st john fisher catholic high school
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Diocese of Leeds. Diocese of Leeds. St John Fisher Catholic High School. “Consideration of academy status and joining a Catholic Multi Academy Trust Consultation briefing ”. Introduction. Welcome and Opening Prayer St John Fisher Mission and Aims Where we are now? - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
“Consideration of academy status and joining a Catholic Multi Academy Trust Consultation briefing ”
St John Fisher Catholic High School
Diocese of LeedsDiocese of Leeds
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Introduction
Welcome and Opening Prayer St John Fisher Mission and Aims Where we are now? How do we progress? What are the Diocese considering? Where do we want to go? What does this mean for our children? What happens next?
Diocese of Leeds
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Welcome
Pictures of children or school based material
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Opening Prayer For Catholic Communities
God, our Father, creator of all, we cry out to you as humble servants of our Lord, Jesus Christ within our schools and parishes.We give thanks for all we have received as we seek to teach, guide and guard the children in our care.We call upon the gifts of our confirmation and the power of your Holy Spirit as we consider the future of the distinctive Catholic education of our children.In all we think, say and do may we be Yours.May we be wise and selfless and have the courage and strength to follow your way.We ask this in Jesus’ name and through the power of your Holy Spirit.
Amen Diocese of Leeds
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St John Fisher Mission and Aims “Following the example of our Patron, St John Fisher,
priest and scholar, we aim to love one another
throughout our life at school, to learn and
develop our full potential in the image of Christ.”
• to help pupils to know and love God and the wonders of creation• to help pupils to understand and live the Catholic faith• to enable pupils to grow in self-esteem• to help pupils to become responsible and responsive adults• to enable pupils to develop their physical potential• to enable pupils to develop their intellectual potential• to prepare pupils for life in a multi-cultural and technological society• to create a community in which individuals respect each other regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, ability, sexuality, religion or social status.
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Achievements
Received “Outstanding” in the Leeds S48 RE Inspection December 2012
Received “Good” in the Ofsted Inspection October 2012
“St. John Fisher is a school that lives out its Mission Statement . There is an excellent shared understanding between all members of the community of the school’s ministry to young people and its service to the Church.”
Quote (Source: Leeds S48 Report, December 2012)
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Catholic schools Our Catholic schools are provided to assist Catholic parents in
their duty of educating their children
Governors of our schools have to perform a largely strategic role in the life of the school
School improvement – establishing policies and targets designed to achieve those objectives
School standards and pupil performance – monitoring, evaluating and reviewing the progress of the school
Strategic view – setting aims and objectives
Critical friend – offering challenge and support to the Headteacher and the team
And in particular Foundation Governors have a responsibility to ensure that, at all times, the school is conducted in accordance with the Diocesan Trust deed and serves as a witness to Jesus Christ in every aspect of its work
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How do we progress? At St John Fisher, the primary aim is to be completely
committed to the Catholic faith, believing that by putting Christ at the centre of everything we do, children are given a set of principles for life which are even more important than educational achievement.
This is not to say that attainment is not important; we have extremely high expectations, yet we strongly believe in developing the child in mind, body and spirit.
Catholic schools are now a major component of the education system and as society changes, we have to too, in order to ensure we meet the needs of our children and young people.
We are now at the point of considering the next major change in Catholic education – that of becoming academies.
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Key factors to look at
EnvironmentInformation Gathering
InternalWhere are we?What works for us?
ExternalWhat will our future look like?What is happening outside?
Resources Identify resources available
staffing structure facilities equipment training & development finances key stakeholders
Mission Strategic vision, how we work together to achieve and
deliver
Diocese of Leeds
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So what is an Academy? An academy is a state-funded school which
operates independently within the requirements of national codes of practice for state schools
It receives its funding directly from central government rather than through a local authority
It is the current intention of the coalition government that all state schools should become Academies
“In September 2010, 32 schools in England started term as shiny new "converter“ acadamies . By the end of the 2012 academic year, there were 1987 and the number continues to increase.
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Building the future The phenomenal pace of developments in technology and communications, increasing secularisation and the challenges posed by a pluralistic and multi-cultural society face all schools alike.
These developments and challenges call for:
‘” … courageous renewal on the part of the Catholic school …
And so, now as in the past, the Catholic school must be able to speak for itself effectively and
convincingly “.
(Source: Diocese of Leeds, Office for Education and Schools, Building the Future – Considering Multi Academy Trusts, Guidance for Governors, October 2011, page 4)
Diocese of Leeds
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What is a Catholic Multi Academy Trust
A Catholic Multi Academy Trust is a number of Catholic Academies who agree to work together within an overarching trust body
The Diocese of Leeds has suggested groupings to explore the Catholic Multi Academy Trust to avoid any school being left isolated
Diocese of Leeds
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The Diocese Proposed Model
Diocesan Council
Multi Academy Trust A
Multi Academy Trust B
Multi Academy Trust E
Multi Academy Trust D
Multi Academy Trust C
Diocese of Leeds
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Catholic Multi Academy Trust
TrustBoard
Primary School A
LGB Primary School B
LGB
High School A
LGB
High School B
LGB
Primary School C
LGB
Diocese
Diocese of Leeds
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Trust Board and LGB
Trust Board 4 Head teachers 2 Staff 2 Parents
Elected from schools 8 Foundation
Including clergy
To be confirmed!
Local Academy Council Head teacher 1 or 2 Staff 2 Parent 6 Foundation
To be confirmed!
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The Mission of the Catholic Multi Academy TrustWith Jesus Christ at the centre of the life of the Trust we;
Seek to provide learning communities offering the highest possible standards of education
Are committed to working in partnership and trust for the common good
Strive to encourage and empower children and young people to recognise and realise their God-given potential and to discern their vocation in life
Recognise as learning communities inspired by faith, we celebrate achievement, offering each other challenge and support, as together we follow Christ in self-giving love and service
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Key Principles
Collective Responsibility
Partnership Working
Collaboration
Support
United In Faith
Trusts are collectively responsible for all children
Promotion of strong positive links through partnership working with parishes and families
Collaboration with other academies and trusts to share best practice
No individual school left in a vulnerable positionSupport will be available from other schoolsThe Catholic faith is at the heart of the Trust and academies will promote spiritual, educational and pastoral provision for staff and pupils
Diocese of Leeds
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Catholic Multi Academy Trust A place with so much more on offer
A shared vision and core principles – liturgical, sacramental and spiritual life
Improved quality of educational provision Development opportunities for all personnel An improvement in teaching and learning A clear Catholic identity and distinctiveness Shared effective skills and resources Establishment of best practices Sustained safe/ family environments Strengthened social cohesion Enhanced parish links Greater involvement and interaction of key stakeholders (Pupils,
parents, carers, school, governors, parishioners, volunteers) Eased transition for pupils to Secondary Education
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Creating new opportunities in our region
14 Primary Schools
St Josephs-HalifaxSt Mary’s-HalifaxSacred Heart-Sowbery BridgeSt Joseph’s-BrighouseSt Malachy’s-HalifaxSt Patrick’s-Elland St Patrick’s-BirstallSt Joseph’s-HuddersfieldSt Patricks-HuddersfieldOur Lady of Lourdes-HuddersfieldHoly Spirit-HeckmondwikeSt Joseph’s-DewsburySt Mary’s-BatleySt Paulinus-Dewsbury
The proposed Catholic Multi Academy Trust in Calderdale and Kirklees district may include 16 schools
2 Secondary Schools
All Saints-HuddersfieldSt John Fisher-Dewsbury
Diocese of Leeds
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Schools who have expressed an interest to convert - in the first stage December 2013Primary Schools
St Mary’s-HalifaxSacred Heart-Sowbery BridgeSt Malachy’s-HalifaxSt Patrick’s-Elland St Joseph’s-Dewsbury
Secondary Schools
All Saints-HuddersfieldSt John Fisher-Dewsbury
Diocese of Leeds
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So what will it mean for our children? They will learn in the same school building They will work with the same staff They will wear the same uniform The school times will be the same They will serve and live as a part of their parish community The school building and land will still be owned by the
Diocese of Leeds They will still be part of their local community They will have greater opportunities … to develop their
skills, knowledge and experience
‘Education is not and must never be considered as purely utilitarian. It is about forming the human person, equipping him or her to live life to the full – in short it is about imparting wisdom. And true wisdom is inseparable from knowledge of the Creator’.
(Pope Benedict XVI, Address to Teachers and Religious, Twickenham, September 2010)
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So why change? The Trust will give us the ability to maximise what
we are able to deliver in education by sharing expertise, resources and services, including support for struggling schools
The Trust will be an example of collaborative working, providing school to school support and working closely with the local Catholic community
The Trust will provide expanded professional development opportunities for staff in Trust academies and help with succession planning
Greater flexibility with the financial resources available to us
“It will help us become better at what we already do”
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Funding
Now
Local Authority Funding
Percentage is top sliced to pay for central services
Academy Funding
100% of the funding goes direct to the Academy Trust for distribution to the school
We can prioritise all our resources as a school in the way that best meets our objectives
We can exercise CHOICE and be innovative in how we spend our money
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Key questions Won’t this cost us a lot of money ?
No.
We would need to spend a small amount for things like legal fees but if we decided to apply there is a small grant available (£25k) for schools to help with start up costs and there would also be the potential to share these costs with the other schools
Does becoming an Academy mean we have less money and therefore need to lose staff ?
No. We would have the same level of funding and it would be received directly. It is the schools responsibility to budget for costs accordingly and understand all requirements. Recent reports of difficulties in local schools were unrelated to moving to Academy Status
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Key questions continued
Would we continue to use the Local Authority ?
Yes, if that is best for us, however, the Local Authority landscape is evolving too with many more moving to selling their services or reducing capacity. This way we can plan and adapt in the best way for St John Fisher.
Would this bring greater responsibility and accountability ?
Yes, and we would need to assess how we would adapt to a new reporting structure. However, we have already had to implement significant standards and procedures to meet current regulations with regards to finance.
Challenges also provide opportunities
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Opportunities We can be innovative in how we spend our funding and
maximise best value for St John Fisher
We would no longer have to contribute 10% directly to capital projects
By being part of a multi academy trust there are direct and indirect opportunities for sharing resources
DIRECT The Trust could employ specialist staff directly that schools
could utilise e.g. school improvement staff
INDIRECT The Trust could use its economies of scale to ensure the
best deals were available for schools to access goods and services
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Where do we go from hereOur individual governing bodies are still considering whether
a Catholic Multi-Academy Trust is the way forward for our schools
Schools that receive Diocesan approval will then apply to the DfE (central government) to convert
The schools which have not chosen to proceed at this point may join at a later stage
Nothing is yet finally decided - the process is at consultation stage The consultation deadline date is 17th May 2013Responses will be collated and reported to the governing
body and then to all key stakeholdersSchools may withdraw at any stage from the process
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To move forward we need to
Work as a team Value and encourage staff Support staff development Promote best practice Work collectively to improve pupil attainment and
progress Further develop a creative and engaging curriculum
for all Engage, consult and involve all stakeholders Evaluate service provision Review financial viability Develop and implement a workable action plan Implement control systems to monitor performance Work together to develop a three year business plan
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To succeed we need to manage and embrace change Be open and transparent about the need for change
Clear communication Clear direction Clear Catholic identity and distinctiveness Strong positive leadership
Acknowledge the importance of partnership working Governors, Staff, Pupils, Parents, Carers, Parishioners and the
wider community Private, public and third sector organisations Local schools and local communities
Influence and promote change to enhance quality of educational provision Encourage staff to develop their potential Inspire and promote excellence Provide safe and friendly environments
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Building upon success …We’ll work with integrity to make a difference and deliver the Catholic Multi Academy’s Trust Mission and aims:- create prayerful communities (3-19 years) based on Christian values, notably those of
‘Love, Justice, Peace, Truth and Respect for All’, and to encourage individuals in their commitment to these ideals
encourage everyone to do their best to achieve the highest standards in all areas of
activity enable children to grow into confident, open, resourceful young people with a sense of
responsibility and of service create vibrant Catholic Christian communities by working by a spirit of partnership and
mutual support and respect
encourage, celebrate and empower all learners to make a positive contribution to society by living out the Gospel Values
recognize the uniqueness of each Academy within the Trust and work in partnership
and collaboration in a spirit of mutual support to ensure the continued development and progress of all
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Further Information and Questions Useful Websites
www.catholicacademies.org.uk www.education.gov.uk www.catholicpost.org.uk www.dioceseofleeds.org.uk/education/news
Any Questions Please feel free to ask questions Or please forward any questions/queries on the
pro forma you may have to the head teacher via post or email
[email protected]@stjohnfisher.org.uk
Thank you for your timeand
your continued support
The Head teacher and Governors of St John Fisher Catholic High School