Education at it's best ... by Chester

Weekly News September 25, 2008

A centre of excellence

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aints Peter and Paul is a specialist sports college and with this coveted status comes significant additional investment.

A Catholic college, it has much to be proud of and in recent years has been recognised for its many outstanding features: in 2007 the college received a na-

tional award in recognition of the outstanding rate of improvement; and in 2008 it achieved the best ever GCSE results. The quality of care within the college is exceptional and is commented on by visitors – who notice, in particular, the number of smiling children they see as they walk around the building. It is a happy college; prepared to challenge its young people at all levels but, more importantly, one which is prepared to support them when things go wrong. As a Catholic college, all policies and approaches to teaching and learning are based on the values of respect and dignity, and this ensure that students learn and grow in a disciplined environment, enabling each individual to achieve his or her potential. The college is also proud of its sixth form provision, which enables students to continue to be nurtured in a Christian environment, right through to university entrance. It is the only high school in Widnes able to offer education from 11-19. The facilities are without doubt the finest that a college can offer and include a superb sports centre, a state-of-the-art music suite and the Widnes City Learning Centre, for which Saints Peter an Paul is the host college. The college can now boast a national standard athletics facility, together with purposebuilt dance and fitness studios. The college is also host to the magnificent Widnes Tennis

Academy and these facilities, along with many other specialist resource areas, ensure that the students learn in an environment which is second to none. There is a wide range of trips and visits to support students’ personal development and enrich their lives, ranging from business studies trips to New York, history trips to Berlin, geography trips to Iceland – to hockey tours to Holland. Visits to local places of interest and study include Stratford-on-Avon and London museums. Theatre companies bringing the curriculum to life visit the college on a regular basis. The college has so much to celebrate and share with the community. Its best advert is its students and the open evening provides parents and prospective students with an opportunity to experience the life of the college. A warm welcome awaits.

open

Open Evenings at Sir John Deane’s College

THURSDAY 2nd OCTOBER & THURSDAY 9th OCTOBER 5.30pm - 9.00pm The Principal will give introductory talks at 6.00pm & 7.00pm COME ALONG AND... • visit subject departments • meet staff & students • pick up an application pack

“Outstanding” Ofsted 2008

Please let us know in advance if you may need any extra assistance on the night.

evening

01606 46011

For further information please call Sir John Deane’s College Northwich CW9 8AF

www.sjd.ac .uk

THE GRANGE COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL

For prospective pupils and their families.

Wednesday 8th October 2008 4pm – 7pm 2008 School’s best ever GCSE and KS3 SATS results The Grange Comprehensive School Latham Avenue, Runcorn. WA7 5DX Telephone: 01928 578115 Headteacher: Mr D A Stanley Website: www.thegrange.com If you are unable to attend but still want further details please contact the school on the above number for a prospectus

We are a school that

“Aims High in AllThings”

Weekly News September 25, 2008

t Advertisement feature

EDUCATION AT ITS BEST

Record breaking exam results smash national expectations W

ade Deacon High School is celebrating another record breaking year, as an amazing 95% of pupils achieved five or more of the top level grades in their GCSE examinations.

Almost a third of all results were A* and A grades, with seven out of 10 pupils achieving at least one A* or A grade – which is more than three times the national average. Forty-two of the gifted and talented pupils each achieved at least seven A* or A grades, with 20 of this group scooping 10 or more. The results for five or more A*-C, including English and mathematics, reached an all-time high of 79% – a 12-point rise on last year’s figure. A stunning 99% of pupils leave the school this year with at least one top level GCSE grade, which marks an outstanding achievement for a com-

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prehensive school. These are the best ever results achieved at the Birchfield Road school. The school’s top performers – the ‘amazing 13’ – scooped an unbelievable 149 A* and A grades between them. Hannah Headon achieved the perfect scorecard in capped results – 10 A* grades out of 10 full GCSE courses. Hot on her heals was deputy head boy Robert McFawn with nine A* grades and one A grade out of 10 GCSEs sat. Overall, Daniel Oliver gained the greatest number of A* and A grades with a combined total of 15. Headteacher, Pamela Wright, is justly proud of the results: “These fantastic results show what can be achieved with determination and a commitment to excellence in every aspect of school life. Our pupils have yet again risen to the GCSE challenge and smashed through their targets to achieve an amazing set of results.

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QEQQE QME%> Jsvqiv [ehi Hiegsr Lmkl Wglssp tytmp Veglip QgHs{ipp0 670 mw e jypp} jpihkih wmpziv wgviir wxev ejxiv ettievmrk epsrkwmhi xli pmoiw sj Heqi Lipir Qmveq erh Nypmi [epxivw mr xli fs| sjjmgi lmx Effe qywmgep2 “It was fantastic to watch the excitement and jubilation as our young people collected their results and celebrated with their friends. Of course, our celebrations today are only possible because of the consistent hard work by our pupils and staff over the course of five years, and the support of parents, our governors and the local community. “We are immensely grateful to all those who support us in our work at Wade Deacon.” Some of the school’s top sports stars also shared in the academic success today. European trampolining champion, Emma Smith, leaves the school with no less than 15 GCSE passes including, of course, an A* in PE. Just back from Beijing to collect her results, the high flying trampolinist has set her sights on the 2012 London Olympics after conquering Europe in

the junior trampolining final in Denmark in May. England Rugby League Under 16 Schools’ captain Liam Hulme clinched 14 GCSE passes, also including that allimportant A* in PE. Liam is the only pupil from Halton to achieve the honour of playing rugby for his country and, in doing so, follows in the illustrious footsteps of his dad, Paul and his uncle Dave, both of whom played rugby league for Widnes and Great Britain. Keen pupils from Year 10 also sat GCSE examinations this year. The whole cohort completed their English literature qualification while smaller numbers also took subjects such as graphic products (design and technology) and drama. Hard working Jordan Brown has already gained five A*-C grades, and still has a full year to go at school.

First step to a brighter future CHOOSING a school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will have to make. With so many schools to choose from, the task can seem daunting but, whether you are looking to get your child into primary or high school, planning and preparation are key. It’s essential to remember that all parents need to make an application. Even if your child’s current primary or nursery school is linked to the school you want them to go to next, they won’t be considered for a place unless you apply. There are key deadlines which must not be missed so it’s best to

make an early start. A good place to begin is the web, where you will find details of all the schools in your area. You can also contact your local authority for a list of local schools. When you have the list, there are different ways of finding out information about them. You can arrange a visit, read the schools’ most recent Ofsted reports and read the local authority’s and schools’ prospectuses. Once you have established a list of preferred choices, you can apply for places. But before submitting an application, you should read the

school’s admission criteria, as different schools have different criteria. If the school you’re interested in is popular, the admissions criteria will give you a realistic idea of your child’s chances of getting a place there. The admissions criteria applies in the autumn term, a year before your child is due to start, and there are important dates by which you need to submit your application. The dates vary between local authorities, so it’s best to check with your own authority and send off your form or apply online in plenty of time. You may jeopardise your application if

you miss the deadline. If your child does not get a place at the school you prefer, you have a legal right to appeal. You will find details of how to make an appeal in the local authority’s admission letter outlining your offer. The letter will also specify a deadline that you must meet if you want to appeal. You may also be able to submit your appeal online. If your child has not been allocated a school place, you will need to contact the admissions team at your local authority so they can let you know which schools have places available.

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Joint-faith St Chad’s proves a shining example THIS year St Chad’s will see the biggest transformation to the school since it opened in 1977. Facilities added last year include 11 new classrooms and superb PE and community sports changing rooms. However, this year a £7.5m

programme will transform the school with a Sports England sports hall, a new science block, a learning resource centre, assembly hall/theatre to seat 500, a new music and performing arts centre, and much more.

Not only are the buildings being transformed but St Chad’s has become a joint-faith Catholic and Church of England school. The Diocese of Shrewsbury and Chester have worked together closely on this and the

process has been very positive. Parents of children who are in Church of England primary schools will no longer have to send their children out-of-borough to receive a faith-based education. St Chad’s will be a shining ex-

ample of a school bringing social cohesion in to its local community – something OFSTED inspectors now expect of all schools. Although some things are changing, others remain the same – in particular, ensuring

students achieve the very best at St Chad’s. This year students achieved 64% 5A*-C GCSE grades (12% above the school’s target), 45% 5A*-C including English and maths (6% above last year), and improved A-level results.

Weekly News September 25, 2008

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Weekly News September 25, 2008

THE

HEATH:

A SPECIALIST TECHNOLOGY COLLEGE

OPEN EVENING For Prospective Parents and Students

Thursday 9th October 2008 commencing at 6.30pm ■ 92% of our students achieved 5 or more grade A*-C’s at GCSE with 63% achieving 5 including English and Maths and 100% achieving at least 1 A*-G ■ We are a Consultant School and High Performing Specialist School with the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust ■ We had a hugely successful OFSTED in 2007 with many outstanding features identified

Come and see for yourself... The Heath Specialist Technology College, Clifton Road, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 4SY Tel: 01928 576664 Fax: 01928 568703 E-mail: hmullaney@heathschool.org.uk Web: http://www.heathtechnologycollege.co.uk

Weekly News September 25, 2008

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic College A Specialist Sports College BEST EVER GCSE RESULTS IN 2008 ACHIEVING 73% GRADES A* TO C IN 5 OR MORE SUBJECTS

You are invited to our

OPEN EVENING

Thursday 2nd October - 6pm-8pm

Mr Van Cauwelaert, the Headteacher, will host question and answer sessions throughout the evening in the college hall. • • • • • •

EXCELLENT TEACHER/STUDENT RATIO OUTSTANDING FACILITIES INCLUDING OUR SIXTH FORM CENTRE NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR OUR DUKE OF EDINBURGH PROGRAMME 40 ACRES OF PLAYING FIELDS MODERN DANCE AND FITNESS SUITES SIX LANE HIGH SPECIFICATION ATHLETICS TRACK (JOINT USE WITH WADE DEACON HIGH SCHOOL • MODERN SPOR TS HALL • HOSTS TO WIDNES TENNIS ACADEMY • LEARNING MENTORS FOR STUDENT SUPPORT • THE EMMAUS CENTRE • AN OPEN PLAN, FIVE STUDIO ART AND CERAMICS CENTRE • COLLEGE CHOIRS, BANDS AND ORCHESTRA • VAST PROGRAMME OF EXTRA-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDING RESIDENTIAL EXPERIENCES AT HOME AND ABROAD

Our large intake of students each year enables us to provide a very wide choice of curriculum pathways to suit the needs of all students.

We have college systems which ensure that students are challenged to realise their academic potential

Our commitment to parents and students

EXPECT TO BE CHALLENGED EXPECT TO ACHIEVE In our inclusive Christian community

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic College Highfield Road, Widnes WA8 7DW

0151 424 2139

Telephone: visit our website:

www.saintspeterandpaul.halton.sch.uk

A SPECIALIST SPORTS COLLEGE For Students Aged Between 11 and 19 With Over 200 Students In Our Sixth Form

Weekly News September 25, 2008

” “En g joy Learnin For more information, please telephone: 0151 423 3571

Weekly News September 25, 2008