FAITH IN YOU
LOVE IN LEARNING
HOPE IN BETTER
this week in our school . . .
Volume 5 Issue 6 & 7 October 19th, 2019
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ST AMBROSE BARLOW RC HIGH SCHOOL & SIXTH FORM
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Head’s start .
Mr. Davis, Headteacher, reflects on the week. Mr. Davis, Headteacher, reflects on the week. It is entirely appropriate that this week’s
newsletter is a double-bill. The final two weeks It is about time yearmoments that I meet of term have been this so full of of great andwith each Head of Department to review theto little successes, the small things that we need summer’s exam results. This involves remember to celebrate, that one edition does not do themplenty justice.of useful and thought-provoking discussion, but it is usually talking about numbers andhalf-term letters. Behind data are Throughout this first we havethis focused stories: how pupils did, how they felt, what on the first section of the Ambrose Way, themed they liked and what they achieved. We around the opening words of our Mission always on how can be Statement: Faithfocus in You. This things has meant improved as well as celebrating exploring the meaning (and growing an what went well. Asofawhat Catholic school, exam results understanding) it is to be ‘grateful and are just one way of expressing the unique, generous’, ‘compassionate and loving’ and, in Godgiven talents andand skills of each pupil. the last week, ‘attentive discerning.’ It is inIt is important to look beyond the data I am this last theme that things have got difficult,sothey delighted that much more of my job involves are not easy words or ideas to gain familiarity being in classes, walking around the school with. and talking to pupils, students and staff. The other day I overheard a woman in a shop If ever you are feeling at all or observing that these days no-one is despondent kind any fatigued I reckon a quick tour of the school more, there is a widespread lack of empathy, spirits. me she said.would She quickly blamedraise (waityour for it), socialLet media. show you what I mean. Today (Thursday, At first glance she might not be wrong, but new 29th) been for instance, media isSeptember and has always an easyI dropped into Year 10 GCSE Music. There, I was scapegoat. delighted to listen to performances of Ninth Symphony, Hold PerhapsBeethoven’s there is a more uncomfortable truthBack the River and When the Saints Go behind her observation, that human beings Marching have In. Ivery alsogood got toatsit withalone Danielwith andtheir Chester never been being they their prodigious thoughtsas nor aredemonstrated we good at appreciating our DJing talents. Next, during lunch, I supervised lives in the moment. We always want more, look the and made a point forward canteen to the day when things will of getwatching better, the interactions that take place daily. Pupils and envy what others have. Social media is certainly staff holding doors open for one another, a powerful engine for powering this impulse, but little moments ofus. personal it feels tooffering me thatthanks, the flaw is deep within appreciation and gratitude. Of course, That is where the virtues of being ‘attentive’ and things don’t always a school, but it ‘discerning’ have such a rolego towell play.inAnd it is lovely to witness a voluntary apology won’t surprise you to know that I am fortunate tofrom a Year 9 to of the lunch timepeople staff, or see those virtues in one action in our young see one pupil help another who is each day. This gives me plenty of hope forunsure the future. where to go for class.
will affect others. In the case of the woman in get topeople Maths paying to find all of Year 9 embroiled the Ishop, greater attention would in a task that is so challenging and exciting result in them choosing to be more that I want toand stayunderstanding. and have a go myself. compassionate Outside it’s: “Sir, have you seen my tie? Can you open my bottle? What did you think of last night’s game? What time is it, Sir?” and, at least once a day, “Oh my 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, positive onethat at that. It islovely, appropriate then this week we celebrated the canonisation of John Henry Perhaps single highlight of my if I Newman, thethe first English saint for 40 week, years (and had to pick, would be the conversation I had the first since St. Ambrose Barlow). He was with Mrs. whoaisgreat leading someone whoFay talked dealthe about being development of our new library. I am a attentive to God’s calling to us, to our unique library enthusiast and have been ever since mission. In form time and assembly over the I was little. The furthest reach of my past week pupils have celebrated Black History memory is back moments spent in our Month. There have to been some excellent local library entranced by its colour and presentations, but in effect this was a challenge bright possibilities. On Twitter to be more attentive to the experiences of others reveals the hold and#RememberingMyLibrary by doing so to imagine what it is like to live that such an institution has: ‘A library card their lives. This builds empathy and was a free pass to wonderment, words and understanding, valuable and powerful qualities the ability to roam the world’ observes one at this time, and encourages us to make better user,for whilst anotherand quotes the wrought iron choices ourselves for others. gates of Stalybridge library, ‘Read, Mark, Learn and Inwardly Digest.’ Others talk of As you can see from the individual contributions the escape that a library represented or of from forms later in this newsletter members of the refuge it offered from an unkind world. each form have been busy considering how they can make a wider contribution, how they can Mrs.toFay spent last Saturday peacefully attend others and discern the impact of their stacking the shelves and we are inching choices. closer to opening. What thrilled me was her that boys,was some of whom Thecomment final week of several the half-term one affect a dislike of reading, were electrified dedicated to celebration in assembly. So oneby a library into their school:because ‘You finalpresence thought: of often we fail celebrate mean I can borrow this and, like, read it, It we are choosing to look in the wrong places. Miss?’ was the breathless utterance of is easier sometimes to be critical, to focus one on pupil. library at the of the what is notOur going well.is As the heart poet Shelley school: a spaceglowed for being to andyet we wrote: ‘everything withopen a gleam, sharing ideas and experiences. is openwere looking away.’ Being attentive Itand plan and its shelves serve as a reminder discerning begins with us choosing not to look that there should be no barrier to anyone away. using its volumes or seeking knowledge, Godsolace, Bless, entertainment or information. I can’t wait to see it come to life in the weeks Benahead Davisthanks to Mrs. Fay and her band of helpers. Headteacher Twitter: @BenDavis1972
Seeing the virtues in action in our school offers great hope for the future
In Sixth Form, I enjoyed lengthy Being ‘ attentive’ challenges us toa listen to,chat to with Aidan who explained both the theory of look for the details of our lives, to our calling or differentiation and its potential commercial vocation, to appreciate this and to respond, even application. In English they were it is difficult. The opposite of this would bestudying to the play Blood Brothers and talking with spend our time, for example, online living a life humour and excitement about superstitions; that this unreal or virtual. Once we are attentive in Year 7 RE they were we can be ‘discerning’ about ourdissecting choices, our new mission statement and exploring Ben Davis, Headteacher considering where they will lead and how the they personal meanings within it. School is a Front cover@BenDavis1972 image: an illustration by Rebecca Twitter: busy, bustling, humming place. Walsh, Y11
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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 two weeks we have focused first on being Grateful and Generous and then, last week, on being Compassionate and Loving. The focus this week is on the virtues of being attentive and discerning. 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 attentive to my experience and
to my vocation; and discerning about the choices I make and the effects of those choices.
Name:
This covers the following habits for learning and life: reflecting showing determination, reliability, self-discipline, Aspiration/ Personalself-awareness, Goal or Ambition: dedication.
Pupils are reminded that: ‘using Christ as my role model, I show through kind and respectful words and co-operative actions and through understanding other people’s views that everybody matters in our Catholic community instead of answering back, acting unkindly, disrespecting or hurting others. Seeing myself as part of God’s Creation, I take pride in keeping the school clean and tidy, being ready for learning, correctly dressed and equipped instead of arriving without the correct uniform, kit or equipment.' I can expect... to be set high standards and supported to achieve these.
Sometimes, we wake up and wonder where the years have gone and whether we have made the most of our lives. We ask whether we have made the best choices and given time and energy to the people and things that matter. Being attentive takes practice. It is much easier to allow ourselves to be swept along in the tide of everyday life, from one thing to the next, taking little time to notice anything.
We should take time to notice the big and the small things of each day; we need to be aware of and understand the responses of other people; we need to be attentive to the stirrings in our hearts and to the preoccupations that thread their way through our lives. In this way, we become much more sure-footed in coping with the things that life and other people throw at us.
Once we develop the habit of being attentive, we can begin to discern what is good for us and what is not; and what God calls us to be, and to do (our vocation). Being attentive brings the possibility of taking back control of our own lives.
How do you know the right thing to do? How do you know the good thing to do? Sometimes it is obvious, but often it is not.
Discernment is a way of approaching decisions by being attentive to my lived experience, by noticing the impact my past choices have had on me and others, and then seeking the better way forward. Discernment is about choosing the better over the good. In this way we can embrace excellence by being attentive to our lives and experiences, by focusing on getting the details right and by discerning what is best for us.
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HOUSe News St. Bernadette of Lourdes st. benedict of nursia
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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 Mr. Noone writes: This has been both an engaging and challenging week for 6F as we had to lead the assembly for St Francis house on Wednesday. The theme of our assembly this week was Black History Month. There were two messages that we wanted to convey to the rest of the house. Firstly that while most people had a clear knowledge and understanding of many key black figures such as Martin Luther King who undoubtedly played such a vital role in fighting for equality in the USA, there are so many inspirational people that never get a mention. As such we focused on people such as Sojourner Truth and Charles Drew who we should remember for very different reasons. Sojourner Truth fought for her rights at a time when the system was against her whereas Charles Drew was a pioneering scientist who revolutionised the science of blood transfusions, as well as developing blood storage techniques and improved means of transfusing. Every member of the form was fantastic in their roles but a special mention should go to our new Year 7 members Kian, Grace, Lucy and Nathan who stood in front of the whole of the house and read fantastically well. There should also be a mention for Ben in Year 11 who did a great job leading the way and setting an example for the younger pupils. Mr Stephenson
St. of Lourdes St.Bernadette Bernadette of Lourdes Form tutor Miss. Maxwell writes: This has been a week for celebration! Our year 8 pupils, Max, Keane, Alfie and Grace,
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enthusiastically tackled their Embrace speeches, which were a huge success. Well done year 8! Cordelia is top of the form leader board for achievement points with 29 achievement points. Mieszko and Abi are both hot on her tail with 24 achievement points each. So far this half-term, the form has impressively accrued 400 achievement points. As per our mission statement, Love in Learning is particularly reflected by 4BL’s achievement points. Well done 4BL! Our year 11 pupils are demonstrating excellent role modelling skills, voluntarily helping out at Open Evening, and upholding school values every form time without fail. They are using any spare time in form to revise, again showing our younger members love in learning. Mrs Sidebottom St Teresaofofcalcutta Calcutta St. teresa Form Tutor Mr. Murray writes: 5T has made a great start to the year, with 54 achievement points this week alone. Our new Year Seven pupils have received a warm welcome by the older children in the form and all have all been very positive about their transition this half-term from primary school. This feeling was exemplified on Year Seven parent’s evening when all parents reported their child felt confident about the transition from Primary school and had settled in well. Pupils have been working on The Ambrose Way each week reflecting on the virtues and expectations we have of one another. Pupils have been working on task set by Mr Davis who challenged the pupils to write an article, poem or song exploring how we might be more attentive and discerning in school. We have had some great 4
ideas and look forward to reviewing pupil’s efforts on the 28th of October.
This has been a fun-filled week with Year Seven pupils embarking on the Dragon’s Den business task and Year Eleven pupils enjoying an inspired day focused on the next steps to work or further education. Finally we wish 5T’s own Jacob Gallaghan, and the rest of the Y9 rugby team, continued success in the local school rugby competitions- well done! Form Tutor Mr. Cohen writes: We always recognise what pupils do in school but many of 4T go above and beyond outside school. Form 4 Teresa have some interesting interests. Harry Dyer (Y11), the deputy head boy, achieved a grade A in his AS level Russian exam and is due to take the A level next summer. This is an amazing achievement as almost all students take their A levels at the age of 18. Ben Higgs (Y11) does snowboarding outside school. Martin McDonough and Niamh Parkes (both in Y10) take part in a variety of drama & dancing activities outside school including street dancing. Zara Burns (Y9) continues to run at a high standard for Trafford athletic club. Ruth Okpalugo (Y7) sings in a local choir. Ellis Shaw & Louis Allen both play football for Moorside. Ellis has already scored 4 goals this season from full back and Louis the hero keeper saved penalties in a shootout to see his team through to the next round of the cup.
for Dragon’s Den for the Christmas fair. We hope that they make a profit this year! Year 8 would also like to thank the Humanities department for organising the Zoo Lab experience which they have all really enjoyed. Celebrations: At present, we have a two way tie for the student having the most achievement points. Congratulations to Year 7 students, Nikola Pigla and Paul Swarbrick. Keep up the good work! 4 Benedict also have the second most achievement points so far in St Benedict’s House (342). Let’s catch 3BN! In addition to achievement points, 17/20 students still have 100% attendance so far this year. How long can you maintain this for? Unique Together: Did you know many 4BN students have amazing talents outside of school? Some of these talents include: Phoebe Billingham – Dance and rhythmic gymnastics Ben Stanley –Triathlons Nikola Pigla- Gymnastics Joelle Moliaf – Athletics Christopher McCarthy – Swimming Dylan, Gerogi and Cezary – Football Ben Tattersall – Scouts I for one didn’t realise we had such a sporty form! Everybody Matters:
St Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us.
Many of our form are taking part in the CAFOD Family Fast Day (4/10/19). These students are kindly sacrificing solid food on to raise money for those less fortunate. Many students were inspired by Mr Merriman’s amazing assembly this week. The theme of the assembly was ‘homelessness’ and Mr Merriman’s words really hit home about how lucky we are to be in a supportive school community where everyone aims to be compassionate and loving.
Mrs. Robb
Mr. Merriman
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Finally Erin Wilson (Y10) has gone to new heights. She is learning to fly a Cessna 152 at Barton airport. This is a very difficult activity especially the landings and If she can land it at Barton she can land it anywhere due to the short grass runways at Barton. Well done to all, some great achievements.
5 Benedict would like to welcome the New Year 7s that have joined the form this year. They have settled in well and we think that they are a great addition to our form. We would also like to wish our year 11s ever success this year and with their approaching exams. We would like to congratulate Ruby Edwards in Year 7 on achieving the most achievement points in the form with a grand total of 30. Well done. We are proud and very excited that James Westwood has recently begun his day release on Wednesday to Blackburn Rovers Football Club. Year 7 have thoroughly enjoyed their time spent on the Bush craft trip despite the weather. They are also working on ideas including candy floss making
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This week in Oscar Romero House we have earned lots of achievement points, and are now in the lead! Thank you to all the pupils that have helped us. Unfortunately, we also have the most behaviour points in the school, so we need to keep trying our best to improve our behaviour, in lessons and around school by working to the best of our abilities and us all trying to get an achievement point instead. Year 8's have had a busy few days this week with zoo lab, where we got the chance to hold giant African snails, snakes, rats, a millipede and more. 5 We also performed our Embrace speeches, which although we were all nervous, they went
really well, so thank to all the year 8 pupils. We look forward to having a great next week! Jasmin Marsland, 4R
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the pupils of 4M have been towards helping the homeless. This really does show how everybody matters and they are all a real credit to our form. Mrs. McGowan
Form Tutor Miss McGrath writes: Our form focus is on the growing concerns of homelessness within the greater Manchester area. We discussed on what we have witnessed and how the government should be dealing with this issue. We discussed how people sometimes have a certain stereotype of homelessness of ‘Druggies’ ‘faking being homeless’, not to give money to feed their addictions. However we discussed how homelessness could affect anyone, serviceman of the Army ending up on the street, how the public treat/mistreat them. As a form we have decided to reflect our Ambrose way practice of Kind/generous and we will begin a collection of warm clothing, gloves, scarves, hats for the winter nights. Toiletries, and packaged food. Hopefully this small gesture from our form will contribute to a small group of homeless people within the greater Manchester area. Form Tutor Miss McPhail writes: 4 Michael Celebrations: Congratulations to Harvey braidwood Staines in the lead with 27 achievement points with Joesph Bayman in a close second with 25 achievement points an excellent start to their year 7 year. In addition to achievement points, 9 students still have 100% attendance so far this year. Unique Together: Did you know many 4M students have amazing talents outside of school? Some of these talents include: Chloe Lea – Young actress currently filming The Dumping Ground with the BBC Alan Stricker – Football Liam Mcgrath – Football Joe Roughly – Football Job Dengoue – Football Harry Oldfield – Rugby Megan Green – Art I for one didn’t realise we had such a sporty form along with additional talents. Everybody Matters: This week the theme of the assembly was ‘homelessness’. Many of 4M helped to contribute to help the Homeless bringing in tins of soup and items of clothing to help keep the homeless warm. It has been fantastic to see how caring and thoughtful
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Around the school This week
Recognising and celebrating Black History Month with special assemblies. Our statement on Black History Month is below.
Now that Black History Month is underway we would like to reinforce a key message to all members of our school community: racism, and hate speech of any kind, has no place in our school. It is not in keeping with our values, our mission, the Ambrose Way and our faith. If you experience racism in school you must report it to an adult immediately. We have systems for recording and dealing with racist incidents. If you witness racism you must report it - do not be a bystander. Commenting on another person’s race, skin colour or other characteristics is never acceptable. It is never a source of humour. Even if you think what you are saying is light-hearted or said as a joke, it is still racist and damaging. Comments such as these make those on the receiving end of them feel less than human - this is unacceptable. They must always be challenged. In this school it is a clear expectation that adults do not standby and allow such abuse - they must show leadership, compassion and a commitment to ending discrimination by challenging it. Black History Month is an opportunity to people in our school to understand, and empathise with, those members of our community who have experienced racism, who have been made to feel ‘less than’ a person, who have had limits placed upon them because of their skin colour. It is also a time to celebrate the achievements of black people throughout history, not to view them through ignorance as victims.
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Around the school This week
A WEEK OF CELEBRATING ORACY Mrs. Tulloch reflects
This week I had the most amazing week with Y8 who were performing their #oracy speeches: 2 classes each day Monday to Thursday and a special nurture day on Friday for those who have struggled. The outcomes for students were universally astounding. The support of their peers was similarly astounding. Student behaviour was impeccable with absolute focus for every speech, absolute belief that every voice mattered. Those voices were passionate, inspired, inspiring and moving. I’d like to tell you about some of the special moments in our week we had speeches with real complexity and depth where students demonstrated understanding and knowledge as well as in depth research on the things that matter to them; from sport to friendship, from family to discrimination, from happiness to creativity. Their interests were so varied and yet so close to us through their voices. Students had the courage to explore the most vulnerable and heartfelt experiences; they reflected on the loss of loved ones, their experience of disability and their experience of joy. One student talked about his love of trains and suddenly the Virgin Pendalino, a train I have often used and seldom noticed, came alive to me. An autistic student was able to speak with emotion and truth about his experience of being different in school - his mother, I and he weeping as he did - it had such verve. Similarly a student with ADHD was able to reflect in front of a large audience on his needs and his identity. We were transfixed by his candour and his strength. Another student reflected on self harm and what was behind the actions of young people who were salving themselves by harming themselves. I shared their words with staff this week as CPD on the experience of our vulnerable students and those with ADHD. We finished the week with a student who is rejoining mainstream provision, who rewrote his speech over a lunchtime, to present it under the theatre lights in front of an audience of 25 students, teachers & parents. He said as I shook his hand and awardee his badge, ‘I knew I could do it. I have felt so inspired this week.’ Which felt like the perfect summation of our week & why it worked. Successful activity of others inspiring the successful activity of all. Each child lighting their own flame and giving others the permission to do the same: to be great, to stand out, to hold their truth and to meet the support of their community. I am so proud of all we achieved with them And it makes me reflect that we need these big moments. Where we stand outside of the ordinary everyday lessons and do something expansive like this. Where we give young people the opportunity to hold their truth, to be bold and brave.8I hope we can light your fire to try.
Around the school This week
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Around the school This week
A brilliant songwriting workshop with musician and producer Rich Cottell.
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Around the school This week
Clockwise from top left: Miss McGrath leading Art Club; Year 11 art folio work; the victorious Y11 rugby team; pulls with TopCon at Survey Fest; tow images from the Y10 visit to the apprenticeship show
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calendar what’s on
Year 11 & 13 mocks begin All pupils return no later than 8:35am
TUE 29
Advance Notice Year 11 & 13 Mocks begin October 28th
WED 30
THU 31
FRI 01
Feast of All Saints Holy Day of Obligation
SAT 02
MON 28
COMING UP THIS WEEK week beginning 28.10.19 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 October 7th). Attendance last week was 95.2% with one form (2M) achieving 100% attendance. Attendance and its impact on learning
Year 7 Year 8 year 9 year 10 year 11 School
97.8% 95.3% 94.6% 93.9% 94.4% 95.2%
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. 12
TWEET OF THE WEek More
JohnJ @sirjohnjones Oct 19
It was an absolute pleasure, Bec. Keep weaving your magic!
(in reply to tweets celebrating the Oracy evening and week)
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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 14
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