You the students will now have had Talks with Mr Finnigan regarding the school closures in our area.
Now we want to know what you think!
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Tell us what you like about the school, or even what you would like improved!
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Tell us your feelings about the school closures/ prospect of Thomas More being changed.
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Why did you come to St Thomas More.
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Are you happy here!
******Parents!******
We also need your support and listen to all your views
Please feel free to leave all comments on this site!
Remember you are all a part of our community, YOUR view counts!
Please be aware that your views may be forwarded to other personal, however e-mail addresses will remain confidential!
Thank You
on behalf of everybody at
St Thomas More.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENDENCE AT THE SERCO CONSULTATION, YOU VOICED YOUR OPINIONS AND IT WAS HEARTWARMING TO HEAR! PLEASE CONTINUE TO LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS ON HERE AND SIGN THE PETITION!
The online petition is now up and ready–sign it, you will then receive an e-mail to verify it, once you have verified it, it will then appear on the petition thanks.
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/PRAISE/
MANY THANKS
Heres my own personal view.
7 Years ago I started at St Thomas More as a shy, student, who didn’t excel at academic studies. 7 Years on I stand before you as your Head Girl, preparing to go to university to train to become a Physical Education Teacher. But none of this would have been possible if it wasn’t for St Thomas More.
From day one I have been looked after, guided, and supported. I was made to feel I was somebody and not just a number. I dare say if I had gone to any other school in the world, I wouldn’t be the person i am now.
The reason is because we have the most amazing team of teachers, support staff, parents, and students, all of whom pull together to help one another.
Through every high and low in my life St Thomas More has been there, with each member of staff, from the headmaster to the support staff being on hand to help.
I believe that you can take a student out of St Thomas More, but you can never take St Thomas More out of the student. I will leave come July 2008, but will always look back on my time here fondly. That will never be it though, I have already made plans to continue to coach the girls football, and hope that one day I will come back to teach.
Each day at St Thomas More gets better, I can be really low at the start of the day, but without fail I come away with a smile. I am spending more time than ever at the college, doing extra curricular activities, and helping out. Because I can say with immense pride I am part of the St Thomas More Community, with an amazing catholic ethos, and the people I thank for it all are the staff, students, and parents, who make this the best school about!
Thomas More has the ability to develop each individual student into a fully rounded person with necessary qualifications and experience to succeed in an ever-changing world, the proof of which can already be seen with our former pupils. We succeed at delivering academically, the proof for this, look no further that exam results. We are successful, this is the school to be why? Listen to us the students, the parents and staff!
I will fight to stop any change to Thomas More that i believe will have a corrosive impact on our community. This school made me who I am, and for that i am grateful.
Rebecca Grocott
(Head Girl)
By: Becky on November 12, 2007
at 8:21 pm
this school is brilliant all the teachers are amazin and i will be ever so upset if it closed down i love this school loads demi
By: demi bentley on November 12, 2007
at 8:54 pm
Through my time at our school i have been able to do and take pat in things that i would never have been given the oppotunity to try at anywhere else…
also without the hard work and dedication of all the staff at school i would have never been able to get the results i get!
Our school community is a caring community where i have gained many precious friends this is why it should stay open
By: James Sheridan on November 12, 2007
at 9:01 pm
My son goes to St Thomas More. It is an excellent school, with excellent facilities, and more importantly excellent teachers. The school are always willing to support you as a parent and give you valuable feedback. Should this school close it would be a disaster the area, why spoil a perfectly good school?
My son is happy to be there and i feel that my whole family is a part of the community! The Head Girl sums it all up for me, well put, and very accurate, i trust Thomas More to deliver thats why my son goes there!
Keep the comments coming and keep going to all of you doing your best to make sure people here about this wonderful school, im backing you!
John
Longton
By: John on November 12, 2007
at 9:03 pm
As I am a year 9 student, I have been at the school for nearly 3 years. When I first started, I didn’t think that school could be this enjoyable.
Academically it is the best school in the city and the teachers are highly qualified, they gain the best out of their students and are extremely friendly.
Please don’t close / change / tamper with St Thomas More because the friends I have made and the friendships I have built will last me a life time.
Roxy Keshavarz
By: Roxy Keshavarz on November 12, 2007
at 9:21 pm
If it wasn’t for St Thomas More, I feel that in my 6th year here, I wouldn’t have accomplished anywhere near what I have done at this point.
I have succeeded amazingly academically, because of the facilities and fantastic teaching we have, and my confidence has grown because of the great students here, and the one-to-one help that pupils can receive.
Without this college, I doubt that I would have any idea of my career plan, or the qualifications (and expectations of more in the form of A-levels) to enable me to carry it out!
By: Lee Finch on November 12, 2007
at 9:27 pm
St Thomas More is a great school. I have really enjoyed my time there and it would be a great shame to shut or alter such a good school.
The teachers offer the support that every pupil needs and help us to all perfom at the best level that we can.
St Thomas More offers a great sense of community joining both the staff and pupils together!! Its situations like the closure of the school that the community should be closer than ever in order to prevent such a great school from closing
Keep up the support
By: Jo on November 12, 2007
at 9:32 pm
i have been in st thomas more catholic college since y7 and i am currently in upper sixth form. i can say without a single doubt that i have not regretted any single second of these last 7 years as i have learned something new and different every day.
to b told that there might potentially be closure or change for the school was shocking news. future generations wont b able to expieriance the same things that we went through at st thomas more and theyll just b left feeling deprived.
thomas more has such a nice tight nit community that any child or new member of staff joining it will benefit from it.
The staff are always there for the students and the mutual respect is earned throughout the college years. i dont think that there is any other college in stoke on trent that is deemed to be any where near as good at st thomas more catholic college.
By: salma nazir on November 12, 2007
at 9:35 pm
Ive been at St Thomas More for 6 years now and in that time i have had so much support from all the staff and i can say that with the help of all the teachers i left the school with great GCSE Results.
The school was so good i decided to stay on there for 6th form and im loving ever second of it.
By: Tom on November 12, 2007
at 10:06 pm
Wow,
Along with everyone else, i’m sure, Thomas More has treated me well the 7 years i have been here.
It’s a place of great learning, where i have acheived much including decent GCSE and AS results. The staff here are very supportive and have helped when i have struggled with work or understanding. The staff have always demanded respect but have always been friendly. They were greatly motivational during exam times and through personal difficult times.
The school has encouraged me to develope spiritual a well as accademically. I am a Catholic and St Thomas More have encouraged me to explore more about the christian faith. With regular masses and outstanding religous education lessons, i now am a strong believer and follow of the Catholic religion.
As a keen performer, i am very much involed with the performing arts deparment. The standard of teaching in performance is outstanding and has been throughout my time here. There is also a strong after-school extra curriculum system, including lessons in GCSE dance, singing, orchestra and other dance activities.
St Thomas More has been an amazing experience and i hope it continues for generations to come. As Shakespeare once wrote “The course of true love never did run smooth”. and i’, sure that this little inncident will soon be overcome by all the great staff and students at St Thomas More, as any changes would taint it’s rising to perfection.
Kieran
By: Kieran on November 13, 2007
at 10:54 am
To follow my previous comment, i believe that St Thomas More is the best it’s ever been, right now. With Mr Finnigan incharge and his team of deputies are more than capible of keeping the school at it’s current standard.
Also with Jake Heath and Becky Grocott as head boy and girl, representing the student body, i’m sure they will do their best to prevent and changes to the college and it’s current progress.
By: Kieran on November 13, 2007
at 10:59 am
When i heard the school was to be closed down,i tried to write the most perfect argument for why it shouldn’t be… but i realised that this school speaks for its-self…The teachers support, compassion and inspirition allows each individual within the college community to develop and grow.
I have accomplished so many things (To many to even list) I ahve alwasy been encouraged to aim high and follow my dreams.
I can’t explain how fond i am of this college, and how many memories have been created here. Without Thomas more would i be the person i am now? No most probably not, Thomas More has allowed me to be myself and stay true to that.
So should you close the school down? No This school is one of the best in Stoke-On-Trent, Many others won’t be able to understand where we are coming from and why we have such high opinions of St Thomas More, it would be a great loss. It has been a privilege to study here and become a memeber of the schools community
Keep St Thomas More open!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
p.s: Strong reasons make strong actions.
(William Shakespeare) =]
By: k@Ty on November 13, 2007
at 11:45 am
I’d just like to state my worry for the area of Stoke-on-trent. I have been in St.Thomas More since Year 7 and am now in 6th form, the college has been the backbone of my development as a person and i feel that should i have gone anywhere else i wouldnt be the person i am now.
I personally think it is unfair how the schools of the local area are being treated and in some regards threatened with closure.
The press hasn’t particually helped the situation by saying that the Catholic schools of the area will be safe, this is not the case and we need to act now!
I also believe that the company threatening the area with closure is also using lies and loopholes to push there wants into action.
I hope to see this new plan abolished.
I hope that many people speak there mind on this issue and work together to defend our school.
By: Joe on November 13, 2007
at 1:32 pm
I have attended St Thomas More Catholic College for 7 years and I believe that my parents made the correct decision when choosing this school. St Thomas More is an excellent school which ahs helped me to acheive brilliant results in both my GCSE’s and AS Levels and I am sure that I will also do well in my A Levels.
The school has a number of brilliant teachers who have believed in me and helped me to acheive the best that I can. looking back to day one when I started this school, I was a shy 11 year old and with the help of the staff at St Thomas More, I have acheived my very best.
St Thomas More is a high acheiving school and this is constantly shown thoughout the league tables. I thought that the object of SERCO was to close under acheiving schools, clearly St Thomas More is not an under acheiving school.
By: Becky L on November 13, 2007
at 3:58 pm
I have been a teacher at St Thomas More for 11 years and part of my role as Director of Sixth Form is to promote St Thomas More in the local community and in other schools in the area. Although some could argue that I’m therefore paid to say how good the College is, I disagree!
As a practising Christian myself I cannot over-empasise how supportive the staff and students of this College are. Both the staff and students will always go the ‘extra mile’ for others in this community – .i.e. staff spending breaks, lunches and after College sessions with students, and Sixth Form students who all give freely of their time.
The College has an excellent examination record. In the Sixth Form, we have immense success in securing students places at Universities (94% of 2007 leavers currently at University). Part of this success is due to the fact that staff know our students inside out. Again, this is partly due to the dialogues that occur with students outside of normal lesson time.
How is it possible that a school that experiences such great successes in examintions can be categorised with other schools from the city that are less effective? The reputation that St Thomas More has in the local community would all be wiped out with the swipe of a pen. Even it is re-opened under a new name, the school would then have to work for the next decade to re-builds it’s universal name.
By: Mrs Staton on November 13, 2007
at 4:56 pm
I am a parent of two past students to St Thomas More and of one present student. I have seen many changes to the college during the last14years and throughout that time the scholl/college has stood for strong values of respect, and high standards of education. It is with much pride that I am glad that my children have been educated by St Thomas More, not only accademically, but also in their preparation for life afterwards. The influence of the Catholic ethos has been there to see by making them better people and well liked by many of their friends and colleagues at their workplaces.
To change the college in any way which would affect it’s history of achievement in producing highly respected and admirable students with a sound background of knowledge and experience, and would undermine 30years of dedicated and invaluable work. I hope the council does not succumb to these radical changes that could wipe out all that St Thomas More has stood for since it’s establishment.
By: Stephen on November 13, 2007
at 9:10 pm
My Daughters friend is the Head Girl at Thomas More, and runs this blog.
My children sadly did not go to Thomas More, a massive mistake on my part. But each time i see Becky she tells us what a great place it is, and i can see that. I spoke to her this evening on the phone and we discussed the situation. She spoke from her heart and told me that she would fight with every last ounce of energy and more to ensure the school was left safe. he told me she had had the best 7 years of her life there and that she wanted that to be available to other students and the only way in which that could happen is if the strong team of staff remained safe.
So this response is to basically say i am part of the cause now, not just to support Becky but because i believe that this school does make a difference, and if there was any way i could turn back the clock i would have sent my daughter there too!
I hope to attend the SERCO meeting to put across my view for Thomas More.
To all the Staff, Students, and Parents, my best wishes at this time!
Becky please do keep at it, i know you will never ever give up, but just so you know we will always be here to help, your a special person, with a good heart, fight for what you believe in!
By: Sandra on November 13, 2007
at 11:40 pm
My granddaughter Rebecca is the Head Girl, therefore I have got to hear about SERCOs proposals.
I have to say that what they are proposing is extremely shattering. My granddaughter went to St Thomas More because it is the highest performing school in this area. They achieve well academically, as well as providing children with skills for life. My granddaughter has done extremely well, coming away with excellent GCSE and As grades and we are sure that this will continue in her A2 examination results.
She now has aspirations to go onto university and train to become a P.E Teacher, aspirations she now has as a result of inspiring teachers.
St Thomas More has transformed my granddaughter from a shy, undeveloped, withdrawn young girl, to an intelligent, outgoing, loving, exceptional young woman. This is a transformation I never expected to see!
I know after 7 years how much this college means to Rebecca, and for that reason and because St Thomas More has done so much for my granddaughter I am thoroughly backing St Thomas More during this time, because I do honestly believe that children deserve the type of education that the school offers, and that is nothing but the BEST!
By: Sylvia Brough on November 14, 2007
at 4:57 pm
St Thomas More I think is a high class school, and seems to turn a lot of young people into fully rounded articulate people, as was evident with my granddaughter Rebecca, the current Head Girl.
They always feature high in school tables as achieving high grades is a feature of the schools education. Their pass rate is outstanding, and further is there ability to send students to universities all over the UK. This is due to the superb teaching which enables students to not only aim high but achieve, in all aspects of education.
I am proud of my granddaughter’s achievements at St Thomas More, and therefore fully back the school in their en devour to prevent closure, which would have a corrosive impact upon the school, and the education of pupils, not only at St Thomas More but all those in Stoke-On-Trent who may not have a chance to get a proper, and high class education as this school supplies.
Harry Brough
By: Harry Brough on November 14, 2007
at 5:08 pm
i can only express discontent at the proposals which have been put before my self and my fellow students. S.T. Thomas More catholic college and it’s staff have guided, shaped and mentored me both in terms of education and in terms of growth of personality for the past seven years, as i’m sure it continues to do for it’s whole student body. to implement such pointless drastic changes in such a successful establishment to me seems nothing short of tactless. why set out to fix what is by no means broken? why should people both now and those of future generations suffer because of the failings of other establishments? – questions which no one has an answer to. i would also like to draw attention to earlier plans which this new “authority” wanted to implement in thomas more, i.e those students who arrived from other schools not needing to take part in the catholic side of the college, meaning that there’d basically be two schools running on one site… need any more be said about the level of common sense regarding this new governing body of the education of hundreds of thousands of people? i do not think so…
By: John Callcutt on November 14, 2007
at 10:39 pm
My daughter has attended St Thomas More Catholic College for the past 7 years and to see what she has acheived thanks to excellent memebers of staff at the school is astonishing! I fully believe that I made the correct decision in choosing St Thomas More.
I also believe that at this very moment St Thomas More has an excellent head girl who is doing everything she can to prevent this closure. Keep up the good work!
Surely the object of SERCO is to close the under acheiving schools, clearly St Thomas More is not under acheiving.
By: Pat on November 15, 2007
at 10:11 am
I think that the college’s closure is pathetic. This college is one of the best and most successful in stoke-on-Trent, it’s unfair to close it as approximately 1,000 students will loose out on an extremely good education and also 75+ staff will loose out on their brilliant jobs.
All of the College staff are incredibly skilled and talented at their job, and for them to reapply for their job is ludicrous. All of the staff has respectable relationships with each of the students, even if they are been mischievous; all of the staff are there for each and every one of the students; that’s something that many schools/colleges do not have.
Also, to some families e.g. mine; consider this school/college to be a family tradition as it has very high grades and standards. When my older sister came here, she hardly knew anything, she got help and learnt about all of here stubjects and she passed in her GCSE’s; she didn’t get low marks, why do you think that is? TEACHERS!
I would also like my future children to go to this school as i want them to achieve the best of the best! I have been on satisfactory grades throughout my time at St Thomas More, this is all thanks to my teachers. I achieved all of the grades that I wanted and needed.
I also see this college as my social life; as many other students do. All of my childhood friends have been to this college and for other students to get their friends taken away from them is like ‘taking candy from a baby’; it’s cruel and selfish.
Many parents want their children to come to this school as they acknowledge how and why our College is first-class, and they want the best for their children; taking that away from them is unreasonable. Why should the children deserve to have a bad education?
I’m sure that students parents are so proud of their accomplishments, I know that my Mother is, in fact all of my family are.
Kerry Lear
(L6H)
By: Kerry Lear (L6H) on November 15, 2007
at 12:09 pm
my two daughters go to this school it is an outstanding school. it would be a great shame to see it close.
By: Wendy Dasilva on November 15, 2007
at 4:53 pm
It’s not right to close the school, especially as the school is getting good test results. I’m in Y8 and if the school’s shut then it will make an impact on my GCSE and A-Level grades. Also, I really like the school how it is and I’m part of a lot of Creative Partnerships projects in school. It won’t be the same if the plans go foreward as we might not be part of Creative Partnerships any more.
By: Susannah on November 15, 2007
at 7:26 pm
I cannot believe i went to primary school with Becky! We haven’t spoken for years, but i heard about this blog through word of mouth.
St Thomas More is a beacon in stoke on trent, if you are lucky enough to be a part of that school, then you should certainley be greatful. I wish my parents had sent me there!
I believe for the best that the school should stay as it is now, to change Becky into the person she is now, well you shall have to take my word for it….it’s a big change. She really was quiet, shy, reserved, and not the cleverest at primary school (sorry Beck but you have to admit those maths lessons with you were mega funny)
Im proud of who you are now Beck! Keep up the hard work, we all love you and back you along with the school.
St Thomas More is the best school–that is from a student who never went there!
P.s- Beck drop me an e-mail!
By: Kelly on November 15, 2007
at 7:55 pm
hi, I think the school shouldn’t close because we’re already a good school. If the council make these changes they may be messing with our friendships, education and basically our lives!!!
The people who are in yr 8 will be takin GCSE’s that year, in 2010 so it might affect our results.
So please, leave our school the way it is for all our sakes here at St Thomas More.
Thanks.
By: Savannah Fradley 8S on November 15, 2007
at 9:16 pm
just a quick note of support…
for all the parents that this will affect, this school has provided so many people with the platform they needed to go onto bigger and better careers.
it would be a shame to waste it
hope this change doesnt go ahead!
By: jess lambert on November 15, 2007
at 11:29 pm
hi
im in year 10 now i like this school and most of the teachers and i think this school shudent shut because it would be a waste.
everyone in my family came here and said they wouldent have wanted to go to another school.
my mum wanted me to come here because of the results in the past years and its getting better each year.
why would they want to shut a good school down when it looks like there are more year 7 each year.
it would be a massive waste to shut down this school when it looks alright around angels walkway
hope the school dosent shut..
By: patrick on November 15, 2007
at 11:54 pm
I think that the closure of our school is a terrible idea, and quite a deviously planned by this new found authority. To sneakily and legally find means in which to change the highest performing school in the area is nothing short of foolishness.
The careful blend of the right teaching skills and distinct efforts to morally shape children into respectable young adults is what makes the school the success it is before us all today, to change that very recipe is to change the essence of what St. Thomas More is all about!
I for one have concerns for my family’s educational welfare would like to express my deepest concerns towards those responsible for the proposed closures. I have utmost confidence in my current school that they will show the same compassion and dedication that has kindly been shown to me throughout my schooling career, and I firmly believe that the same opportunities should be open to anyone who should wish to join the schools refreshing atmosphere any time in the future.
I’d kindly like to point out that a needless change to a high performance school that WILL negatively effect those to come to the school is morally wrong to even consider without the deepest and most caring of thought, planning and tactics; this quite evidently has not been done.
By: John Wootton on November 16, 2007
at 12:31 am
I have been at St Thomas More for seven years now, and I am incredibly proud to say I am a student of such a successful establishment.
I believe that Thomas More has paved the way for my future, and it is with the help, support and encouragment of all the staff that when I leave the sixth form this summer I will be going on to study Law at universaty in the hope to become a solicitor.
I have always doubted my own ability and continue to do so, but I know that I can always go to a memeber of staff with my doubts for help and reassurence.
I believe that to even consider a temporary closure to St Thomas More is ridiculus to say the least. Why put unnecesary pressure on the students and staff in an estabilshment that is all ready exceeding?
If the closure is going ahead, then the College will see changed from January. Is it not true that January is the beginning of a critical time for many students at the college? As is is the time for preperation to GCSE’s, As Level moduals, Resits and preperation for the all important A Levels.
When I have children of my own I would want them to go to a College similar to St Thomas More, if not St Thomas More itself, so that they can have similar experiences as to what I have had.
How I ask is this going to be possible if the college has changes made to it because of some schools which are underpreforming?
By: Laura Beasley on November 16, 2007
at 4:41 pm
hi im adam in year 10 and i dont think the school should be shut down it would be a waste of good money that could go to somthing else and put to good use insted of wasting it
By: adam davies 10E on November 16, 2007
at 5:43 pm
ive been at st thomas more for 2 years now and it has been a good 2 years and it would be a shame if they change the teachers and the school name because the teachers help u alot if u need them and if you change the school name then the history would of been destroyed because the name means something and it means alot so dont close the school down it would be a shame.
By: sam grattage on November 16, 2007
at 5:53 pm
its so stupid i dont no why Stoke-On-trent council just stops all this about the skls in stoke!!!
By: matt gordon 8s on November 16, 2007
at 7:29 pm
dont close the school down we had sum good times lol but people need a good education in this city n st thomas more is the place for it if u close the school u will destroy people and coming from sum one who loved that school i think we need a petition signed for this and a report on it to prove it is the best school in stoke n these people that go can prove it even the people that have left such as me so we must do wot we can to stop it from closing MATTHEW PLANT
By: matthew plant on November 16, 2007
at 8:09 pm
see never understand i never thought id leave and say but its the best bloody school ever! theres oppurtunities for everyone to do anything they want and the school bent over backwards to cater for our year and introduced the tourisim and lesuire courses etc they have compulsory gnvq it which is a big help and enable us to leave with normally 3 more gcse’s than most providing we pass them like we had 13 and blythe had ten! that says something in its own right plus the fact we always come next to half private school painsly in results only problem is were on diffrent councils aint we and were on par with josephs (if not better hehe) i used to be in the scholars, productions etc they have always had spot on music/drama facilities! boo hiss to the government! The teachers are all amazing to and again always strife to gain the best for their pupils they treat tyhe pupils with respect equality almost like their own children if u need help they are there u need to talk they are there its pathtetic they even try to make these ridiculous, unnessicary changes!surley it’ll cost more money to do what they want anyway than if they leave it all alone and let thomas more be the best how they know how. Which is through a respectful, fun, caring way that the teachers at thomas more know how to do best! KEEP THE BRILLIANT SCHOOL THAT IS THOMAS MORE!!
By: Michael Collins (past student) on November 16, 2007
at 8:44 pm
I have been employed by St Thomas More as College Secretary for the past 12 years and both my sons have attended the school, my youngest now studying ‘A’ levels in the 6th form. As parents, my husband and I wanted the best education for our sons and we know in sending them to St Thomas More they have had the best education we could have wished for and with excellent teaching staff and support, gained good GCSE results. Having been the 14th most improved school nationally in 2005, St Thomas More successfuly continues to build on its academic success and I am baffled as to why Serco would wish to close a school with such high standards. I know from speaking to many parents how blessed they feel to be able to send their children to St Thomas More, knowing that the school is continually over-subscribed.
Today, letters from Mr Finnigan and myself as Secretary to the PTA have been posted to all parents of pupils at St Thomas More inviting you to attend Serco’s public meeting on Tuesday, 27th November at 7.00 pm in the College Hall. As a parent, I urge you, your family and friends to attend this meeting and give your support to the school. Please don’t regret not having your say in the future of your child’s education.
By: Marion Thompson on November 16, 2007
at 9:38 pm
Close that school, and you destroy every member of the community! simple as, and should you close us may it remain on your conscience that you destroyed mine and every other students education.
Keep working hard Becks, and all the staff too! We appreciate what your doing and me and al the other students will fight too!
By: year 10 students on November 18, 2007
at 12:19 am
After 7 years at St Thomas More I left in 2005 with good GCSE and A-level results which ensured me a place at Keele University; the university that I love and where I have developed my interests both academic and personal. I would not have had the amazing opportunity to be where I am today considering postgraduate study abroad if it wasn’t for my core foundation at Thomas More. I have made the best friendships of my life at this school. All of the teachers went out of their way to help ensure that we achieved our personal best. As a Catholic this school enabled me to keep the interest in my religion alive. Contrary to belief faith schools are not ‘pushy’ they merely educate about religion and the issues that they face in the modern world. It does not force or pressure these beliefs onto individuals, just provides the environment to do so should you wish. The academic standards are second to none and I owe everything to St. Thomas More- the best friends in the world, great memories and of course the platform to higher education and beyond. I do not believe this would have been possible or at least as straightforward if I hadn’t attended this school for a very important 7 years of my life.
By: Adele Wootton on November 19, 2007
at 10:14 pm
I think stoke-on-trent city council is soo stupid, why cnt they lyk keep the schols the same??!
Whens tha petition online its nt yet lyk
By: matt gordon 8s on November 20, 2007
at 6:56 pm
Matt just waiting for Downing street to approve it, Mrs Thompson in the office is checking every hour so we hope it will happen soon!
Hope your family will be coming to the meeting on Tuesday!
See you about pal
Becks
By: Becky on November 20, 2007
at 7:01 pm
hey all, i started at thomas more way back in 1997 n i left 3 yrs ago after goin on to 6th form there. since then iv completed uni (successfully)- gettin a 2:1 in biomedical science n am now travellin the world for a bit. 3 years have gone pretty fast but i still havent forgotten wat a brillint time i had there n how good all the teachers were- the teachin side n friendship n support. I had some of the best times at school n college n me n friends often reminise on facebook… i will never forget the teachers that were always there with advice n support n i still think about u – mrs jackson, mr wood n mrs hodgkinson. in fact all my teachers were wicked n the whole time there made me who i am today…. albeit a little bit grubby from lack of water n electricity : )
By: amy wilcox on November 21, 2007
at 11:44 am
Yep i am – nothing else to do on Tuesdays lawl is there a link on here cuz the websites not working in the letters :’(
Byeee
By: matt gordon 8s on November 21, 2007
at 4:19 pm
urm whats the point in closing the school? its not like we get bad marks n stuff i think its a stupid idea!!!!!!!!(N)(N)
By: dave w on November 21, 2007
at 4:29 pm
I think that St Thomas More is ace! We always get really good marks in the tests and the work is educational but fun! All the teachers are cool and they want to help you no matter what the problem is. To close the school down would be the worst idea ever! xxx
By: Justine Ryles on November 21, 2007
at 8:22 pm
I have been at that school jus about three months and i love it . If u did close the school down i would be dead angry cause it is ace . All the teachers are the best, i would miss them alot .Also making new friends would be different as well . At Thomas More you get great results ,also for good effort we go on school trips like in y7 u go france kool . I am in 7h and we got one of the best teachers we could ask for.
DONT CLOSE THE SCHOOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By: Ashleigh Hobson on November 22, 2007
at 12:04 pm
i think closing down the school is a really stupid idea because theres no point in closing it down even for a day it will still disrupt our education especialy for my year because we will be doing our gcse’s then!!!!!!!!!
By: jess on November 22, 2007
at 7:04 pm
Hi. I’d just like to agree with those who said that St Thomas More is a great school, as it most certainly is!!! I’ve been coming to this school for 5 years now and the best 5 years it has been. I’ve had the greatest moments of my life coming to this school and will definitley be attending the 6th form here at the college. I’m feeling really confident that i’ll gain all passes in my GCSEs which i’ll be sitting this coming July!!!I’m making sure that i’m concentrating and giving 100% in lessons and revising after school, and as this is such a good school, all the work i’m putting in will be worth something!!! I was going to go to Fenton college but changed my mind as i would rather take my further education in such a friendly, successful learning environment… St Thomas More and hopefully if i become head boy, (that’s if the school will still be open because i’ll be in U6 if the school closes!!! I’m confident i’ll do well in both my GCSEs and A-levels here at St Thomas More as it is known to be the best comprehensive school in the city and i’ll be signing the petition and so are my family and friends and i’ll be attending on the 27th with my family and friends too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By: Luke Dyer (yr 11) on November 23, 2007
at 5:04 pm
Im in 6th form now and ive been at Thomas More since year 7. I might be leaving by the time they change things around but i cant say im happy with the idea that some company who doesnt seem to know anything about the school wants to close it down, even if it is for only a short time. I hope they actually open their eyes and take notice that there is no reason for them to do so and that many of us, students past, present and future are incredibly frustrated that they want to undermine all the good work, support and security closing down St Thomas More would bring. The uncertainty of jobs for the teachers and special status that the school deserves should not be under any type of threat and in the interest of the future pupils and great teachers that ive had over the years i hope we can pursuade SERCO otherwise that in closing the school for any length of time would be a very foolish mistake.
By: Helen Szymichowski on November 23, 2007
at 6:52 pm
As an ex student i strongly disagree that Thomas More as we all know it be , should be closed. Even if this was for a short while i believe that the success that St Thomas More have built up over the past 25 years will all be lost.
As a pupil of St Thomas More myself i came away a well developed person who is now doing well in life and moving into management within a multi million £ company this could not have happened if it was not for the foundation that St Thomas More laid and continually developed.
Also my sister Rebecca Grocott is currently head girl at the school and i am proud of her achievements as a result of St Thomas Mores education and guidance.
Keep up the hard work Beck, and also all the staff, and students during this time.
DON’T SHUT STM!!!!
By: Adam Grocott on November 23, 2007
at 7:39 pm
hi becky, so far we have nearly 700 signatures!!!
By: Matt Gordon 8S on November 24, 2007
at 4:14 pm
Yes i had a look earlier when i put my bro onto the site! Thats a super ammount but we need more so make sure everyone you know signs it
By: Becky on November 25, 2007
at 12:50 am
I believe that the progression that is achieved during teenage life highly depends on the type of environment in which you have grown up in- your educational establishment being the operative contribution.
Regarding this, I firmly stand by the belief that St. Thomas More, now as a sixth form student more than ever, has successfully set the foundation for my academic future, as well as shaping me into an astute and moral person.
I would also like to emphasize the significance and endurance of our staff members, who provide nothing but consistent support and inspiration.
In placing their positions at the College under threat is possibly the worst decision, anyone with the authority to do so, could make.
In addition, it is not simply about attaining amongst the highest results in the city for St. Thomas More, which we do so anyway- it undeniably creates a secure environment for essential growth in which many young people today are lacking.
A student in Year 7 made a valid point to me not so long ago. She said: ‘Why should St. Thomas More suffer just because other schools cannot represent Stoke-On-Trent successfully?’
The prospect of a closure is evidently effecting and raising awareness in everyone.
Therefore, please don’t deny students with huge potential the opportunity to be educated. The chance to learn, is one of the best things you can receive in life.
By: Katie Watson on November 25, 2007
at 10:17 pm
Hi, was just wondering about the time of that SERCO meeting tomorrow as it said in the letters 7pm.
And this piece of paper with these weird people on said 6.30pm!!!
By: matt gordon 8s on November 26, 2007
at 4:25 pm
Matt as far as i know it is 7.00pm but i will check first thing 2morro morning for you so if you see me during day give me a shout. If there is any change to the time i will also post it on this blog!
By: Becky on November 26, 2007
at 6:09 pm
I have been @ S.T.M for 25yrs + both my children attended the college both were very happy here + both did very well in thier GCSE”s I”M hoping that my 2 grandchildren will attend here , WE are a very close community + everyone is working for the best interest of ALL students + staff . as always
By: MR A.J.UDALL on November 27, 2007
at 1:54 pm
Hi again Becky soz about lyk loads of messages lol but i thought that SERCO metting was ace!! Btw Your Question was brill (Y) =P
oh yh and i was the one who came up when you were talking to that small SERCO woman!! with Lee
By: matt gordon 8s on November 27, 2007
at 10:17 pm
The SERCO consultation was fustrating, very few clear cut answers what do they know about the school.
Some excellent questions raised however and im sure it may give plenty of food for thought.
Let me say one thing though, credit to the Head Girl, that is evidence of what St Thomas More does. She was suburb and she brought a tear to my eye, by the way she spoke from her heart. She was right, when were students consulted. Im glad my son goes to a school with a Head Girl like that, somebody who will speak out for the kids. Excellent she really was how lucky are Thomas More to have her!!
Keep up the hard work all the staff and students, and to the Head Girl, congratulations you impressed many people tonight and im glad the school has you, keep working hard!
Melanie
By: Mel on November 28, 2007
at 12:12 am
St Thomas More Head Girl = Excellent
That girl deserves an award, how amazing, she got out what she wanted to say superbly.
Credit to her
i walked out and heard her chatting to some parents, and she said to them i might leave to go to uni next year but i will support and fight for St Thomas More till the day i die!
Wow is all i can say!
SERCO! Now realise that your proposals are disgraceful the school works ;eave us alone and go spend your money elsewhere, you are not welcome to change STM at all. You walked into the most amazing school how can you continue to propose us being closed and changed. A City wide plan for a failing authority? Concentrate of the FAILING schools. We are successful!
By: Liz D on November 28, 2007
at 12:37 am
OUR HEAD GIRL IS THE BEST
OUR HEADMASTER IS THE BEST
OUR TEACHERS ARE THE BEST
OUR SCHOOL IS THE BEST
By: rachel d on November 28, 2007
at 12:38 am
Parent- attended the Serco consultation of 27th Nov. I thought the questions raised were excellant and the obvious overall opinion of students, parents, teachers and governors was Leave St Thomas More alone and a different proposal is needed. Whilst I appreciate there may be some need to change other schools in the city I do not believe the proposal will benefit St Thomas More. If thy wish to invest capital into the school for improvements in the building and facilities great but this proposal is drastic and I believe would have an adverse affect on our school.
By: LYNN BRERETON on November 28, 2007
at 10:03 am
I have signed the petition and urge others to do so. I know the students have written letters but it is important that as many people as possible, students (past present and future), parents (individually), teachers and governors all write either letters or emails to all stoke on trent councillors, local MP (who are supporting us but your individual letters will give there argument more strength) the education minister and the Prime Minister (who is aware of what is happening in Stoke).
Counsellors can be found here http://www.moderngov.stoke.gov.uk/mgMemberIndex.asp?bcr=1
The Prime Minister and Education Minister can be found here
http://www.pm.gov.uk/output/Page821.asp
Keep letters brief and to the point, try not to rant too much and keep to the point. I feel, although no one involved want STM to close and it should be mentioned why disrupt an already successful set up, it is more important that you should say to those that you write to that you are not happy with how this proposal for re organisation has been drafted with out the consultation of teachers parents and pupils and we know the pupils have not been consulted after the brilliant questioning by your Head girl ( whoever reads this please make sure she is aware this message and tell her to spread the word ).
I can not stress how much more effective your letters and emails can be.
I am currently drafting a letter and will be sending it to all the above please do the same. Spread the word and Good Luck
By: David on November 28, 2007
at 11:26 am
there were many good questions raised at last nights meeting, BUT i thought not many were answered fully by serco’s team of so called experts………
One thing that came through so strongly to me as a parent and also i assume to serco is the strong bond between parents, pupils and staff..something i think serco’s representitives were not expecting as this was clear by the end of the meeting as their feelings of being uncomfortable at the front of the hall became more than apparent…….
MR FINNIGAN & HIS STAFF SHOULD BE SECURED OF THEIR JOBS AND THE SCHOOL THAT THEY TEACH IN……
as for the head girls comments WOW what an outstanding credit to the school………
That’s why we don’t want our school to close…..
By: joanne ashton on November 28, 2007
at 2:05 pm
Well Done Becky!!
By: Becky L on November 28, 2007
at 3:17 pm
why close our because people have had good exam marks because of the teachers they are really good and they are happy working at this school and we are happy at this brillant school.
our school is the best the teachers are the best and the headmaster is the best
By: paul smith on November 28, 2007
at 4:04 pm
David, thank you for the comment. My letter is all typed up and is ready to be sent to all MPs. My sixth formers are also in the process of doing the same, and the younger students have also done this.
Me and Jake (the Head Boy) Have our joint Head Boy-Head Girl letter complete and ready to send to the sentinel.
Thank you for the advice.
Mel, Liz, Rachel, David, Becky and Joanne and to all those who have sent your support messages, thank you very much it means a great deal! And i will not be giving up on fighting for STM!
The invite to the student council for one of the Serco directors, i am currently typing at the moment.
By: Becky on November 28, 2007
at 6:44 pm
SERCO i hope realised last night what they are up against, and that their mics do not work. The questions put to them were brilliant, just a shame they could not provide answers. They seemed to be so disrespectful and arrogant, whilst they were standing in our community!!!
I have to say, as some people already have, the Head Girl put across an amazing question, she really stood up for the students!! I had goosebumps when she spoke. Just so wonderful to hear such passion in a young person. I know that St Thomas More will be proud to have her, and sorry to lose her when she leaves the sixth form. Inspiring, well presented, and hard working surely the best Head Girl any school in the world could have! Congratulations Becky, keep it up!!
All the very best Thomas More, I am right behind you all the way!!
By: Marcus on November 28, 2007
at 11:45 pm
As a parent of a Year 8 pupil, I attended the meeting last night. I have spent most of this evening writing to the Sentinel and also to all the Councillors in Stoke on Trent.
My thoughts are that we should all stand together and show SERCO that we will not just give in to their pathetic ideas for an education system in Stoke on Trent. Please, everyone write your letters to all those who can have a say in your and our children’s future.
By: Jacqui Salt on November 28, 2007
at 11:53 pm
A sinful incentive is not welcome in our Christian community. Serco are not welcome in our community.
By: Benjamin Critchlow on November 29, 2007
at 6:30 pm
This school gave me the best start on my career ladder with fantastic grades and even better life skills, something that most schools/colleges can’t give. My Mum trusted the school enough for the education that it gave her to send her 6 daughters there, we all came out with fantastic results. Why close something down, even for a day when it doesn’t need fixing? If this school closes or even merges with some of the nearby schools, then the Government is showing its ability to waste money yet again. Why invest all that money into making the school one of the most modern and up to date teaching facilities only to close it? And why try and make the school lose its Catholic ethos? Why try and change it, and why let in those students in who will bring the school down. I know there has been a drop in Maths results but that certainly won’t be down to the teaching. We need the right children from the right feeder schools and the support from the parents to drive the school forward and to encourage their kids. What a shame it would be if this school closes…our generations children would be forced to go to schools that don’t teach values and behaviours as well as the curriculum.
By: Victoria Old on December 1, 2007
at 9:47 am
Keep going Head Girl, your wonderful, both my children who go to the school look up to you, they always come home and in their words tell me how ‘mint’ you are, simply because you smile and say hello to them.
I heard you at the consultation too, blimey you were amazing, a real credit to the school. Keep going the kids love you and respect the work you do for them, and im sure the staff do to. My children tell me your in your very last year! Whatever you go onto the very best of luck, and you will always be remembered at St Thomas More as the very best Head Girl, i think the staff will realise that!
your excellent, keep it up, and continue to work alongside the Headmaster and staff to make sure SERCO dont touch our school.
Can we vote you in for a second year??
By: Janet on December 2, 2007
at 4:41 pm
Another comment, just to say did anybody else hear our Head Girl on nearly every radio channel, online, and teletext, along with her wonderful letter to the sentinel.
That girl is amazing, get her onto every t.v programme, the way she puts the views accross is spectacular!
The line that lives with me from her interview is “I don’t think there is many schools that can make you smile in a morning, and keep that smile up for the rest of the day”
Superb, well done Becky!
By: Janet on December 8, 2007
at 9:23 pm
How good was the Head Girl on the radio. The publicity she has gained is incredible a lovely story to.
Thats commitment to st thomas more, can she stay as head girl forever, absolutely superb!!!!
Congratulations
By: mark on December 8, 2007
at 9:46 pm
beky u r ace
ur a real support to STM and
i hope ur say WILL change there minds on what they are trying to do
i hope this year goes REALLY REALLY REALLY
slow so we can have u in our colloge even longer
xx bye xx
iram ali x
By: iram on December 10, 2007
at 7:44 pm
I wish the year could go slow to Iram, i really don’t want to leave!
But unfortunatley theres always a time in life where we have to move on, but we never have to forget. You know i won’t forget Thomas More, and who knows in 3 years i may well be back teaching PE. Until then i should hopefully be able to carry on coaching you football, if i can!
But the time to leave is not here yet, so you have to put up with me for a bit longer, see you about buddy!
Becks
By: Becky on December 12, 2007
at 8:25 pm
Just heard the news on Radio Stoke!! What wonderful news. All the letters and petitions do make a difference.
That’s people power – Well Done everyone and special appreciation to Becky, Head Girl!
Jacqui
By: Jacqui Salt on December 19, 2007
at 9:01 am
As a recent pupil and student at St. Thomas More (leaving in 1998), I was saddened to hear that a heartless contract company would destroy the fine foundation stones set in the Schools vast history. I still look back with fond memories of my time at the school-the unfaltering levels of support from all staff including the then Headmaster (Dr. Challinor) and the fine facilities such as the new Science block.
At the moment I am a Senior Principal Research Scientist working for a large Pharmaceutical company, for which I owe the majority of my successes to having been so lucky to go to the school. It would far more effective if the government actually sat down and thought about what these fruitless decisions mean, and to allow the school to continue to lead a shining example in both an educational and Christian sense. To merge schools removes the level of support, which I and many before/after have enjoyed. To create a faceless and monotonous atmosphere will not benefit anyone. Therefore to summarise I will be signing the petition to keep the school open.
By: Andrew Watts on January 12, 2008
at 6:13 pm