St Benedict’s Catholic High SchoolPROSPECTUS

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Students thrive in this friendly, inclusive and safe school I Ofsted

Welcometo St Benedict’s Catholic High School

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The achievement of students is good.

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Dear Families

It is a privilege to be the Headteacher of St Benedict’s Catholic High School. We seek to ensure that your children find themselves in a place of learning in which they feel safe, secure and happy, in an orderly environment imbued by the Gospel values of peace, justice, humility, love, hope, and personal responsibility. While our faith underpins everything we do, we are an inclusive school and our doors are open to all young people, whatever their background and beliefs. Our emphasis is on providing an orderly, calm and secure environment in which our students appreciate and respect learning for its own sake, notwithstanding the importance of having fun along the way. In school we are particularly concerned to ensure that all students progress in their learning through personalised teaching and learning in a supportive, nurturing environment. Our sixth form is largely academic, with due regard given to subjects aligned with locally available employment. We have excellent links with a wide range of top class universities.

We provide learning opportunities, which are primarily designed to help students develop their academic abilities. We are, however, concerned in equal measure for the emotional growth and personal well-being of our students so that they have good self-esteem and are able to survive the challenges life presents. We encourage our students to develop critical and independent thought so that they not only survive, but thrive.

Our curriculum offer and enrichment activities are designed to provide opportunities for students to develop the skill of reflection. This enables them to consider the wonders and mysteries of life and discuss their personal values and feelings in a welcoming environment. We seek to be a contemporary Catholic school and place Catholic identity alongside high quality academic teaching and learning. We recognise the opportunities and challenges life presents our students, our staff and our community, and seek to work together in a creative and collaborative context, in conjunction with our partner primaries and parishes. In so doing, we promote an understanding of the best of British values and help to create civic individuals who will “do the right things” as adults.

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Pope Francis encourages us to, “go light a fire in the heart of the world”, and this informs much of our work. He also asks whether we promote in our students, critical ability and open minds, capable of caring for today’s world, and a spirit which seeks new answers to the varied challenges modern society sets before us. This is why we are equally concerned for the vulnerable, the poor, and have a concern for the environment.

Taken together, our culture, climate and ethos combine to provide a vibrant Christian school community, in which we aspire to see all our students secure success and happiness. We place great emphasis on relationships between students and adults, and know how important it is to cherish each child. As Jean Vanier put it, “When a child is loved, seen as precious, listened to, touched with reverence, it is at peace. It opens up without fear”. At St Benedict’s this is our sincere wish for your children.

You can only find out so much by reading the school prospectus and visiting the website; do please come and pay us a visit as our doors are always open.

Yours faithfully

Ian P SmithHeadteacher

I like coming to St Benedict’s because I enjoy being with good groups of friends.

I Amelia

I enjoy coming to St Benedict’s because of sports. It’s one of my favourite subjects.

I Deon

I enjoy coming to St Benedict’s because I know a bright future is ahead of me.

I Harry

No sooner do you get here, you feel like part of the St Benedict’s family.

I Emily

I enjoy school, particularly PE when we get sporting visitors in school for lessons. I also enjoy seeing my friends.

I Mason

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Our School MissionAt St Benedict’s we seek to show excellence in purpose, listening, doing and belonging.

Our School Motto

A Sense of Faith

Our School PrayerDear Lord, thank you for our sense of faith,Your presence here will keep us safe.Thank you Lord, for bringing us here,We know with you we shall not fear.

Help us to discover our purpose, our way,Show us where we belong this day.Help us to open our hearts to you,Guide us in all we say and do.

Send your peace into this place,Let family and friends receive your grace.Send your love, your hope, your light,That we will always know what’s right.

Your presence here will keep us safe,Thank you Lord for our sense of faith.

Amen.

St Benedict, Pray for us.

Our Catholic School CommunityOur School Ethos At St Benedict’s School we provide a safe and caring environment where each student can develop their self-esteem and grow into ‘educated’ young people in the fullest sense of the word. We believe that through their experiences in our school community we help students to understand the moral, social and spiritual demands of the society in which they live. We help them to understand that in striving to be the best they can be, they will benefit not only themselves, but the future communities in which they may live.

By placing the values of the Gospel, the Catholic faith and a Christian ethos at the heart of all our interactions with each other in our school community, we believe that we give an additional dimension to the education of our students. By embracing the development of skills, culture, positive attitudes to learning and good citizenship in the context of Christian faith, we reflect the view of the Catholic Church that the education of the whole person is paramount.

We believe firmly in giving our students a voice in our school community. Teachers and other adults in our school encourage students to express their views in positive and constructive ways. We listen to and respect their opinions and act upon them, empowering students to take pride in being actively involved in their school community and in aspiring to excellence in all that they do.

We place a strong emphasis upon recognising and celebrating students’ successes; whether it is academic achievement or vocational and practical achievement, inside the school community or in the wider community, all have their place in our vision of an education which will produce well rounded individuals ready to fulfil their potential in the future.

ChaplaincyChaplaincy is one of the key aspects of St Benedict’s School. It is central in the day to day life of the students and staff; it encourages and supports them in having, developing and nurturing a sense of faith. There are four key areas that Chaplaincy covers; prayer and worship within the school, spiritual leadership throughout the school, pastoral care for students and teachers and social justice. Chaplaincy has a role in many daily events in the school from assemblies and acts of worship to positive, often informal, encouragement and support around the school. Chaplaincy has a unique role among the students; Chaplaincy isn’t just a job in the school, it is a journey. It is about learning from others, staff learning from students and students learning from staff. Chaplaincy can be developed within many areas of St Benedict’s School. It is perhaps ideally viewed as a bridge across the school inspiring and enriching our sense of faith.

Students are reflective and have respect for other faiths, backgrounds and cultures. I Ofsted

Students are polite and considerate. I Ofsted

Provision for students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding. I Ofsted

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Supporting & Guiding

Supporting and Guiding

Pastoral CareOur pastoral care system is based upon six Directors of Learning, responsible for the academic progress and well-being of students. The Director of Learning for each year group plays an important and specific role in the welfare, good conduct and development of the individual within the school community.At the same time takes an overview of students’ academic progress drawing upon a range of support for rapid intervention where needed.

We recognise the need for each child to have frequent contact throughout their school life with a personal tutor to whom they can closely relate. As such the students are under the daily oversight and guidance of a form tutor who registers them every morning. In Year 7 all students will be divided into tutor groups of approximately 25 students. They remain in these groups, which are named after Catholic Saints and Blesseds, until entering Sixth Form where they are named after Catholic Scholars.

Supporting and guiding our students to be the best they can beAt some stage during their educational life, 20% of all children experience some form of learning difficulty and the work of The Link department is focussed on supporting these students. The department aims to support all students who may experience difficulties, whether physical, medical, sensory, emotional, behavioural or learning.

We work in partnership with all partner primary schools during the transition phase. On arrival in Year 7, all our students sit a Cognitive Ability Test and reading and spelling tests. In conjunction with the SAT results from Year 6/Teacher Assessments and information from KS2 teachers, these tests identify those children with learning difficulties who may experience problems when attempting to access certain areas of the curriculum. We address these difficulties as early as possible and ensure access to available resources.

The department also facilitates the development of social skills and opportunities for children to improve their literacy and numeracy through daily provision of a staffed area at break and lunchtimes. This is a ‘safe haven’ for children who may feel vulnerable.

Learning Support staff have recognised specialist qualifications in specific learning difficulties, reading intervention skills, emotional, social and behavioural difficulties, speech and language difficulties and supporting children diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorders. As a school, we have established links with various external agencies which are available to support our work within school.

The Link department at St Benedict’s School seeks to uphold and develop the ideals of the school’s statement of ethos, and this is reflected in our Admissions Policy (obtainable from school and on the school website).

Working with Parents/CarersWe view each parent/carer as having an integral role to play in the education of their children. We consider home and school as a close partnership working together to ensure the success of each child.

Every parent who wishes to contact the school is free to do so by telephone at any time on any matter connected with their child. The initial contact should normally be made with the child’s tutor.

Supporting & Guiding Contact is made with home by the school whenever it is thought necessary. When parents are asked to come into school, some may find it daunting. We believe however that when home and school are seen to co-operate, it is of great benefit to the child; you will always be treated with courtesy and respect and your view will be listened to.

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The Learner’s Journey

Teaching builds on students’ prior learning effectively, so they make good

gains in their knowledge and skills.

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Transition from Primary SchoolAt St Benedict’s we pride ourselves on an excellent transition programme which helps our Year 6 students make the exciting move to ‘big’ school. Our transition programme involves:• OpeneveningsforYear5and6parentstogettoknow

the school and its staff. • Specialistteachersvisitingprimariesandorganising

master classes for those students with particular abilities in core subjects.

• TheDirectorofLearningforYear7andtheLearningMentor attached to Year 7 having frequent meetings with primary headteachers to get to know the students from each school.

• AtasterdayforYear6studentstosamplelessonsandroutines in our school and to meet their Year 7 tutor.

• EarlyidentificationofstudentswithSpecialNeedsorspecific abilities in subject areas.

• Anopendoorthroughouttheyearforanyparentwhowishes to visit prior to their child transferring.

• OperatingasupportsysteminYear7whereourolderstudents look after the new students.

• AwelcomemassheldforYear7studentsandparentsearly in September to celebrate together this next stage in their child’s spiritual and educational journey.

The Learner’s Journey

Learning We aim to develop the maximum potential of every child through delivering well planned, exciting and challenging experiences in and out of the classroom. We aspire for our students to develop as independent and confident learners who will leave our school community equipped to fulfil their ambitions whatever they may be.

In all key stages our students have a variety of learning opportunities and will experience:• Consistentlygoodteachingfromenthusiasticsubjectspecialistswho

share the aspiration to become a school of excellence.• Thedailysupportandguidanceprovidedthroughatutorgroupandthe

opportunity to represent the student voice on our Student Leadership Council.

• Highqualityprogrammesofsupportandinterventiondeliveredbyateamof dedicated associate and support staff.

• AtKeyStage3,settedclassesinMathematics,English,Science,RE,Geography, History and MFL; mixed ability grouping in Art & Design, Computing, PE, Performing Arts, Technology incorporating Food, Textiles and Product Design.

• AtKeyStage4,Level2courses(GCSE)inthecompulsorysubjectsofEnglish,Mathematics,Science,ComputingandReligiousEducationwitha range of options, including Art & Design, Business Studies, Electronic Products,Engineering,FoodNutrition,French,Games,Geography,German, History, Performing Arts, Physical Education, Product Design, the Sciences: Biology, Chemistry & Physics, and Spanish. Where students have specific needs we endeavour to provide appropriate alternative courses.

• AtKeyStage5,arangeofacademicALevelsandLevel3qualificationsare reviewed every year and allow entry to university, college study or to higher level apprenticeships/career pathways. Students also have the opportunity to resit GCSE English and Mathematics.

• SupportivetransitionprogrammesbetweeneachKeyStage.• Arangeofinformation,adviceandguidanceprogrammestohelpthem

make important decisions at each stage of their school career especially around GCSE option choices and post 16 study and career pathways.

• Theopportunitytoparticipateinawiderangeofenrichmentopportunities outside of the classroom including subject specific activities, competitions, international visits, fundraising events, university visits and links with local industries.

• Closepartnershipbetweenschool,parentsandcarersthroughProgressReview&Curriculumevenings,theschool’spastoralsystem,useofastudent planner, the school’s website and termly newsletters.

• Thechancetobecomestudentambassadors,buddiesandprefects.

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St Benedict’s Sixth Form Centre St Benedict’s School also incorporates the West Cumbria Catholic Sixth Form Centre. The Centre welcomes students who are not currently in Catholic secondary education but who wish to join us post 16. Each year many students from other local schools successfully make the transition into our Sixth Form. The Centre reflects the messages incorporated in the school’s mission statement, and strives to provide a broad educational experience to the highest academic standards.

The Sixth Form Centre was totally refurbished in 2011 with a new main hall/study facility, wi/fi internet access and new dining facilities. The ground floor is extensive and accommodates the increasing number of students wishing to study at our Centre.

Our Sixth Form curriculum aims for academic excellence in a wide range of A Level and equivalent courses. A large percentage of students leave the Sixth Form to go into higher education in a variety of universities nationwide, including Russell Groupuniversities and to regional universities in Carlisle, Preston and Newcastle. Our dedicated StudentSupport Officer provides high quality information, advice and guidance, and through close links with local employers many of our students pursue higher level apprenticeships leading to degree study.

We encourage students to participate in the academic, sporting, social and spiritual aspects of Sixth Form life to develop the life skills needed to move into adult life with confidence. We encourage students to care for others with their involvement in peer tutoring and paired reading schemes with younger members of the school.

The students are encouraged to widen their Sixth Form experience through involvement in the Engineering in Education Scheme and sporting and social events. We encourage all the students to become involved in the many fundraising and charity events which occur throughout the year. We celebrate our students’ achievements at a Celebration of Achievements Evening each year, which also provides an opportunity for current sixth form students to gain information on the university and work place experiences of the previous year’s leavers. The Leavers’ Prom also provides an opportunity to reflect upon and celebrate the years of Sixth Form study.

The Sixth Form experience is extremely rewarding and provides opportunities for students to be fully involved in decision making through the Sixth Form Student Leadership Council and the Teaching and Learning Group. Our Head Boy and Head Girl are also associate members of the school’s Governing Body.

The sixth form is good. Students’ achievement has risen as a result of good teaching and effective support from personal tutors, The Director of Learning and the Student Support Officer

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Sixth Form

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Success & Achievement

Celebrating Success We take every opportunity to celebrate the successes and achievements of our students through:• Dailyassemblies• Anannualsportsawardevening• GCSEandAlevelawardsevenings• Endofyearawardsassemblies• TheVIVOrewardsystemwhichallows

students to trade their accumulated VIVO reward points in an on line catalogue

• TheHonourRollfinancialrewardsystem at KS5

• Attendancenoticeboardsandcompetitions

• Makingstudentachievementsvisiblein the school environment through vibrant displays and internal TV screens.

• Maintainingahighprofileinthelocalcommunity.

• Year11Prom• Year13SummerBall

Charity and Fundraising Students and staff raise money for a number of good causes throughout the year. Students choose the charities they will support and organise their own fundraising events either as part of the Student Leadership Group, Tutor groups or small groups. Charities regularly supported include:• CAFOD• TheGoodShepherdFund• MacmillanCancerCare• SpecialCareBabyUnit(WestCumberlandHospital• PalliativeCare(WestCumberlandHospital)• BreastCancerResearch• ProstateCancer• CumbriaAirAmbulance• TheHendersonSuite(WestCumberlandHospital)• TanzaniaLinks• MalcolmSargentCancerCare• SamaritansPurse

Success & Achievement

Your Voice as a Student Student Leadership Council The student voice in school is an important factor in shaping the ethos and standards in our school community.

Each year group is represented by a Year Council which is composed of two representatives from each tutor group, together with a link teacher or Sixth Form students. Issues relevant to their year are dealt with at Year Council.

The Year Councils then elect representatives to go forward to the full Student Leadership Council who meet once per half term. The students use this forum to discuss and make decisions on issues relating to standards and social provision for the student body.

The Student Leadership Council members also represent the school within the local community. The Sixth Form has its own Council and Sixth Form representatives attend the Student Leadership Council. The Head Boy and Head Girl sit on the school’s full Governing Body as Associate Governors.

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The school has a “welcoming atmosphere”. I Parent / Carer

My son can’t wait to get to school every

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We are extremely impressed by the

commitment of all staff and the positive ethos of

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The needs and aspirations of students are addressed through the broad and balanced curriculum and flexible range of courses on offer.

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Students take pride in their school.”

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St Benedict’s Catholic High SchoolPROSPECTUS

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St Benedict’s Catholic High School

RedLonning I Whitehaven I Cumbria I CA288UG

T: 01946692275

F: 01946692002

E: admin@st-benedicts.cumbria.sch.uk

www.st-benedicts.cumbria.sch.uk

DESIGNED&PRODUCEDBYPPS01772733213www.palmerpublicity.co.uk