Sixth Form students at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy are being given an insight into the world of medicine as part of a unique work experience opportunity.
Maryam Begum, Evelyn Gash and Hans Manalang are three of five Year 12 students who are undertaking placements at the Royal Derby Hospital once a week for six months.
The hospital offers work experience across a range of departments including areas like critical care, cardiology, audiology, orthopaedics, rehabilitation, and more.
Evelyn, who is studying A-levels in Biology, Chemistry and Geography, is working on the hospital’s dementia ward.
She said: “We go to the hospital for two hours after school, once a week. We hand out teas and coffees and have conversations with the patients. We can also feed them and we all work on different wards. It was a bit of a shock at first, working on the dementia ward and seeing families quite upset. It was quite hard but I feel like I’ve built up trust and relationships and it’s very rewarding.”
Maryam wants to be a clinical psychologist and is working on the blood ward.
She said: “I think this gives me a valuable insight into patient care and supporting people.”
Hans is working on the hospital’s orthopaedic ward.
He said: “The ward is for people who struggle with mobility issues. I’m finding it interesting and it’s very good experience.”
Headteacher Hazel Boyce said: “I am incredibly proud of our Year 12 students for participating in this experience. It has been eye opening for all of them and has exposed them to areas of medicine and health care they had not previously considered or necessarily known about.”
Students at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy asked a series of thought-provoking questions during a visit from Catherine Atkinson MP.
Catherine, Labour MP for Derby North, spoke to Year 11 and 12 students about her own background before inviting them to ask questions.
Year 11 students focused on issues including lowering the voting age, derelict sites in Derby and plans for regeneration, priorities for young people, helping people in deprived areas and overcrowding in prisons.
Subjects that Year 12 students raised ranged from the change in voter habits, Catherine’s career change from barrister to MP, immigration, media criticism of Labour, how young people can have a voice in politics and Government involvement in on-stage comments made by Irish band Kneecap.
Headteacher Mrs Boyce said: “This was a wonderful opportunity for our learners and they really engaged with the experience – challenging Catherine and holding her to account! Catherine’s responses gave them food for thought, too and they certainly left the session pondering some new ideas.”
Students are celebrating after collecting their GCSE results today.
Mrs Boyce, Headteacher, said: “We are very pleased with our results this year. Results this year are broadly in-line with those from last year. The numbers of pupils securing a grade 4 and above in both English and Maths remains strong which is fantastic news and really opens doors and secures futures for young people.
“75% of our young people have secured the results necessary to go on to study for Level 3 qualifications at Key Stage 5.
“Results in Maths, Drama, Business Studies, English Literature, Food, Media and Construction are especially high.”
Sophie Lane achieved grades ranging from 6 to 8 and is moving on to Rolls-Royce for an apprenticeship in Engineering.
She said: “I’m really happy with my grades, they were more than I was hoping for. I had to have a lot of interviews for the apprenticeship and I’m really looking forward to it now.”
Maisie Gore achieved grades ranging from 4 to 7 and will be studying A Levels in Business, Maths and Geography.
Burek Przemyslaw was celebrating grades ranging from 7 to 8 and will go on to study A Levels in Maths, Physics and Further Maths.
He said: “I love maths because I am quite a logical person and it feels quite natural for me. I’m happy with my results. I have been away and we didn’t get back until 1am this morning as our flight was delayed for three hours so I’ve not had much sleep!”
Maria Ingham achieved top grades including two 8s and will study A Levels in Sociology, English and Religious Studies.
She said: “I did feel nervous before I got my results but I’m really happy with them.”
Students celebrated their A level grades today with 80 per cent of the cohort securing grades A*-C.
Hazel Boyce, Headteacher, said: “We are delighted with the results for this year’s A level cohort. Once again, we have seen an improvement on the results from last year.
“We are celebrating a 100% pass rate with 80% of our students securing grades A* – C. Ninety five per cent of students secured their first choice university. Eighty three per cent of students are going to university and that’s up from 78 per cent last year.
“Results in Drama, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, PE and Media are particularly strong.”
Angelica Mae Ubando, 18, achieved a Distinction* in Media, a B in English Combined and a C in Politics. She is planning to study Journalism.
She said: “I am really happy with my results and I chose Journalism because I have always had an interest in English and Media. I love English and I love having a creative side and I think Journalism is a good blend of both. My family are so happy and proud.”
Scarlett Bowler, 18, achieved an A in History, an A* in English Literature and a C in Biology. She will go on to the University of Liverpool to study Law.
She said: “I’ve always wanted to go to university ever since I was little. I don’t know why, I just heard adults talking about it and thought that sounded great. After the exams I thought they hadn’t gone very well, I don’t know why, I was probably over thinking it. I really wanted to go to Liverpool and if I hadn’t got in I was going to reject my second choice and go through clearing.
“My results were emailed to me and I felt like I couldn’t look. My dad and boyfriend were with me and my dad was working away so he was on FaceTime. We were all really, really happy, everyone was crying.”
Daniel Dze Agwe, 18, achieved As in Maths and Physics and a Distinction in BTec Business. He is off to university to study Mechanical Engineering.
He said: “I was a bit stressed after the first Physics paper as I felt like it didn’t go my way but I was ok after that. I feel like the last two years in Sixth Form have really improved me as a person and the teachers have really helped me personally as well.”
Ashvin Nedungatt, 18, achieved As in Maths, Biology and Chemistry and is going on to the University of Nottingham to study Pharmacy.
He said: “I chose Pharmacy because I have always wanted to help people, it was always going to be either Pharmacy or Medicine. I’ve done a lot of work in hospitals and Pharmacy is a good combination of Biology and Chemistry. It felt like it was my calling.
“I was just lying in bed this morning when I got my results on an email and then I told my mum, dad and sisters and they were happy with how I did, they were proud.”
Luca Cuomo, 18, achieved As in Geography and Engineering and a C in Maths.
He said: “I’m planning on taking a gap year now as I want to apply for degree apprenticeships in finance or engineering. I think it will be a lot better to do the applications now when I can prepare and it’s less stressful. I’m really happy with my results and felt like I worked really hard and that has paid off. I came here in Sixth Form from Saint John Houghton and it was fine. I already knew a few people who were already here and they introduced me to their friends. Two of my friends from Saint John Houghton also came here with me.”
Breanna Efionayi, 18, achieved Bs in Chemistry and Maths and is planning on retaking her third subject this year during a gap year after going through some personal struggles. Ultimately she wants to study Pharmacy at university.
She said: “I had some struggles and it was all quite stressful. I was predicted much lower grades so I was really pleased with two Bs. I’m really happy and my family are happy for me too.”
A pupil won a citywide public speaking competition with a speech criticising the media’s portrayal of women.
Fourteen-year-old Dinah Milton, a student at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby, expressed a clear interest on the subject of the male gaze after studying women’s rights in Personal Development and Religious Studies.
The male gaze refers to the way women are depicted in visual media and literature, and the way they are often objectified rather than viewed for their personality.
Dinah won Derby Schools Speaking Competition, which is open to secondary schools across the city. Her speech was inspired by a video on social media.
She said: “It was a subject that I really enjoyed, and I really wanted to hear more about it, I just didn’t know enough.”
The teenager is a high achiever, handing credit to her family for encouraging her to be the best that she can be.
“I wasn’t sure whether to do it or not, I knew it would be an experience. In the end I just went for it. When they said my name, I looked over to my mum and she was so happy! I didn’t even know what to say, I was so shocked.”
Dinah is a talented young speaker and has potential plans to go into international relations.
Head of Year 11, Daniel Thornhill, said: “The calibre of this year’s entrants was superb. The variety of topics and the maturity of the delivery clearly displayed that here at Saint Benedict CVA the students are switched on to the world around them and wish to shape the future in a positive way. It also shows the excellent work of the English Department as the speeches were superbly crafted.
“I was lucky enough to hear all of the speeches and as such I laughed, cried, felt guilt, was embarrassed and inspired. Above all, it was a humbling experience – and I did not envy the judges’ job! Dinah was such a worthy winner, excellent, creative and confident – all in her PE kit too! A clear sign of her adaptability and poise.”
Please click on the link to read a statement from Bishop Patrick about the very sad news of the death of Pope Francis.
Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy has been graded Good overall in its latest Catholic Schools Inspectorate (CSI) inspection.
Catholic life and mission, religious education and collective worship were all graded Good by inspectors following their visit in November 2024.
Headteacher Mrs Boyce said: “We are absolutely delighted with the outcome of our CSI. Having the quality of provision for Catholic Life and Mission and the leadership of Religious Education recognised as being outstanding is wonderful. Our pupils thrive here at Saint Benedict as a result of our school values and the dedication of staff and the CSI report captures this beautifully.”
Inspectors said that the Catholic life and mission of Saint Benedict CVA was known and lived through the school’s values of love, knowledge, integrity and belief.
“Students at Saint Benedict thrive within a strong community ethos and actively embrace the school’s identity in its everyday actions. The values of love, integrity and knowledge are embedded in school culture, shaping the character and development of every student and guiding daily interactions, which support the holistic growth of every student,” the report said.
Inspectors added: “Every student is made to feel valued and that they fully belong within the school through its truly inclusive nature. This forms the basis of the excellent pastoral care and dedication shown by leaders, teachers and support staff.”
The strong culture of diversity was highlighted by inspectors who said: “Leaders have the importance of community at the heart of their decision making and inclusion is considered in all areas of school.”
Leadership in religious education was described as “reflective and proactive” in seeking interventions to help all students flourish. Inspectors praised governors, saying they are highly skilled and actively engaged in the whole life of the school.
Inspectors said that a “profound sense of community” was evident within the school, reflected in the quality of relationships throughout.
“This supportive and loving environment embodies an unwavering commitment to uplifting the most vulnerable members of the school community. Pastoral care at Saint Benedict is exemplary and stands as a cornerstone of the school’s identity,” inspectors said.
Staff at all levels demonstrate exceptional dedication, consistently going above and beyond to nurture and care for their students, with a particular focus on those who are most vulnerable, according to the report.
Teaching in religious education was praised and inspectors said that good progress was evident for nearly all students and clear plans were in place to support all to flourish.
“Students are taught by a committed team of teachers who have nurtured good relationships with all those they teach in religious education. Teachers are confident in their subject knowledge,” inspectors said.
An ex-student returned to talk to students about being a production assistant on the new blockbuster film Wicked.
Neil Lwanga, 32, left Saint Benedict in 2012 after studying A-levels in Media, IT, Drama and Sociology.
He was invited back to talk to Performing Arts and Media students about his career which has seen him work in production on The Landscapers, starring Olivia Coleman and films including the Marvels and Wicked.
After school Neil went on to study at the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham but then he struggled to find work, picking up jobs in call centres and sales.
In 2020 he gained a place at MAMA Youth Project, a four-month training programme for people from under-represented backgrounds to gain the skills and opportunities for work in the film and TV industry.
A key part of the training was to produce a magazine show for Sky Arts. Neil’s role was to research and pitch guests to producers and during that time he managed to book social media influencer, boxer and musician, KSI.
Once he completed the MAMA Youth project, he became part of their alumni and had a number of calls with production companies about potential opportunities. A month later, he received his first job was as a runner on a HBO series called The Landscapers, starring Olivia Coleman.
After Landscapers he worked on the Marvels as a Set PA trainee in the Assistant Director’s department, after that he went onto do a variety of Floor Runner jobs on various productions from ITV, Apple and Netflix.
In 2022 he received a call to work as a Set PA on Wicked, with the same team from the Marvels, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
A Floor Runner / Set PA’s roles are interchangeable; Set PA is a common term on big budget productions. They are responsible for managing the cast, co-ordinating transport, liaising between departments and resolving any issues.
Neil talked to students about what happened when he got the call for Wicked.
He said: “I had a call for a job, but they withhold details of the project in the first conversation.
“I was informed that it would be with the same team from the Marvels, so I checked in with a mutual colleague to see if they received a call and they told me it was for Wicked. You were required to drive on the job but I didn’t have car, but I said I would just make it work and I did.
“Wicked was the longest job I’ve done so far; 12 hour days, including some weekends over eight months. It was filmed across Sky Studios and a backlot in Invinghoe. The Invinghoe shoots invited several drones flying over, operated by paparazzi, trying to get shots while filming was taking place.
“I met Cynthia and Ariana; it took Cynthia four hours in make up as she was green and they also had to cover up Ariana’s tattoos. It’s really interesting to see how a film is put together. They had to film songs in segments of verses, they had to sing to a specific bar and then stop. It’s mind blowing really.
“I had a horn which I had to sound when filming was due to start so that the construction crew stopped working and were quiet. I met the Director, John Chu. and I like to thank that me talking to him about things other than work gave him a chance to escape. He’s a really nice man.
“I had a photo taken with Ariana on a night shoot when she had some friends come in. We were around the trailers and she took the photos on her personal phone. I had to wait for the right moment to ask her to Air Drop the photos! She’s the nicest actor I’ve ever worked with and just to see what she’s achieved is amazing, it’s something she wanted over 10 years ago and now she’s living her dream.”
Anna West, Director of Learning Performing and Creative Arts at Saint Benedict, said: “What an inspiring afternoon our students had. They learnt so much about the film industry, working with superstars, the importance of being true to yourself, always having integrity, surrounding yourself with good people and never giving up. It would be hard to find a more powerful and positive message for our students as they begin to consider their future. It was also the most wonderful moment as a teacher to have a past student come back and inspire a new generation. It’s moments like this that make this job so utterly worthwhile.”
Neil with Ariana Grande, on set and with Director John Chu.
New science block opens
A new multi-million pound science block has opened at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy.
The block has been built on the tennis courts at the front of north block on the school site in Duffield Road.
The building is a venture between the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust and Derby City Council, to support Derby with a surge in the population of children going into Year 7 this year and last year.
The school has also been selected to be part of the Government’s School Rebuilding programme and is waiting for more detail in terms of timescales and what this will entail.
Previously, science classrooms at Saint Benedict were spread out across the school site and Headteacher, Mrs Boyce, said the new block was a fantastic addition.
She said: “The new science block is incredible and a much-needed improvement at Saint Benedict. To have the whole department all together, under one roof is a dream come true.
“The benefit to our pupils is going to be immense and their delight at the new block is a joy to behold! The innovative design of the building coupled with the wide expanse of glass in all the labs makes it a beautiful environment in which to learn. We would encourage parents and children who are moving into Year 7 next year to come along and see the new block for themselves at our open evening on Thursday, September 26th.”
Dr Mistry, Director of Learning, Science at Saint Benedict, said: “At last, the science department is together in our new science block! M block contains 12 bespoke laboratories, each fitted with an interactive whiteboard, and specialist prep rooms, this move will ensure that the science teachers are able to deliver the already robust curriculum in new and innovative ways.”
Kevin Gritton, Chief Executive Officer at St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, said: “It is fantastic to see this new building at Saint Benedict and we know that it is a welcome boost for staff and pupils. We hope that this is just the start of an exciting new chapter for Saint Benedict after the school was also selected to be part of the Government’s School Rebuilding programme.”
