Year 9 Take On “I’m a Year 9… Get Me Out of Here!” at St. Michael’s
Year 9 at St. Michael’s Catholic Academy in Billingham enjoyed an action‑packed day of excitement, courage and plenty of laughter during our brilliant event, “I’m a Y9… Get Me Out of Here!” Inspired by challenge‑style adventure shows, the event brought together the entire year group for a mix of eating trials, fast‑paced competitions and surprise tasks that kept everyone on their toes. The atmosphere was buzzing from start to finish as students cheered each other on and faced each challenge with determination - and in some cases, hilarious reactions.
Year 8 CyberStars Shine in CyberFirst Girls Competition
St. Michael’s Catholic Academy in Billingham is celebrating an outstanding achievement from our talented Year 8 students — the incredible CyberStars of 8H! Over a ten‑day national challenge, four of our pupils - Amber M, Maggie S, Ellie H and Sophia L - came together as Team Star Techs to take on the prestigious CyberFirst Girls Competition, organised by GCHQ and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). This exciting and fast‑growing UK competition aims to encourage girls into the rapidly evolving world of cyber security - and our students rose brilliantly to the challenge.
Celebrating Creativity with Our ELSA Students
At St. Michael’s Catholic Academy, we love to celebrate the hard work and achievements of our students and this week was no exception. As a special reward for their dedication during ELSA sessions, our students enjoyed a festive, hands-on activity that brought plenty of joy and creativity to the classroom.
Mighty Mussels Workshop: Students Dive into Seafood Education
St. Michael’s students enjoyed a hands-on Mighty Mussels workshop, learning about shellfish, sustainability, and safe cooking thanks to Fish Heroes. This hands-on session introduced students to the fascinating world of shellfish, sustainability, and healthy eating.
St. Michael’s Triumphs at BHCET Swimming Gala
St. Michael’s Catholic Academy wins the BHCET Swimming Gala 2025 in Hartlepool, showcasing talent, teamwork, and determination. The gala brought together five secondary schools from the Trust for an afternoon of competitive swimming, teamwork, and incredible sportsmanship. From the very first race, the atmosphere was electric - students cheered each other on, showing determination and resilience in every stroke.
Rugby Training with English Martyrs: Building Skills and Team Spirit
St Michael’s and English Martyrs joined forces for a rugby training session and match, building skills and team spirit. Over 25 boys took part in the session, which was expertly delivered by our rugby coach, Colin. The training focused on core techniques, game strategies, and building resilience - essential qualities for success in rugby. After the drills, students put their learning into practice during a friendly match, showcasing determination and sportsmanship throughout.
Year 10 Students Explore Careers at Tees Skills Fair
St Michael’s Year 10 students explored career pathways at the Tees Skills Careers Fair, meeting employers and gaining valuable insights. Throughout the day, students visited a wide range of stalls hosted by colleges, training providers, and employers, all showcasing opportunities available in Teesside. From apprenticeships to higher education routes, the fair offered something for everyone.
Christmas Shoebox Appeal: Spreading Kindness This Festive Season
St Michael’s students spread kindness through the Christmas Shoebox Appeal, donating gifts and essentials to those in need. Each shoebox was carefully packed with items that will bring comfort and joy to recipients - from toiletries and warm clothing to small treats and festive surprises. The effort and care that went into every box reflect the values we hold dear at St Michael’s: compassion, empathy, and service to others.
Scholastic Book Fair: Inspiring a Love of Reading
St Michael’s hosted a successful Scholastic Book Fair, inspiring students to discover new stories and support our growing reading culture. Throughout the fair, students explored a wide range of books, from gripping novels to inspiring non-fiction titles. They swapped ideas with friends, built wish lists, and even picked up a few surprises for their home libraries.
What Went Well Wednesday at St. Michael’s – Celebrating Student Success Every Week!
At St. Michael’s Catholic Academy, we believe in recognising and celebrating achievement—and our weekly initiative, What Went Well Wednesday, is doing just that! Every Wednesday, our doors open to showcase the incredible work and effort of our students, and this term has seen record-breaking attendance for this uplifting event.
Year 9 Trip to Beamish: A Journey Through History!
St Michael’s Catholic Academy, Billingham is proud to share the incredible experience our Year 9 students had on their recent trip to Beamish Museum. This visit wasn’t just a day out—it was a hands-on journey into the past that brought history to life in the most inspiring way.
Infinity Project: Teamwork, Challenges, and Growth at Billingham Forum!
The Infinity Project continues to inspire and empower students at St Michael’s Catholic Academy, Billingham. Recently, 14 of our pupils enjoyed another intensive day of activities at Billingham Forum, designed to build confidence, teamwork, and essential life skills.