Sacred Heart Catholic College, Crosby, 2018 Prospectus

Heart of Crosby

Prospectus 2018

Sacred Heart Catholic College, Crosby @SacredHrtCrosby

sacredheart.sefton.sch.uk

Sacred Heart Catholic College

sacredheart.sefton.sch.uk

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Contents 4

Community

A vibrant, caring school at the heart of Crosby and Waterloo

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.

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How we set high standards in all areas of school life

Aiming high

Strengthened by our belief in long-standing values such as the commitment to high achievement and to realising the potential of all, we are also a forward-thinking organisation focused on equipping our students to take their place in the world of tomorrow.

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Springboard

In fact, as a Christian community we understand that the two aims are necessarily linked.

Success in all walks of life begins at Sacred Heart

10 Spiritual life

Catholic faith underpins life within and beyond the school gates

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Creativity

How extra-curricular activities are enriching our pupils’ learning

22 Heritage

The College is celebrating its 40th anniverary in 2017

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 teamwork, 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.

© Tick Media 2017 www.tick-media.co.uk

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

sacredheart.sefton.sch.uk

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College is proud of its key role in our community

Heart of Crosby Sacred Heart is a vibrant, caring school at the heart of our community.

Our catchment area centres on our five local parishes in Crosby and Waterloo but the College also takes pupils from the wider north Merseyside area.

Our links with our partner schools are strong. In some cases several generations of the same family have followed the same route from primary school to the College.

Our three partner primary schools are 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.

Each summer the College hosts its Heart of Crosby festival giving pupils from partner schools a chance to explore and learn about Sacred Heart.

It’s a fun, informative and hopefully memorable day.

Caring and achieving excellence within a Christian community

Pupils and staff received the prestigious award at a ceremony at the Royal Liver Buildings, Liverpool.

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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.

Ofsted

The event won the Creative Team Project of the Year at the Archdiocesan Schools Awards in 2017 (pictured).

Our Governing Body is representative of our wider community, making the most of varied skills and experience.

This ethos of Sacred Heart being at the centre of the communities we serve has been the hallmark of the College over its successful history.

Students are very proud of their College and its positive, friendly, supportive atmosphere

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Sacred Heart Catholic College

sacredheart.sefton.sch.uk

Raising standards, achieving success

Dream big and aim high Our College is a friendly, engaging place - one that understands the importance of hard work and respect for high standards in everything we do.

As well as academic success we also aim high in areas such as behaviour, attendance and uniform.

The broad and challenging curriculum is complemented by exciting opportunities outside of the classroom, supported by our 150-strong team of experienced and highly-qualiďŹ ed sta.

Year 7 places at Sacred Heart are regularly oversubscribed, emphasising how attractive the College is within our local community

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Caring and achieving excellence within a Christian community

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The college has robust systems to track pupil progress and achievement. The curriculum offers a good range of academic subjects to meet student needs Ofsted

This prospectus - Heart of Crosby - is designed to provide a snapshot of life at Sacred Heart.

Parents and students have the chance to find out more about our College at our Open Evening each September and at a range of special events for Year 5 and Year 6 children.

We know that the transition from primary to secondary can be a daunting step for any child. We work hard with families and feeder schools.

We welcome enquiries about admissions, offering tours or answering queries. Families wanting to come and see the College are welcome to contact Clare Campbell, Director of Lower School on 0151 931 2971.

FAQs Q. What measures are there to help the transition of pupils to secondary school?

A. Parents tell us they value the arrangements made to help their child as they join Sacred Heart.

For instance, as they are used to their own space at primary school, we allocate one yard to Y7 pupils and another to Y8 pupils. Pupils at our Lower Site have access to laboratories, workshops, subject classrooms and a large sports hall.

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 Coordinator (SENCo) who works closely with a range of support staff to make sure that every pupil feels supported.

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 great range of food available at both sites. Pupils are increasingly opting for hot dinners but 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.

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Sacred Heart Catholic College

sacredheart.sefton.sch.uk

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Distinguished careers begin at Sacred Heart

Springboard to success

Success stories from all walks of life begin at Sacred Heart. And, thankfully, our former pupils are happy to return to share their experiences with us.

Olympic bronze medal winning gymnast Dan Purvis also maintains strong links with the College - another inspirational role model.

Such visits encourage and inspire new generations of young adults as they set off on their professional journeys.

Classical singer Danielle Thomas (pictured below) is another welcome return visitor to her former College.

Anthony Crean QC regularly returns to the College to talk to students about ‘a life in law’ while also attending our annual Sixth Form Prizegiving as guest of honour (pictured above).

Mr Crean kindly initiated our Law Essay Prize awarded annually, earning the winners £500 each and the opportunity of work placement at his chambers.

Caring and achieving excellence within a Christian community

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The school had a huge influence on my future and I hope to inspire the next generation of students Anthony Crean QC Pupil (1973 - 1978) Barrister

“ • Dan Purvis (above) donated an old school sports day certificate to our time capsule in the new Sixth Form Centre in 2016

Danielle performs nationally and is well known locally as ‘Liverpool’s singer in residence’ and as the North West Cancer Research’s first ambassador.

Other past pupils to make return visits include former professional footballer Emy Onuora, now a writer and lecturer in ethnic studies and race relations.

He spoke to students about his book Pitch Black, which critically scrutinises the attitudes of FIFA, the FA and the media to racism in the sport.

Who knows what our current crop of Sacred Heart students will achieve over the coming years?

The staff at Sacred Heart were really supportive…they helped make going to Oxford a realistic goal Rebecca Withey Pupil (2008 - 2015) Studying law, Year 3, New College, Oxford

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Sacred Heart supported me as I pursued my schoolboy dream to become a gymnast Dan Purvis Pupil (2002 - 2007) Olympic gymnast

Sacred Heart Catholic College

sacredheart.sefton.sch.uk

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Caring for others is rooted in our College ethos

Spiritual journeys

As a Catholic school, Sacred Heart understands the importance of faith in the life of the community within and beyond the school gates.

pensioners at Christmas, or promoting a children’s hospice, pupils lend a hand to communities near and far.

Pupils have the opportunity to attend Mass celebrated by one of our local priests and they will usually take Religious Studies through to GCSE. They will also take part in and lead worship such as on Feast Days and Holy Days when the College will ask them to contribute to special services and Masses.

Whether it is visiting elderly at nearby Nazareth House, playing music for

Former Sacred Heart pupil Rev Joe Kendall with former Archbishop of Liverpool, Patrick Kelly, at Joe’s childhood parish church St Edmund’s of Canterbury, Waterloo

Centrepiece artwork depicts schools’ unity

Heart of Glass The College commissioned glass artist Julie Langan to create the eyecatching ‘Heart’ installation that adorns the entrance to our Sixth Form Centre.

Julie also made replica fragments which were presented to the College’s three partner schools and five associated parishes in Crosby and Waterloo.

We’re very honoured that the pieces which symbolise the fact that together

we form the Heart of Crosby - now adorn our local schools and churches.

The three headteachers (pictured above) - Pat Speed (Great Crosby), Kieran Loftus (St Edmund’s and St Thomas’) and Mark McQueen (Ursuline) - received their fragment at a special staff Mass.

The service is held each September when staff from our partner schools join us in the College chapel.

Sacred Heart Catholic College

sacredheart.sefton.sch.uk

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Parents play a key role in College’s success

Working in partnership We place a high premium on the involvement of parents in all aspects of College life.

weekly, providing the opportunity to comment on any issues to their child’s form tutor who will respond.

Our vibrant and ever-generous Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is one of the key groups of people supporting and adding greatly to the College.

We also offer parents the opportunity at every consultation evening to complete a survey giving us your views on wider issues of school life.

From fundraising evenings to sponsoring awards at our presentation evenings, the work of the PTA is evident throughout the College.

Good home-school communication is underpinned by reporting to you on your child’s progress every half-term.

Good communication with parents is important to us. Parents are asked to check and sign their child’s planner

The College Council meets regularly with pupils from different year groups sharing views on topical issues with the Headteacher.

Caring and achieving excellence within a Christian community

We recently took this collaborative idea further by inviting parents of the College Council to devise a new policy for marking. We also set up a group to look at homework.

Pupils taking up their place in September 2018 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, Parentmail or in print from reception.

Parents also play an active role in the work of the Governing Body. Elections for parent governors are held regularly.

As part of our continuing aim to communicate effectively with our school community and, indeed, the wider communities across Sefton, we run a Twitter account.

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Sacred Heart Catholic College is built on its successful community spirit and welcoming, inclusive nature. The effective communication between parents and teachers positively enhances the academic performances of the children. The school offers a safe environment where our children learn, grow and mature as successful individuals whilst learning to be part of a team Jenny Antrobus Secretary, PTA

@SacredHrtCrosby

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Sacred Heart Catholic College

sacredheart.sefton.sch.uk

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Celebration of dance, drama, art and music

Creativity is contagious

Any edition of our weekly newsletter Heartbeat will tell you that the College is a hive of creativity outside the classroom as well as inside.

Our extensive extra-curricular life includes possibilities for all tastes. The school choir and orchestra are flourishing at all levels and regularly tour and perform at prestigious venues here and abroad.

Our drama department produces an annual play or musical (e.g. The Wizard of Oz in 2017) as well as organising theatre trips.

Dance and PE link up for our everpopular 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 creative talent of our pupils.

Visitors are made to feel welcome at these events. You can find details on the College website or in Heartbeat.

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The school provides ample opportunities for students to experience a broad and broadening education Ofsted

Caring and achieving excellence within a Christian community

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College produces a ‘hall of fame’

Sport for all The sporting life of Sacred Heart is rich and varied with pupils being given the chance to participate in a wide range of physical activities.

Emphasis is on participation and fun, whilst keeping our pupils active and healthy.

Pupils not only take part and excel in sport - they study it too. In addition to their National Curriculum PE lessons, they can study GCSE PE at KS4 and AS/A-Level PE at KS5.

The College is proud of its modern Sports Hall combining a dance studio, fitness suite and two gymnasiums.

We also have large, open playing fields at both site

Sam Ramos Sam (Y10) is an exceptionally talented gymnast who won gold at the 2015 British Gymnastics Trampolining and Tumbling Championships at the ECHO Arena, Liverpool.

He combines his studies with intensive training which has helped him become one of the UK’s leading individual and synchronised trampolining stars.

Caring and achieving excellence within a Christian community

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We encourage competitiveness while also emphasising the health, wellbeing, team spirit and general fun offered by sport 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 sporting activities with a busy schedule of activities and fixtures throughout the year.

The College recently won the prestigious Merseyside Sports Partnership School of the Year Award supported by the National Lottery and Sport England.

Judges recognised the vast range of sports on offer at the College and the large numbers of pupils participating.

Just as importantly, they also recognised the success of the College’s teams and individuals on a regional and national level.

Recent successes include: • Sefton Netball League for Years 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and Sixth form • Sefton U15 Football Cup • Both Sefton and Merseyside U18 Football cup • Sefton Rounders competition for Years 7, 9 and 10 • Sefton Schools swimming galas for Years 7 and 8

The College also reached the national finals of the cross country and trampoline championships.

College students have also achieved individual successes including representing the City of Liverpool and North West at swimming; captaining the English Catholic Schools football team; winning the national cross country championships; becoming the Liverpool Ladies U16 football captain; winning a bronze medal at the British National Judo Championships.

An important aspect of the College’s sporting life is organising competitions, forging links with partner schools, facilitating Junior Sports Leaders Qualifications, and supporting Y12 and Y13 students to help sports clubs across the College and beyond.

Sacred Heart Catholic College

sacredheart.sefton.sch.uk

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Bringing out the best in every student

Learning skills for life 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.

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Students show a very positive attitude to their lessons... and they confidently share their aspirations’ Ofsted

Caring and achieving excellence within a Christian community

Examination results over recent years make Sacred Heart one of the most successful schools in Sefton.

Achievement is very high across a whole range of subjects, and pupils at the College will typically take around 10 GCSEs, ranging from academic subjects such as Separate Sciences to vocational qualifications such as Catering. Our curriculum has pathways for everyone.

We help our students to excel academically while giving them support and encouragement to flourish as young people, preparing them for the next stage in life’s journey.

Former pupil Rachel Holbrook (2005 2012) said: “My time at Sacred Heart equipped me with the skills to both undertake a degree in Veterinary Medicine, and tackle the wider world with all of its challenges.

“The school helped me realise my childhood dream of studying to become a vet, supporting me through the application process, providing mock interviews and ensuring I achieved the necessary grades.

“I look back on my Sacred Heart days with such fond memories.”

The College’s custom-built Sixth Form Centre opened in 2016, offering first class study facilities.

Strong A Level results have meant that our Sixth Form numbers have grown considerably in recent years and these are very exciting times for us at the College.

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My teachers at Sacred Heart encouraged, challenged and inspired me to want to provide children with the excellent teaching I received Jessica Morris Pupil (1998 - 2005) Qualfied as a teacher from Liverpool John Moores University

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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 Yoxall Pupil (2000 - 2007) Qualified as a doctor from Leeds University Medical School

Sacred Heart Catholic College

sacredheart.sefton.sch.uk

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Consultation on school matters is encouraged

What do our pupils say?

Listening is an important aspect of learning - and listening to the views of our students is something the College believes in strongly.

Our College Council is one way pupils can share their ideas about making life at Sacred Heart even better. But we encourage all pupils to have their say.

School inspectors told us that ‘students are very proud of their College and its

positive, friendly, supportive atmosphere... and parents and carers agree with this view.’ Feedback from students is important.

We value what students say and we learn from it.

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France, 2016 Cumbria, 2017

Belgium, 2016

New York, 2017 Austria, 2017

Deepening understanding through travel

Educational trips Our overseas learning trips see Sacred Heart pupils travel across Europe and beyond - providing lifelong memories of their College days.

The cultural, sporting, musical trips or simply trips to learn about new countries, are aimed at broadening horizons in a friendly, safe and supportive environment.

Our aim is for each pupil to be involved in at least one trip every year.

Examples include Barcelona, Prague, New York, Paris, Rome and ski-ing in Austria.

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Personal development of students is a strong feature of the College Ofsted

Sacred Heart Catholic College

sacredheart.sefton.sch.uk

College is celebrating its 40th anniversary

Rich in heritage Sacred Heart Catholic College has its roots in two Catholic schools - Seafield Convent and St Bede’s Secondary Modern.

Seafield opened in 1908 for girls from the local Catholic parishes. The school merged with St Bede’s in 1977 and ‘Sacred Heart’ was formed.

2017 marks the 40th anniversary of this amalgamation and the College will be holding several events, beginning with a special Mass and party on 29th and 30th September 2017 for former pupils, staff and others of all generations.

For further information about our ‘Sacred Heart at 40’ celebrations visit the College website.

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Caring and achieving excellence within a Christian community

Sacred Heart Catholic College Liverpool Road Crosby Liverpool L23 5TF email: oďŹƒce@sacredheart.sefton.sch.uk web: sacredheart.sefton.sch.uk tel: 0151 931 2971