News feed from St Edmund's College and Prep School 2012-05-18T04:02:23Z Site Admin info@www.stedmundscollege.org tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/rss.php?section=news tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/natwest 2012-05-14T01:44:54Z Melanie Burke

St Edmund's College Elements students spent a practical day in workshops learning and understanding about finance. Mrs June Wilskinson, from the NatWest Moneysense program, visited the children and set them various challenges throughout the day to work in teams to understand budgets and plan finances to meet requirements within a set budget. The teams were set the challenge to arrange a party for the College and had to develop a business plan, and proposal, that met the customers requirements within the budget. The day culminated in the students presenting their business plan to a panel which included Mrs Wilkinson, Mr Tomlinson, Director of Finance and Mr Durn.This was a very positive day giving all the participants a great experience of understanding financial planning, working as a team as well as how to develop good presentation skills.The winning team called, The Gourmet Catering Company, included the team members of Charlie Rose, Oliver Bockman, Josh Gamby and Sicily Scrimali. Well done to all those that took part and thanks must go to Mrs Wilkinson from NatWest for arranging the day.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/st-edmund-s-prep-charity-fundraising-success 2012-05-10T03:08:24Z Melanie Burke

On Friday 4th May the children of Southworth House at St Edmunds Prep proudly handed a cheque to the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB) for an amazing 3168.38.Each term a House at the Prep strive to raise as much money for their chosen charity. Throughout the Lent term the children from Southworth House organised various fund raising activities in which the whole school could participate. These included a spellathon, cookie sale and dotty day where all the children from the Nursery to the Year 6 students had to wear something colourful and dotty. Also included are the very kind contributions from our Masses.Haidee Roberts from the RNIB visited the school to talk to the children about the charity and its work. She praised the children on how hard they had worked and presented them with a special RNIB blazer badge for their efforts. She went on to inform the children that the money will be spent on sign aids and talking literature for people with sight impairments in our community.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/weekend-fun-for-our-boarders 2012-05-08T02:01:03Z Melanie Burke

Despite the weather over the last two weekends, the boarders have had a fun filled start to the term. Whilst the Poetry and Rhetorician students have been very focused on their revision for the forthcoming public examinations, Elements to Syntax have enjoyed some great day trips.On Saturday, they enjoyed a day in London, visiting Covent Garden, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Cathedral and than finishing the day with dinner at a lovely Italian restaurant. On Sunday, students enjoyed a day at Thorpe Park, a large theme park, and rounded off the long weekend with a trip the cinema followed by a BBQ in the quad area in the evening.Last weekend the boarders came together as a community for a quiz. Students were mixed in different age groups and answered questions on a variety of topics including Europe, Liturature, Pop Music, Food, Album covers and Coco Cola bottles from around the world. It was very close but in the end Miss Dunning's team came away as winners!

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/rookies-achieve-2nd-place-in-east-anglia-heat-of-the-national-schools-analyst-competition 2012-05-02T10:08:40Z Melanie Burke

Six of our Rhetoricians visited the Hertfordshire Universitys School of Pharmacy, for the East Anglia Region National Schools Analyst Competition on Wednesday 18th April.Teams from schools from across the country compete in an engaging and inspiring battle of intellect and practical chemistry skills.The College entered two rookie teams. Team 1 comprised of Sarah Bellis, Alexandra Bellis and Alistair Wither; whilst Joseph McKay, Josh Mann and Abrar Quashem formed Team 2. The competition was held in a state-of-the-art laboratory filled with equipment, some of which the teams had never seen before. The task was to complete three separate, complex and lengthy experiments, using techniques endorsed by the British Pharmacopeia industry, to analyse the active components of standard drugs.St Edmunds were placed second out of the 15 teams entered which is a great achievement. A more detailed write up of this competition will feature in the next edition of College Life, published at the end of term.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/continual-focus-on-improvement 2012-04-26T10:36:18Z Melanie Burke

At St Edmund's we are not just committed to the spiritual, intellectual and physical decelopment of every child but also to maintaining and restoring our historic College buildings.The College is currently shrouded in scaffolding as the preliminary works starts to re-roof the main building. This is the first phase in a comprehensive programme to be carried out across the campus during the summer holidays.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/adolescence 2012-04-25T01:45:06Z Melanie Burke

On Saturday 21st March we welcomed Alison Webster from the Bishop Harvey Family Service, part of the Catholic Children's Society, who ran a workshop for parents on understanding Adolescence.25 parents attended and found it very useful. It allowed them to discuss some of the difficult issues surrounding teenage development with each other, and also to receive some input on the stages of adolescence, particularly key concerns adolescences have, when to be worried, and how to deal with stress. She also gave some valuable input on e-safety. We look forward to welcoming her back!

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/dofe-gold-practice-expedition---roundup 2012-04-05T01:23:33Z Melanie Burke

On Wednesday 28th Marcha group of Poetry and Rhetoric students set off for their Gold training and Practice Canoeing expedition. Many of the students had completed Bronze and Silver previously but were still very excited (if a little nervous) about the white water sections of the trip.We spent two days at the Coalbrookdale youth hostel where during the day the students learnt the necessary skills needed on white water both in their canoes and rescuing each other from the water.On Friday, students began their four day, 100km practice expedition on the River Severn beginning in Pool Quay and eventually finishing on Monday in Ironbridge. Students experienced both cold and hot weather during the expedition, even waking up to a frost on Sunday morning. The group also fitted in Mass on Saturday evening at the Lady of Pity.The students worked extremely hard during the four days and showed outstanding teamwork. They were an absolute credit to the College and we look forward to seeing them through their assessed on the River Wye in July.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/duke-of-edinburgh-gold-canoeing-expedition-update 2012-03-30T02:40:39Z Melanie Burke

Sunday 1st April - UpdateThe Gold DofE Canoeing group are making very good progress on their expedition. They are experiencing all types of weather including a frost this morning. They are keeping in good spirits though.Friday 30th March - UpdateThe Gold DofE canoeing expedition safely arrived in Coalport on Wednesday and have enjoyed a fantastic two days of white water training on the River Severn. They are now prepared and looking forward to the practice expedition beginning on Friday (today).

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/students-visit 2012-03-28T03:32:04Z Melanie Burke

On 24th March a group of students attended the "Flame Conference"; organised by the Catholic Youth Ministry Federation this was an inspirational event, with 8500 young Catholics from all over the UK gathered in Wembley Arena to reflect on using our God given gifts. We were urged to fan our gifts into a flame. "For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God" (2 Tim 1:6)

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/st-edmunds-college-are-hertfordshire-county-football-champions 2012-03-16T12:17:56Z Melanie Burke

On Thursday 15th March, at Letchworth County Ground, St Edmunds College U18 football were led to County Cup victory by captain Rhys Hunt, Yr 13, against the strong opposition of St Michaels School, Watford.St Michaels early domination was rewarded with a goal scored from a corner after only 12 minutes and St Edmunds had to withstand a lot of pressure for the next 15 minutes as St Michaels took control of the game. Scott Hayes, Head Boy, then hit back with a quickly taken free kick to catch the opposition keeper unawares and bring us back into the game, but it wasnt long until St Michaels regained the lead with a superb finish from their centre forward to go in to the break with a 2-1 lead.St Edmunds started the second half with renewed purpose and created numerous opportunities, keeping up the pressure on St Michaels. This eventually told when Harry Puncher, Yr 11, outwitted the opposition down the left hand side of the pitch and delivered a cross that begged to be converted; on hand was Timur Ekhov, Year 12, who had made a strong run to the back post and nodded the ball home to level the scores.As the game entered the final 20 minutes both sides started to feel the strain, but St Edmunds held their nerve and continued to carve out a string of opportunities despite a very combative display from St Michael's. With ten minutes remaining, Connor Bolton, Yr 13, won possession of the ball on the left and crossed a ball for Harry Puncher to run onto and deliver with aplomb into the bottom right hand corner. The boys then withstood a final 5 minutes of pressure as St Michaels threw everything at them in an attempt to get back into the game. Final score: 3-2 St Edmunds.It was a fantastic team performance from all of the boys, showing true Edmundian spirit, and they were all thankful for the great support given to them by the many family, friends and staff in attendance.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/charity-week-raises-over-6500 2012-03-16T02:08:21Z Melanie Burke

Charity Week took place the week commencing 5th March 2012 and today we can announce that our students, with the help and support of family and staff, raised a tremendous 6625.92 . This money was raised in aid of the Catholic Children's Society whose work addresses the issues that prevent children from reaching their full physical, emotional and educational potential and which affect the well-being and stability of the family. They provide community based social work services, counselling, play therapy, psychotherapeutic and mediation services to support children and families in need.The students raised money through cake and goody sales, sponsored fancy dress, own clothes day, staff football match, cycle ride (on stationary bikes) from John O'Groats to Land's End and the ever popular Splat a Teacher.Thank you to all the support over the week and well done to all.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/st-edmund-s-college-welcomes---from-lithuania 2012-03-14T11:40:04Z Melanie Burke

This week we welcome the children and staff from Klaipeda Lyceum, a school in Lithuania. This visit is the first leg of a cultural exchange programme between our schools. The children and their accompanying teachers are spending time in the College with some of our Poets and have been attending lessons and activities. During their week here they will also be visiting Cambridge and London.A group of our students will travel to Lithuania later in the year to understand more about their culture and life at Klaipeda Lyceum school.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/1stxi-football-team-reach-the-county-cup-final 2012-03-12T01:24:02Z Melanie Burke

After a stirling performance on Friday afternoon the 1stXI boys football team have reached the final of the Hertfordshire County Cup.The boys played fantastically well, in what was a very close match against St Clement Danes School, winning 3-2 in extra time.The final, against St Michael's, will be held on Thursday 15th March at 7.30pm at the Letchworth County Ground.Well done to all the team and good luck in the final!

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/charity-week-kicks-off 2012-03-05T02:41:51Z Melanie Burke

Charity Week has today kicked off with lunch time activities including Splat the Teacher and Houses selling lots of goodies for the children to buy; a big treat!This year our chosen charity is the Catholic Children's Society. Their work addresses the issues that prevent children from reaching their full physical, emotional and educational potential and which affect the well-being and stability of the family. They provide community based social work services, counselling, play therapy, psychotherapeutic and mediation services to support children and families in need. Julie Willoughby, from the charity visited the College last week to speak at assembly to inform our students of the work they do and how the money that our students raise will help the charity.More news will follow throughout the week of the various activities which culminate in a own clothes day and Talent Show, organised by our Rhetoricians on Friday.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/myles-dunnett-comes-second-in-regional-futurechef-final 2012-03-01T03:29:13Z Melanie Burke

This week saw Myles Dunnett, Year 10, Douglass, take part in the regional final of the FutureChef food competition at the University of West London. All finalists were tasked with cooking a hot main course and a hot or cold dessert for two people on a strict budget of 8.00.Myles prepared a Deconstructed Duck Wellington and a Raspberry Ripple Baked Alaska within the tight time allocation of only 90 minutes.We are very proud to announce that Myles came second winning himself a trip to London and two weeks work experience under a mentor chef in a London restaurant.Well done Myles, definitely a chef of the future!

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/1st-xi-through-to-the-next-round-of-the-county-cup 2012-02-27T10:18:23Z Melanie Burke

Wednesday 22nd February saw the next round of the football County Cup where the 1stXI played, at home, against Barnwell. The boys played very well, in what was an excellent team performance. The final result was 8-1. Well done to all the boys.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/netball-success-for-our-u12-s 2012-02-27T10:14:27Z Melanie Burke

At the weekend our U12A and B teams travelled to Haileybury for their Saturday morning fixtures.It was end to end action and very exciting game to watch. The defence were amazing and consistentlykept the opposition from scoring. At the other end our shooters kept their heads and were calm under the pressure scoring some well worked goals. Overall the girls were outstanding and deserved to win. Final score the U12A'swon 10-7. The U12B's also came away with a win and were the dominant team from the off. The girls proved to be very resiliant and responded well to the changes in position. It was great to see Lucy Lee play in her first game for the B team. A great all round team performance with the final result being 7-3.Well done to all the girls!

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/austria-ski-trip-2012 2012-02-24T10:01:58Z Maria Holden

On Friday 10th February, 43 students and 6 staff left by coach for the village of Mittersill in the beautiful Austrian Tirol. After a safe arrival, temperatures overnight plummeted to a chilly -25Cbutsteadily improved throughout the week.The students enjoyed afun week of skiing, curling, bowling, table tennis and a Mass at the beautiful Church of St Leonhard's in Mittersill.With the help of expert ski instructors all students made good progress with their skiing and thanks must go to the teaching staff, drivers, hotel staff and ski instructors for such a successful week.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/pancake-race-fun-at-the-prep-and-in-boarding 2012-02-22T05:14:03Z Melanie Burke

The Prep school congregated on the Astroturf on Shrove Tuesday for the annual Pancake Race. Each House was represented by children from the year groups and also each House had a member of staff running. The rest of the school cheered the runners on with great excitement.Each team had to run the course with their pans and pancakes and as part of the circuit had to successfully toss their pancakes twice.The children and staff had a great time and this year Mr Blom presented the Pancake Race Cup to Campion. Well done to all the runners and to all the cheerleaders who did a great motivational job.In the evening the boarders also donned their trainers to compete in the Allen Hall (Boys) vs Garveys (Girls) Pancake race around the quad. Although it was difficult to tell who was more competitive between the staff and the students it was a great fun event. This year Miss Cobb was very proud of the girls who came in as the winners.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/ski-trip-return-information 2012-02-16T11:08:07Z Stuart Winfield

The Ski Trip should be back at the College between 12-1pm on Saturday. Mr Jones will update the website when they arrive at Dover.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/ski-trip-update-13th-jan 2012-02-13T11:30:34Z Melanie Burke

Update Monday 13th February 11.15amThe ski trip had their first day on the slopes yesterday and had a brilliant day of skiiing.The snow conditions are very good with quite low temperatures but brilliant blue skies. Below is the slope they skied.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/skiing-and-diving-trips-have-arrived-safely 2012-02-11T06:23:47Z Elizabeth Cobb

18.20Both the skiing and diving trips have arrived at their destinations safely and the students are already having a good time.In Austria the ski fit is completed and they are admiring the snow which has been described as "awesome". The temperature of minus 12 is not stopping them looking forward to a good day of skiing tomorrow.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/half-term-news-roundup 2012-02-10T03:39:17Z Melanie Burke

As the half term draws to a close it has been a very busy few weeks. We have welcomed many new families to the College and Prep who have sat our entrance exams and we look forward to seeing many new faces join us in September.The last few days have seen lots of visitors to the College including the Diocesan Secondary Headteachers who spent an afternoon with us as part of their conference. We also held a user group for iSams which is our school management system. It was wonderful to meet so many other schools and share our best practices as well as to continue and develop our learning. Continuing this theme we also welcomed many of our local Prep schools which was a wonderful opportunity to again share information and develop our understanding of each others schools.Our annual careers fair this year was, once again, a great success; full of information and ideas for our students from Syntax to Rhetoric. We thank all the visitors who attended the event and provided guidance and careers advice to our students.This week saw the production of the Adventures of Mr Toad which despite the adverse weather saw the Douay Hall full on both nights. It was a wonderful production and I'm sure that all those who attended agree.Finally, today, a group of staff and students have set off to Austria for a week of skiing in the mountains and on the other extreme another group of staff, students and parents have gone diving in Eygpt. Any news we receive from the trips will be posted on the website or you can follow us on Twitter @stedmundsware for the latest news. We wish them all fun and safe trips.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/st-edmund-s-college-hosts-its-annual-senior-citizens-christmas-party-111214020154 2011-12-14T02:01:54Z Melanie Burke

On Sunday 11th December, St Edmund's College once again held its annual Christmas Party for senior citizens, welcoming many old friends as well as several new ones.This popular event, which has been running for many years now, was attended by over 120 senior citizens which was our biggest gathering ever. Visitors came from from the local area, including residents from Northfields and Roundhaye Sheltered Housing schemes and Libury Hall Nursing Home.The guests enjoyed a splendid Christmas Tea in the Colleges Douay Hall, which had been prepared by the staff and was served by the students. The College Choir then led the assembled gathering in the singing of traditional carols and popular Christmas songs including various vocal and instrumental solos.Even Father Christmas paid a jovial visit, distributing raffle tickets for the Grand Draw. Prizes included a selection of hampers and every guest took home a bag of food goodies, the contents of which had been generously donated by parents, students and staff.Chris Long, Headmaster, said: The College really looks forward to this event each year and once again the party was a tremendous success and we were delighted to offer some Christmas cheer to our elderly neighbours. I would like to thank all the staff, parents and students who helped organise this wonderful occasion.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/miles-dunnett-wins-regional-futurechef-competition 2011-12-05T11:20:11Z Melanie Burke

Myles Dunnett competed in, and won, the LocalFuturechef Final which was held on Friday at Haringey Sixth Form College. On a budget of only 6.00 Myles cooked a Ginger and Coconut Curry served wih Naan bread followed by Melt in the Middle Chocolate Baby Cakes served with Baileys Ice Cream and Vietnamese Lemonade.He has now qualified for the Regional Finals which will take place in February 2012. Myles has also been provided with a Mentor chef to assist him inthe next stage. This will involve meetings and training sessions with the chef both here at College and also at the chef's premises at Reynolds Catering Supplies in Waltham Cross. This will allow Myles to become familiar with the full scale catering equipment he needs to use in the finals and to develop the necessary 'chefy' touches to his menu.Thanks also go Mrs Parker and Mrs Hole who had to head off very early hour on Friday morning with Myles and supported him throughout today's rather eventful competition.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/rugby-teams-fun-run-in-aid-of-teenage-cancer-trust 2011-12-05T10:48:32Z Melanie Burke

The boys from the Senior Rugby Team donned their fancy dress outfits on Saturday morning and set off on a 6km fun run. The run, which started and finished at the front of the College, covered 6km of College grounds and the local villages even at one point having to cross a ford! With an array of great outfits, some not particularly good for running in, where certainly a strange sight on a lovely sunny and very cold Saturday morning. Scooby Doo was definitely a big hit with all the dogs out for their morning walk!The boys have so far raised over 1000 in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust which is a tremendous achievement. Well done to all that took part.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/proposed-industrial-action---wednesday-30th-november-2011 2011-11-29T02:01:32Z Melanie Burke

Dear ParentAs you will know from the national news there is another day of industrial action planned for Wednesday 30th November by, amongst others, the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, NASUWT and the National Union of Teachers.I am aware that a few teachers at St Edmund's intend to strike on Wednesday, but I anticipate that the number of teachers involved will be small and, therefore, the College and the Prep should remain open.Yours sincerely, Paulo Durn Deputy Head

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/a-win-for-st-edmund-s-table-tennis-team 2011-11-24T10:58:44Z Melanie Burke

St Edmund's Table Tennis Teams have won the Hertford area tournament for the fifth successive year. This year we entered three teams into the competition and all played extremely well.The U16 team members of Kyri Lambis, Sean Johnson, Alex James, Kieran Gill won the U16 boys title by beating John Warner School in the final.In the U13 section we entered an A and B team with the A team winning the division and the B team being the runners up which is a tremendous result.The U13 A team players were; Ben Van Hemert, Nicholas Thorneycroft, Laurie Johnston and William Lewy.The U13 B team memberts were: Karim Tadros, Josh Gamby, Mason Day and Charlie Spencer.We now look forward to playing in the Hertfordshire Schools Competition on 8th December. Good luck boys!

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/as-design-and-technology-students-put-an-old-idea-to-a-new-test 2011-11-21T10:34:40Z Melanie Burke

Its as true as ever you cant make bricks without straw. Mrs Dalys AS Design Technology students triumphantly demonstrated that old adage as part of their study of composite materials and you may see for yourself both the results and their test methods in the accompanying photos.Testing a material virtually as old as civilisation itself, they made bricks using the matrix of mud to which was added the reinforcer of straw. These were baked at 160 C for twelve hours then dried out at room temperature for a further week before being evaluated. Bricks without that reinforcer crumble, whereas the correct mix makes a durable composite building material.Compression testing took three different forms: first Eliot Barden stood on the bricks, then he and Robert Hartley jumped on them and finally they carried out a more formal and measurable trial, using the vice in the Design Technology workshop.Our students exploration of the durability of a composite material in the form of mud bricks both explains why this ancient technology is still used in much of the developing world and also provided an enjoyable, hands-on (or feet-on, at least) experience of active learning.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/come-on-matt-baker 2011-11-18T11:00:07Z Melanie Burke

'Come On Matt!' the Prep children yelled, as Matt Baker, as part of his Children in Need Rickshaw Challenge, pedalled passed the front gates of St Edmund's this morning.With great excitement the children waited for Matt; constantly cheering and waving at the passing motorists, many of who were also following Matt on his challenge.The Year 3 to 6 children where brilliant supporters and definitely seemed to give Matt a help along to make sure he reached London. It was lovely to see the Prep children feature on the BBC's The One Show on Friday 19th November 2011.Matt pedalled a total of 484 miles starting at the Castle Esplanade in Edinburgh culminating in London during the The One Show's BBC Children in Need live special. He cycled up to ten hours a day and burnt a daily total of up to 9000 calories.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/archbishop-vincent-nichols-celebrates-st-edmund-s-sunday 2011-11-15T09:18:57Z Melanie Burke

On Sunday 13th November 2012 Most Reverend Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster visited the College to celebrate High Mass for St Edmund's Sunday with Old Edmundians, current students and staff. On what was a lovely sunny day High Mass started with a short Act of Remembrance at the College War Memorials. The Last Post was followed by two minutes silence to remember the fallen from all conflicts.Mass was followed by a drinks reception in the Ambulacrum where Old Edmundians had a chance to reacquaint themselves with long lost friends: one group met together again for the first time in over 50 years; another group had made a special journey from Madrid just for the day. The afternoon was spent with OE's either playing rugby or hockey, enjoying a relaxed lunch or having tours of the College and Pugin Chapel with our Head Boy and Girl and their deputies.The day ended with Veneration of the Relic of St Edmund followed by Benediction, which had a special significance this year as it was the 150th anniversary of the Solemn Enshrinement of the Relic in the Chapel by Cardinal Wiseman in 1861.The students are looking forward to celebrating St Edmunds Day on Wednesday 16th November where they will be joined for Mass by Father John Hemer.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/duke-of-edinburgh-award-evening 2011-11-10T10:45:18Z Melanie Burke

On Wednesday evening the Duke Of Edinburgh Award evening took place. The children all had put a great deal of effort in to building fantastic, informative and often very amusing presentations. Each group shared with the packed audience their eventful stories of their bronze, silver and gold expeditions for walking and canoeing.Over 130 children took part in Duke of Edinburgh at St Edmunds College last year and the majority of them collected their certificates during the evening. Many of our students who have completed Gold were not with us as they are now at University. Michael Gribbin, Edward O'Bryan and Dylan Bowrey did complete Gold in one year which is a tremendous achievement and were able to join the evening to celebrate their success. Now all the Gold award winners await their invitation to Buckingham Palace next year. We were joined during the evening by Herts Young Mariners Base who run our canoeing expeditions. They have worked tirelessly to ensure that we are able to give our ever increasingly large groups the opportunity to complete the expeditions in a canoe. A to Z Expeditions who run our walking expeditions were also present. We have created a strong relationship with them over the years and they have helped develop our range of areas for our expeditions which now includes the Brecon Beacons, Peaks and the New Forest.As well as the expedition section, the students have participated in a large range of activities and the community service programme over the course of the year to complete their awards.Well done to all our students who have completed their Duke of Edinburgh award and to those who have completed bronze and silver and are now working towards the next stage of their challenge.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/managing-your-finances 2011-11-07T03:16:31Z Melanie Burke

As part of our programme of seminars and talks held throughout the year for our Rhetoricians (Sixth Form), Lesley Slater from Natwest today gave a talk titled, Managing You Finances. The aim of the interactive presentation is to give our students the basic tools they need in preparation for leaving home and moving off to university where they have to live on a budget and start to take more responsibility for their personal finance.We thank Mrs Slater for her time today.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/mmmmake-it-with-mince-success 2011-11-03T05:26:57Z Melanie Burke

Earlier this year our budding chefs took park in a mmmMake it with mince challenge. Brianna Cumberbatch won this event with her tasty Indian Minced Lamb Skewers with Lightly Fried Chapattis. Brianna has now successfully gone one step further and has been selected as a regional finalist for the Mince Challenge 2011 yet again impressing the judges.The next stage of the competition is for Brianna to cook her dish for James Martin, a well known chef and other judges at the Cambridge regional heat on the 16th November against 9 other students from the region.Good luck Brianna!!

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/house-music---rock-bands-and-choirs 2011-10-21T01:50:50Z Melanie Burke

Thursday afternoon saw the Houses compete in the House Rock Band and House Choir stage of the Music Competiton. Competition was tough but very good natured and all Houses put in great performances. The choirs were all asked to select three Michael Jackson songs to perform and the results were brilliant.With Elements (year 7) soloists and great accompanying dancemoves from some of our older students it was wonderful to see the children work together to produce such fantastic results.Full House Music results will follow.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/announcement---new-headship 2011-10-20T09:45:12Z Melanie Burke

I am delighted to announce that Paulo Durn, our current Deputy Head, has accepted the invitation of the Governors to become Headmaster of the College with effect from 1st September 2012.Paulo was the Governors unanimous choice in the face of strong competition and they relish the prospect of working with him when he comes into post.Until then, Chris Long will continue to lead the College superbly, as always.Len Blom will of course continue as Head of the Prep School. Jeremy Gillham Chair of Governors

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/rhetoric-production---two---tickets-available 2011-10-19T11:51:08Z Melanie Burke

Tickets are still available from Mrs Tinner in the Music School for the Rhetoric Production of Two by Jim Cartwright.'Break a leg' to all those involved and for more details please contact Mrs Tinner 01920 824210 for tickets.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/future-chef-competition 2011-10-19T11:28:55Z Melanie Burke

This morning saw our Food Team take part in in a FutureChef competition. The standard of food was very high with great variety of inventive and tasty dishes being served within their set budget of only 4.00 for a main course dish. Dishes served included tagliatelle with meatballs, chicken with a paprika sauce, lemon rice and wilted spinach but all were delicious.The winner of the mornings competition was Myles Dunnett who served an aromatic chicken and coconut curry served with steamed rice, naan and a selection of accompaniments. Well done Myles.Findlay Rowden was the runner up in second place, with Cormac Georigou in third and Hilary Onoabhagbe in fourth.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/scholars-service-of-celebration 2011-10-17T12:11:41Z Melanie Burke

On Friday afternoon the Scholars for 2011 from both the Prep and the College were joined by their parents and existing scholars in a service of celebration. The service was a very special event which marks the importance of all our scholars for what they bring to the college as individuals and in the example that they set to others.The scholars enjoyed refreshments in our newly open St Edmund's quad in the lovely autumnal sunshine.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/cafod 2011-10-17T10:27:25Z Melanie Burke

Following our fundraising day for CAFOD, the Catholic Fund for Overseas Development, we are pleased to announce the total money raised was 1537.76. This is a great sum of money that was raised by the children having the opportunity to wear their own clothes for a day for a small contribution. The students were also given the opportunity to take part in a simple lunch of soup and bread with the reflection from Gandhi of "live simply as others may simply live".Thank you to all those students who took part in raising such a tremendous amount of money for CAFOD which is involved in projects around the world and who the College has supported for many years.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/1st-xv-rugby-team-unveil-new-kit 2011-10-14T03:12:41Z Melanie Burke

The 1st XV Rugby team have debuted the season in their new kit which has begun very well for the team winning three of the four fixtures played due to great attacking flair and strong defensive discipline. The 1st XV are proud of their new kit and incorporates not only our more recent traditional colours of white and blue but also flashes of brown which date back to the early days of rugby being played at St Edmunds. The side continue to work hard throughout their training sessions with Mr Cunnah and with many more fixtures to play throughout the season the 1st XV squad are determined to keep up the hard work.1st XV Rugby Captain - Richard Tomlinson

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/sixth-form-open-evening 2011-10-11T09:56:30Z Melanie Burke

Our Sixth Form Open Evening is being held on the Thursday 13th October 2011 - 7pm - 9pm.The evening will start in the Douay Hallwith a talk from the Head, Head of Sixth Form and current students.Departments will then be open for you to visit and listen to short presentations on individual subjects at A level. Refreshments will be available in the Ambulacrum where, towards the end of the evening, all staff will again be available to discuss their subject at A level. Admissions staff will also be on hand for any enquiries you may have.For more information please contact our Admissions team on 01920 824247.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/house-music-bulletin 2011-10-07T03:21:38Z Melanie Burke

After the first day of the House Music Competition the judges saw some outstanding individual performances. Pole house is currently in the lead with 614 points but with two sections still to go the competition is wide open.The next sections - House Rock Band and House Song will take place on the 20th October so no doubt all students will be practising hard. Winners of each section: Junior Solo Piano: Douglass HouseIntermediate Solo Piano: Poynter HouseSenior Solo Piano Challoner HouseJunior solo instrumental/voice Pole HouseIntermediate solo instrumental/voice Talbot HouseSenior solo instrumental/voice Pole HouseHouse Classical Ensemble Pole House

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/2011-gcse-and-a-level-results---overview 2011-09-23T05:54:02Z Melanie Burke

2011 Exam Results for St Edmunds College These results are our best ever and happened through the hard work of staff and students and the support of our parents. Our oustanding value added score represents the fulfilment of our Catholic mission in ensuring that all make the best use of their talents, often exceeding their potential. External independent reviews of our A Level performance show that St Edmunds College is now in the top 8% of schools (Independent and State) for progress made between GCSE and A Level examinations. This is a very pleasing achievement and shows that St Edmunds College achieves both excellent A*-B % grades and outstanding value added. All university applicants were successful in gaining a place and a majority went to the top universities in the Russell and 94 groups and in America. GCSE Results 95 students sat GCSEs in 2011100% pass rate95% 5 grades A*-C including English and Maths41% achieve A*-A grades including English and Maths A level Results 71 students sat A levels in 2011100% pass rate72% A*-B gradesPoints per entry 214Points per candidate 882

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/success-for-our-gcse-students 2011-08-30T12:38:35Z Melanie Burke

Well done to all our students who sat their GCSE's this year gaining a 100% pass rate.Mr Long, Head, said, 'We congratulate our Year 11 for a record crop of GCSE grades, with 41% awarded at A* or A grades; a great year group,they worked hard throughoutand deserve a lot of credit for their industry and commitment'.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/a-level-success-for-our-rhetoricians-110818025255 2011-08-18T02:52:55Z Melanie Burke

Students and staffare celebrating an excellent set of A Level results today with 72% of the students gaining A* - B grades and an overall 100% pass rate. A LEVEL RESULTS 2011 2011 Number of candidates 71 Overall Pass Rate A - E 100% Grades A* - B 72% Chris Long, Head, said:We are very pleased that our A level results show nearly three quarters of our students achieving at either A*/A or B grade, our best ever performance by some way. Despite the pressure on places this year our students have been highly successful in gaining entry to their chosen courses.Particular local successes include James Hartley from Hertford who achieved four A* grades at A level and goes on to read Medicine at Cambridge; Stella Spanos from Brookmans Park who gained three A* grades and will read Psychology at UCL and finally Jasmine Smith, from Ware, outgoing Head Girl who gained 2 A* and 1 A grades and will study Optometry at Cardiff.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/as-and-a2-public-examination-results-collection 2011-08-17T02:33:08Z Melanie Burke

AS and A2 public examination results will be available in the King Room from 9am on Thursday 18th August 2011.Parents and Students should enter the College grounds via the main entrance and enter the building via main reception.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/trips-and-excursions-update 2011-07-03T01:19:39Z Melanie Burke

Exchange visit to India: Thursday 7th - Sunday 17th July : Mr. Mohana0091810591011400918105910115 Gold Duke of Edinburgh Canoeing Expedition: Friday 8th - Tuesday 12th July : Miss Cobb07764758512 CCF RAF Camp: Saturday 9th - Saturday 16th July : Mr. Liddle07525071906 CCF Army Camp: Saturday 9th - Saturday 16th July: Mr. Jones07738245632 JP2 Exhange Trip: Wednesday 27th July -Wednesday 17th August : Miss Cobb07764758512 In an emergency please contact the SLT member of staff on duty on :07543821561

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/activities-week-kicks-off 2011-07-01T10:22:11Z Melanie Burke

Activities week has begun with the first of our trips departing from the College on Friday morning.All information about the trips and activities over the coming days can be found in the Trips and Excursions section under Senior School/College Life.Emergency contact numbers are also here or you can view from the download on the right of this page.We wish all the children and staff a fun, interesting and safe time over the coming days.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/proposed-industrial-action 2011-06-29T10:24:26Z Melanie Burke

A copy of the letter sent to parents from Mr Long, Head. 28th June 2011Dear ParentYou will, no doubt, have heard of the industrial action planned for Thursday 30th June by, amongst others, the Association of Teachers and Lecturers and the National Union of Teachers. For the first time in many years the two Unions are asking their members in independent schools to join in this action and I am aware that a few teachers at St Edmund's intend to strike on Thursday.I anticipate that the number of teachers involved will be very small and, therefore, the College and the Prep will remain open.Yours sincerelyMr C P LongHead

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/joshua-best-wins-national-writing-competition 2011-06-21T02:19:44Z Melanie Burke

On Friday 17th June Mrs Joanna Boggle from the Association of Catholic Women visited St Edmunds Prep school with some exciting news for the form 6B children who had entered a national writing competition.This year the Association had set year 6 children the task to enter a small project on the Rosary, including how to pray with the Rosary and to explain one of the mysteries. 6B worked, in class and at home, to produce beautiful handwritten projects that were submitted and were judged with over 2000 other entrants from schools all over the country.St Edmunds Prep did outstandingly with Joshua Best being the overall winner. The Prep children also won seven Special Merit Certificates and seven runner up prizes. Joshua wrote in detail about the Rosary and how we use it to help our prayers, he concentrated on the mystery of the birth of Jesus in a stable, and the visits from the shepherds and the wise men of the East. Joshua won a beautiful trophy, three books, 300 for St Edmunds Prep and 50 of book vouchers for the Catholic Truth Society, who run the competition in conjunction with the Association of Catholic Women. The seven runners up were awarded the Catechism of the Catholic Church; these were Andrew Byrne, Max Wou-Smith, Jack Brody, William Lewy, Croia McDermott, Christina Thorneycroft and Harry Clubley (who was also a runner up last year, so he now has two copies)! Special Merit Certificates were awarded to Tallia Gee, Sicily Scrimali, Lydia Sanders, Nathan Kingseller, Thai Pinsiranon, Marcus Drabwell and Kene Chigbo.The Prep was awarded a commemorative book of Pope Benedict XV1s visit and the beatification of Blessed John Henry Newman last year; Miss Butterworth was also awarded this beautiful book. Joshua is discussing with Miss Butterworth, Mr Blom and Mr Duddy how to spend the prize money on an icon for the school to remember this wonderful occasion.Congratulations to all those who worked so hard to produce such high quality projects.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/st-edmund-s-pilgrimage 2011-06-07T01:32:07Z Melanie Burke

The Pilgrimage this year was to see two of London's important Catholic sites both with considerable history and with great significance for the College. Our visit to the Convent at Tyburn started with some minutes spent in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament before we moved to the Crypt to hear a few of the many stories that can be told about the English martyrs many of whom were killed at Tyburn. We heard how Margaret Ward was executed for bringing a rope to prison to help a priest escape and other examples of the Martyr's bravery and purpose. We are pictured in front of the altar in the Crypt which is shaped like the three sided gallows on which the Martyrs were executed.We then moved to Allen Hall in Chelsea where we were given a tour of the seminary which moved to London from St Edmund's in 1975. It was interesting to see the same Martyrs names recorded on the wall of their refectory that we have in our Ambulacrum. The seminary is on the site of St Thomas More's house and we were shown the mulberry tree which is believed to have been alive in his time as well as having time to hear Mass in the upstairs chapel. Fr Richard Nesbit, the Diocesan Director of Vocations kindly gave up his Saturday to talk to us and to say Mass for us. We hope that our links with the Seminary will continue to grow and that perhaps next year we can organise a football game between seminarians and students.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/prep-interhouse-athletics-results 2011-05-30T04:53:32Z Melanie Burke

Friday saw the Prep children take to the athletics field for the Interhouse Athletics competition. Although the skies were overcast, and threatening rain, the afternoon stayed dry and the children had a wonderful afternoon of sport, cheered on by many parents and grandparents.The final results were:1st Campion - 2412nd Southworth -2113rd Mayne - 203The Grand House Relay also took place and these results were:1st Mayne2nd Southworth3rd CampionWell done to all the children.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/mr-webster-s-pedal-power 2011-05-25T03:07:36Z Melanie Burke

Mr Webster spent his Easter holiday cycling a gruelling 180 mile Coast to Coast Challenge route to raise money for research into the cancer that sadly killed his father-in-law.Mr Webster, a keen cyclist, embarked on his first fundraising event after reading about a little known Way of the Roses route in a cycling magazine, some 30 miles longer than the traditional Morecambe to Bridlington track.Mr Webster completed the route over three days, was joined by his wife and daughter although they were happy to travel by car and is already on track to raise 1,000 - double his original fundraising target.The money raised will be donated to the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund (www.pcrf.org.uk), which funds vital research to help find new therapies for the disease. Pancreatic cancer has the worst survival statistics of any common cancer. Just 3 per cent of those diagnosed will still be alive after 5 years a figure that hasnt improved in 40 years.I cycle about 40-50 miles a week on average, but this was no easy ride. I knew it was going to be hilly, but it was really tough going especially the hill outside Settle in North Yorkshire which was incredibly steep and seemed to go on forever. On the plus side, I was lucky, with no punctures and no broken spokes along the whole journey.The children at school have been a fantastic support, he says. In fact exceeding my target is down to them really as so many of them have sponsored me a few pounds out of their own pocket money, which is very touching.Mr Webster already has his sights set on his next challenge cycling from London to Paris but may take a well-earned rest first. If youd like to contribute to Mr Webster fundraising please go to http://www.justgiving.com/DominicWebster

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/the-friday-fly-by 2011-05-24T07:51:20Z Melanie Burke

Late last Friday afternoon, just as everyone was switching into weekend mode, the peace of the College was shattered by the thunderous roar of two huge Chinook helicopters passing low over the back of the school. It quickly became obvious that they were intending to land somewhere in the playing field area and the Rhetoric 2 Media Studies group were in pole position to rush out, cameras in hand to record the event. Mrs Ball was actually on the field with a group of girls and they had a grandstand view and quite a surprise!As it turned out the Chinooks had landed behind a line of trees adjacent to and to the south of the playing field, so good photos were not possible. We have included, here, one superb photo taken last year by Mark Leslie when Chinooks landed at the front of the College and one taken by a gasping Mr Breese on Friday as he fought for breath after running to the field to get the shot. (He doesnt run too often these days!).The Chinooks were from RAF Odiham in Hampshire and their occasional appearance at close quarters is as a result of Lt. Adrian Jones initiative in helping the RAF to use St Edmunds as a helicopter landing site at which the RAF practise landing on sloping surfaces and confined areas. Practice makes perfect, you see!

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/win-for-the-u15-rounders--team 2011-05-20T12:21:52Z Melanie Burke

St Edmund's U15 Rounders' team travelled to New Hall on Thursday. The girls batted first and hada fantastic innings led byEmily Butler and Emily Chappell. New Hall had 12 rounders to beat. Within five minutes St Edmund's had caught six New Hall players out. After the first innings the score was 12-8 and a half. St Edmund's had another strong batting innings and were superb in their fielding, rarely dropping a catch or making a wrong decision.The final score - St Edmund's 19 - Newhall 15

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/congratulations-to-the-cricket-1st-xi 2011-05-18T11:23:47Z Melanie Burke

Tuesday 17th May saw the Cricket 1st XI team take on the East Herts Cavaliers. Very good bowling and fielding were displayed with Harry White and Tom Goldie taking 2 wickets each. The debutant Henry Stoffberg snaffled two well taken catches and stalwart Ross Tharby removed two key batsmen with catches in the deep that came down with snow on them. Marko Bozovic and Alex Cheung proved ever reliable in the field and Ryan McMenemy and George Davies capped the fielding display with 2 exception direct hits to run out two of the opposition.The East Herts Cavaliers finished on 191-6 which would prove to be a very testing total. Ryan McMenemy and Harry White opened the innings in aggressive mood which was continued by George Davies after the early departure of White. The two senior boys led the side past 50 before Mcmenemy departed for 34, the side then consolidated their position with a solid second wicket stand to leave the side requiring 120 runs from the final 20 overs. With the light drawing in a powerful middle order display of power hitting by Bozovic and Tharby led the boys within sight of victory and a towering 6 in the penultimate over off of the oppositions former county opening bowler made the 3 runs from the final.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/midsummer-festival---18th-june-2011---130pm---5pm 2011-05-11T01:43:33Z Melanie Burke

St Edmund's College, are aftera one yearabsence, holding our Midsummer Festival on 18th June 2011 from 1.30 - 5.00pm.As in previous years there will be fun stalls and games for all and throughout the afternoon there will be plenty of refreshments. We will also be holding our Charlie Smith Memorial Cricket match at 2.30pm.The event is open to all -current, past and prospective students and their families as well as our neighbours from nearby villages and towns.If you do require any further information then please contact Linsey Sparkes on 01920 824366.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/grand-house-relay-success-for-pole-house 2011-05-07T00:00:00Z Melanie Burke

Friday 6th May saw Grand House Relay success for Pole house after being 2nd or 3rd for at least the last five years.In stark contrast to last year the sun shone down as the whole school congratated on the sports fields to cheer on the runners proudly running for their Houses.The Elements pupils took the first leg and the race culminated in the Rhetoricians bringing home the baton for their respective Houses.The final result saw Pole as the winners closely followed by; 2nd - Talbot, 3rd Poynter, 4th - Douglass and finally Challoner in 5th.All runners did a wonderful job of representing their house with the rest of the students and staff cheering them on the way.

tag:uclb.com,2010-10-12:http://www.stedmundscollege.org/news/boarders-royal-wedding-celebrations-110503111046 2011-05-03T00:00:00Z Melanie Burke

On Friday 29th April the Royal wedding celebrations began at St Edmunds College four our Boarders'with a non-alcoholic bucks fizz breakfast which was followed by the viewing of the Royal Wedding. The students particularly enjoyed seeing the wedding dress for the first time along with the rest of the world.Due to slightly overcast weather the tasty BBQ was moved inside but this did not hamper any of the festivities. In the afternoon students had a great time decorating mugs, making Royal wedding cushions (which evenMiss Cobb had a go at), cup cakes and scones and as the weather warmed up they played rounders and volleyball. The highlight of the afternoon though was the tug-a-war!The evening sawa wonderful formal dinner which included a wedding cake in keeping with the days festivities. As can be seen in the photos both students and staffentered into the spirit of the occasion and dressed up as members of the Royal family enjoyinga wonderful, happy day.A big thank you to our catering team for providing such wonderful food throughout the day and of course Miss Cobb for all the arrangements.Due to the long Bank Holiday weekend the boarders' fun weekend didn't end there. On Saturday, the younger students enjoyed a day at Alton Towerswhilethe Rhetoricians had a very productive day of revision in preparation for their forthcoming exams.On Sunday evening a group of students camped out in the College grounds and enjoyed making noodles and hot dogs! On Monday afternoon students enjoyed a welcome break from revision to go to the cinema to watch Fast and Furious and 3D Thor. In the evening to finish the four day weekend students enjoyed a hog roast at the front of College followed by more rounders and tug-a-war!