kingmaker,” and his role in betraying the Yorkists for the Lancastrians, pupils saw the events of creation of the Tudor dynasty – and ultimately the death of Richard III and coronation of Henry Tudor! 

The visit was rounded off with a brilliant show – watching the castle’s falconry team showcase its impressive birds of prey. Our ‘best student photo’ award goes to Ethan – who took this fantastic close up! Falcons, condors, owls and eagles swooped above the heads of our pupils, concluding an excellent visit before we journeyed home!

Food Parcel Collection Day

We will be running a Food Parcel Collection Day on Thursday 17^th July, from 9:30am to 3:30pm, to help support our school community before the summer break.

No booking is required – simply drop by Reception to collect a food parcel.

Thank you for your continued support.

CTA Theatre Company performance

We are incredibly proud of our CTA Theatre Company! On Friday, they delivered the first-ever performance of ‘Pandemexplosion’ by Mark Wheeller, commissioned by the International School of London, at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre. After months of rehearsals, it was fantastic to see their hard work pay off on stage.

Playwright Mark Wheeller himself described it as an “amazing performance with energy, commitment and pride.”

The evening also featured a live Q&A session with Mark, offering our pupils and audience a unique insight into the inspiration behind the play.

A huge thank you to everyone who supported this special event and to Ms Maymand for organising such a wonderful evening – we can’t wait for the next performance!

Summer Showcase Success!

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our recent Summer Showcase! It was an incredible evening celebrating the amazing musical talent of our pupils. We were also treated to fantastic sets from our staff band and a performance from our sign language choir. It was a brilliant evening enjoyed by all.

Special thanks to Mr Reinikovas, Subject Leader for Music, and his team for planning such a wonderful event.

We’re so proud of our pupils and grateful to all who supported the evening!

University of Birmingham Trip

Our pupils recently had an excellent visit to the University of Birmingham. They enjoyed a warm welcome talk about university and higher education, followed by a guided tour of the impressive campus, including a visit to the Lapworth Museum.

Pupils also took part in a fun ‘course Pictionary’ activity and a Q&A session with current UoB students, gaining valuable insights into university life.

A big thank you to the University of Birmingham for hosting us!

#RespecttheCTAWay #Community #Tenacity #Aspiration

Sixth Form Rewards breakfast

Our Sixth Form team recently hosted a special breakfast for Year 12 pupils who have consistently gone above and beyond in their studies.

Mr R Giles, Head of Sixth Form, said:

“We are incredibly proud of the dedication and aspiration our Year 12 pupils continue to show. As they prepare for their summer exams next academic year, they are now building on their results in their trial exams and are focused on university applications and exploring post-18 pathways, including apprenticeships and employment opportunities. With work experience placements starting this week, we wish all our pupils the very best and look forward to seeing what they get up to.”

Well done to all involved!

#RespecttheCTAWay #Community #Tenacity #Aspiration