No pupil is left behind and all make strong progress Ofsted Inspection
I can do all things with the help of God who strengthens me. | Philippians 4:13
A Warm Welcome In our prospectus you will gain a flavour of our St Edmund’s family and the opportunities it will offer to your child.
As a Christ-centred learning community we have a passion for developing the individual God given gifts with which we are bestowed.
St Edmund’s is a thriving, positive and happy environment where individuals achieve excellent levels of personal development and outstanding academic achievement. The students and staff recognise the importance of the school’s Catholic and Christian education and are committed to it in every way. Working with students we aim to foster a growth and commitment to the love and service of Christ through the teachings of the Catholic Church.
We know all our students individually and work with them to nurture their unique set of talents in a happy and supportive environment rooted in a genuine spirit of care which is present in a Christian family. We value working in partnership with our parents to provide continuity and stability as our young people grow and develop into confident and well balanced adults with a sense of service to their communities and the qualifications with which they can lead successful lives.
Simon Graham Headteacher
This is an outstanding school. Pupils’ exemplary conduct is matched by outstanding attitudes to learning in the classroom Ofsted Inspection
St Edmund’s School | saintedmunds.org.uk
Aims of The School St Edmund’s Catholic School was established by the Roman Catholic people of Portsmouth to provide a Christian education for their children within the discipline and traditions of the Catholic Church. The fundamental aim of the School is to present a clear Christian philosophy and way of life, providing opportunities in which Christian values may develop. This is reflected in the School motto:
Caelum Dives Ingredi
(To enter Heaven enriched).
We aim to: • Encourage spiritual development and understanding of the faith handed down to us by the Church. • Create an atmosphere of order, discipline and respect. • Build a family which cares for all its members and where understanding, mutual trust, friendship and collaboration are fostered. • Enable every pupil to achieve their true potential. • Maintain standards of excellence in teaching and learning and to provide a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum. • Improve curiosity, imagination, creativity and a passion for life long learning.
Outcomes for pupils
are outstanding Ofsted Inspection
I can do all things with the help of God who strengthens me. | Philippians 4:13
A Universal Worshipping Family The spiritual and moral life of the school is outstanding (Section 48 2016).
Retreat days are provided for Year 7, 8 and 10 as well as for the Staff. All of these enable staff and students to take time to grow in appreciation of self, one another, the environment and God. This approach is also fostered across the curriculum and is evident by our Fair Trade status.
Our Chapel is open to anyone who wishes to use the space for quiet time, personal reflection, as well as an opportunity to talk to our Chaplain. Our Catholic identity is apparent and universal as it permeates all aspects of our daily school life. A Sacrament is an outward expression or activity that reveals God at work in the ordinary function of everyday life. These Catholic or sacramental expressions are revealed through our Tutor Prayer each morning which helps to focus and prepare us for the day ahead. Our assemblies endeavour to explore and address real life issues in the context of our faith and prayer life. Sacramental Programmes are offered for First Communion and Confirmation. Many students participate in these, both through the school and in connection with their own local parishes.
St Edmund’s is proud of the many charities that we raise money for, both in our local area and overseas. Whatever the faith background of our students, St Edmund’s will ensure that they have the opportunity to explore and develop their spiritual life in a secure and positive environment, where tolerance, mutual respect and learning aresome of our guiding principles.
Students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding. Ofsted Inspection
St Edmund’s School | saintedmunds.org.uk
To ignite
Creativity, I can do all things with the help of God who strengthens me. | Philippians 4:13
& Passion for faith and learning
Caelum Dives Ingredi
A Commitment to Outstanding Individual Care St Edmund’s Catholic School values the quality of care extended to all members of our community. A happy student will make progress, with teachers who understand their needs as individuals and nurture positive relationships. The partnership with parents is essential to our work and a key factor in ensuring that students are successful. This forms an important aspect of our personalised transition process.
“Thank you for all of the help and support throughout my time in St Edmund’s. It was amazing and I didn’t want to leave”
Darcy There is a significant focus on monitoring and evaluating progress, attendance and the emotional well-being of all students. Our aim is to create a supportive family environment where every child feels safe and is challenged to achieve.
The underlying culture of respect and kindness for all underpins every element of pupils’ experiences. Ofsted Inspection
I can do all things with the help of God who strengthens me. | Philippians 4:13
Outstanding Preparation At St Edmund’s we provide a curriculum which is broad and balanced, challenging in its delivery and is based, where possible, on the everyday experiences of the students. At the heart of our curriculum is a strong emphasis on learning and teaching. We want our students to be involved, inspired and curious about the world around them. Our broad and balanced curriculum offers both traditional academic subjects and a range of applied learning courses so that all our students are able to be successful.
Through the personalisation of learning we aim to ensure that the needs of the learners are met, through academic or vocational courses, clear information, advice and guidance as well as individual mentoring sessions to ensure each individual makes progress. Stimulating lessons as well as continuity and progression, ensure that the learning experience is enjoyable, challenging, engaging and relevant. Our curriculum aims to ensure that students leave us as well-rounded individuals, with all the skills needed to be successful in life and fully prepared for their chosen careers.
The schools curriculum reflects and supports pupils’ interests and aspirations Ofsted Inspection
St Edmund’s School | saintedmunds.org.uk
Looking For A New Challenge At St Edmund’s we take pride in the wide range of extra-curricular activities that the school has to offer. We strongly believe that a greater sense of belonging, respect, and achievement can be accomplished through extra-curricular activities. Participation in these can have a great impact on a young person’s life, often unlocking hidden talents and raising self-esteem. Clubs, trips, productions, groups and societies are diverse and tailored to meet the needs of all our students. There is always something for everyone to get involved in during their time at St Edmund’s.
Students are happy at school, feel completely safe and very well cared for. Ofsted Inspection
I can do all things with the help of God who strengthens me. | Philippians 4:13
Caelum Dives Ingredi
Thank you so much for all the opportunities St Edmund’s gave me over the past five years; it has shaped who I am today.
Sam
The best decision I ever made was choosing St Edmund’s. Parent
St Edmund’s Catholic School
Arundel Street, Portsmouth, PO1 1RX t: 023 9282 3766 • f: 023 9287 1874 e: school@saintedmunds.org.uk • w: saintedmunds.org.uk