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BLESSED WILLIAM HOWARD DEO FIDELIS ET PATRIAE

Catholic High School

A Specialist Arts College

Specialist Schoolsand Academies TrustE X C E L L E N C E A N D D I V E R S I T Y

Emphasis on Catholicity

Blessed William Howard is a Catholic comprehensive High School for young people aged 11 - 18 years serving the Stafford and district area in the Archdiocese of Birmingham. The school is also a Specialist Arts College, now in phase 2 of this designation, and has been awarded Artsmark Gold for the second time by the Arts Council, England on account of its provision and success in the arts.

As a Catholic school, we are part of the teaching mission of the Catholic Church. Our strong Catholic ethos commits us to live as a community according to the values of the Gospel and to make Christ known in today’s world. Gospel values help us to recognise the individual dignity of each and every pupil created as they are in God’s image and likeness. These values help to offer a Christian benchmark in a secular society and, as the late Cardinal Hume said, "can make a significant contribution to the debate about the common good in the modern world".

As a school community we have high standards and expectations for work, behaviour and appearance. Academic excellence, reflected annually in examination results; strength in our pastoral care structures; pride in our appearance; and readiness for work are central to our daily life here. As students put on the uniform and step through the doors, they symbolically wrap around them the values we all share, values that reflect the principles of 'Every Child Matters'.

At Blessed William Howard Catholic High School your child will be guided and cared for by dedicated and enthusiastic teachers who have committed themselves to teach in a Catholic school. As a Specialist Arts College, we have been moving into exciting times and a number of developments benefiting the whole school have followed as a result of specialist designation. Specialist status brings excellent opportunities for all our students and supports their learning by developing their creativity across the whole curriculum. Above all we hope that your child will enjoy five, six or seven very happy and fulfilling years at Blessed William Howard in this Christian environment.

P. SmithHeadteacher

Blessed William Howard Catholic High SchoolA Specialist Arts College


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Emphasis on CommunitySchool Mission Statement

"I have come that you may have life;life in all its fullness(John 10:10)

l In this school community we commit ourselves to Catholic education

l We dedicate ourselves to excellence for all and the continuing development of the whole person

l Our shared purpose is to lead each person towards a fullfilled life founded on Christ's teaching of love and respect for one another and to hand on his promise of a life to come

“your education is your life; guard it well”(Proverbs 4:13)

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I believe that an atmosphere of caring together with a spiritual ethos and a sound educational base is important for the development of children and this is borne out at Blessed William Howard

PARENT

Of the lessons observed 80% were judged to be good or outstanding and there was no unsatisfactory teaching.

Archdiocese of Birmingham Inspection

March 2009

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Admission CriteriaThe admission process is part of the Staffordshire LA co-ordinated scheme.

The Admission Policy of the Governors of Blessed William Howard Catholic High School is as follows:

The school was founded by the Catholic Church to provide education for children of Catholic families. The school is conducted by its governing body as part of the Catholic Church in accordance with its Trust Deed and Instrument of Government and seeks at all times to be a witness to Jesus Christ.

The School’s Admission Number for the school year beginning in September 2010 is 186.

If the number of applications exceeds the admission number, the Governors will give priority to applications in accordance with the criteria listed, provided that the Governors are made aware of that application before decisions on admissions are made (see Note 1*).

In all categories, priority will be given to those who have a brother or sister (see Note 2*) attending Blessed William Howard Catholic High School at the time of admission.

1 Baptised Catholic children who are in the care of the local authority (looked-after children) or provided with accommodation by them (e.g. children with foster parents (Section 22 of the Children Act 1989).2 Baptised Catholic children (see Note 3*) who currently attend a Catholic feeder school (see Note 4*).3 Baptised Catholic children who currently attend a Catholic school.4 Baptised Catholic children who currently attend a non-Catholic school.5 Non-Catholic children who are in the care of the local authority (looked-after children) or provided with accommodation by them (e.g. children with foster parents) (Section 22 of the Children Act 1989).6 Non-Catholic children who currently attend a Catholic feeder school.7 Non-Catholic children who currently attend a Catholic school.8 Non-Catholic children who currently attend a non-Catholic school.

If there is over-subscription within a category, the Governors will give priority to children living closest to the school determined by the shortest straight line distance measured from the front door of the school to the home address.

*For further information and Notes on admissions, please see additional guidance at the back of the prospectus.

LiturgyParents would rightly expect the place of liturgy in a Catholic school to be of prime importance. The musical tradition of the school adds greatly to the impact and the experience of different religious celebrations during the school year. Mass is central to the Catholic faith. Whole school Masses are celebrated for the patronal Feast of Blessed William Howard in October, for Christmas and for Easter. A special Mass of Welcome is celebrated every September for both Year 7 and Year 12/13 students; Leavers’ Masses for Year 11 and Year 13 students mark rites of passage in the life of young people; Holy days of obligation see Mass celebrated in school; Class Masses offer the opportunity to worship in fellowship together and the Church's year is marked by liturgies of worship and celebration. Such liturgies are carefully prepared and contribute in a significant manner to the spiritual and cultural life of students. Sacramental liturgies are led by the School Chaplain who is a regular visitor in school and celebrates Mass once a week in the school Chapel.

Religious EducationAs a voluntary aided Roman Catholic school, doctrine is given in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic church. Collective worship is celebrated daily through assemblies and morning prayer in Tutor Groups.

Residential ExperiencesThe school has long supported the value of residential experiences for children of all ages and abilities. These are of immense social and educational value giving students the opportunity for living in a community at the Diocesan Youth Centre, Alton Castle as well as the residential experiences associated with outdoor activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, foreign exchanges and trips, Staffordshire Schools Ski Course and music tours.

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Emphasis on CaringPastoral CareAll teachers have a role in ensuring the pastoral well-being of the students. In Year 7 each pupil is allocated to a tutor group whose tutor remains with them during Key Stages 3 and/or 4. This system effectively supports both your child’s academic and pastoral growth throughout their time in school. Each tutor in turn is supported by a Pastoral Tutor and Key Stage Leader. In Year 12 and 13 students have a regular personal tutorial with a designated tutor in order to monitor work, progress, well-being and future planning.

Home/School PartnershipCatholic schools believe that they collaborate with parents in the holistic education of their children. The partnership between school and parents is vital as school and home reflect their joint belief in the same set of values based on our Catholic ethos. Parents are asked to sign a home/school agreement when their child is admitted to the school.

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Students feel safe and supported and they know how to manage risks and keep themselves safe in and outside school. They feel confident that bullying is effectively managed by the school.

OFSTED

Transfer from Primary to Secondary School

The school gives this a high priority to ensure that every pupil arriving at Blessed William Howard in Year 7 settles quickly and as happily as possible into secondary school life. In the summer term all prospective students join us for a day of lessons so that they can familiarise themselves with our school routines. Subsequently parents meet their child’s tutor, Pastoral Tutor and other senior staff in an informal evening meeting so that information can be passed on and any queries addressed.

Special NeedsStudents with Special Educational Needs are fully included in the life of the school. In-class support is provided where appropriate by our own team of teaching assistants. Students with identified learning difficulties are withdrawn from some lessons in order to follow individual learning programmes designed to address their difficulties. All students experiencing learning difficulties are monitored closely by the school’s Special Educational Needs Department. Increasingly the department is working with the community and promotes projects enabling not only parents but other cohorts such as Ethnic Minority groups to experience and enrich our extra-curricular activities. An audit of gifted gifted and talented students held annually and departments acknowledge the need for extensive materials. We work closely with the County Educational Psychologist Service, Connexions, Special Educational Needs Support Services and other agencies in order to offer students with special educational needs and their parents access to sound professional advice. The school’s SEN Policy reflects the Code of Practice for Special Educational Needs and the school has Level 1 of Staffordshire’s Dyslexia Friendly Schools Initiative. The Governors of the school fully support the Special Educational Needs Policy and there is a named Governor who liaises closely with the Assistant Headteacher (E.C.M). The school also has a Progress Centre where an alternative curriculum is on offer to students, who may be temporarily withdrawn from main stream teaching and receive coaching tailored to their specific needs.

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Emphasis on Curriculum Key Stage 3All students follow a common curriculum in the first three years (National Curriculum Years 7, 8 and 9) studying Religious Education, Science, Mathematics, English, French, History, Geography, Art, Drama, Technology, Music, Physical Education, Information and Communication Technology, and Citizenship/PSME (Personal, Social and Moral Education). There may also be an opportunity to study German or Spanish.

Key Stage 4At the end of the third year (National Curriculum Year 9) students make their subject choices for Year 10 and Year 11. This is done in consultation with parents and teachers. The broad range of subjects studied in the three foundation years will be replaced by a more detailed study of core and optional subjects. It is important that students maintain a balanced curriculum and avoid early over-specialisation.Our curriculum provision is constantly under review.

In line with developing arrangements for increased flexibility within the 14-19 curriculum we are also able to offer vocationally oriented programmes. These are based at Stafford College. The availability of these vocational courses is explained in detail in the option booklet distributed to Year 9 in the Spring Term.

Compulsory Core of Subjects English (GCSE)

Mathematics (GCSE)

Science (GCSE-single award)

Religious Education (GCSE)

Information & Communication Technology (Level 2 Course, GCSE equivalent)

Physical Eduction (non exam)

Citizenship

Optional SubjectsArt

Business and Communication Systems

Child Development

Dance

Design & Technology: (Food Technology/ Graphic Products Resistant Materials/Textiles)

Drama

Economics/Business Studies

French

Geography

German

History

Leisure & Tourism (Double GCSE)

Music

Physical Education

Science (Additional or Applied)

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Post 16Following compulsory education, students may apply to enter the Sixth Form with a view to studying a range of Advanced Level academic or vocational subjects either entirely in school or through a collaborative consortium arrangement with the Stafford Collegiate which incorporates the other Stafford High Schools and Stafford College.

HomeworkThe school encourages and supports the setting of homework to help all students to adopt, from the earliest stages, the habit of study at home. Homework is intended to provide students with the experience of working by themselves and to develop the skills necessary for individual work and research. All students are issued with a school planner in which homework is recorded and then monitored and countersigned by parents and the students form tutor. This acts as another important link between home and school. The school encourages parents to discuss and share in their children’s homework as part of the home-school partnership.

Sex EducationSex Education will be given in the context of the Church’s moral and sacramental teaching. In compliance with the Education Act of l986 the Governors are empowered to determine the arrangements made for Sex Education in the school. The Governors, in conjunction with the Diocesan authorities, have chosen the ‘All that I am’ project produced by the Diocesan centre at Maryvale for use in the school.


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Emphasis on Creativity

“Confidence through Creativity”Our successful bid to become a Specialist Arts College centred around a fundamental belief that confidence is a major step towards success in achieving high standards and that students gain confidence through creativity across the curriculum, ‘learning through doing’. Practical activitiesin all subject areas aim to ensure that students develop the skills and competences necessary to enable them to lead fulfilling and successful lives. Sport, Art, Music, Dance and Drama exist within and beyond the timetabled curriculum to enrich academic pursuits with opportunities to develop students’ creativity and establish them as rounded, cultured individuals who can also work profit-ably in teamwork situations.

SportThe P.E. department encourages as many students as possible to participate in extra curricular activities. Students are regularly selected for District and County teams in a variety of sports. The Physical Education curriculum is both broad and balanced. Students are involved in problem solving activities, expected to integrate well with others, work on their own and play organised games in teams. Students are taught to understand the importance of a healthy life style. Through participa-tion in, and enjoyment of, a variety of activities and environments they are encouraged to develop their talents, characters and sportsmanship within the Christian ethos of understanding and tolerance.

There are many opportunities for enrichment, linked to the school’s arts college specialist status …the choir, orchestra and dance activities. The strong enrichment is further exemplified by the large number of students who involve themselves in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme and in sporting activities.

OFSTED

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Duke of Edinburgh AwardThis Award has been running now for fourteen years and we are very successful in the number of candidates that take part. The Award has four elements. These are a Skill, (e.g. playing a musical instrument) a Service (e.g. working with disabled children), a Physical Activity (e.g. playing for a school team),and an Expedition over a set distance and days according to the level taken. There are three levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold. We start with the Bronze Award in Year 10. Many employers and further education institutions appreciate the time and effort put in by students to achieve these awards, showing initiative, teamwork and personal organisation.

Performing Arts College Status

The school was designated a Specialist Arts College in September 2002 and re-designated from September 2006 . As a result, additional recurrent fundingis made available annually to provide opportunity and experience in the performing arts for all students. An initial building programme established better facilities for drama, dance, music and music technology. All students in Year 7 are offered a trial period of free instrumen-tal tuition and many go on to learn to play instruments to a high stand-ard. Opportunities exist within and beyond the classroom in all branches of the performing and visual arts and cross-curricular enrichment experiences are provided annually. Dance, Drama and Music are available as examination subjects along with Advanced Level Music Technology in the Sixth Form and students from other local high schools enjoy the school’s performing arts facilities and teaching. The specialist status also enables the school to support its Catholic feeder primary schools financially and each has been able to invest heavily in equipment to enhance the performing arts, enjoy additional specialist teaching and take part in collaborative and individual performing arts ventures. As a consequence, several thousands of students have enjoyed workshops and professional performances given by our many arts college partners (which include the New Victoria Theatre, Dance Xchange,City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and professional artists, dancers and actors in residence) in order to develop ‘confidence through creativity’. Many students represent the school in regional and county ensembles and the school has become a centre of excellence in this sphere. As a tribute to the success of our specialist status - and the hard work and commitment of both students and staff - the school has twice been awarded Artsmark Gold by the Arts Council, England. We believe that your son or daughter’s creative interests will be well catered for at Blessed William Howard School.

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Art and DesignArt and Design is a popular option choice for students.The Art department is an area full of lively and vibrant art work and resources which inspire students. With a strong emphasis on working from observation, stu-dents develop their skills in both 2 and 3 dimensions which in turn helps the improvement of their personal perception of the world. Everyone's creativity is encouraged through the use of a wide range of different materials and techniques and the development of making skills. Critical and Historical studies play an important part in the curriculum. Students are taught about artists, designers and craftspeople to enhance and inform their work, and have an opportunity to visit galleries and museums and work with artist's in the school. Students are encouraged to both attend Art Club at lunchtimes and to continue their art work after school hours in a relaxed 'work shop' style atmosphere. The department is open most evenings for this.

Charges for School ActivitiesThe Governors have adopted the LEA’s policy on charges for school activities. This can be seen on request. Parents may be asked to contribute to optional trips out of school hours but otherwise activities will be free or basic contributions may be requested.

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Emphasis on ConductSchool DisciplineA detailed Code of Conduct is published in the school planner and explains how school discipline is organised. All parents are asked to acknowledge and support this.

School Dress CodeGirlsBottle Green School Blazer with badge Banner Viscount style ready badged.Black skirt A-line, respectable lengthor black trousers Plain, straight or bootleg but not flared (not jeans)White blouse Plain, ‘revers’ collar, hip length shaped blouse. Can be worn outside skirt, trousers.Tie is not requiredSocks White/blackTights Black or neutralShoes Dark - low heel - sensible style not trainers

BoysBottle Green School Blazer with badge Banner Viscount style ready badged.Black trousers Plain, formal style not flared (not jeans) White collared shirt Worn tucked into trousers.School tie Available from school Socks Plain dark colourShoes Dark - sensible style not trainers

A school pullover is available from All Things Uniform to be worn under the blazer in cold winter weather. It is not an alternative to the blazer.

Blazers

Blazers will be worn at all times during the school day (exception - breaks, when appropriate). In classrooms they may only be removed during a lesson with the permission of the member of staff. Seasonal decisions will obviously be taken in hot weather after the half term break in May/June.

Outside Coats

Outside coats or jackets of any kind will not be worn in classrooms. In cold weather, how-ever, outside coats may be worn over the blazer on the way to and from school, at breaks and lunchtimes. If cold in winter, students should wear the school pullover available from All Things Uniform under their blazer or a plain white collarless t-shirt under the shirt or blouse.

Please note also - Casual outer garments : baseball caps, hooded sweatshirts, tracksuit tops, denim jackets (or material of similar appearance) and leather jackets are not part of the BWH School Dress Code.

No trainers

Trainers are for PE. They are not acceptable for school wear and must NOT be worn. Any pupil arriving in school wearing trainers will be issued with a pair of black plimsolls/shoes for the day, unless a recent doctor’s note giving a medical reason can be produced.

Jewellery

The school reserves the right to request students to remove jewellery. Jewellery should be limited to: one stud per ear, one religious symbol around the neck, one small plain ring.

Loop earrings, nose studs and other forms of body piercing are not acceptable.

(Please note: ‘Recent piercing’ will NOT be accepted as a reason for keeping jewellery in during the school day. Any pupil arriving in school with such an item will be asked to remove it

immediately.) No jewellery of any type can be worn in PE.

Make Up and Nail Varnish - The wearing of excessive make-up and nail varnish is not acceptable.

Hairstyles - Extremes of hair-styling and hair-colouring are not acceptable. Patterns or lines cut into hair are not acceptable.

Disclaimer: The school reserves the right to make the final judgement on any of the above.

School Standards and Framework Act 1998 Section 84Complaints under the provisions of this Section of the Act are to be referred in the first instance to the Headteacher at the school. Copies of the complaints procedure are available at the school.

Students are well behaved, open and friendly, in a school where they feel safe, secure, respected and valued.

Emphasis on Continuity Whilst we hope that the five years of compulsory education at Blessed William Howard are fruitful and fulfilling, we also hold great store upon preparation for the future. Much emphasis is placed, therefore, on our programmes of career guidance, periods of work experience and counselling for further study.

Careers Education and Work ExperienceThe school’s careers co-ordinator has overall responsibility for organising the delivery of Careers Education and work-based learning. Students follow a programme which aims to help students iden-tify their skills and aspirations throughout Key Stages 3 and 4. The whole range of educational, professional and vocational advice is offered, students visit places of employment, the Careers Library is available to them and personal interviews with the school’s attached Connexions Advisor are available from Year 9 to Year 11 to which parents are also invited. Every student in Year 10 has a week’s work experience in the summer term. Members of Year 12 are also encouraged to organise potentially career related work experience. To encourage self-reliance and initiative, the school hopes that as many students as possible will arrange their own work experience under the supervision of the Careers Co-ordinator.

Sixth FormAs an 11-18 school we are proud of our Sixth Form and the large number of students who voluntarily elect to complete their education here. When our Year 11 students have com-pleted their GCSE examinations, they may apply for a place in the Sixth Form (Year 12 and 13). They are interviewed and coun-selled, by the Head of Sixth Form before the examination period in order to allow time for consultation with teachers. Students then make a formal application in writing following the publication of results. This is regarded as a mature act of commitment to the values and ethos of the school.

In the Sixth Form the students’ spiritual, academic and social development are all equally important. We have high expectations of our Sixth Formers with regard to the contribution that they make individually and corporately to the life of the school community as senior ambassadorial members of that community as well as doing well in their studies. This service to the community is seen in a variety of ways embracing sport, music, charitable pursuits, outward bound events.

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Archdiocese of Birmingham Inspection March 2009

DEO FIDELIS ET PATRIAE

Other PublicationsFurther Information can be obtained from the following documents available on request to the school office:

School Improvement Plan Special Educational Needs Policy(incorporating vision, aims, priorities, action plans) Child Protection PolicySchool Code of Conduct Accessibility PolicyBehaviour for Learning Schemes of WorkAnti-bullying Policy Family Life Policy/Plan to introduce 'All That I Am'Full Uniform List Equal Opportunities PolicyCharging and Remissions Policy Attendance PolicyHealth and Safety Policy Social and Moral Education in Catholic Schools Home-School Agreement


Emphasis on Comprehensive EducationWe are both Catholic and comprehensive, providing unconditional opportunity for the whole school child. You are always welcome to visit us during a normal school day. Please contact the school to arrange for an appointment.

Blessed William Howard Catholic High SchoolRowley Avenue, Stafford. ST17 9AB

Tel: 01785 244236 Fax. 01785 225342Email: [email protected]

Design and print by Staffordshire County Council Print Commissioning Service Telephone: 01785 276051


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