

FAITH IN YOU
LOVE IN LEARNING
HOPE IN BETTER
this week in our school . . .
Volume 4 Issue 19 February 15th, 2019
getting it right ready respectful safe
1
ST AMBROSE BARLOW RC HIGH SCHOOL & SIXTH FORM
“
Head’s start .
Mr. Davis, Headteacher, reflects on the week. Mr. Davis, Headteacher, reflects on the week.talk as if schools are simply a Often people
training ground for the workforce, somewhere to It ‘work is about this time of year that I And meetthat with be made ready’ or ‘employable’. each Head of Department to review the is of course part of what we do, numerous pupils summer’s exam This involves secure employment as aresults. direct result of their plenty of useful and thought-provoking studies, exam results and the wider set of skills discussion, it is usually talking about they have acquired but in school.
numbers and letters. Behind this data are stories: how pupils did, how they felt, what We proudly bring representatives from various they liked and what they achieved. We workplaces into school to speak to pupils and always focus on how things can be inspire them. This week a trio of parents and improved as well as celebrating what went carers joined us to talk about their occupations well. As a Catholic school, exam results are and we hosted the Head of Education from just one way of expressing the unique, GodBurnley FC who spoke to Year 11 and inspired given talents and skills of each pupil. It is them.
important to look beyond the data so I am delighted that much more of my job involves These are valuable experiences in their own right, being in classes, walking around the school much more than being simply a pathway to the and talking to pupils, students and staff. ‘world of work’ (a phrase I’ve always disliked, as if schools are part of a different reality).
If ever you are feeling at all despondent or fatigued I reckon a quick tour of the school Pope Francis talks often of the dignity of work would quickly raise your spirits. Let me and more importantly of the dignity of the show you what I mean. Today (Thursday, individual, the human person doing the work. September 29th) for instance, I dropped into Placing the human at the centre of our thinking, Year 10 GCSE Music. There, I was rather then work or the need we have for money delighted to listen to performances of and possessions, changes our viewpoint. The Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Hold Back Pope reminds us that work is an important the River and When the Saints Go Marching activity In. because recognises unique I also itgot to sit withthe Daniel and Chester capacities of each person, everyone can as they demonstrated their prodigious DJing contribute in their ownduring way, everyone can, in talents. Next, lunch, I supervised the some sense, work. canteen and made a point of watching the interactions that take place daily. Pupils and In the same learning school has another, a much staff way, holding doors at open for one deeper offering meaningthanks, and value than securing a job or little moments of personal university course. As a Catholic school we see appreciation and gratitude. Of course, learningthings as something that gives life, that is an but it don’t always go well in a school, act of worship and that can be an act of service is lovely to witness a voluntary apology from or love. aThis old-fashioned some) Yearis9the to one of the lunchidea time(for staff, or of learning for learning’s sake. This week our see one pupil help another who is unsure school saw a wonderful example of the power of where to go for class. this when twelve of our Year 10 and Year 12 pupils graduated from IManchester University In Sixth Form, enjoyed a lengthy chat with throughAidan the scheme known as The Brilliant who explained both the theoryClub of (https://thebrilliantclub.org/about-the-brilliantdifferentiation and its potential commercial club/what-is-tbc/).
application. In English they were studying the play Blood Brothers and talking with Throughhumour this experience the pupils (there were and excitement about superstitions; more than twelve involved, but not all could in Year 7 RE they were dissecting our new attend the graduation) undertook learning under mission statement and exploring the the supervision of university tutors. They personal meanings within it. School is a busy, bustling, humming place.
investigated topic of personal fascination and I get toand Maths tosubmitted find all of Year 9 embroiled interest then written projects for in a task that is so challenging and assessment. The result of which wasexciting that that I want to stay and have myself. everyone achieved a 2.2, 2.1 aorgo 1st award. Now, Outside it’s: “Sir, have you seen my tie? there is a tendency in our society to see Can you open my bottle? What did you university level learning as being the greatest of think of last night’s game? What timebe, is it, the educational achievements. It can but it is Sir?” and, at least once a day, “Oh my not something everyone wishes or needs to do.
days!” It can be noisy at times and in a community this size we can’t expect everyone to get on with each other all the time. But it is our community, and a lively, lovely, positive one at that.
Placing the human at the centre of our thinking, rather then work or the need we the have forhighlight moneyofand Perhaps single my week, if I had to pick, would be the conversation I had possessions, changes our with Mrs. Fay who is leading the viewpoint.
development of our new library. I am a For the pupils who and worked theever Brilliant library enthusiast havewith been sinceClub it Iwas about more than the grade they received, it was little. The furthest reach of my was about the freedom and experience of memory is back to moments spent in our learning and being challenged, even and of applying local library entranced by its colour their knowledge to real world problems. In other bright possibilities. On Twitter words learning for its own sake led them to #RememberingMyLibrary reveals the hold learning that was applicable in the work place that such an institution has: ‘A library card and answered fundamental questions.
wasthat a free pass tosome wonderment, words and the ability to roam the world’ observes one This is whilst in harmony with what the Pope Francis says user, another quotes wrought iron about education when he describes it as ‘learning gates of Stalybridge library, ‘Read, Mark, toLearn be generous’ and being on talk the of values and Inwardly Digest.’based Others ofthe ‘freedom and service… being open to others, escape that a library represented or of true in thefrom service of others.’ He goes thechampions refuge it offered an unkind world. on to say that through this learning we ‘learn to read traces God in our lives.
Mrs.the Fay spentoflast Saturday peacefully stacking the shelves and we are inching Incloser the end, it is not about simpleme choice of to opening. Whatathrilled was her learning for work or learning for its own sake. comment that several boys, some of whom Both come together in the nurturing Catholic affect a dislike of reading, were electrified by education we aim to offer at St. Ambrose presence of a library in their school: ‘YouBarlow, this is aIkey of our well mean canpart borrow thismission. and, like,So, read it, done to the Brilliant Clubbers, thank you to our guests Miss?’ was the breathless utterance of one from various walks is of at lifethe and here’s to pupil. Our library heart of the celebrating learning in all its forms. ions. school: a space for being open to and
sharing ideas and experiences. It is openGod planbless, and its shelves serve as a reminder that there should be no barrier to anyone Ben Davis using its volumes or seeking knowledge, Headteacher solace, entertainment or information. I can’t Twitter: wait to@BenDavis1972 see it come to life in the weeks ahead thanks to Mrs. Fay and her band of helpers.
Ben Davis, Headteacher Twitter: @BenDavis1972 2
2
calendar what’s on
HOUSE POINTS
Advance Notice School re-opens Monday, February 25th, 8:40am.
Year 8 Curriculum and Options Evening, 6:00pm
Ash Wednesday, March 6th, all pupils involved in liturgies
WED 27
TUE 26 Y10&12 mocks continue Headteacher’s Surgery, 5pm
THU 28
This Week
This Year
St Benedict of Nursia
264
6580
St. Bernadette of Lourdes
234
6383
St. Francis of Assisi
291
6801
St. Michael the Archangel
656
6862
Blessed Oscar Romero
257
6921
St. Teresa of Calcutta
211
6365
FRI 01 SAT 02
MON 25
COMING UP THIS WEEK week beginning 25.02.19 week b
attendance We aim for 100% attendance for all of our students and have set 96% as satisfactory attendance for this year. Attendance is monitored period-by-period and statistics are published each week. Excellent attendance guarantees excellent learning. Attendance by year (w/b January 21st)
Year 7 Year 8 year 9 year 10 year 11 School
95.9% 95.2% 94.6% 94.9% 92.6% 94.6%
Attendance and its impact on learning 10 days absence means 95% attendance 19 days absence means 90% attendance 29 days absence means 85% attendance 38 days absence means 80% attendance 47 days absence means 75% attendance Please note: If your child is off school you need to contact student services the same day on
Top: at the Siemens Rollercoaster Challenge; Below: 6th formers at the Teenage Cancer3 Trust fundraiser
AROUND THE SCHOOL THIS WEEK  
The Brilliance of Brilliant Club: pupils in Year 10 and 12 graduating from Manchester University this week having completed assignments at university level.
Top: at the Siemens Rollercoaster Challenge; Below: 6th formers at the Teenage Cancer4 Trust fundraiser
AROUND THE SCHOOL THIS WEEK  
Above: the Los Angeles Art trip departs, early Wednesday Top: at the Siemens Rollercoaster Challenge; morning. Below: Year 9 exploring mental health with Below: Odd 6th formers at the Teenage Cancer5 Arts. Trust fundraiser
AROUND THE SCHOOL THIS WEEK  
And the most important message of all: be kind. Be like Christ. Miss Abdulai’s form promote kindness in Top: at the Siemens Rollercoaster Challenge; assembly. Below: 6th formers at the Teenage Cancer6 Trust fundraiser
TWEET OF THE WEek More
Bec Tulloch @Bectully Feb 13 Just wanted to send a massive thank you to your Head of Education who was outstanding with our year 11 today @BurnleyOďŹƒcial @JackHiggins18 humble, warm, honest and direct - a brilliant and inspiring speech. #MyAmbose @SABSalford
7
FAITH IN YOU
LOVE IN LEARNING
HOPE IN BETTER
ST AMBROSE BARLOW RC HIGH SCHOOL & SIXTH FORM www.stambrosebarlowswinton.org 37 Ash Drive Swinton Salford M27 9QP 0161 921 1570 @SABSalford Headteacher: Ben Davis 8