Sacred Heart Catholic College, Crosby
Prospectus 2015
Sacred Heart Catholic College, Crosby
Contents
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Aiming High
How we set high standards in all walks of Sacred Heart life
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Community
A vibrant, caring school at the centre of Crosby and Waterloo life
sacredheart.sefton.sch.uk
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Welcome
to Sacred Heart Catholic College At Sacred Heart, we are proud of our efforts to combine all that is good from the traditional with all that is exciting from the new. Strengthened by our belief in the importance of long-standing values, we are also a forward-thinking organisation focused on equipping our students to take their place in the world of tomorrow. In fact, as a Christian community we understand that the two aims are necessarily linked.
10 Skills for life
The curriculum - what subjects are taught at the three key stages
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Outside class
How extra curricular activities are enriching our pupils’ learning
18 Influential
Former students reveal how the College acts as a guiding light
We see that a sense of identity and community, which can only come from pride in the daily life of the College, are the foundation stones for an ambitious and demanding experience aimed at forming empowered, moral and articulate citizens of the future. That is why you will find at the College an appreciation of the importance of team-work, consideration towards others and respect for the combined efforts of all. This is our platform for the high-quality experience of school life which has been the hallmark of Sacred Heart for many years. In the pages that follow, we highlight some of the many and varied dimensions of that experience. This brochure is your invitation to come and test out the reality for yourself. We look forward to meeting you.
20 Spiritual
Catholic faith underpins life within and beyond the school gates
22 Sport for all Every pupil can enjoy the benefits of sport and fitness
Ian Walker Headteacher
Caring and achieving excellence within a Christian community
‘Identity and community are the foundation stones for empowering moral and articulate citizens of the future’
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Sacred Heart Catholic College, Crosby
sacredheart.sefton.sch.uk
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Aiming high
Raising standards and achieving success Our College is a friendly and engaging place - one that understands the importance of hard work and respect for high standards in everything we do. Academic success is important. We also aim high in other areas such as behaviour, attendance and uniform.
challenging curriculum. There are also exciting opportunities outside of the classroom. All of these are supported by our 160strong team of experienced and highlyqualified staff, each committed to Sacred Heart and what it has represented over many years.
We ask a lot - we give a lot too. The rewards are found in a broad and
This prospectus is designed to provide a snapshot of life at Sacred Heart.
Caring and achieving excellence within a Christian community
FAQs Q. What measures help the transition of pupils to secondary school? A. Younger pupils start at Lower Site with access to laboratories, workshops, subject classrooms and a large sports hall. As they are used to their own space at primary school, we allocate one yard to Y7 pupils and another to Y8 pupils, Parents tell us they value this arrangement.
‘Year 7 is consistently over-subscribed, emphasising how attractive the College is within our local community’ Parents and students have the chance to find out more about our College at our Open Evening and at a range of special events for Year 5 and Year 6 children. We also welcome enquiries about admissions, offering tours or answering queries. We are pleased that Year 7 is consistently over-subscribed, emphasising how attractive the College is within our local community.
Q. What support is there for pupils with additional needs, such as Special Educational Needs (SEN)? A. We have a team led by our Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) who works closely with our Director of Inclusion to make sure that every pupil feels supported at Sacred Heart. Q. When does a typical school day start and finish? A. In line with most secondary schools pupils arrive by 08.40 to begin the day at 08.45 with Form Time. Lessons run until 3.10. Q. What are the lunch arrangements? A. There is a good range of food available at both sites. Pupils are increasingly opting for hot dinners but alternatively pupils may bring a packed lunch. Due to high pupil numbers we operate a split lunch time at Upper Site. The arrangements are explained to pupils at the end of Y8. Q. Where can parents buy school uniform? A. All school uniform is available from local stockists. Full details of the College’s uniform and dress code are on the school’s website. The school is committed to encouraging pupils to look smart and feel proud to be part of the Sacred Heart community.
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Sacred Heart Catholic College, Crosby
sacredheart.sefton.sch.uk
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Heart of the community
Our school is rich in history, tradition and success Sacred Heart is a vibrant, caring school at the heart of our community in Crosby and Waterloo. Our catchment area centres on our five local parishes - but the College takes pupils from a much wider area across north Merseyside. The College is very proud of its links with its three partner primary schools,
Great Crosby, Ursuline and St Edmund’s and St Thomas’. Pupils and staff from these schools are regular visitors to Sacred Heart and vice versa. Our links are strong. In many cases several generations of one family have followed the same route from primary school to the College.
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• Pupils from Year 7 to 13 at the Upper Site’s iconic round radiator and red stairs near the main entrance
We work closely with staff from our partner primary schools to ensure a smooth, happy transfer for pupils from Y6 to Y7, recognising that it is a major step in the lives of our young students. Some are naturally equipped to cope with the transition better than others. The wellbeing of each student is our priority. It is always a proud day when everything comes to fruition at our Welcome Mass for Year 7 pupils and their parents each autumn. Our new crop of students are by then safely settled in their new environment, facing new exciting challenges. The College’s links form part of a community identity which has been strong for years and continues to grow. Sacred Heart Catholic College has its own roots in two successful Catholic schools - Seafield Convent and St Bede’s Secondary Modern. The red brick building in Liverpool Road opened its doors in 1908, providing a Catholic education for girls from the local parishes. Seafield Convent, as it was known, merged with St Bede’s in 1977 and Sacred Heart was formed.
The St Bede’s site is now Sacred Heart’s ‘lower school’ for Years 7 & 8, while Years 9 to 13 are based at the Liverpool Road site. Our Governing Body is proud to count members from our partner schools among its number, and this allows us to consider the needs and wishes of a wide range of local people. We enjoy close links in the same way with our local parishes and count local clergy among our governors, as well as inviting them in weekly to celebrate class and year group Masses. All of this contributes to a picture in which Sacred Heart is at the heart of its community and open to those wishing to become part of it. This has been the hallmark of the College over its successful history.
FAQ Q. Are any of the College’s facilities such as the sports hall available for hire to the community? A. Yes, individuals and groups, including businesses, can hire our facilities throughout the year depending on availability. Facilities include the dance studio, gymnasium, cricket nets and outdoor astro turf pitch, For options and prices ring the College Bursar on 0151 931 6831 or email bursar@sacredheart,sefton,sch.uk
Sacred Heart Catholic College, Crosby
sacredheart.sefton.sch.uk
Learning skills for life
A curriculum to bring out the best in every pupil At Sacred Heart we provide a broad and balanced curriculum ensuring that the academic journey through the Key Stages meets the needs of all pupils. The curriculum is designed to challenge, stimulate and maximise pupils’ academic potential, as well as developing lifelong learners equipped for the modern world. Our strong partnership with parents
supports the importance we place on homework and independent study.
‘Science is the best subject because you get to do all sorts of exciting experiments’ William Morris, Year 9
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Caring and achieving excellence within a Christian community
Key Stage 3 - Years 7, 8 & 9 In Year 7 pupils are taught in mixed ability groups for all subjects at the start of the academic year.
Computing Music Physical Education Citizenship and Personal and Social Education (PSE)
Setting will normally have taken place in English, Mathematics and Science by the spring term of year 7. As pupils progress through the Key Stage, we set pupils according to ability in other subjects too. Subjects studied are: Religious Education Mathematics English Science Art Design technology (food, textiles, electronics, graphics, product design) French Spanish Geography History
‘Students show a very positive attitude to their lessons. The college has robust systems in place to track and monitor the progress and achievement of pupils. In class, pupils confidently share their aspirations’ Ofsted 2013
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Key Stage 4 (Years 10 & 11) At Key Stage 4 the curriculum is divided into a Core Curriculum which all pupils follow and an Optional Curriculum allowing pupils to choose from a number of subjects.
Key Stage 5 (Years 12 & 13) At Key Stage 5 students take on more responsibility for their learning, have leadership roles within the community and are role models for pupils in Key Stages 3 and 4.
Core Curriculum Religious Studies English Language Mathematics Science Physical Education Citizenship & PSE
Each student has an individual learning pathway suited to his or her needs and aspirations. Courses available for study include Applied, AS and A2.
Optional Curriculum Art Biology Business Studies Chemistry Computer Studies/ICT Design Technology Drama English Literature Geography Health and Social Care History Modern Foreign Languages Music Physical Education Physics Psychology
AS & A2 Courses Art Biology Business Studies Chemistry Computing Textiles Product Design English Literature Ethics & Philosophy Extended Project French Further Mathematics Geography General Studies History Mathematics Music Physics Physical Education Psychology Spanish Theatre Studies
All students follow the NOCN General RE course.
The curriculum for each key stage is reviewed annually and is published to pupils and parents at appropriate times within the academic year.
‘The curriculum offers a good range of academic subjects to meet the needs of students’ Ofsted 2013
Applied Courses Art Business Studies Health & Social Care Information Technology
Sacred Heart Catholic College, Crosby
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sacredheart.sefton.sch.uk
Learning outside class
Extra-curricular activities tap into pupils’ talents Any edition of our weekly newsletter Heartbeat will tell you that the College is a hive of activity outside the classroom as well as inside.
Visitors are very welcome to join us at any of these public events and you can find details of them on the website or in Heartbeat.
Our extensive extra-curricular life includes possibilities for all tastes.
As a Christian community, we also promote and support activities to benefit others.
To begin with sport, Sacred Heart has a fabulous tradition with a very busy schedule of activities and fixtures throughout the year - see p22 & 23. The quality and breadth of the College’s sporting life has been recognised widely and we believe that if boys and girls have a sporting ability, we can find it and bring it out!
Whether we are visiting the elderly and infirm at nearby Nazareth House, providing music at a pensioners’ Christmas party, promoting the needs of a children’s hospice or raising vital funds for international relief, pupils lend a hand and contribute to communities near and far - see p20 & 21.
The arts are also abundantly represented too. Our choirs and orchestra are flourishing at all levels and regularly tour and perform at prestigious venues here and abroad. Our flourishing drama department produces an annual play or musical as well as organising theatre trips. Dance and PE link up every year to produce our ever-popular Gym and Dance Display, often with help from our partner schools. Our art and technology teams produce a large-scale exhibition each summer which attracts visitors from far and wide and showcases the enormous talent of our pupils - see p16 & p17.
‘Students are very proud of their College and its positive, friendly, supportive atmosphere. Parents and carers agree with this view. Students are very courteous and welcoming, behave well in lessons and are ambitious to do well’ Ofsted 2013
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Sacred Heart Catholic College, Crosby
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sacredheart.sefton.sch.uk
• Student trips include ski-ing in Austria (above) and cultural visits to places like Paris (right)
Educational trips
Deepening understanding through travel Our wide range of trips abroad sees Sacred Heart pupils travel all over Europe and beyond. Whether your interest is cultural, sporting, musical or simply learning about new countries, we have a series of educational visits aimed at broadening horizons in a friendly and supportive environment.
Our aim is for each pupil to be involved in at least one trip every year. Check out our website for details of trips coming up this year and beyond.
‘Personal development of students is a strong feature of the College’ Ofsted 2013
Drawing inspiration
Annual art exhibition showcases student talent The annual Art, Design and Technology Exhibition turns the spotlight on KS4 & KS5 students’ creativity. Our art department encourages the development of a critical and analytical mind as well as developing more tactile artistic skills. The open studio atmosphere attracts our KS5 students to work during their study periods. Students go on to work in a wide range of creative industries - although the skills nurtured through art can be transferred into other walks of life too.
‘Seeing my work being admired by parents, fellow pupils and the public gave me a lot of confidence’ Phoebe Walker Year 13 art student
Esther Wallace (pictured) showcased her work in summer 2014
Sacred Heart Catholic College, Crosby
sacredheart.sefton.sch.uk
• Students and staff at the popular Leavers’ Ball or ‘prom’ at Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa
Starting points
Successful careers begin at Sacred Heart Many significant professional journeys begin with a grounding at the College and you will find Sacred Heart success stories in all walks of life. Many of those making such journeys return to the College to share their experiences with us, paying back into a community which has enriched them. Their return visits encourage and inspire new generations. Who knows what our current crop of Sacred Heart students will achieve over the coming years?
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Anthony Crean QC (1973 - 1978) ‘The school had a huge influence on my future and I have been delighted to return several times to inspire the next generation of students’ • Barrister Antony Crean is one of the UK’s leading experts on planning law. He became a QC in 2006
Jessica Mills (1998 - 2005) ‘My teachers at Sacred Heart encouraged, challenged and inspired me to want to provide children with the excellent teaching I received’ • Jessica qualified as a teacher from Liverpool John Moores University and is now working at Ursuline Primary School
Heather Yoxall (2000 - 2007) ‘Staff supported my ambition to become a doctor. I learned from extra-curricular activities too - I’d urge pupils to make the most of these’ • Heather qualified from the University of Leeds Medical School and is now working as a junior doctor in Scarborough
Eve McMahon (2005 - 2012) ‘Sacred Heart is a great place to learn. Staff supported and challenged me to achieve my potential - preparing me for life beyond school’ • Eve is in her second year studying history at Magdalene College, Cambridge
• Former Sacred Heart pupil Joe Kendall (right) was ordained by the former Archbishop of LIverpool, Patrick Kelly, at Joe’s childhood parish church St Edmund’s of Canterbury, Waterloo, in 2012
Spiritual journeys
Rooted in our ethos of caring for each other As a Catholic school, Sacred Heart understands the importance of faith in the life of the community within and beyond the school gates.
On Feast Days and Holy Days, the College will ask them to contribute to special services and Masses aimed at celebrating the life of the Church.
Our pupils have the opportunity to attend Mass celebrated by one of our local priests and will usually take Religious Studies through to GCSE.
Our faith is visible in the wide range of community service activities we support, including fundraising for charities such as CAFOD.
They will also take part in and lead worship during Form time and at a weekly Year Assembly in the Chapel.
We are proud of our Christian commitment to work for those who need our help.
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‘Pupils cite the school’s Catholic dimension as an overriding strength, and they respond well to opportunities for their own spiritual and moral development. The quality of collective worship is outstanding’ Archdiocese of Liverpool 2013
The Waterloo Partnership One example of the College’s caring role in the global community is our support for the Waterloo Partnership. The charity was founded in 2005 to forge cultural and educational links with Waterloo, Sierra Leone. It has helped raise tens of thousands of pounds through discos, bag packing and other initiatives improving lives 3,000 miles away. Teacher exchange trips have taken place with the College’s partner school in Sierra Leone, the Lorenzo Gorvie Memorial School. Meanwhile, pupils at Sacred Heart have benefited from learning about west African culture. Sacred Heart pupil Helena Mimnagh said: ‘We have so many luxuries that children in Sierra Leone, who are just like us, don’t have - so, for me, it was time to give something back.’
‘We are grateful to Sacred Heart for supporting sustainable development in Waterloo, Sierra Leone, still one of the poorest countries in the world’ Dr Fred Nye, Waterloo Partnership waterloopartnership.co.uk
Sport for all
College has produced a ‘hall of fame’ of stars The sporting life of Sacred Heart is rich and varied and pupils are given the chance to participate in an impressive amount of physical activities. In addition to following their National Curriculum PE lessons, students can study GCSE PE at KS4 and AS/A-Level PE at KS5. With a state of the art Sports Hall combining a fitness suite and dance studio, two gymnasiums and large, open playing fields, students enjoy working with a highly dedicated team of PE staff and numerous volunteers to maximise their sporting potential.
Extra-curricular PE and sporting opportunities are an outstanding feature of Sacred Heart. Every lunchtime, after school and weekend sees pupils making the most of varied sporting activities available to them. Emphasis is on participation and fun, whilst keeping our pupils active and healthy.
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Dan Purvis (2002 - 2007)
• Sports days give pupils the chance to enjoy the fun and competition of sport
Our school teams succeed at district, county and national level, with students encouraged to perform in the correct sporting manner. Individually, students have achieved success - such as Robert Gilroy who captained the England Under-18 Schoolboys football team in 2012 and Daniel Slater (pictured left) who represented the England Under 15 Cross-Country team in 2014. A number of current sports stars are former pupils, including Dan Purvis and National League netball player Kate Lightfoot (Manchester Dominoes). Professional footballers Victor Anichebe (Everton and West Brom), Adam Hammill (Liverpool and Huddersfield Town) and Chris Doyle (Morecambe) are also former Sacred Heart students.
‘Sacred Heart supported me as I pursued my schoolboy dream to become a gymnast’ Dan Purvis has won gold medals in gymnastics at the European Championships (2012) and the Commonwealth Games (2014). He also won a cherished bronze medal for Team GB at the Olympic Games (2012) in London. In October 2014 he achieved 11th place in the World Gymnastics Championships all-around final in China.
• The magnificent red brick facade of our Liverpool Road Upper Site adorned with autumn colours
Working in partnership Parents play key role in College success We place a high premium on the involvement of parents in all aspects of College life. Our vibrant and ever-generous Parent Teacher Association is one of the key groups of people supporting and adding greatly to the College. From fundraising evenings to sponsoring awards at Presentation Evening, the work of the PTA is visible
and present throughout the College see our website for details. Good communication with parents is important to us. Parents are asked to check and sign their child’s planner weekly, providing the opportunity to comment on any issues to form tutors who will respond. We also offer parents the opportunity at every Consultation Evening to
‘I have many links with Sacred Heart - as a former pupil, as an active member of the school’s PTA and as a parent of two pupils - so I have seen first hand what a wonderful school it is. ‘I feel genuinely privileged to have been part of the school and I would highly recommend it. Sacred Heart is a cherished part of Crosby life’ Carmel Brinkley
complete a survey giving us your views on wider issues of school life. Good home-school communication is underpinned by reporting to you on your child’s progress every half-term. The College Council (pictured above) meets regularly with pupils from different year groups sharing views on topical issues with the headteacher. Last year, we took this collaborative idea further by inviting parents of the College Council to devise a new policy for marking. This year we are setting up a group to look at homework.
Pupils taking up their place in September 2015 are invited to get involved in one of our working parties and help us shape the school for future generations at Sacred Heart. Beyond the academic, our weekly newsletter Heartbeat is produced by staff and pupils for parents and the whole school community to celebrate the diversity of College life. It is available via our website and Parentmail. Parents also play an active role in the work of the Governing Body. Elections for parent governors are held regularly.
Sacred Heart Catholic College, Crosby
‘I really enjoyed my time at Sacred Heart. I learned so much academically, musically, about life, about people and about friendships. I felt especially honoured to be chosen as head girl. It gave me an invaluable opportunity to contribute to the school and wider communities’ Katy Marsh Head Girl, 2013 - 2014
sacredheart.sefton.sch.uk
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© Sacred Heart Catholic College 2014 No photographs or other material from this prospectus may be reproduced without permission of Sacred Heart Catholic College, Crosby Photograph on p22 reproduced with acknowledgement to the Archdiocese of Liverpool
© Design by Tick Media 2014 www.tick-media.co.uk
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Contact us Sacred Heart Catholic College Liverpool Road Crosby Liverpool L23 5TF email: office@sacredheart.sefton.sch.uk web: sacredheart.sefton.sch.uk tel: 0151 931 2971