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News, pictures and pupil's articles from St. Ambrose Barlow RC High School and Sixth Form College, an outstanding school in Salford, UK.
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christmasNEWSLETTER SEPT - DEC2015
St A
mbr
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Bar
low
RC
Hig
h Sc
hool
& S
ixth
For
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“Inspiring students with LOTS OF IDEAS!
Local MP
“
Since I took up my post on July 1st I have been immersed in the many stories that make up this great school. I started on the hottest day of the year, when the big news was not a brand new Headteacher, but whether or not blazers could be removed on account of the soaring temperatures. In the months that have followed I have been absorbed by our stories: the successes and challenges of the young people in this school. I have shared with them, and with the staff, the inevitable highs and lows of daily life in school. This edition of the newsletter is packed with stories and pictures of life in and around school: trips, learning experiences, artwork, enterprise. The list goes on, but packed though it is, the newsletter is but a snapshot of life at St. Ambrose Barlow RC High School and Sixth Form College. I hope you enjoy reading about our school.
Since September we have made excellent progress with the Sixth Form, fashioning a unique offer as a small, nurturing creative environment. It is an experience that no other college can match. We have drawn up a new and ambitious development strategy for the next three to five years placing a strong emphasis on improving communication with parents and guardians and building on our already successful external partnerships. It has been a pleasure to get to know the young people - those for whom this school exists - and even more of a joy to partake in spirited discussion with them via the expansion of opportunities for student voice and leadership. The Inclusion Quality Mark inspection in early July praised our ethos so it is very rewarding to see each day the difference that this makes each day to all our young people, particularly the many who are vulnerable.
This month we have begun a new focus on promoting positive mental health and wellbeing. I regard this as the most important of all the initiatives that have started this term. It is vital that our approach is courageous and thoughtful, underpinned by our faith and values. Our faith imbues every interaction in this school, no matter how minor. It is worth reminding ourselves of the importance of even the smallest action and its potential to improve or diminish relationships. A renewed focus on mental wellbeing asks that we revisit how we build these relationships, especially with our students, but also between departments and beyond the school gates. It
challenges us to be open to new ideas, to be creative and it is right that we consider afresh how the values that bind us are expressed.
I love coming to work here each day for many reasons, but the support and friendship of the staff, students and parents is a great factor. I would like to thank to all staff for their work this term, but I feel that I should mention particularly the teaching assistants, administration, welfare and finance staff who make a vital contribution. I am sure that all parents and guardians will join me in thanking our staff for the difference they make each to the lives of our students. They are dedicated, hardworking and show great care towards the communities we serve. Finally, I must pay tribute to George Glover (Teaching Assistant) and Gill Brunt (Head of Languages) who retire this term. In different ways they exemplify the goodness that lives in this school with their calm outlook, humour and sense of commitment. They will be missed.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful and Happy New Year for 2016. If I have not yet had a chance to meet with you I look forward to doing so soon. I am always keen to hear from parents, guardians and members of the local community so please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Yours faithfully,
Ben DavisHeadteacher
MusicReligious EducationModern Foreign LanguageDramaMathsComputer ScienceSport
01
02
03
04
05
06
departments
School CouncilCharityCareers
our school
Senior Citizens PartyTeacher Training
events
Year 7 - Eat healthily this Christmas!
Selection of Year 11 Art work
art
Give students a voice
Record incidents
Simple categorisation and control
Powerful real-time reports
Accessible anytime, anywhere
Instant, custom notifications
Access control
tootoot
Ammended 2015-16 School Calendar
calendar
01 departments
MusicSalford and the Somme Project.
Fifteen Year 8 pupils have been involved in this project. They have been working with Professor Davismoon from Salford University to produce their own compositions which reflects on the Battle of the Somme, and the effect that it had on Salford. Their compositions will be broadcast at the Bridgewater Hall on the 1st of July. School Choir
The school choir have been busy performing during the last few weeks of term. They have performed for the Senior Citizen’s party, at the Ellesmere Shopping Centre for the Rotary Club to raise money for charity, along with singing at the Swinton Hall care home. The choir meet on a Wednesday after school from 3.20 until 4.20 - new members welcome!
Religious Education8th December
On 8th December, the Solemnity of the Immaculate
Conception, Mr Davies (RE) and Mrs Thompson
were privileged to take three pupils to Salford
Cathedral for the Launch of Pope Francis’ Year of
Mercy. Brendan, Logan and Hana had a brilliant
time and the Mass, presided over by Bishop
John Arnold, was really geared to the youth of the
Diocese. Year 8 pupil, Logan, also represented the
school in the Offertory procession.
As part of the Year of Mercy, every school in the
Diocese will receive the ‘Holy Doors’ – St Ambrose
Barlow will be one of the last schools to receive the
Doors on 21st November 2016. However, this Mass
gave us a sneak preview. We look forward to joining
in lots of activities during the Year of Mercy when we
will have many opportunities to explore forgiveness,
love and mercy as a school.
MFL¡Hola Bienvenida al Español!
The MFL department have recently returned from Barcelona. We have all had a fantastic time. I am so proud of each and every one of them! They were enthusiastic and appreciative of everything we did. I hope they have lots of fond memories of the trip.
Drama
An Evening of Monologues and Duologues, Wednesday 21.10.15
On the evening of Wednesday 21st October we
welcomed an audience of students, ex students,
teachers, parents and other family members to
support both the year 10 and year 11 GCSE Drama
students. The work presented was exceptional
and was warmly appreciated by the audience.
This year for the first time we finished the evening
with a round of ‘Beyoncelogues’ and other similar
performances where the monologues are made of
well known lyrics. These were received extremely
well on the evening itself and on Open Evening. We
even got a tweet from the queen of ‘Beyoncelogue’
monologues herself after the event!
Victoria Burrows, Drama Director: Professional Debut
We are delighted to report that ex Ambrose Barlow
student, Victoria Burrows, has made her professional
debut in Manchester’s newest theatre venue, HOME.
She took on the role of lead Chorus member in the
condensed version of the Greek Tragedy Trilogy,
THE ORESTEIA. A number of teachers have made
the effort to see the show, which Vicky has really
appreciated.
Year 11 Theatre Trip to the Lowry to see ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time’
On Wednesday 18th November the year 11
GCSE Drama class visited the Lowry to see the
professional production of their set text. We were
extremely fortunate to have secured seats for this
popular show and all absolutely LOVED it!
Drama
The Drama Department welcomes the NEW GCSE year 10 group
The new GCSE drama group started work in September with a deep think about the philosophy of UBUNTU (‘Together we get there stronger’). We recreated the circle of the African Tribes who practice this philosophy and thought deeply about how significant we are to each other’s’ learning.
Drama Club (Years 7 -10) and Neon Sounds (Year 7)
The Drama Club is run on a Friday after school for students in year’s 7 to 10. Neon Sounds (a choir that focuses on recreating modern chart tunes) is run on Friday lunchtime for year 7 students; with older students from last year rehearsing independently afterschool on Fridays. The clubs are regularly attended by over 20 students. Both groups have been a pleasure to work with and will be performing in the MMADD concert after the Advent Liturgy on Tuesday 15th December.
Stage Blocks for the Drama StudioTHANK YOU!
We have been able to order these stage blocks after continues fund raising at all our public performances. These are the same blocks used by the National Theatre Company in the play ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time’, which year 11 are studying as their set text this year. If you came to a performance and contributed, we all thank you! These blocks will be used to stage drama and show art work.
Maths
Maths Primary Road Show
The Maths Primary Road show ran for 2 mornings
with children from St Marks, St Marys, St Lukes,
St Charles, St Edmunds and Christ the King in
attendance. It was a morning of fun maths games
and puzzles which was enjoyed by all the children.
The year 6 pupils demonstrated an excellent
attitude and worked very hard, everyone received
a certificate. There were also prizes for teams who
completed the challenges in the quickest time. A
big thank you to the year 9 pupils who supported
the morning, they were a credit to the school!
Computer Science
Hour of Code:
The 7th – 10th December was Hour of Code week.
This international event was established to promote
Computer programming to young people. All Key
Stage 3 classes have completed the hour of code
this week and they will receive their certificates
soon.
Mr Clancy’s coding club has now met 4 times.
Pupils have been learning to program in a number
of different languages including; Python, Java and
Scratch.
Year 7 need to keep an eye out for the arrival of
the “Microbit”. More information to follow after
Christmas.
PE
Rugby League
The year 8 rugby team are currently the Salford Champions and have had a busy and challenging start to the year. They have been taking part in the toughest rugby league competition in the country.
The ‘Champions Schools’ is not for the faint hearted. It consists of the toughest rugby league teams in the country. Their first game was against Standish High School in Wigan. Ambrose Barlow channelled their aggression and played out of their skins to an emphatic victory.
Unfortunately they were outclassed by a fantastic Cowley High School in the next round. They look forward to defend their title in the Salford league which starts later this year.
PE
Year 9
The year 9 rugby team have had a successful season. The finished Salford 7’s champions overcoming some tough opposition. They also finished third in the league.
Year 11
The year 11 team who are also Salford Champions have had a busy start to the year. They have made an excellent start to season by winning the Salford 7’s competition for the third consecutive year. The also top the table in the league.They were unlucky in the ‘Champions Schools’ competition and were knocked out by a strong Wade Deacon High School from St Helens.
02 our school
School Council
#MakeYourMark
November 16th - 20th marked the annual Parliament
Week in the UK. Our School Council used the recent
#MakeYourMark campaign to show how powerful
student voices can be! Following that, this enabled
our Council to arrange for our local MP and Youth
MP to visit our school. The event was a huge
success and we used the forum to debate about
current issues; ranging from the plight of the Syrian
refugees and the events in Paris, to more local and
community issues that our students feel passionate
about. Take a look at the event in pictures... We had
a great time!
Check back next time, for an update from our very
own Oliver lea - voted as Salford’s Youth Councillor
for St Ambrose. Well done Oliver!
Charity
We are collecting items for refugees and food for
Loaves and Fishes at the drop in centre in Salford.
Hollie Mellor and pupils have helped to raise £155
pounds so far for St Ann’s Hospice and we are
hoping to raise more by the end of term.
Please be aware, we will also be holding a Fairtrade
stall at St Edmund’s Parish Church on Sunday
December 13th.
CareersYear 11 Mock Interview day
Each year, the careers team hold a mock interview day for all year 11 pupils, this year including year 12 and 13. This was held in November. All the pupils who took part looked extremely smart and did themselves, the school and their parents proud by their conduct in the interview with representatives from the world of work. Well done to you all. Careers week/ Year 10, 12 and 13 trip to the Big Careers Fair.
The school has held a focus week for career opportunities during the week of 25th November, where part of all lessons and form time was focused on informing pupils about the world of work and post-14/post-16 options. During this week, year 10 pupils went on a trip to the Etihad stadium for the Big Careers Fair event. All the pupils who went were excellent ambassadors for the school and felt that this was a valuable research opportunity.
03 events
Dragons DenYear 7 pupils at St Ambrose Barlow RC High School
saw all their hard work on a Dragons Den enterprise
challenge pay off this week at their Christmas fair.
Over the course of the past 8 weeks pupils have been
working to set up their own businesses, working in
teams to develop a product and pitch their idea to
a group of dragons to gain a £10 loan from school
to set up their business. After successfully gaining
their loan they then developed their products to sell
them to friends, parents at the Christmas Fair.
Business and ICT teacher at the school, Sally
Cheshire, said: “The project has been a huge
success and all pupils were a credit to themselves
and the school at the Christmas fair. There were
30 businesses in total selling products at the fair
and each one was fantastic. Between them they
managed to raise over £1000 of which we have
donated half to St Ann’s Hospice and the rest has
been given back to the pupils to split equally in their
businesses. Thank you so much to all who attended
on Tuesday to support the pupils. We believe
developing enterprise skills is a key to success for
our pupils. This is the first time the project has run
and we are so impressed with the results.”
One pupil said: “I enjoyed the enterprise project
because it gave me the chance to work as a team
and earn a bit of money. It was exciting to set
everything up and make our products as a group.
It was an opportunity to build a stronger friendship
with the people in my group. We were having lots
of fun by selling our products to customers, and we
were making lots of profit! Over all it was a good
experience and it taught me to work as a team to
make money.”
Senior Citizens Party
For more than 20 years, St Ambrose Barlow RC
High School has put on an afternoon of festivities for
our local Senior Citizens. We advertise in our local
Parishes and local area next to the school.
The families in school donate a small amount of
money (usually £1.00), which is used to buy goods
that is made into hampers for our guests. School
staff donate gifts, which are wrapped and handed
out by Father Christmas on the day as an additional
gift with the hamper. Our students make mince pies
and Christmas cakes for each person too.
The whole afternoon was a celebration of Liturgy,
recognising the birth of Jesus and a showcase of
students’ singing voices and dancing. Our Senior
Citizens are usually Grandparents and friends from
the community and they too join in with the singing.
Our aim is to let them know that we are thankful for
the support they give to school and their families and
some of them will be ex-students themselves!! The
Concert was our chance to bring them all together
and thank them for all they do.
Prizes!
Over the past few days we have been giving out
prizes to those pupils who have made exceptional
effort within school. Those pupils attend before
school and after school to make quicker progress
in relation to their studies. We are super proud of
their commitment and effort to better themselves in
a variety of areas.
Year 11 Rewards Trip - The Rock Bowling
Jacob Andrews and Josh Hart
Staff Dance
Your students have the WOW factor! I was seriously impressed. Exceptional teachers! exceptional school.
Marilyn Comrie
“ “
Ambrose Got Talent
Teacher Training
Are you interested in training to become a primary or secondary school teacher?
Our school is part of a growing number of schools
that is leading the way for more school-led teacher
training. This is really important to us because
it means we can choose the very best talent and
develop them into teachers. Being able to choose
who we train as teachers helps us in delivering
the best outcomes for the students at St Ambrose
Barlow.
We have vacancies now to start training from
September 2016 and we would be very interested
to hear from you if you are thinking of becoming a
teacher, or know someone who is. We’re looking
for people who have (or will have) a degree, have
a passion for teaching and want to inspire young
people to fulfil their potential. There are bursaries of
up to £30K available for priority subject areas.
We’d love for you to come in and have a chat with
us about the exciting teacher training opportunities
available. We can also provide you with support and
guidance on your application form and offer you
school experience if you just want a taster of what
teaching could be like. For more information contact
[email protected] or call 0161 9211600.
You can also find more information on our website
http://www.stambrosebarlowswinton.org/teaching-
school/train-with-us/
For any further information on what becoming a
teacher might involve more generally, you can also
visit http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching.
04 art
Art
Year 7
A reminder from year 7 to eat healthily this
Christmas! Year 7 pupils are currently making
artwork inspired by book Illustrator Eric Carle.
The artwork in this image was created by Esme
McComb, Lilly Murray, Cameron Ashton, Madison
Egerton, Jack Kelly, Mia Tierney and Molly Collier.
05 tootoot
Tootoot will be launched by the school in January. Here is how and why it works
Whether you’re a primary school or a university, giving your students a safe place to
confidentially disclose their worries and concerns is the most important thing, and it’s central
to how tootoot works. We provide your students with a platform to communicate anonymously
1-to-1, directly with a member of your staff.
Give students a voice
Record incidents
Outside of responding and resolving student’s concerns, tootoot allows your staff to quickly
and easily record and log any incidents they observe. Whether it be a fight on the playground,
a dirty uniform, instances of discrimination, harassment or any other safeguarding related
incident, tootoot can document everything. It is also much faster and more convenient than
paper-based reporting forms.
TootootSimple categorisation and control
Incidents recorded by your staff and concerns reported by your students can quickly and
easily be categorised upon resolution, which allows your senior leadership to create eye-
opening reports. These incidents and student concerns can also be reassigned between
your team, ensuring the right person is on the case at all times. It’s simple to use and very
insightful.
Powerful real-time reports
Senior leadership teams, governors and regulatory bodies such as Ofsted each require
different data at different times, but how long does it take you to get it right now? With the
click of a button, tootoot collects, analyses and creates detailed reports instantly, anytime of
the day. You’ll no longer have to spend hours riffling through filing cabinets.
Accessible anytime, anywhere
Students can report concerns and worries around the clock from anywhere in the world, either
on a computer via a web browser, or on a mobile with native apps for iOS, Android, Windows
Phone and Blackberry. Your staff are able to respond to your students, resolve their concerns
and even record safeguarding incidents on-the-go, using the very same app.
Instant, custom notifications
Everytime you, your staff or your students carry out an action on tootoot, an email will
automatically be sent out to notify those relevant. Whether it’s to notify your pastoral team that
a student has reported a concern, or to notify a head of year that they’ve been assigned to
an incident, tootoot will send out the right emails at the right time, meaning there’s no need to
check tootoot every day. And don’t worry about being bombarded, everyone can customise
their notification settings so they only receive the emails that are important to them.
Access control
With tootoot you can ensure that members of your staff have the appropriate access, and it’s
really easy to control. For example you may want to give some staff members the ability to
help students resolve their concerns, whilst giving higher access to members of your pastoral
team, who would be able to see a student’s entire incident and reporting history.
This is such an amazing school. An amazing Presentation Evening always makes me so proud to work with talented students and teachers.
Alison Watson, A Class of Your Own
“ “
06 calendar
School closes at 3.15 pm on the days indicated below School re-opens
2016 Autumn Term
Term begins Thursday 3rd September 2015
Mid Term Friday 23rd October 2015 Monday, 2nd November 2015
Christmas Friday 18th December 2015
2017 Spring Term
New Year Monday 4th January 2016
Mid Term Friday 12th February 2016 Monday 22nd February 2016
Easter Friday 18th March, 2016 Tuesday 5th April 2016
2017 Summer Term
Staff Training Thursday 21st April 2016at 3.15pm Monday 25th April 2016
May Day Friday 29th April, 2016 Tuesday 3rd May 2016
Mid Term Friday 27nd May 2016 Monday 6th June 2016
Summer Friday 15th July 2016
STAFF TRAINING DAYS
Tuesday 1st September 2015
Wednesday 2nd September 2015
Friday 22nd April, 2016
TwILIGHT (commencing at 3.15pm)
Thursday 21st April, 2016
Monday 4th April, 2016 (additional training day approved by the Governors)
St Ambrose Barlow RC High School
Holiday Dates 2015/2016
60
37 Ash Drive | Wardley | Swinton | M27 9QP | Tel 0161 921 1570 | [email protected] | www.stambrosebarlowswinton.org
St Ambrose Barlow RC High School & Sixth Form CollegeA National Teaching School
A National School of Creativity