FAITH IN YOU
LOVE IN LEARNING
HOPE IN BETTER
this week in our school . . .
Volume 4 Issue 32 July 5th, 2019
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ST AMBROSE BARLOW RC HIGH SCHOOL & SIXTH FORM
AROUND THE SCHOOL ST AMBROSE BARLOW RC HIGH SCHOOL PROUDLY PRESENTS THIS WEEK 

A NIGHT AT THE
Tickets £2.50
available on parent pay and will be distributed in register wallets.
Wednesday 17th July In aid of MoodSwings Top: at the Siemens Rollercoaster Challenge; %PPST PQFO BU QN 4UBSUT BU QN Below: 6th formers at the Teenage Cancer2 Trust fundraiser
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Head’s start .
Mr. Davis, Headteacher, reflects on the week. Mr. Davis, Headteacher, reflects on the week. Twice this week a stood in the assembly hall and
looked out at rows of new faces. Twice I saw the It is about this time that I meet with same thing: that heady mixof ofyear anxiety, each Head of Department to the anticipation, curiosity and excitementreview that tells summer’s exam results. This involves only story. It’s transition time for Year 6.
plenty of useful and thought-provoking it isof usually talking about The firstdiscussion, group I sawbut was, course, the pupils. numbers and letters. Behind this data are Eager, a rainbow of different uniforms, chattering stories: how pupils did, how they felt, what nervously as they waited to hear what would they liked and what they achieved. We happen next. The second was the parents and always focus on how things can be carers, they filled the hall beyond capacity, some improved as well as celebrating what went old hands having seen several children through well. As a Catholic school, exam results are the school, others trepidatious first-timers.
just one way of expressing the unique, Godgiven talents and skills of each pupil. It is I have no recollection at all of my own transition important to look beyond the data so I am from primary to secondary, in fact I’m fairly sure it delighted that much more of my job involves wasn’t even honoured with the title of ‘transition’, being in classes, walking around the school it just something that happened to you. However, and talking to pupils, students and staff. I can remember my first days as a new pupil in secondary school and my elder daughter’s If ever you are feeling at all despondent or transition to secondary is still fresh in my mind. I fatigued I reckon a quick tour of the school get the range of emotions, the worries and the would quickly raise your spirits. Let me keen sense of time passing that this moment show you what I mean. Today (Thursday, marks.
September 29th) for instance, I dropped into Year 10 GCSE Music. There, I was Whatever the feelings that our new pupils (and delighted to listen to performances of their parents and carers were experiencing) the Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Hold Back three days of transition were a roaring success. the River and When the Saints Go Marching For many of Year got 6 it to seemed theyand were In. I also sit withthat Daniel Chester either ready for the change or had always been as they demonstrated their prodigious DJing with us.talents.
Next, during lunch, I supervised the canteen and made a point of watching the On the Tuesday afternoon weplace decided wePupils wanted interactions that take daily. and to build staff moreholding of a team spirit so Head of Music doors open for one another, Miss Jackson them little in themoments assembly two offeringled thanks, of in personal hours ofappreciation singing. It was a wall of sound and and gratitude. Of course,of spirit, a things brilliantdon’t example of go music forbut it always wellas in a a force school, cohesion and joy. We recorded them and played is lovely to witness a voluntary apology from the film aback parents carers I’m sure Yearto9 the to one of theand lunch time- staff, or I saw a see few one tearspupil being shed. We also brought help another who is unsure the pupils together with a Mass said by where to go in forfaith, class. Father Collins that included the Year 6s providing bidding In prayers, a great symbol aoflengthy what they Sixth Form, I enjoyed chatwill with bring toAidan the school.
who explained both the theory of differentiation and its potential commercial We alsoapplication. spoke to theInpupils (and families) English theytheir were studying about our Mission Statement, especially thewith idea the play Blood Brothers and talking of Faith humour in You. and Thisexcitement was important because it about superstitions; reinforced the idea that every young person, in Year 7 RE they were dissecting our new every day (everystatement lesson even) theirthe own mission andbrings exploring story, their experiences, worries and anxieties. personal meanings within it. School is a
busy, bustling, humming place.
I get to Maths to find all of Year 9 embroiled task that challenging and to exciting It in is aour role as isa so school to respond these and that I want to stay and have a go myself. to ensure everyone has a sense of belonging: Outside havealongside you seeneveryone my tie? else’s.
their storyit’s: has“Sir, a place Can you open my bottle? What did you of last night’s game? time is it,school It think also reflects an idea that isWhat central to our Sir?” and, at least once a day, “Oh my culture: everyone has their own mission, their days!”purpose It can begiven noisytoatthem timesby and in a Our place unique God. community this size we can’t expect is to nurture it, draw it out and realise it. This is everyone get on with each exciting andtoessential work; theother kind all of the stuff that time. But it is our community, and a takes us beyond subjects, exams andlively, tests and lovely, one at that. into true,positive deep Catholic education.
Perhaps the single highlight of my week, if I
had to pick, would be theus conversation I had of transition reminds of the truth with Mrs. Fay who is leading the our missionofstatement, that every development our new library. I am a library enthusiast and have been ever since pupil own story, I was brings little. Thetheir furthest reach of my memory is back to moments spent in our everyone theirbygod-given purpose local libraryhas entranced its colour and
bright possibilities. On Twitter For me one of the highlightsreveals of the transition #RememberingMyLibrary the hold days was the last afternoon (no, not because they that such an institution has: ‘A library card were leaving, I’d happily have kept them for the was a free pass to wonderment, words and rest of the term!). As each Year 6 pupil left the ability to roam the world’ observes onethey shook hand at thequotes schoolthe gate. So many user, my whilst another wrought iron of them said ‘thank you’ or “see you in September’. gates of Stalybridge library, ‘Read, Mark, One ladand gaveInwardly a huge Digest.’ smile and blurted out, Learn Others talk of ‘Thanks! I can’t wait to come back!’
the escape that a library represented or of the refuge it offered from an unkind world. Every now and again someone will ask me why I put thisFay newsletter together: ‘Haven’t Mrs. spent last Saturday peacefully headteachers got better things to inching do?’ I do it stacking the shelves and we are because it means I (we) can focus on was the depth closer to opening. What thrilled me her ofcomment things that happen in the school, the things that several boys, some of whom that really matter,ofthat makewere us a electrified community affect a dislike reading, bywith allpresence of our successes and imperfections. It’s of a library in their school: ‘You an honour to do it, a pleasure to write and reminds mean I can borrow this and, like, read it, me each week how lucky we are to part of, as Miss?’ was the breathless utterance of one one parent said at the Year 6 Parents’ Evening, pupil. Our library is at the heart of the this ‘fantastic’ school.
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 Front cover image: leaping into the unknown in helpers. Conway.
Ben Davis, Headteacher Twitter: @BenDavis1972 2
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Head’s start .
HOUSE NEWS Mr. Davis, Headteacher, reflects on the week. St. Oscarromero Romero House st. oscar house (Miss Jackson) It is about this time of year that I meet with Another each busy Head week of building up to the end ofthe term Department to review and lots summer’s to celebrate!
exam results. This involves
plenty of useful and thought-provoking Well done to our Y10/Y11 Rugby players discussion, but it isOscar usually talking about who wonnumbers the finaland this letters. week! Behind this data are stories: how pupils did, how they felt, what Well done to liked our Tryfi, and Olivia, along they and Kirsty what they achieved. We with Josh, Sophia, Krystian, Ansel, Ines, Llearna, always focus on how things can be Ricki-Lea who performed with BBC Philharmonic improved as well as celebrating what went on Friday at the Royal Birmingham well. As a Catholic school, Conservatoire exam results are of Music.
just one way of expressing the unique, Godgiven talents and skills of each pupil. It is Well done to ScotttoAnderson whothe hasdata been important look beyond so I am chosen to play in a Golf competition next week! delighted that much more of my job involves Good luck from of us. walking around the school being in all classes, and talking to pupils, students and staff. Many students have also been on the trips to Conwy and Malham: I look forward hearing allor If ever you are feeling at all to despondent about it fatigued when youI reckon are back. We are still in the a quick tour of 2nd the school lead for attendance. Keep working on coming would quickly raise your spirits. Let mein not longshow now! you what I mean. Today (Thursday, September 29th) for instance, I dropped into Miss Jackson
Year 10 GCSE Music. There, I was delighted to listen to performances of St. Francis Assisi House Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Hold Back st. francis ofofassisi house (Mr Stephenson) the River and When the Saints Go Marching Congratulations again to St Francis St In. I alsoonce got to sit with Daniel andfor Chester Francis remain leaders on achievement points with as they demonstrated their prodigious DJing 9673 so talents. far this year. We are closely followed by Next, during lunch, I supervised the Oscar Romero canteenwith and9521. made a point of watching the interactions that take place daily. Pupils and The top staff St Francis form thisopen weekforwas Not holding doors one2F. another, only are offering they in the lead with 1588 achievement thanks, little moments of personal points, but we all enjoyed their assembly about St appreciation and gratitude. Of course, Peter and St Paul on Wednesday.
things don’t always go well in a school, but it is lovely to witness a voluntary apology from It was good to see many oflunch the form part a Year 9 to so one of the timetaking staff, or in this celebration. Four of our house will be taking see one pupil help another who is unsure part in the St Peter St Paul feast on Friday – where to goand for class. Ines Tetero, Amy Leigh-White, Kai Vevers, and CharlotteInGirdlestone. havea been recognised Sixth Form, IThey enjoyed lengthy chat with as outstanding members of our community. Aidan who explained both the theory of differentiation and its potential commercial Our charity work has In also been they recognised this application. English were studying the play Blood Brothers and talking with week. Will Doyle’s cake sale last weekend raised and excitement about over £20humour for his local church funds. All superstitions; the cakes in Year RE they were dissecting were baked and7displayed by Will himself. our new mission statement and exploring the personal within School a Well done to Louismeanings McLaughlin andit.the rest ofisthe busy, bustling, humming place. St Ambrose boys across all the Houses who played football recently in the USA. It was good to see a number of our community involved in that once in a
lifetime opportunity. Well done to all the St Francis I get to Maths to find all of Year 9 embroiled students who are involved in the football teams as in a task that is so challenging and exciting they in to the Salford Schools – there that Iplay want stay and have a gocompetition myself. are too many to mention. Outside it’s: “Sir, have you seen my tie? Can you open my bottle? What did you Mr. Stephenson
think of last night’s game? What time is it, Sir?” and, at least once a day, “Oh my St. Bernadette ofnoisy Lourdes House days!” It can of beLourdes at times in a St. Bernadette house (Mrsand Sidebottom) community this size we can’t expect We have had theon pleasure of welcoming everyone to get with each other all theour future year pupils for the first of this time.7 But it isinto ourschool community, and a half lively, week. lovely, positive one at that. ItPerhaps was lovely meethighlight some ofofthe the to single mypupils week,who if I will become partwould of St Bernadette house and we look had to pick, be the conversation I had forward toFay them joining us in September.
with Mrs. who is leading the development of our new library. I am a We have had two residential trips ever out this week to library enthusiast and have been since Conway andThe Malham. Allreach pupilsoffrom I was little. furthest my St Bernadette who were on the trips a wonderful memory is back to moments spenthad in our time we are pleasedbytoitssee themand back with us.
localbut library entranced colour bright possibilities. On Twitter Sports day is taking place reveals on Tuesday 16th July. #RememberingMyLibrary the hold This pupils volunteered to take part in that morning such an institution has: ‘A library card events of their choice. We are very much looking was a free pass to wonderment, words and forward to to theroam day the andworld’ hope observes to retain our the ability onecurrent title sports day house champions!
user,aswhilst another quotes the wrought iron gates of Stalybridge library, ‘Read, Mark, St Bernadette of Lourdes areOthers still toptalk of the Learn and Inwardly Digest.’ of table for other houses week on theattendance escape thatbeating a librarythe represented or of week. Well itdone to all!
the refuge offered from an unkind world. Mrs Mrs.Sidebottom
Fay spent last Saturday peacefully stacking the shelves and we are inching closer to opening. What thrilled me was her st. benedict that of nursia houseboys, (Mr Merriman) comment several some of whom affect a dislike of reading, were electrified by a library in their ‘You Apresence massiveof congratulations toschool: Sean McGuinn who mean and,last like, read Just it, goes to won hisI can first borrow boxing this match week. Miss?’that washard the work breathless utterance of one show and determination really does pupil. pay off! Our library is at the heart of the school: a space for being open to and ideas and experiences. It parents is open- on Itsharing was fantastic to meet the year 6 plan and its shelves serve as await reminder Thursday evening - we cannot for the new that there of should be no barrier to anyone members St Benedict of Nursia to start with us using its volumes or seeking knowledge, in September.
solace, entertainment or information. I can’t wait to see it come to lifewe in the weeks In Thursday’s assembly, decided who was aheadtothanks to Mrs. andinher bandday of on going represent ourFay House Sports helpers. 16th July in each of the races. We have a Tuesday really strong group of students and cannot wait to cheer them on on the day!
Ben Davis, Headteacher Twitter: @BenDavis1972 2
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Head’s start .
Amy Walter, Rumena Govedarova and Lucy Boyle Mr. awarded Davis, Headteacher, on the have been with the mostreflects Achievement week. points so far this year - well done ladies!
It is about thisstepped time of year thatefforts I meetinwith As a house, we have up our each Head of Department to review raising as much money as we can for the the exam results. This ‘Changesummer’s Makers Challenge’ - keep upinvolves the good plenty of useful and thought-provoking work everyone!
discussion, but it is usually talking about numbers data are Well done to 1BNand andletters. 2BN forBehind 100%this attendance stories: how pupils did, how they felt, last week - we hope you enjoyed your free what they liked what they achieved. We breakfast from theand canteen on Thursday!
always focus on how things can be improved well as child’s celebrating what went We would love to as hear your achievements well. As a Catholic school, exam results outside of school so please share them with theirare just one way of expressing the unique, God-
Form Tutor so we can celebrate them as a House. given talents and skills of each pupil. It is important to look beyond the data so I am St. Teresaofofcalcutta Calcutta House St. teresa house (Mrsmore Robb) of my job involves delighted that much being in classes, walking around the school What a and greattalking week to it has been for me and to show pupils, students staff.off our wonderful forms to Mr Carroll, it was lovely to see so much on feeling and pupils all the formsor If evergoing you are at allindespondent all working together on fundraising ideas asschool well fatigued I reckon a quick tour of the as discussing diversity week which we are would quickly raise your spirits. Let me celebrating school.
showinyou what I mean. Today (Thursday,
September 29th) for instance, I dropped into Well done to 10 Miss MillsMusic. and 2TThere, what aI great Year GCSE was week you haddelighted last weektogaining a high number listen to performancesofof achievement points I know you all Beethoven’s which Ninth Symphony, Hold Back celebrate on a daily basis but not one behaviour the River and When the Saints Go Marching point from in to thesitform, the In. anyone I also got with wow! DanielThis andisChester perfect as example of everybody doing the right they demonstrated their prodigious DJing thing and respecting school community, thisthe talents. Next,our during lunch, I supervised week looks like it is going well too. Who do you canteen and made a point of watching the think willinteractions be our topthat formtake thisplace week? Can Pupils you and daily. beat 2T?
staff holding doors open for one another, offering thanks, little moments of personal This week many of our 7’s are enjoying time appreciation andyear gratitude. Of course, in conway, I can’t wait to hear what they have things don’t always go well in a school, but it been upistolovely and how much afun they have had. from to witness voluntary apology a Year 9 to one of the lunch time staff, or We spent Tuesday morning with thewho help Mr see one pupil help another is of unsure Morrison organising our teams for sports day. We where to go for class. need everyone involved so if you haven’t already signed up to an Form, event Iplease speak to Mrschat with In Sixth enjoyed a lengthy Robb. Aidan who explained both the theory of differentiation and its potential commercial Finally i application. would like usIntoEnglish celebrate of studying our theytwo were talentedthe pupils:
play Blood Brothers and talking with humour and excitement about superstitions; Oliva Riva in 2T7who is currently on trial with in Year RE they were dissecting our new Manchester City, we all wish him good luck mission statement and exploring the during this time and I am sure youit.allSchool agree this personal meanings within is a is an amazing achievement.
busy, bustling, humming place.
Erin-Marie Wilson in 4T who is currently taking I get lessons to Mathsintopreparation find all of Year 9 embroiled flying for taking her pilot's in a task that is so challenging and exciting licence in the future. Wow!
that I want to stay and have a go myself. Outside it’s: “Sir, have you seen my tie? I love hearing our pupils achievements from Can you open my bottle? What did you inside and outside of school so please keep think ofyour last successes night’s game? time is it, sharing with What me and your form Sir?” and, at least once a day, “Oh my tutors.
days!” It can be noisy at times and in a community this size we can’t expect Mrs. Robb
st.everyone michael thetoarchangel house (Mrs other McGowan) get on with each all the time. But it is our community, and a lively, St. Michael the Archangel House lovely, positive one at that. AllPerhaps pupils have been highlight showing of house spirit this the single my week, if I week with the house working in year groups had to pick, would be the conversation I hadto make sure everyone partthe and feels included with Mrs. Fay who istakes leading th indevelopment sports day on July.I am a ofTuesday our new 16 library. library enthusiast and have been ever since AllI was years are supporting other and were little. The furthesteach reach of my encouraging each other to compete in our all events. memory is back to moments spent in Atlocal the end of the week we have every who library entranced by its colour and is able tobright be involved in Sports included in an event. possibilities. On day Twitter Events include egg and spoon race,the wheel#RememberingMyLibrary reveals hold that such anto institution has: ‘A library card barrow races the 200m, 400m races.
was a free pass to wonderment, words and Good luck everyone remember to wear one Green the ability to roam the world’ observes and come into schoolquotes in yourthe PEwrought kit and any user, whilst another iron green gatesitems!.
of Stalybridge library, ‘Read, Mark, Learn and Inwardly Digest.’ Others talk of the escape that a library represented or of the refuge it offered from an unkind world. Mrs. Fay spent last Saturday peacefully stacking the shelves and we are inching closer to opening. What thrilled me was her comment that several boys, some of whom affect a dislike of reading, were electrified by presence of a library in their school: ‘You mean I can borrow this and, like, read it, Miss?’ was the breathless utterance of one pupil. Our library is at the heart of the school: a space for being open to and sharing ideas and experiences. It is openplan and its shelves serve as a reminder that there should be no barrier to anyone using its volumes or seeking knowledge, solace, entertainment or information. I can’t wait to see it come to life in the weeks ahead thanks to Mrs. Fay and her band of helpers.
Ben Davis, Headteacher Twitter: @BenDavis1972 2
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calendar what’s on
HOUSE POINTS
 
Advance Notice Cabaret, our summer musical extravaganza takes place on Wednesday, July 17th
Full Governors Meeting, 5:00pm
PE trip to Plas Menai departs
Y12 Work Experience week
TUE 09
WED 10
THU 11
This Week
This Year
St Benedict of Nursia
362
9550
St. Bernadette of Lourdes
303
9084
St. Francis of Assisi
402
9870
St. Michael the Archangel
393
9546
Saint Oscar Romero
424
9695
St. Teresa of Calcutta
371
9331
FRI 12 SAT 13
MON 08
COMING UP THIS WEEK week beginning 08.07.19 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 June 24th). Attendance last week was 95.5% with four forms (4F, 5F, 1BN and 2BN) achieving 100% attendance.
Year 7 Year 8 year 9 year 10 year 11 School
95.6% 94.7% 94.7% 94.5% N/A 94.9%
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 0161 921 1589/1551. If the school has not been contacted within five days, the absences will automatically be
Top: at the Siemens Rollercoaster Challenge; Below: 6th formers at the Teenage Cancer6 Trust fundraiser
AROUND THE SCHOOL THIS WEEK  
At the Birmingham Philharmonic this week with Orchestras for all; our latest summer crop; Joshj, Megan and Miss Jackson with Keelie Walker ay the MEN Arena.
Top: at the Siemens Rollercoaster Challenge; Below: 6th formers at the Teenage Cancer7 Trust fundraiser
AROUND THE SCHOOL THIS WEEK 

The victorious Year 11 rugby team winners for the 5th year in a row; The new Year 7s at the start of transition week.
Top: at the Siemens Rollercoaster Challenge; Below: 6th formers at the Teenage Cancer8 Trust fundraiser
AROUND THE SCHOOL THIS WEEK
Year 7 in Conway this week.


Top: at the Siemens Rollercoaster Challenge; Below: 6th formers at the Teenage Cancer9 Trust fundraiser
AROUND THE SCHOOL THIS WEEK
The Year 10 Geography field trip to Malham.


Top: at the Siemens Rollercoaster Challenge; Below: 6th formers at the Teenage Cancer 10 Trust fundraiser
AROUND THE SCHOOL THIS WEEK
The Year 10 Geography field trip to Malham.


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AROUND THE SCHOOL THIS WEEK 

A brilliant morning session showing girls the possibilities of a career in plumbing.
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AROUND THE SCHOOL THIS WEEK  
The Year 7/8 rugby team who made it through to the final against Walkden; more plumbing and challenging stereotypes.
Top: at the Siemens Rollercoaster Challenge; Below: 6th formers at the Teenage Cancer 13 Trust fundraiser
TWEET OF THE WEek More
St Ambrose Barlow RE and Chaplaincy @re_ambrose
Our class Diversi-Tree is growing well in all this sunshine #DiversityWeek @SABSalford
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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 15