FAITH IN YOU
LOVE IN LEARNING
HOPE IN BETTER
this week in our school . . .
Volume 5 Issue 8 November 1st, 2019
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. Today, on bus duty, a Year 7 pupil approached
me. “Sir,” he exclaimed with a mixture of It isand about this timefor of genuine year that I meet with incredulity what I took each Head of Department to review admiration, “I swear you can teleport. You’rethe summer’s exam results. This involves everywhere I go. How do you do it?” plenty of useful and thought-provoking discussion, it ismy usually talking about Not wishing to brag but about superpower, I numbers and letters. Behind this dataI are simply laughed it off and mumbled something stories: how pupils did, they felt,the what hoped sounded mysterious, but how I loved both they liked and what they achieved. We spontaneity and the imagination of the boy’s always on how things can bea observation (I’mfocus also quite keen on having improved as well as celebrating what went superpower). However, it is relevant to this well. As a Catholic school, exam results week’s theme and our virtue focus: learned and are just one way of expressing the unique, Godwise. given talents and skills of each pupil. It is look beyond data so I am I had theimportant honour oftointroducing thethe week’s theme delighted that much more of my job involves through assembly and it reinforced in my mind in classes, walking around the way being in which knowledge, learning and,the school and talking to pupils, students and staff. ultimately, wisdom is a form of superpower. If ever are references feeling at allI made despondent It helps that oneyou of the was toor fatigued I reckon a quick tour of the school that great wizard of literature, Merlin, but is also would quickly raise your spirits. Let the case that true wisdom, knowing yourself,me is a youtowards what I mean. Today (Thursday, step-up,show a nudge the magical. Doing September for instance, I dropped into the assemblies also29th) demonstrated to me the Year 10 GCSE Music. There, I was ways in which our pupils can access knowledge delighted listen to performances of across the school to and I mean ‘knowledge’ not Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Hold Back ‘facts’. the River and When the Saints Go Marching In. I also got to sitmemorising with Daniel stuff, and Chester I’m not talking here about as they demonstrated their prodigious DJing although that is an inevitable part of learning, but talents. Next, during lunch, I supervised the about learning deeply, with enrichment and canteen and made a point of watching the interest, perhaps even roaming free a bit. We interactions that take place daily.across Pupils and are currently developing our curriculum staff holding doors open for one another, all subjects and this means looking in detail at offeringofthanks, little moments of personal the substance what pupils learn as well as appreciation and gratitude. Of course, how they learn it. things don’t always go well in a school, but it to witness a voluntary Our aim,isoflovely course, is to ensure that theapology from a Year 9 to one of the lunch time staff, or curriculum is both challenging and accessible, see one pupil help another who and that our pupils secure the very best is unsure where to go for class. outcomes for themselves in terms of exams and destinations. More than that, however, we are Form, Ipeople enjoyed a lengthy chat with seeking In to Sixth form young who are learned Aidan who explained both the theory of and wise; who have knowledge, skills and differentiation and its potential commercial understanding and can use these for the In English they were studying commonapplication. good. the play Blood Brothers and talking with humour superstitions; As I have said inand my excitement assemblies about this week, the in Year 7 RE they were dissecting hardest part of this journey, this pilgrimageour of new statement andIt exploring the to learning,mission is to know yourself. is much easier personal meanings within it. School acquire knowledge about a particular subject isora busy,itbustling, humming place. interest than is to explore yourself in all your
I get to Maths to find all of Year 9 embroiled in a task that is soofchallenging andof exciting complexities. Many us (regardless that I want to stay and have a go myself. superpower) actively avoid getting to know the Outside it’s: “Sir, have seen my tie? parts of ourselves that we you would rather not Can you open my bottle? What did you acknowledge. think of last night’s game? What time is it, at least once a day, “Oh myshown OurSir?” Yearand, 11s have, this week especially, days!” It can be noisy at times in by a that they are committed to learningand and, community this size we can’t expect extension, to being learned and wise. They are everyone getofonthe with each other all the coming to thetoend first week of their mock time. But it is our community, and a exams and it has been a privilege to seelively, them lovely, positive oneand at that. so focused, prepared good-humoured about what is undoubtedly a stressful time. 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 brightit possibilities. OntoTwitter As ever has been great see young pupils in #RememberingMyLibrary reveals hold form time wishing their Year 11 peers the every good that such an institution has: ‘A library card wish for the mock season. As well as that this was a free passhad to wonderment, words and week Year 9 have a careers assembly, Year the ability to roam the world’ observes one 10s have continued with their speaking and user, whilst quotes wrought listening examsanother and around thethe school our iron gates of Stalybridge library, ‘Read, Mark, pupils and staff have made a great start to the Learn and Inwardly second half-term of the Digest.’ year. Others talk of the escape that a library represented or of thealso refuge it offeredthis from an unkind world.to It was a pleasure week to welcome the school our new Head of Modern Languages, Fay who spentstarted last Saturday peacefully Mrs.Mrs. Winter, on Monday and by stacking the shelves and we are Tuesday was telling parents that thisinching was her closer opening. What thrilledmoment me was to her dream job.toAs ever it was a proud comment that several boys, some of whom accompany Year 7 pupils as they led affect a dislike of on reading, were electrified by prospective parents a school tour this week, presence of a library in their school: ‘You answering questions and chatting away about mean can most borrow this and, like, read it, what theyIlove about our school. Miss?’ was the breathless utterance of one pupil. Our that library is atofthe heart of the Now, where’s cloak invisibility... school: a space for being open to and sharing ideas and experiences. It is openand its shelves serve as a reminder Godplan Bless,
that there should be no barrier to anyone Benusing Davisits volumes or seeking knowledge, solace, entertainment or information. I can’t Headteacher wait to see it come to life in the weeks Twitter: @BenDavis1972 ahead thanks to Mrs. Fay and her band of helpers. Front cover image: Year 9 GCSE Art work
Our curriculum must be challenging, accessible and ensure the best outcomes
Ben Davis, Headteacher Twitter: @BenDavis1972 2
2
The Ambrose Way This Week
Each week, through form and assemblies, and using prayer and reflection, we focus on a pair of virtues from The Ambrose Way as well as a skill. The details can be found in your child’s booklet. Over the last few weeks we have focused first on being Grateful and Generous, Compassionate and Loving and Attentive and Discerning. The focus this week is on the virtues of being learned and wise. Please take some time to read though the Ambrose Way booklet with your child and discuss these virtues.
the ambrose
I am Ambrose when I am learned, finding God in all things; and wise in the ways I use my learning for the common good. Name: Aspiration/ Personal Goal or Ambition:
This covers the following habits for learning and life: Connecting showing focus, resilience. Pupils are reminded that: ‘I am always focussed on my work using my gifts from God, working appropriately with others so that learning is an inspiring experience, where everyone can learn and the teacher can teach instead of being off-task, distracting others, disrupting their learning or ignoring them.’ I can expect... to experience learning that is inspiring, exciting and challenging in and out of the classroom.
Education is a way of becoming more human. The aim of your education is to be a learned person, able to make a difference in society for the common good. At St. Ambrose Barlow we make sure that each pupil is engaged, stretched and inspired to excel by excellent teaching and by offering the broadest possible curriculum, supplemented by a wide range of extra-curricular activities.
Our school develops the qualities of mind and heart that will enable pupils to work with others for the good of all in the service of the Kingdom of God. Our teaching begins by being attentive to the experience a pupil already has of whatever is to be learned. Reflection then builds on that experience, extending and deepening it by what is taught and learned.
Out of this learning comes action. Education always has a purpose which is about the common good – doing something here and now which, little by little, transforms the world.
For knowledge and learning to be put to best effect, it is necessary also to be wise. Wisdom is the gift of knowing when and how to apply one’s learning; it is the ability to evaluate relative goods and competing values; it is to be able to discern what is important and what is not. Wisdom is founded in the idea of knowing yourself well – your weaknesses, prejudices and blindspots as well as your strengths, talents, and enthusiasms.
3
HOUSe News St. Bernadette of Lourdes st. benedict of nursia
3315
3280
3092
st. oscar romero
st. michael the archangel
St. Bernadette of Lourdes
3091
2837
3380
st. oscar romero st. michael the archangel st. francis of assisi St. teresa of calcutta House points and house news pages
st. assisi St francis Francisofof Assisi House Mrs Pereira, form tutor, writes: I am very proud to be a part of St Francis house and to be the Form Tutor for 5 F. We are again the house with the most amount of achievement points having gained 3017 so far and I am sure we will continue to hold onto our lead and repeat the success we achieved last year! My form has contributed greatly to our lead by achieving an impressive 465 achievement points so far. In particular, the Year 8 members of my form need to be celebrated as they are not only leading within the form but also within the House. Charlotte Girdlestone now has 39 achievement points, which is the 2nd highest in the St Francis house and Krystian Osinski, Oliver Zajac and Nicole Dudziak follow closely with 34. Well done year 8s! This week has been an important one for the Year 11’s in my form as they are now in the middle of their mocks and they have shown a very mature and diligent manner towards these, I know that their hard work will definitely pay off and they set a wonderful example to the rest of the form. They are also in the process of deciding which college they would like to go to and the courses they would like to take, again they are approaching this maturely by seeking the advice they need and attending the college open days. Other members of the form who need to be celebrated are Louis Hallows for his involvement in sporting activities outside of school. He plays for his local football team and is playing an integral role in their winning streak this year. He also plays cricket for Salford Boys who recently won the North West Cup. He should be very proud of this achievement! Finally, Nicole Dudziak sets an excellent example of our school’s Catholic ethos as she is a part of the Chaplaincy team. At the moment they are creating a
st. benedict of nursia
St. teresa of calcutta
st. francis of assisi
cross out of rubbish to reflect the words of Pope Francis on the issue of the Environment and ‘care for Our Common Home.’ I am looking forward to seeing the finished cross, which will be displayed at Wardley Hall. Mr Stephenson St. Bernadette of Lourdes St. Bernadette of Lourdes Miss Alker, form tutor, writes: This week has seen 5BL return from half term after a well-earned and restful break. This week has seen the start of the mock exam season and our thoughts and well wishes are with the whole year group, especially Harry, Luke and Nathan! We have taken time during assembly with Mr Davis and in form time to focus on The Ambrose Way, with this week's focus being 'Learned and Wise'. 5BL have accrued 22 achievement points this week with the majority being awarded for academic excellence, showing that our pupils are focused on becoming learned. This week has also seen 5BL an addition of a new member to the form, we welcome Jack in Year 10 and look forward to supporting him. Finally this week we have looked forward to Halloween and more importantly All Saints day on Friday where mass has been available to all of us. May God continue to stay with 5BL whilst our pupils become learned and wise on their journey at St Ambrose Barlow. Mrs Sidebottom St Teresaofofcalcutta Calcutta St. teresa Welcome back St Teresa House, I hope everyone has had a restful half term and are raring to go for this next half term and the lead up to Christmas.
4
During the last half term it was wonderful to see so many nice activities happening in from and I look forward to seeing more of this during this half term, its such a lively start to my day as I am sure it is yours. Please make sure you are thankful as your form tutors put a lot of hard work into making sure you days starts well. We have already got off to a good start with the following pupils being the starts of their forms for achievement points so far this week: 1T - William Hargreaves 2T - Morgan Ferguson 3T - Robyn Lomas 4T - Isabel Enebli 5T - Mikey Holland 6T - Katie Donohue 7T - Vikoria Chakarova 4T have taken the lead back on conduct points beating 2T by only 3 points, can any other forms beat these two forms this term? Lets give this a big push and move up the league table with the other Houses. Remember to be ready, safe and respectful to all members of our community, Have a great half term. Mrs. Robb
st. of nursia St.benedict Benedict of Nursia Miss Sherry, Form Tutor of 6BN, writes: Headlines Sam Tomson, year 7, has the highest number of achievement points at 30. Well done Sam! Selma, Adam, Max, Emily, Darcy, McKenzie, Daisy, Darragh, Bartosz, Charlie, Grace, Bobbie, Laura, Sam and Mollie are all at 100% attendance. Well done and keep it up! The Ambrose Way During form time we reflected on what excellence looks like and how being compassionate is part of this. We wrote a form poem: I Am Compassionate When … Love and compassion, Happiness and help, Teachers, parents, your friends can help you Telling you everything will be fine, Listening, not ignoring. They care for us, And we care for them. I am compassionate when I: Comfort friends and calm them down, Help my parents when they are ill, Make my sister’s breakfast because she’s in a rush, Pick up a lost purse and hand it in, Listen to year 7s read,
Help my mum make dinner, Give clothes to charity, Buy a poppy and wear it to remember, Help a teacher move the chrome books around school, Offer to help a year 7 mend his bike wheel … I am compassionate, we are compassionate. Celebrations: YEAR 7: It was lovely to welcome 5 year 7 pupils into 6BN last half term and see them partake in school life: Daisy, Sam and Darcy have joined the chaplaincy team and Daylen enjoyed Bushcraft. YEAR 8: Took part in Embrace week and produced some fabulous speeches on some thought provoking topics. Congratulations to Selma whose speech was exceptional. She’ll be presenting at one of the feeder primaries. YEAR 9: Grace was awarded a Survival Swim certificate for her efforts and team work. Year 10: Are delivering their GCSE Language speeches on some challenging topics e.g. Does evil come from within? Year 11: Good luck with your mocks! Hope the revision tips workshops were helpful
Mr. Merriman St Romero st. Oscar oscar romero Welcome back Oscar Romero House! I hope you have all come back well rested for what is an exciting and busy term. I have seen some fantastic work since Monday and so many students choosing to do the right thing. I am so proud of every single one of you. Well done. 7R had some big news last half term - they have adopted a guide dog named Cookie! There is also lots of charity work on its way. More to be announced in the next couple of weeks... Good luck to all Yr 11 students who are currently amid taking their mocks. Remember you are looking to find out where you are currently at, so you can prepare for the summer. Keep working hard and don't give up. If you need some extra support, please come and see me or your form tutors. Keep up the hard work Oscar Romero House. Miss Jackson St news st. Michaels michael theHouse archangel 6M have developed a family atmosphere that makes our space a warm and welcoming start to the day. Excellent daily routines have been established that many staff comment on The older pupils in the form are excellent role models and nurture the pupils in year 7 and year 8.Every term we look at inspirational people and try 5 to live their values.
This term we are trying to live like Mary Ward who inspirational many. "Many think it nothing to do ordinary things, but for us it is do ordinary things well" With this in mind our usual form breakfast will be replaced by purchasing items for an advent box that we can give to loaves and fishes to distribute at Christmas time. A personal goal has been set for all pupils in the form to do one ordinary thing each day which helps others,that costs nothing but rewards the most. Mrs. McGowan
6
Around the school This week
Over half-term Janine and Gemma, our wonderful Student Services team, moved rooms. They’ve been settling in this week and are still offering their exemplary service to everyone. Doesn’t it look great!
7
calendar what’s on
Advance Notice Year 11 & 13 Mocks begin October 28th
Information session for those interested in becoming a Parent Governor, 5pm
WED 06
TUE 05
THU 07
Year 8 Parents’ & Carers’ Evening, November 14th, 5-7pm
FRI 08 SAT 09
MON 04
COMING UP THIS WEEK week beginning 04.11.19 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 October 14th).
Year 7 Year 8 year 9 year 10 year 11 School
97.5% 95.3% 93.9% 93.8% 94.3% 95.0%
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 unauthorised. Ten unauthorised marks may lead to a fixed penalty notice being served. 8
TWEET OF THE WEek More
Janine Appleton @Appleton1Janine Oct 30
They deserve a palace! Happy new home Gemma and Janine.
9
Parishes in our Catchment Area Holy Trinity, Worsley (formerly Christ the King; St. Edmund’s) Sunday Mass Times • 9:00am at Christ the King • 11:00am at St. Edmund’s Our Lady of Hope, Salford (formerly St. Luke’s; SS. Peter & Paul, Pendleton) Sunday Mass Times • 6:30pm (Sat vigil) at St. Luke’s • 9:30am at St. Luke’s • 8:00am at SS. Peter & Paul • 11:00am at SS. Peter & Paul St. Ambrose Barlow, Swinton & Pendlebury (formerly St. Mark’s, St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, St. Charles Borromeo) Sunday Mass Times • 9:30am at St. Mark’s • 11:15am at St. Charles • 4:00pm at St. Mark’s
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 10
11