We are now almost at the end of a very

long Christmas term and the countdown

to Christmas has

definitely begun.

Once again the

term has seen a

range of successful

events that have

showcased the

tremendous talents

and achievements of the students of St

Peter and St Paul. I write this shortly

after our Awards’ Evening on 15th

December where we were fortunate to

have professor Scott Davidson (Deputy

Vice-Chancellor at the University of

Lincoln) as our Guest of Honour. It was

most definitely an evening for students,

parents, staff and governors to be

proud.

St Peter and St Paul is 60 years old this

academic year. This momentous

milestone in the life of the school was

marked by a whole school photograph

in September and mass celebrated by

Bishop Patrick on 16th October. The

mass and social event afterwards was a

wonderful occasion in terms of the past,

present and future of the academy

coming together. Many past students

and staff attended as well as current

students and staff and students and

staff from St Hugh’s and Our lady of

Lincoln Primaries. A special thanks

goes out to all of the many staff and

students who played a part in making

the celebration an event to remember.

In November we had another visit from

Her Majesty’s Inspector (HMI). They

spent one day with us and offered

thoughts on areas we should focus on

ensuring the Academy does continue to

improve. HMI will visit us again later in

the academic year to monitor our

progress. The recommended areas of

action are:

revise the academy’s action plan

to ensure that it includes actions

which will lead to rapid

improvements and enable

governors to hold senior leaders

to account for their work

ensure the evaluation of the

academy’s current position is

accurate

enable middle leaders to work

together to drive improvements

which will impact positively on the

quality of teaching and pupil

progress

ensure that senior leaders are

held to account for the accuracy

of information entered into the

‘Go4Schools’ information system,

and that the academy’s

information about pupil progress

can be relied upon.

You have my assurance that all of the

staff remain absolutely committed to

providing the best education for each

student. I ask that all parents constantly

discuss the learning that is taking place

with their children and look closely at

the work they are producing. The work

contains feedback from staff to students

on clear areas to focus on to improve.

This term we say goodbye to two

members of the Maths department,

Mr Alston and Miss Jepson. We wish

them all the best in their new roles at

other schools. We welcome Mrs Smith

in January who is joining St Peter and

St Paul as Subject Leader for Maths.

We also said goodbye this term to

Ms Colman in Design and Technology.

Ms Colman gave a tremendous amount

to the life of St Peter and St Paul in her

all-round teaching, many projects she

developed with students, but also her

fantastic work with individuals who

benefitted from her caring approach and

willingness to ‘go the extra mile’. We

wish Ms Colman all the best as she

starts the next chapter of her career in

China in January 2016.

Amidst the clear focus on learning and

progress and events, we have kept our

focus on the true meaning of Advent, a

time for reflection and preparation. The

opportunity for Reconciliation for

students each Friday in Advent at St

Peter and St Paul offers the opportunity

for reflection and the Joint Lincoln

Schools’ Christmas Advent Service held

at St Hugh’s Church on Monday 7th

December, was a wonderful way of

seeing the three Lincoln Catholic

schools come together for Advent

preparation and celebration.

The school has enjoyed many positives

so far this academic year. Much of that

is due to the tremendous partnership of

staff, students and parents as well as

students showing a committed approach

to their studies. I would like to pay

tribute to the commitment of the staff as

they strive to ensure the students

receive the best all round education

possible.

On behalf of the community of St Peter

and St Paul Catholic Voluntary

Academy, I wish each and every one of

you a happy, holy Christmas and a

successful New Year.

Mr D Keogh

Headteacher

Christmas Message

The Academy closes on

Thursday 17 December 2015 at 3.15 pm

DECEMBER 2015

SSPP NEWS

www.sspp.lincs.sch.uk

TERM DATES Epiphany Term

Monday 4th January - INSET

Friday 12th February - Last day of term

Easter Term

Monday 22nd February

Thursday 24th March - Last day of term

Friday 25th March - Good Friday

Monday 28th March - Easter Monday

Whitsun Term

Tuesday 12th April

Friday 27th May - Last day of term

Trinity Term

Monday 6th June

Thursday 21st July - Last day of term

Friday 22nd July - INSET

www.sspp.lincs.sch.uk

Advent Advent is a time of preparation and anticipation. St John the Baptist reminds us ‘Prepare a way for the Lord. Make straight paths for him’ (Mark 1:3). Advent, then, is a time for us to experience God’s blessing, grace and mercy, a moment in the year to reflect on our lives, examine our conscience and receive God’s forgiveness in the Sacrament of Mercy. At the beginning of Advent the readings speak of the end of time when Christ will come again. That’s what the first part of Advent is all about, if Christ were not to come again then the whole of our faith would be in

vain, there would be no point in celebrating Christmas or Easter. We must use this season wisely tapping into the graces that are on offer. As Christmas approaches, an air of anticipation builds, we await the celebration of the birth of Jesus. May your Advent and Christmas be a time of reflection and surprise and may each of you experience the wonder of the Baby in the manger. I wish you all a holy and peaceful Christmas. Deacon Peter Brogan School Chaplain

What is Advent all about?

Year of Mercy On the 8th of December this year 2015 Pope Francis has declared a year of Mercy. This Holy year offers us the chance to receive many blessings. We are invited to explore the mercy of God our Father. Pope

Francis reminds us that: ‘Jesus Christ is the face of the Father’s mercy. These words might well sum up the

mystery of the Christian faith’ He is saying that in Jesus of Nazareth mercy became visible and living in our midst and in him mercy finds the perfect expression.

“Let us see O Lord

your Mercy and give us your saving help”

St Nicholas, Patron Saint of Children, celebrated in Europe on 6th December.

Gaspar, Melchior and Balthasar the three wise men following the star to Bethlehem

This year our Academy celebrates its 60th Anniversary. To commemorate this occasion we celebrated Mass in the Academy on 16th October 2015. We were honoured to welcome Bishop Patrick McKinney who concelebrated Mass together with Monsignor McGovern (St Peter and St Paul Church), Canon Taylor (Our Lady of Lincoln Church), Father Kyne (St Hugh’s Church), Deacon

John Willford and Deacon Peter Brogan. We were also delighted to welcome back into school some former members of

staff, former pupils and other members of our community in particular Mrs Ellicott; wife of Mr Ellicott who many will

remember as a well-respected former Headteacher. Many of our own pupils also attended Mass together with pupils

from both of our Catholic feeder schools; St Hugh’s and Our Lady of Lincoln. Following Mass, Bishop Patrick blessed our new astro turf pitch which has been a fantastic addition to our sports facilities. All our guests were then invited for lunch which had been prepared by our Catering Department together with some of Mrs Gowshall’s GCSE Food Technology group. The day was a wonderful celebration enjoyed by all those who attended. There are some pictures below taken from the day plus some photographs from days gone by which may stir memories for some.

St Peter & St Paul Catholic Voluntary Academy celebrates 60 years

www.sspp.lincs.sch.uk

Do you remember….

www.sspp.lincs.sch.uk

We will Remember On the 11 November, the Academy held its annual Remembrance Service in St Peter and St Paul Academy and once again this was a very moving service led by students and staff. Poppies were laid for members of our families who have lost their lives at war both during the First and Second World Wars and subsequent conflicts.

The students in the academy joined

together in a Remembrance Service.

During the service the students were

reminded of the significance of the

poppy and why people wear them to

remember those who have suffered as a

result of war.

The Reserves and Sea Cadets paraded

and many other students volunteered to

take part in the service by laying poppies

in remembrance. This year, two Year 13

students recounted their trip to the

battlefields in France and Belgium and

told us about a local soldier whose war

story they followed and how they laid a

poppy at the site where his name is

engraved to remember him.

This year on Aspire Day we were very lucky to be visited by Christopher William Hill, author of Osbert the Avenger and The Woebegone Twins; novels that contain various mystery murders and masters of

disguise. We have been visited previously by Christopher in February 2014 and were very excited to see him again. Pupils worked on a writing workshop, writing the story of their lives. They started with a factual piece and then took it to another level, adding in fantastical creatures and events. We were very much entertained with the stories of Christopher’s life, including how much he enjoys writing as he gets to laugh at school children setting out for the day or people catching the bus to work while he stays at home! They also shared in his love of food, and learned about the mysterious

city of Schwartzgarten, the setting of his ‘Tales from Schwartzgarten’ series. The day was packed with laughter and entertainment, and the original ideas that pupils came up with through the day were brilliant to hear. Christopher said that “My favourite line of the day from the pupils was: I was very nearly born in a bucket. Fantastic imaginations!” Pupils also spent part of the day creating

their own gothic characters based on Tim

Burton’s ‘Corpse Bride’ movie, as well as

gothic literature. Pupils produced some

excellent work and were a credit to the

school.

Remembrance Day - 11 November 2015

ASPIRE DAY AT SSPP - NOVEMBER 2015

www.sspp.lincs.sch.uk

Thanks to all the pupils and parents who helped this year in supporting the Samaritan’s Purse ‘Operation Christmas Child’ Shoebox Appeal. This was a great success with each form donating at least one shoebox. Added to these were boxes donated by individuals which resulted in a total of 56 boxes! A great effort! Thanks to everyone who donated goods or money towards a

cause which -

“reminds less fortunate children that God loves them

and that they have not been forgotten this Christmas”.

Samaritan’s Purse Shoebox Appeal 2015

Christmas has come around extremely quickly this term and as Governor to School Council I really had no idea at the beginning of last term we would achieve so much. Student Core Council meet every week on a Wednesday morning. and whole School Council about twice a term. This year our main Charity has been The Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance. The students appreciate how valuable this

Service is in such a large County, especially taking into consideration our rural locations, where road accidents occur. It is not always possible for an Ambulance to get to the injured quickly; this is where the Air Ambulance is vital. On Friday 27th of November, I took six members of the Core Council to M&S ‘bag packing’ for the Air Ambulance. They raised £443 which was an amazing achievement. Once again the Managers of the store very kindly gave us the floor space to do this yearly event. They commented on how well-presented, polite and efficient our team of students were. I spent the day going back into the store to see how they were coping. It was Black Friday and the store was very busy. This was a bonus for us. Watching them interacting with the public made me feel very proud indeed. In November a group of 6th Formers took the train to Derby, where they participated in a regional debating competition. There were 12 other Schools competing. We won and now

go through to the Nationals. School Council members wish to give their expertise to other students, and hopefully next term will start a debating forum for all. Three Students from the Council represented our Academy at the City Hall last week and had a day experiencing what it is to be part of running and debating County Council issues, amongst many other challenges. They also won their heat. Their conduct was said to be exemplary. Other schools from the County also attended. Over the past months ,members of the School Council have been deeply concerned by the plight of the refugees, especially when reading and viewing the heart wrenching scenes on television. They wished to contribute so organised a ‘none uniform day’ for the Red Cross raising the sum of £687. There is also going to be a sponsored Silence by one student for ‘Stand up to Cancer’. This is a Charity close to my heart and I would have joined her in this task but unfortunately as most of you know, I am unable to keep quiet for any length of time! So I did a mile swim and raised £556 for Cancer Research. As a big thank you to all the hard work the Student Council gives to our Academy, I have secured a visit to RAF Scampton to meet with the Red Arrows and their team of Engineers. This is a unique opportunity to meet the best pilots in the world and, if for any reason, they have to be on duty, we will be privileged to see and speak with the team who keep the jets flying. I would like to take this opportunity to say how privileged I am to work each week with these wonderful young people and to Mr Wilkinson who does a sterling job organising the above events. Happy and Holy Christmas to all.

A note from Liz Scumaci Governor to School Council

www.sspp.lincs.sch.uk

Year 10 GCSE Art have been enthusiastically attempting their coursework in Term 1. They spent the first few week

Talented Artists at SSPP

They collected information from Lincolnshire Life Museum, Lincoln Cathedral and Castle Square, and looked at decay and dereliction near the Warehouses near the Science Hub. These photos will be used as inspiration for media

experimentation which forms an integral part of all

coursework and will inform future projects.

Year 8 Christmas Fun

Gosia Millie Harvey Anya

Sixth form Wet felting workshop

Year 7 Sketchbook work

www.sspp.lincs.sch.uk

Year 10 Students

Har

vey

Go

sia

Cal

lum

P

aulin

a M

illie

Remembrance Poppies Year 8 students

Year 8 Alice in Wonderland

inspired Masks

Maisie Maisie Oliwier

Year 7 Students

www.sspp.lincs.sch.uk

On 2 October, ADT Department took a group of 39 Year 10 students to London. The ADT team wanted to give the students a great start to the GCSE course, hoping to fire their enthusiasm and introduce them to some possible futures they might want to consider. The Product Design group went to the Design Museum on the South Bank opposite the Tower of London. The students are involved in a national design

competition for schools called Design Ventura, where they design a product that could be sold in the Design Museum shop (the winning design in the overall competition will be manufactured and sold in the shop for a year). The product must relate to the given theme "Move", retail for under £10 and consider the environmental impact of the materials used. The students, working in teams, had already produced some fantastic prototyping to show to the Design Ventura representative who ran a workshop for us there, and they got some useful feedback on their ideas from her. The students spent an hour and a half looking round the museum and the shop, as part of their research. There was just time to take a walk along the Thames and over Tower Bridge before meeting up with the coach and the Art and Photography students to set off for home.

The next step in the competition is to complete the prototype products and prepare a pitch for the in- school Dragon's Den team, who will choose which of the products should be put forward to the national final. Competition is fierce and the students are working hard to impress the judges after half term.

Year 10 London Trip

The Year 10 GCSE Photography and Art students enjoyed visiting the Tate Modern for inspiration for their projects. We also went on a short walking tour of London to photograph the bustling urban environment. These images have been used as a starting point for their project.

Laura and I were picked to take the First World War Centenary Battlefield Tours Programme, with other schools from Lincoln, Peterborough, Cambridge and Norwich. The programme involved two days and two nights in Ypres, Belgium, where we had the opportunity to go to many World War I graves set up by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The first cemetery we went to was Lijssenthoek, which is the resting place of 10,755 and is the second largest of its kind in Belgium. There were no words to describe the feeling of being

there; it was extremely harrowing and spiritual. One of the main themes we were encouraged to focus on was trying to comprehend how each grave represents a person; someone who had a family, someone who had hobbies, a wife, a

child, friends and fears. We also had the opportunity to go to the largest cemetery in Belgium, Tyne Cot. There were 11,954 commonwealth soldiers buried there, including the local soldier

we had researched. We laid a poppy for him next to his name, as unfortunately he had no grave as his body was never found, and we were given the challenge to spread

the message of our experience to as many people as possible. One of the highlights of the trip was that we were chosen to lay a wreath at the Menin Gate at Ypres, Belgium where the names of 57,000

servicemen are remembered. We plan to visit local primary schools to speak of our experience and hopefully encourage more people to remember the many

men who fell in the war. We also made great friends with students and teachers from around the country, and it was all round a great, spiritual and reflective trip.

First World War Centenary Battlefield Tours Programme

Professor Scott Davidson JS (Scott) Davidson was born in Newcastle

upon Tyne. He graduated from the

University of Cambridge with a BA in Law

in 1977 and an MA in 1979. In 2009 he was

awarded the degree of Doctor of Laws

from the University of Canterbury, New

Zealand. Scott Davidson is currently

Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of

Lincoln (UK). He is also a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education

Academy and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. The Ceremony

was also attended by The Mayor of Lincoln Councillor Andy Kerry,

Ms Sharon Longthorne, City Sheriff and Lady Mr and Mrs Kent.

Awards Evening - December 2015

KEY STAGE 5 SUBJECT AWARDS

The Headteacher’s Award for Alex Choi

Academic Attainment at Key Stage 5

The Headteacher’s Award for Ronan Goggin

Academic Effort at A Level

The Charles Riley Memorial Award for Aaron Blakesley

Achievement in Religious Studies at A Level

The David Goddard Memorial Award for Aaron Blakesley

Achievement in English at A Level

The Mathematics Award for Alex Choi

Achievement at A Level

The John Breslin Award for Alex Choi

Achievement in Chemistry at A Level

The School Association Award for Liam Sheridan

Achievement in Biology at A Level

The Physics Award for Alex Choi

Achievement at A Level

The Forensic Science Award for Sophie Harpham

Achievement at A Level

The Psychology Award for Aaron Kay

Achievement at A Level

The St Joseph’s Award for Carrie-Ann Hallett

Achievement in History at A Level

The Government and Politics Award for Ronan Goggin

Achievement At A Level

Sport Award for Achievement Aaron Kay

At A Level

The Art Award for Achievement Angela Bautista

At AS Level

The Headteacher’s Award for Peter Latimer

Attainment at AS Level

The Headteacher’s Award for Jess Wosser-Yates

Effort at AS Level

KEY STAGE 4 AWARDS The Headteacher’s Prize for Isabel Latimer

Academic Attainment

The Headteacher’s Prize for Imran Miah

Academic Effort

The GCSE Prize for Religious Studies Emily Whelan

The GCSE Prize for English Ruth Karan

The GCSE Prize for Mathematics Isabel Latimer

The Prize for Achievement in Science Francesca Seychell

The GCSE Prize for Biology Loretta McAndrew

The GCSE Prize for Chemistry Emily Whelan

The GCSE Prize for Physics Missie Rath

The BTEC Prize for Applied Science Tayah Richardson

The GCSE Prize for History Marie Young

The GCSE Prize for Geography Devon Chapman

The GCSE Prize for French Prisca Munzemba

The GCSE Prize for German Eick Armes

The Prize for Computer Science Jordan Brooks

The BTEC Prize for Ict Karolina Kmiec

The GCSE Prize for Sport Albert Wood

The Kevin McGarr Prize Jack Swain

or Commitment to Sport Owen Swain

The GCSE Prize for Drama Kelly McKelvey

Our Lady of Lincoln Prize for Cordelia Clarkson

GCSE Art

The Betty Noonan Memorial Prize Lauren Taylor

For Home Cooking Skills

The GCSE Prize for Product Design Taylor Hill

The Prize for Vocational Education Alisha Harpham

At Key Stage 4 - Health and Social Care

The Les Osborn Memorial Prize for Ryan Saunders

Vocational Education at Key Stage 4

Outstanding Contribution to Academy Life - Iain Campbell and Sophie Harpham The Sheila Phillips Memorial Prize - Joanna Knight Don Felipas Trophy and Lincoln School of Business - Jaylen Burrows The Bishop Grosseteste Prize for Arts - Aaron Blakesley The Bishop Grosseteste Prize for Sciences - Alex Choi Laurie Ellicot Prize - Jennifer Evans. Student Council - Joanna Knight and Carrie-Ann Hallett Student of the Year - Peter Latimer

www.sspp.lincs.sch.uk

www.sspp.lincs.sch.uk

St Peter and St Paul Catholic Voluntary Academy is incredibly proud of all its students, but this year we are very pleased to boast about our very own Poet Laureate: Peter Latimer. Peter is currently studying for A levels at the Academy, but first started writing poems when he was 13. With the encouragement of his family and the staff in the English Department, Peter was persuaded to enter the competition to become Lincolnshire’s first Young Poet Laureate. Peter knew that it would be an incredible experience whether he acquired the position or not although he never expected his aspirations to become a reality. Peter had to submit 3 Poems to the judges – one inspired by Lincolnshire, one by Human Rights, and then one on a topic of his choice. His poem on Lincolnshire is included here.

Home – a poem inspired by Lincolnshire

Peter is spending the next year visiting different schools and hopes to show other young people that poetry does not need to be boring, or something that you only study, but in fact it is something you connect with, something you relate to – whether it makes you happy, sad, angry or glad – it is something incredible which is waiting to be read and can be something that you keep to yourself or share with others.

North York Moors Year 7 Residential Retreat

It took place in the village (about 3 houses) of Stape High on top of the heather moorland, just north of Pickering. 30 students attended for the first half of the week and a second group of 30 attended the second half of the week. The students engaged in a range of activities to enable some quality time for spiritual reflection and team working/getting to know each other. In addition to the activities all the students took turns in laying the table, washing the pots, drying and tidying which some students were better and more experienced at than others! The activities included mountain biking, hiking, collecting wood, nightline (blindfolded team task in woods), map reading and marshmallow toasting amongst others.

The students seemed to have a fantastic time despite the isolation, the lack of a mobile

phone, no internet, TV. They managed to survive without all these things and developed the art of conversation! Many students seemed to enjoy the opportunity to get very wet and muddy with some students

struggling to walk across the marshes without falling over or losing a shoe. All done accompanied with fits of giggles. In summary, a

fabulous experience with students learning many new skills and also having the opportunity to work and reflect with others. Many thanks to Mr Doust for organising the trip and to Mr Clark, Mrs Levey and Miss Wilkinson for supporting the trip. Also many thanks to the 6th Form students who joined the trip to support the activities and who made a valuable contribution.

Over 60 Year 7 students had the opportunity to attend a 2 ½ day residential on the beautiful North York Moors.

I’ll tell thee a tale, if you’ll take the time, Of a land from Ages of Stone: From days of yore and times of war, Now it’s the place I call Home. It begins at the end of a frozen era; people built up, apart, alone. Despite being neighbours, they were just strangers. Did e’er they dream of the land I call Home? Division was tradition, millennia ago, t’was foolish to wander a world unknown, but in marched the Legion into that same region that now is the place I call Home. Events splattered on History’s Canvas: Kings and Queens overthrown; Norse damnation; French invasion; Political liberation; “joy”

privation; Lineage of a place I call Home. Known as the Flatlands despite some hills; Sublime countryside; free to roam. Come back in, absorb the scene: Have some sausage; a classy cuisine.. There’s no place I find more serene than the beautiful place I call Home. Thus I stand, speaking from heart, this place I love: its majestic art. Lives lived as an inspiration; Touching an entire nation. First civilisation built on stone now’s the wonderful county I call my Home. Heed these words before you go: Keep in thy hearts a place you call Home.

SSPP’s very own Poet Laureate

www.sspp.lincs.sch.uk

Charity Donations

The students have worked hard this term to make as much money as possible to add to the charity donations. On the 5th October we held our Macmillan Coffee Morning and raised £220. 85. Thanks to Miss Bell for coordinating the coffee morning and to all who donated cakes. Non Uniform Day on the 14th November raised £498.35 for Diabetes UK. Thanks to Mrs Hennell who coordinated the event. On the 6th December, the School Council with the help of Governor Liz Scumaci, went Bag Packing at Marks and Spencer and raised £505.38 for St Barnabas Hospice. On the last day of term we are having another Non Uniform Day which is in aid of the Sick Children Fund.

Please visit our website and click on the links to follow our Facebook and Twitter pages,

for regular news and updates

www.sspp.lincs.sch.uk

School Canteen—Allergies and Intolerances From the 13th December we are required by law to display advice on the Allergen content of all the food that we produce in the Academy kitchen, and these are now displayed in the Dining Hall. The menus are also available on the website and highlight the allergens in the food by week. If you have an allergy or intolerance to any ingredients, please speak to staff about your requirements before choosing your food. The Canteen staff would be able to adapt the menu to accommodate any allergen problems. Please come and speak to them to discuss your options.

Weather Notice We would like to take this opportunity to remind parents on how to find out the latest news should the Academy have to take the decision to close. The quickest and best route is to check the school website: www.sspp.lincs.sch.uk This site will always have the very latest information available. However we will notify BBC Radio Lincolnshire; and Lincs FM radio

Student Assessment Weeks Year 9 - Week commencing Monday 18th January 2016

Year 10 - Week commencing Monday 22nd February 2016

Years 7 and 8 - Week commencing Monday 20th June 2016

Noticeboard Mobile Phones – Zero Tolerance

As of January there will be zero tolerance on mobile phones in school. Mobile phones should be switched off. This includes break times, lunch times and lesson times and must be kept out of sight during the Academy day. Mobile phones should not be used to make calls, send text messages, access the internet, take photos or use any other application. Parents/carers are requested that in cases of emergency they contact the school first so we are aware of any potential issue and may make the necessary arrangements.

The Academy is introducing a cashless payment system in the New Year. Parents will need to open an account in Parent Pay, details of how to do this will be issued separately. Parents will be able to use this account to pay for anything from trips to food and at amounts that are convenient. The canteen will require each pupil to sign in with a biometric system to get their lunch will be a secure and safe way to buy lunch. Parents will be able to see on their account exactly what the children have spent the lunch money on. A detailed letter explaining the system in full will be sent out after the Christmas Break.

Cashless Payment System

Parents or guardians: Please encourage students to wear a cycle helmet and have lights on their bikes.