--- title: "News: Enrichment" url: "https://stmichaels.bhcet.org.uk/news/tag/enrichment" school: "St Michael’s Catholic Academy" --- Admissions Consultation BHCET schools in Stockton and Billingham [Click Here](https://stmichaels.bhcet.org.uk/governance/admissions-consultation) **Tel:** (01642) 870003 **Email:** enquiries@stmichaels.bhcet.org.uk # News: Enrichment ![Image of Year 10 Students Rise to the Speak Out Challenge at St Michael's Catholic Academy](https://files.schudio.com/st-michael-s-catholic-academy-3/imagecache/720x440c/news/830253107_4561873140735431_187520755786027408_n.png.jpeg) 5 October 2026 ### [Year 10 Students Rise to the Speak Out Challenge at St Michael's Catholic Academy](https://stmichaels.bhcet.org.uk/news/2026-10-05-year-10-students-rise-to-the-speak-out-challenge-at-st-michael-s-catholic-academy) Year 10 students at St Michael's Catholic Academy in Billingham recently demonstrated confidence and courage as they took part in the Speak Out Challenge. The programme focused on developing students' oracy skills, helping them become more effective and confident communicators. ![Image of Year 8 Students Explore Careers in the Net Zero Sector](https://files.schudio.com/st-michael-s-catholic-academy-3/imagecache/720x440c/news/797336853_2191839074877395_2774411360747782187_n.png.jpeg) 22 September 2026 ### [Year 8 Students Explore Careers in the Net Zero Sector](https://stmichaels.bhcet.org.uk/news/2026-09-22-year-8-students-explore-careers-in-the-net-zero-sector) Students at St Michael's Catholic Academy in Billingham gained a valuable insight into the future of sustainable energy and transport thanks to a visit from Northern Gas Networks. The session provided Year 8 students with the opportunity to learn about the growing Net Zero sector and the exciting careers and technologies that are helping to shape a greener future. ![Image of Speak Out Challenge Workshop](https://files.schudio.com/st-michael-s-catholic-academy-3/imagecache/720x440c/news/722302764_2588420724947262_6378640150432638268_n.png.jpeg) 16 June 2026 ### [Speak Out Challenge Workshop](https://stmichaels.bhcet.org.uk/news/2026-06-16-speak-out-challenge-workshop) A group of Year 10 students at St Michael’s Catholic Academy recently took part in a Speak Out Challenge Workshop, designed to develop confident and effective communication. ![Gillian Bell visit to school](https://files.schudio.com/st-michael-s-catholic-academy-3/imagecache/720x440c/news/637630686_1606654343742665_8574838408469109108_n.jpg) 26 February 2026 ### [Inspiring Year 8 Workshops Bring Parliament to Life!](https://stmichaels.bhcet.org.uk/news/2026-02-26-inspiring-year-8-workshops-bring-parliament-to-life) Year 8 students at St Michael’s Catholic Academy in Billingham were treated to an inspiring set of workshops delivered by Gillian Bell, North East Outreach Officer for UK Parliament. Her sessions were packed with engaging activities that helped students gain a deeper understanding of Parliament, democracy and how British Values shape our society. ![Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Awards at St Michael's](https://files.schudio.com/st-michael-s-catholic-academy-3/imagecache/720x440c/news/IMG_0888.JPG) 23 February 2026 ### [St Michael’s Celebrates Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award Achievements](https://stmichaels.bhcet.org.uk/news/2026-02-23-st-michael-s-celebrates-duke-of-edinburgh-bronze-award-achievements) On Monday 16th February 2026, St Michael’s in Billingham celebrated the success of pupils who achieved their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Awards. Families, supporters and staff filled the hall for an uplifting evening that showcased student talent, music and a genuine sense of pride. ![Image of Thank You, Liz Million! A Creative Masterclass for Year 8](https://files.schudio.com/st-michael-s-catholic-academy-3/imagecache/720x440c/news/627386231_1596688831405883_279178939644199414_n.jpg) 10 February 2026 ### [Thank You, Liz Million! A Creative Masterclass for Year 8](https://stmichaels.bhcet.org.uk/news/2026-02-10-thank-you-liz-million-a-creative-masterclass-for-year-8) Year 8 students recently enjoyed an unforgettable visit from illustrator Liz Million, whose energetic and humorous presenting style instantly captured the imagination of the whole year group. Her talk gave students a genuine, behind‑the‑scenes look at what a career in illustration can involve — from character creation to working within the wider creative industry. ![Image of Year 9 Take On “I’m a Year 9… Get Me Out of Here!” at St. Michael’s](https://files.schudio.com/st-michael-s-catholic-academy-3/imagecache/720x440c/news/602307570_1555628598845240_8386975084773739999_n(1).jpg) 19 December 2025 ### [Year 9 Take On “I’m a Year 9… Get Me Out of Here!” at St. Michael’s](https://stmichaels.bhcet.org.uk/news/2025-12-19-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. ![Image of Year 8 CyberStars Shine in CyberFirst Girls Competition](https://files.schudio.com/st-michael-s-catholic-academy-3/imagecache/720x440c/news/600297908_1554884225586344_9023512179914194040_n.jpg) 18 December 2025 ### [Year 8 CyberStars Shine in CyberFirst Girls Competition](https://stmichaels.bhcet.org.uk/news/2025-12-18-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. ![Image of Mighty Mussels Workshop: Students Dive into Seafood Education](https://files.schudio.com/st-michael-s-catholic-academy-3/imagecache/720x440c/news/596182388_1549588729449227_7700859056301537921_n.jpg) 11 December 2025 ### [Mighty Mussels Workshop: Students Dive into Seafood Education](https://stmichaels.bhcet.org.uk/news/2025-12-11-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. ![Image of St. Michael’s Triumphs at BHCET Swimming Gala](https://files.schudio.com/st-michael-s-catholic-academy-3/imagecache/720x440c/news/598474655_18053674640661244_636738891764638353_n.jpg) 10 December 2025 ### [St. Michael’s Triumphs at BHCET Swimming Gala](https://stmichaels.bhcet.org.uk/news/2025-12-10-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. ![Image of Rugby Training with English Martyrs: Building Skills and Team Spirit](https://files.schudio.com/st-michael-s-catholic-academy-3/imagecache/720x440c/news/595164959_1548896356185131_7483694566697721221_n(1).jpg) 9 December 2025 ### [Rugby Training with English Martyrs: Building Skills and Team Spirit](https://stmichaels.bhcet.org.uk/news/2025-12-09-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. ![Image of Year 10 Students Explore Careers at Tees Skills Fair](https://files.schudio.com/st-michael-s-catholic-academy-3/imagecache/720x440c/news/598423526_18053672231661244_7338314313246063418_n.jpg) 9 December 2025 ### [Year 10 Students Explore Careers at Tees Skills Fair](https://stmichaels.bhcet.org.uk/news/2025-12-09-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. ![St Michael’s Catholic Academy](https://files.schudio.com/st-michael-s-catholic-academy-3/images/logo/Bishop_Hogarth_and_Hexham_Logo_new_(1).png) ### St Michael’s Catholic Academy Beamish Road Billingham Stockton-On-Tees TS23 3DX (01642) 870003 - [Office 365](https://outlook.office.com/bhcet.org.uk) - [BHCET Trust Website](https://bhcet.org.uk/) ### Social Media - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/stmichaelscatholicacademybillingham/) - [X](https://twitter.com/StMBillingham) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/stmichaelscatholicacademy/) ### Translation © Copyright 2025–2026 St Michael’s Catholic Academy School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://stmichaels.bhcet.org.uk/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)