As the pace of exams ramps up, it is time for our most senior learners to go full-time into independent revision and preparation at home.

We wish them all the best - we're confident that every seed of commitment, focus and perseverance they have sown over the years will be reaped in these critical weeks.

Please join us in remembering the Year 11 students in prayer.

For more information, see the letter below which was sent to parents.

The work experience period will begin in a few weeks and students are busy finding placements and completing applications with the support of Mr Davis, Mrs Banbrook, and Y10 pastoral staff.

Work experience provides an invaluable chance for students to gain insight into working life, develop important skills, and explore potential career paths. We encourage all students to actively seek a placement in an area that interests them, as this will enhance both their understanding of working life and their personal development.

For more information, or support with making your applications, please speak to Mr Davis or your form tutor.

May Pope Francis rest in peace and may his prophetic gift to us be amplified by those who carry on the mission of the church. +

Students got to experience the Philatelic Exhibition, and see some amazing treasures, including the Magna Carta and The Enigma Machine. After lunch, students had a very insightful talk about the Windrush Generation and the importance of oral history. 
The students were a credit to the Academy and had a fantastic day.

National Careers Week 2025 was an exciting and insightful time for students, staff, and parents, as the school came together to explore the many career opportunities available to young people. A combination of face-to-face and virtual activities provided students with valuable guidance, industry insights, and inspiration for their futures.

Launch of Careers Week

The week began with the launch of National Careers Week resources during Form Time and PSHE lessons. These sessions encouraged students to think critically about their ambitions and the steps they needed to take to achieve their goals. Teachers incorporated discussions on career pathways, ensuring that students were exposed to a range of possibilities.

One of the highlights of the first day was a keynote speech from a Senior NHS Nurse, who spoke virtually to Year 10 students about careers in healthcare. The talk provided valuable information about the different roles within the NHS, the qualifications required, and the realities of working in the industry.

Engaging Resources and Parental Involvement

Throughout the week, students had access to a range of career-focused resources, including careers of the week and industry-related webinars, which were posted on their Google Classroom streams. These online resources helped students to explore careers in different sectors, equipping them with knowledge about potential pathways.

Parents also played a key role in supporting their children’s career exploration. The National Careers Week Guide was sent to families via email, providing them with information on how to help their children think about their futures.

Subject Integration and Guest Speakers

Teachers were encouraged to integrate career discussions into their lessons. Some used BBC Bitesize’s career resources as DO NOW activities to introduce different industries, while others invited guest speakers or shared alumni success stories to highlight how their subjects could lead to exciting career paths.

The school also welcomed guest speakers from various industries, including:

• NHS professionals, who discussed healthcare careers.
• Power Mobile Gym, a business founded by a school alumnus, which gave insight into entrepreneurship in the fitness industry.
• Lola Olaore, founder of Bloss.m, who shared her experiences as a former student and business owner, inspiring students to pursue careers in social enterprise.

Exciting Opportunities for Students

One of the most exciting events of the week was the Year 7 trip to Colfe’s Independent School, where students explored possible careers in robotics. The trip sparked curiosity about STEM-related careers, allowing students to engage with innovative technology and consider the future of automation and engineering.

Evening webinars were also made available, giving students additional access to career discussions outside of school hours. These sessions helped students learn about different industries, connect with professionals, and ask questions about potential career paths. Below is a thought-provoking message shared by Alumni on a virtual assembly about what St Paul’s Academy can offer the students:

A Week of Inspiration and Aspiration

National Careers Week 2025 provided students with a valuable opportunity to explore their future careers in a structured and engaging way. By combining classroom discussions, industry speakers, online resources, and external trips, the week helped broaden students’ aspirations and encouraged them to think proactively about their futures.

The success of the week was evident in the enthusiasm of the students, the engagement of parents, and the dedication of teachers in embedding careers education into their lessons. As the school continues to build a strong culture of career exploration, the experiences from this week will no doubt leave a lasting impact on students as they plan for their futures.

It opened my mind to specific subjects, and pathways into these. The critical thinking helped me understand different points of view on education.

Y10 Student

The Catalyst Program is a sustained contact initiative designed to provide tailored support at critical stages in a pupil’s education. By employing a ‘hub model,’ schools within the partnership take turns hosting events, allowing for a greater collective impact. This structure ensures that a larger number of students benefit from the program while also distributing the logistical responsibilities among all participating institutions.

I enjoyed mixing with other schools and connecting through discussion to learn their insights into further education.

Y10 Student

The name ‘Catalyst’ reflects the program’s core mission: to accelerate positive change. The initiative aims to increase applications to top universities, enhance student motivation, and ultimately boost the success rate of university applicants. Through a series of structured engagements, students receive invaluable exposure to higher education opportunities and develop the ambition and drive necessary to achieve their academic goals.

The program comprises four key points of contact:

• Point 1: Autumn, Year 8 – Initial introduction to the program and university aspirations.
• Point 2: Spring, Year 10 – Focus on academic development and university preparation (hosted at Deptford Green in 2025).
• Point 3: Summer, Year 10 – Visit to Oxford University for an immersive experience.

During the event at Deptford Green, students engaged in a variety of academic workshops, university application discussions, and interactive activities designed to encourage critical thinking and ambition. This experience provided them with a clearer vision of their future educational pathways and an enhanced understanding of the opportunities available at institutions like Oxford University. A special mention goes to Kemi, Hannah and Shatha for their insightful and thought-provoking responses in group discussions and to the leader of the program.

The Catalyst Program continues to be a beacon of inspiration, guiding students toward their aspirations and helping to shape the next generation of university applicants. By fostering sustained engagement and collaboration among schools, it is playing a vital role in broadening access to top-tier education for all participants. We look forward to our Summer Term trip - we'll be visiting Oxford University for Point 3.

I learnt about the different ways into education and that I can now study nursing as a degree apprenticeship. These experiences are invaluable for my future and I thank St Paul’s for providing these for me.

Y10 student

On Wednesday, 5th March, thirteen Year 10 students from St Paul’s Academy attended an immersive T Level experience at Shooters Hill. The event provided an exciting opportunity for students to engage in hands-on workshops and gain a deeper understanding of the T Level programs offered.

The day commenced at 9 AM with a Welcome Session, where students were introduced to the schedule and given an overview of T Levels by the Head of School and Tiana Reid the Marketing Director. This session highlighted the significance of T Levels in preparing students for industry-specific careers and higher education pathways.

Throughout the day, students participated in three subject-specific workshops, covering Building and Services Engineering, Health and Social Care, Media and Production, and Early Years and Education. Each session consisted of a brief course introduction followed by a practical learning experience, allowing students to gain firsthand knowledge of the subjects.

A lunch break was provided, giving students a chance to reflect on their morning activities and discuss their experiences with peers. It also provided time to speak with Alumni students and with the Careers Team giving guidance on the different pathways the students could enter by studying at Shooters Hill College.

The afternoon continued with additional subject sessions, further enhancing students’ understanding of the practical skills and theoretical knowledge required for each field. The event concluded with a Panel Discussion, where current T Level students shared their experiences, offering insights into the structure, challenges, and benefits of the courses. This session also included a Q&A segment, allowing visiting students and staff to address any queries they had regarding the programs.

This initiative aligns with the Department for Education’s commitment to promoting T Levels as a valuable alternative to traditional qualifications. By attending this event, St Paul’s Academy students were able to explore potential career paths and make informed decisions about their future education and training.

The experience at Shooters Hill was highly beneficial, providing students with a clearer perspective on the opportunities available through T Levels. Events like these play a crucial role in helping young learners bridge the gap between education and industry, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future careers.

‘The day was well explained in terms of what a T-Level was. I was then shown the campus and the different pathways I could study if I decided on a T-Level as my Post-16 Pathway. It was an engaging and enriching trip. Thank-you Shooters Hill.’ (Year 10 student)

At St Paul's Academy on Wednesday 12th February, the Year 9 Options Fair for GCSE courses provided an invaluable opportunity for students and parents to explore future career pathways. This year, the event was enriched by the presence of Alumni who have ventured into diverse industries and careers, offering first-hand insights into their professional journeys.

The Alumni shared their experiences across various career routes, including apprenticeships, university pathways, and vocational training. Industries represented at the event included media and marketing, financial services, public sector consultancy, as well as a prestigious Deutsche Bank Apprenticeship. Additionally, students had the opportunity to learn from professionals in brokerage and even an accomplished actor. STEM industries also played a crucial role in supporting the event, with representatives from the offshore industry and IBM showcasing career opportunities within the sector.

The Year 9 Options Fair was designed to equip students and parents with essential knowledge to make informed GCSE choices that align with future aspirations. By engaging directly with professionals from a wide range of fields, students gained valuable awareness of potential career paths and the skills required to succeed.

Moving forward, the Alumni will now become a key feature in the school's careers program, continuing to inspire and guide students toward ambitious futures. Their success stories exemplify how being part of the St Paul's Academy community can positively shape lives, as seen in the journeys of Kamaledine and Daniel (pictured below). Their achievements serve as a testament to the power of education, mentorship, and perseverance in becoming successful citizens beyond school life.

Many thanks to the Business Department who prepared students so well in lessons. Thanks to Mr Khan, Mr Kisitu, and the Business Team for supporting the event.

-GD