FAITH IN YOU
LOVE IN LEARNING
HOPE IN BETTER
this week in our school . . .
Volume 4 Issue 31 June 28th, 2019
getting it right ready respectful safe
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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. This week (July 1st to 5th) is national Diversity
Week (read about it here https:// It is about this timeDuring of yearthis thatweek I meet www.justlikeus.org/sdw). wewith each Head of Department to review recognise and celebrate the contribution to the our summer’s exam results. This by involves school community and wider society the plenty of usefulFor anda thought-provoking LGBTQ+ community. long time this did not discussion, but it is usually about happen in schools, but society hastalking learnt the numbers and letters. Behind this data are hard way that we have to commit to talking stories: how pupils did, how they felt, what openly and promoting acceptance of people of they liked and what they achieved. We difference sexualities. To do any less is to leave always focus on how things can be intolerant, hateful language unchallenged, to improved as well as celebrating what went exclude people from living a full life and fulfilling well. As a Catholic school, exam results are their potential.
just one way of expressing the unique, Godgiven talents and skills of each pupil. It is The statistics are sobering: 45% of LGBT pupils important to look beyond the data so I am experience some form of bullying in schools. As I delighted that much more of my job involves have said before in this column the official being in classes, walking around the school language of British Values falls short: ‘tolerance’ and talking to pupils, students and staff. is admirable, but does not go far enough.
If ever you are feeling at all despondent or Our school mission statement talks instead of fatigued I reckon a quick tour of the school ‘love’. Our Mission Statement reminds us that would quickly raise your spirits. Let me Everybody Matters, and no-one matters more show you what I mean. Today (Thursday, than anyone else. God loves everyone equally, September 29th) for instance, I dropped into regardless of gender, sexuality or orientation. We Year 10 GCSE Music. There, I was are each the result of a thought of God, made in delighted to listen to performances of his image, special and unique. No-one has the Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Hold Back right to the judge others for who they are: language River and When the Saints Go Marching and actions that haveand no place In. I also are got homophobic to sit with Daniel Chester in our school. They spread hate and division as they demonstrated their prodigious and DJing are borntalents. of ignorance.
Next, during lunch, I supervised the
canteen and made a point of watching the Our language and actions must show thatPupils we and interactions that take place daily. accept and love one another. It is a happy staff holding doors open for one another, coincidence thatthanks, our house correlate offering little colours moments of personal perfectlyappreciation to those of and the diversity ribbons we are gratitude. Of course, all wearing in school reminding us that a things don’t always go well in a school, but it commitment to appreciating and celebrating is lovely to witness a voluntary apology from diversitya in all its forms runs through our staff, school.
Year 9 to one of the lunch time or see one pupil help another who is unsure Friday saw us to celebrating the diversity of talent in where go for class. our school at the annual Ambrose Got Talent performance. actsa took to the In SixthEleven Form, young I enjoyed lengthy chat with stage inAidan front of a packed hall to perform andof who explained both the theory entertain. The standard to get commercial higher each differentiation andseems its potential year, with some very accomplished performances application. In English they were studying and, as the ever, theBlood enthusiastic and galvanising play Brothers and talking with presence of Mr. Morrison as the compère and humour and excitement about superstitions; organiser ensured a high octane event.
in Year 7 RE they were dissecting our new mission statement and exploring the A few months ago we hosted Keelie Walker, is ana personal meanings within it. School up-and-coming young star from Nashville. This busy, bustling, humming place. week she performed at the MEN Arena,
I get to Maths to find all two of Year 9 embroiled supporting Westlife, and of our pupils were in a task that is so challenging and exciting guests of honour. You can see the photos later in that I want to stay and have a go myself. the newsletter.
Outside it’s: “Sir, have you seen my tie? Can you open my bottle? What didimportant you We also celebrated one of the most think of last night’s game? What time it, feasts of the liturgical year this week: St.isPeter Sir?” and, at least once a day, “Oh my and St. Paul, an annual celebration of role days!” ItThe canweather be noisymeant at times and a models. that weincould take community this size we can’t expect our liturgy outside and celebrate further with ice everyone to get with eachOn other all the pupils creams for all whoonattended. Saturday time. But it is our community, and a also performed at Salford Cathedral atlively, the lovely, positive oneanother at that. example of our International Mass, mission-in-action.
Perhaps the single highlight of my week, if I had to pick, would be the conversation I had with Mrs. Fay who is leading the development of our new library. I am a library enthusiast and have been ever since I was little. The furthest reach of my memory is back to moments spent in our local library entranced by its colour and bright possibilities. On Twitter #RememberingMyLibrary reveals the hold that such an institution has: ‘A library card was a free pass to wonderment, words and This saw the the world’ Year 5s join us for the week abilityalso to roam observes oneseveral days of engineering and bridge-building user, whilst another quotes the wroughtwhilst iron other pupils took part library, in a Hackathon at which gates of Stalybridge ‘Read, Mark, they discussed the development and talk of Learn and Inwardly Digest.’ Others regeneration of the local area. Year 10 or pupils the escape that a library represented of enjoyed sessions with the Medical Mavericks, the refuge it offered from an unkind world. learning about the huge range of careers in the health sector andlast looking at new ways of Mrs. Fay spent Saturday peacefully applying their learning in science. Meanwhile a stacking the shelves and we are inching group of pupils attended the Digital closer to opening. What thrilled meHer wasevent, her which explored careers for women in comment that several boys, some ofthe whom flourishing digitalofsector.
affect a dislike reading, were electrified by presence of a library in their school: ‘You Inmean a week where we celebrate and read explore I can borrow this and, like, it, diversity we must take a moment to Miss?’ was the breathless utterancerecognise of one the sheer of activities andheart possibilities pupil.range Our library is at the of the that we present to our young people. It is offering an school: a space for being open toby and inclusive and wide-ranging curriculum that we sharing ideas and experiences. It is opencan ensure young people develop positive plan and its shelves serve as a reminder attitudes and fosterbe acceptance and love that there should no barrier to anyone between them. There is no high purpose using its volumes or seeking knowledge,than this.
solace, entertainment or information. I can’t wait to see it come to life in the weeks God Bless,
ahead thanks to Mrs. Fay and her band of helpers. Ben Davis Headteacher Ben Davis, Headteacher Twitter: @BenDavis1972
Our Mission Statement reminds us that Everybody Matters, and no-one matters more than anyone else. God loves everyone equally, regardless of gender, sexuality or orientation.
Twitter: @BenDavis1972
Front cover image: celebrating the Feast of St. 2 Peter and St. Paul 3
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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 There have lots to celebrate again to thisreview week the in each Head of Department Oscar Romero House.
summer’s exam results. This involves
plenty of useful and thought-provoking Firstly, our leadership working very hard. discussion, butteam it is are usually talking about It has been particularly noted that Fernley and numbers and letters. Behind this data are Elisha are doing how a great jobdid, as our Leaders.
stories: pupils howHouse they felt, what they liked and what they achieved. We Isabel Mallon has been to speak always focus oninvited how things can at bean event with Y6 pupils raising awareness and improved as well as celebrating what went supporting young with medical needs.
are well. As apeople Catholic school, exam results just one way of expressing the unique, GodHarley Mullen has been of of theeach Rugby team given talents andpart skills pupil. It is who are important through totothe finals - well done look beyond the data so I am to everyone involved! aremore second in the for delighted that We much of my job lead involves attendance keep powering through until the end being in classes, walking around the school of the term we have of exciting to get and- talking to lots pupils, studentsthings and staff. involved in.
If ever you are feeling at all despondent or A particular well done to the pupils involved in the fatigued I reckon a quick tour of the school St Peter would and Stquickly Paul Ice Cream treat on Friday. raise your spirits. Let me What a week?! Well done everyone!
show 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 Congratulations theeach pupils who everyone to get to on all with other allhad the successes Athletics Event last time. But itatisthe ourCleveley’s community, and a lively, week. were anat asset lovely,They positive one that.to the school both in the medals they achieved as well as their conduct throughout event. The following pupilsif have Perhaps thethe single highlight of my week, I been to attend an ice cream party at lunch had toinvited pick, would be the conversation I had today to mark the Feast of Stthe Peter and St Paul. with Mrs. Fay who is leading The pupils have recognised development of been our new library. I as amaarole model to others and for all they do been everyever day since in school. library enthusiast and have Well Libby Brownreach (2BL), I wasdone little.toThe furthest ofCharlotte my Theophile Ellie Dunningspent (3BL)inand memory is(1BL), back to moments ourJacob Lacey (7BL). entranced by its colour and local library bright possibilities. On Twitter Benji Knight achieved a merit certificate for the #RememberingMyLibrary reveals the hold UKMT junior challenge. Well done that such an maths institution has: ‘A library cardBenji, this is a wonderful achievement.
was a free pass to wonderment, words and the ability to roam the world’ observes one St Bernadette of Lourdes are still top of the user, whilst another quotes the wrought irontable for attendance beating the other houses gates of Stalybridge library, ‘Read, Mark,week on week. done andDigest.’ let’s keep our title!
Learn Well and Inwardly Others talk of the escape that a library represented or of In the lead for achievement still Miss the refuge it offered from anpoints unkindisworld. Maxwell’s form (4BL) with 1568 in total. We are now thespent final few forpeacefully the other forms in Mrs.in Fay last weeks Saturday our housethe to shelves competeand for we theare endinching of year title.
stacking The toptofive achievement points me are was held her by Emily closer opening. What thrilled Hesketh, commentArija that Gujyte, several Fionn boys, Devlin, some ofJustine whom Akenuwa and Joseph Grundy. done tobyall!
affect a dislike of reading, wereWell electrified presence of a library in their school: ‘You Mrs Sidebottom
mean I can borrow this and, like, read it, Miss?’ was the breathless utterance of one pupil. Ouroflibrary is at House the heart of the St. Benedict of Nursia st. benedict nursia house (Mr Merriman) school: a space for being open to and sharing ideas students and experiences. It is openThe following were nominated by Mr plan and its serve as a reminder Merriman forshelves being role models in school:
that there should be no barrier to anyone Emily Brown Rumena Govederova Jack Kelly usingZino.
its volumes or seeking knowledge, Lara solace, entertainment or information. I can’t wait to seebeen it come to life the Feast weeksof St. Peter They have invited toin‘The ahead toCream Mrs. Fay and on herFriday band 28th of June. and St. thanks Paul Ice Party’ helpers. Thank you and well done!
Ben Davis, Form groups Headteacher 1BN and 3BN have done fantastically well in the ‘Change Makers Challenge’ and have Twitter: @BenDavis1972 raised enough money to provide 2 goats for 2 families in other countries - well done guys! 4
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Head’s start .
It was the Manchester Day Parade on Sunday Davis, Headteacher, 23rd of Mr. June - the centrepiece of reflects which is on thethe week. stunning parade, weaving its way through the city.
is about this time of year that I meet You mayIt have seen one of our students in thewith each Head of Department to review theManchester Evening News over the weekend summer’s exam results. This involves Megan Baker took part. You have to admit, plentygreat! of useful Megan looks
and thought-provoking discussion, but it is usually talking about numbershas andbeen letters. Behind data are Sean McGuinn training verythis hard in the stories: how pupils did, how they felt, what gym and has been awarded with his first boxing liked and what they match inthey Oldham on Friday night.achieved. We are We always focus on how things berounds.
delighted to report that Sean won incan three improved as well as celebrating what went well. As a Catholic school, exam results are St. Teresaofofcalcutta Calcutta House St. teresa (Mrs Robb) the unique, Godjust one wayhouse of expressing given talents and skills of each pupil. It is I would important like to saytowell to allthe of data the pupils lookdone beyond so I am who have had perfect uniforms and attitudes to delighted that much more of my job involves learningbeing this week, it was lovely to see how smart in classes, walking around the school you all looked in assembly week. and staff. and talking to pupils,this students
This week’s assembly lead Miss Mills If ever you are was feeling at by all the despondent or and 2T, fatigued it was great to see so many of them I reckon a quick tour of the school involvedwould so thank youraise to you all spirits. for this. Let me quickly your
show you what I mean. Today (Thursday, This week I have focused oninstance, some of Iour pupils into September 29th) for dropped achievements that we don’t always get to Year 10 GCSE Music. There, I washear about: delighted to listen to performances of
Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Hold Back Last week hadand lotsWhen to celebrate withGo Zara the 4T River the Saints Marching competing in the athletics competition. Isabel In. I also got to sit with Daniel and Chester winningas and award for rounders and Martin being they demonstrated their prodigious DJing a star on DofE with his caring nature looking after talents. Next, during lunch, I supervised the others and even and offering toacook and his canteen made pointfor of staff watching the fellow camp mates. that
take place daily. Pupils and interactions staff holding doors open for one another, D of E could notthanks, be mentioned withoutofus offering little moments personal celebrating how caring and helpful in 6T appreciation and gratitude. Alex Of course, was, hethings spent don’t time helping Mrswell Powell and other always go in a school, but it staff tidyisthe camp area of other people’s rubbish. lovely to witness a voluntary apology from
Next week we will be preparing teams for sports a Year 9 to one of the lunch time staff, or day, Mr see Morrison will be in another our assembly one pupil help who ison unsure Tuesdaywhere to help with this, so make sure you are to go for class. ready St Teresa.
In Sixth Form, I enjoyed a lengthy chat with I would Aidan love towho seeexplained everyone both in thethe team spirit theory of and involved. We want to win that house cup this differentiation and its potential commercial year, let's show the rest of the school what a application. In English they were studying great team we make.
the play Blood Brothers and talking with
humour and excitement about superstitions; Go teaminpurple! Year 7 RE they were dissecting our new mission statement and exploring the Please come straight to thewithin hall when you enter personal meanings it. School is a school and sit in year groups not forms busy, bustling, humming place. during Tuesday's assembly.
Finally I would like to wish all pupils competing in I get to Maths to find all of Yearand 9 embroiled Ambrose got Talent good luck, well done to in a task that is so challenging and all who have been involved so far. exciting that I want to stay and have a go myself. Outside it’s: “Sir, have you seen my tie? Mrs. Robb
Can you open my bottle? What did you think of lastthe night’s game?House What time is it, St. Michael Archangel st. michael house (Mrs “Oh McGowan) Sir?” and,the atarchangel least once a day, my days!” It can be noisy at times and in a This week has been assessment week and all community this size we can’t expect pupils in thetohouse ready learn everyone get onhave with arrived each other allto the and determined to do the best they can. Well time. But it is our community, and a lively, done forpositive the effort and you have lovely, one at commitment that. shown. This is reflected in the achievement points received in thehighlight house this week Perhaps the single of my week, if I congratulations go to the following:
had to pick, would be the conversation I had with Mrs. Fay who is leading the 1M Jack Woodmandemonstrated development of our He newhas library. I am a excellent progress in his IT assessment and in library enthusiast and have been ever since form he is a role model demonstrating the I was little. The furthest reach of my schools values.
memory is back to moments spent in our
local library entranced by its colour and 2M Lindsey MorquemOn – On 91 points nearly in bright possibilities. Twitter the 100 club for academic excellent in all #RememberingMyLibrary reveals the hold subjects and respecting and upholding the that such an institution has: ‘A library card schools values.
was a free pass to wonderment, words and
the ability to roam the world’ observes one 3M Ayoola Olu-Davis. She is the on an incredible user, whilst another quotes wrought iron 120 achievement points and has embraced school life gates of Stalybridge library, ‘Read, Mark, inLearn her first year. A shining example for all the Year and Inwardly Digest.’ Others talk of 6 the pupils to look escape thatup a to.
library represented or of the refuge it offered from an unkind world. 4M-Sharon Okwu – An excellent pupil who is nearly hitting the last 100Saturday achievement points mark. Mrs. Fay spent peacefully Sharon has demonstrated achievement points in stacking the shelves and we are inching every subject this year for academic excellence closer to opening. What thrilled me was her well done Sharon.
comment that several boys, some of whom affect a dislike of reading, were electrified by 5M Connorof Daly is working hard and consistently presence a library in their school: ‘You receiving achievement points his mean I can borrow this and, like,excellent read it, work and commitment .Keep it uputterance Connor you are a Miss?’ was the breathless of one credit to the house.
pupil. Our library is at the heart of the school: a space for being open to and 6M Liberty Starand Smith – A super pupil who works sharing ideas experiences. It is openhard in every lesson. Achievement in all areas of plan and its shelves serve as a reminder technology has been excellent with Liberty that there should be no barrier to anyone showing mature and creativeknowledge, attitude towards using itsa volumes or seeking allsolace, her work.
entertainment or information. I can’t wait to see it come to life in the weeks 7M Louiethanks Percival – Louie ahead to Mrs. Fayhas andreceived her band of recognition from staff for being a Beacon of hope. helpers. Working hard in lessons and upholding the schools values.
Ben Davis, Headteacher
Twitter: @BenDavis1972 Well done to all members of the house keep working hard and remember we recognise all 2 your amazing efforts. 5
calendar what’s on
HOUSE POINTS
Advance Notice Year 6 into Year 7 transition days, July 1st - 3rd with Parents’ and Carers’ Information Evening on July 4th
Transition Day 3 for Year 6
Transition Day 2 for Year 6 Year 7 Trip to Conway; Year 10 trip to Malham depart Transition Day 1 for Year 6
WED 03
TUE 02
Parents & Carers Evening for New Year 7 Pupils, 6:00pm
THU 04
This Week
This Year
St Benedict of Nursia
202
9188
St. Bernadette of Lourdes
214
8781
St. Francis of Assisi
264
9468
St. Michael the Archangel
212
9153
Saint Oscar Romero
195
9271
St. Teresa of Calcutta
218
8960
FRI 05 SAT 06
MON 01
COMING UP THIS WEEK week beginning 01.07.19 week A
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).
Year 7 Year 8 year 9 year 10 year 11 School
95.6% 94.8% 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  
Pupils at Digital Her; Christ The King Primary undertaking bridge-building activities to learn about engineering.
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Top: at the Siemens Rollercoaster Challenge;
AROUND THE SCHOOL THIS WEEK 

Pupils driving local change at the FACT Hackathon; the Year 7 Rugby Team who beat Walkden 24-18 in the semi-finals
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AROUND THE SCHOOL THIS WEEK
Memories of the Prom


Top: at the Siemens Rollercoaster Challenge; 9 Below: 6th formers at the Teenage Cancer
AROUND THE SCHOOL THIS WEEK  
The whole lot of them at the Prom; Mr Carroll in one of his infamous shirts; more glamour and celebration at the prom
Top: at the Siemens Rollercoaster Challenge; Below: 6th formers at the Teenage Cancer 10 Trust fundraiser
AROUND THE SCHOOL THIS WEEK
Celebrating at the Prom with Mrs Robb, Gemma and Janine


Top: at the Siemens Rollercoaster Challenge;
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AROUND THE SCHOOL THIS WEEK  
On the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze trip last week (before they got lost); Megan Baker at the Manchester Parade where she played pipes with the Fire Service Band
Top: at the Siemens 12 Rollercoaster Challenge; Below: 6th formers
TWEET OF THE WEek More
Christ the King RCPS @ctkrcps Jun 25
It might be raining @SABSalford but that doesn’t stop this team of Y5 bridge builders with @ICE_engineers
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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 14