A Business and Enterprise College Prospectus · Headteacher deliver presentation evenings at all...

ProspectusSt Nicholas Catholic High School

A Business and Enterprise College

2016-2017Entry for

Contents

St Nicholas Catholic High School Prospectus

Welcome

Aims & Transition

Curriculum

Special Needs & LRC

Religious Life & Student Welfare

1

2

4

5

6

Reporting & Homework

Frog, Uniform & Absence

Lunch Arrangements, ParentPay & PTFA

Extra-Curricular

Examination Results

7

8

9

10

12

Transport

Student Testimonies

Admissions

Board of Governors

14

15

16

18

sChool Prayer

Loving God, we thank you for the example ofSt Nicholas, who fed the hungry, brought hope to the imprisoned, gave comfort to the lost and taught the truth to all. May we strive to imitate him by putting you first in all we do. Give us the courage, love and

strength of St Nicholas, so that, like him, we may serve you through loving our brothers and sisters.

Amen.

St Nicholas Catholic High School Prospectus

Mission stateMent

We aspire to embrace the Gospel and its values,celebrating uniqueness and diversity.

Our learning, within an enterprise culture,is based upon trust and respect which define

our relationships within the world family.

Everyone Matters.

Welcome from the headteacher

1St Nicholas Catholic High School Prospectus

Welcome to St Nicholas Catholic High School. We are an 11-18 co-educational Catholic comprehensive school in Hartford, with Business and Enterprise College status. We serve a large community covering the urban and rural areas of Northwich, Middlewich, Winsford, Weaverham, Tarporley, Knutsford and surrounding villages.

The school has an excellent reputation and provides for its students an environment that challenges them to make the most of their God-given talents while at the same time helping them to develop as young people. Students are expected to work hard and demonstrate the highest standards of behaviour, courtesy and dress at all times.

St Nicholas’ is served by a hard-working and dedicated staff, both inside and outside of the classroom, and by an equally industrious and committed Governing Body. All of this is recognised by the OFSTED inspection of July 2011 and the Diocesan inspection of October 2011, when both judged our school to be Outstanding.

As a Catholic school, who our students become is as important to us as what they become. Gospel values permeate all the work undertaken in the school and students are encouraged to recognise the importance of education in their own fulfilment as valued individualsfor the betterment of society.

Students’ faith is nurtured through liturgical celebration, and opportunities are provided for all students to take part in retreats.

Of course, charity is a key element of the life of the school and there are many occasions over the year in which students can work for the benefit of others both in the local community and the wider world.

Indeed, the school lies at the heart of its own wide community and we believe that the partnerships we have established contribute to the success of the school. The views of parents are welcomed because they are central to the successful education of their children.

We also work closely with the parishes and the Diocese, and value immensely the active involvement of the local clergy in the life of the school. As a Business and Enterprise College we have established links with businesses and other educational establishments. All these links have brought many benefits to the school in ways as diverse as improved facilities and curriculum development.

We are proud of our school and hope that this prospectus is informative, giving you a flavour of life at St Nicholas Catholic High School.

Kieran Kelly - Headteacher

sChool aiMs

The school knows that students are different in many ways. However, there is one way in which all students of St Nicholas’ are the same: all are equal in importance.

Both in lessons and around the school, teachers strive to ensure that each student is known individually, and that each one is valued and respected as a member of the school community.

Good relations with parents are important and something St Nicholas’ seeks to foster for all its students, particularly as parents are “the first and foremost educators of their children”. The school aims to work in partnership with parents throughout their child’s time at the school.

Good order and discipline are considered of high importance at St Nicholas’, as the school knows that students prefer a well-ordered and well-managed learning environment.St Nicholas’ students prefer to bebusy, to work hard, and take pride in

achieving high standards - something the school’s calm and orderly atmosphere facilitates every day.

the transition ProCess

The transition from primary to secondary is an exciting time, full of challenges and experiences for both parent and child.

At St Nicholas Catholic High School, staff work very hard to ensure maximum success for all students so they are ready for the challenges of high school, enjoying the new opportunities high school brings.

transition stages

There are four key stages as part of the transition from Years 6 to 7:

Stage One• Year 4 pupils and Year 5 pupils

have a taster morning and retreat at the school.

• The Headteacher and an Assistant Headteacher deliver presentation evenings at all the feeder primary schools, and at St Nicholas’, between September and January in Year 5.

• Information is given out at the Open Evening in June for Year 4 & 5 students about arrangements for admission.

• Applications for St Nicholas’ are made before the end of October in Year 6.

• The deadline for applying for a school place online is 31st October 2016.

• The local authority require the completion of a Supplementary Information form to be submitted to the school at the same time. This is to ensure that additional information in support of an application, particularly in relation to faith, is provided for consideration by the governing body as the admissions authority for the school.

St Nicholas Catholic High School Prospectus2

Year 7 Residential

The school provides a warm and welcoming environment in which all students are valued. Students appreciate the outstanding care, guidance and support they receive; as one student commented, about the staff in the school, ‘They’llalways take that extra step to support us.’ OFSTED - July 2011

Stage Two• Notification of a place is made in

March of Year 6 to all parents.

Stage Three• Transition meetings are held

with all Year 6 teaching staff from feeder schools.

• Information is gathered from feeder and non-feeder Primaries about students, both academic and pastoral.

• All students receive a Primary Liaison booklet.

Stage Four• Transition visits take place

in June. All students visit St Nicholas’ for two taster days.

• Students receive their form allocation and meet their Year 7 Form Tutor.

• School uniform is made available to purchase from the school.

From September, included in transition:• Parent information evening takes

place with form tutors.• Year 7 Welcome Mass.• PTFA Quiz night for new

families.• Conway residential to complete

the transition process.

Included in Transition:• Primary / Secondary Heads

meeting and primary liaison meetings held every half term.

• The SENCO visits from Year 5 onwards.

The transition process is comprehensive and ensures that students arrive at St Nicholas’ feeling confident and secure about their new school. Parents are fully aware and informed at all stages and students are ready to begin learning in September having gained prior experience of the school.


Key stage three CurriCuluMIn the last OFSTED inspection, it was recognised that at St NicholasCatholic High School the “curriculum is outstanding and contributes highly effectively to improving outcomes in achievement.” The school strongly believes in providing a curriculum which meets the needs, interests and abilities of all students.

For the first three years students follow a foundation course to prepare them for the courses in Key Stage 4. This includes English, Mathematics, Science, Religious Education,Geography, History, Spanish,Computing, Design Technology, Food Technology, Drama, Music, Art, Physical Education.

Many students will also study French as well as Spanish in Year 9. Citizen-ship and SRE are taught during dedi-cated days whilst PHSEE is delivered during form time

To allow students to achieve their maximum potential, there are graded teaching groups (sets) forMathematics (Years 7-9), Spanish (Years 8 & 9) and English (Year 9). The majority of other subjects are taught in form groups across Years 7 – 9. The only exceptions are Physical Education, where students are taught in gender groups, and Technology subjects where students are taught in mixed ability classes from across different form groups.

Arrangements are made for students with specific additional learning difficulties to have guidance and help on an individual or class basis where appropriate.

Key stage Four CurriCuluMThe curriculum at Key Stage 4 consists of a common core of Religious Education, English Language and English Literature, Maths, Science, Complementary Curriculum, Information Communication Technology and Physical Education. The Sciences canbe undertaken as either three separate disciplines, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, or a double award Science course.

A range of option subjects arefollowed by students after consultation between parents/carers, students and teachers, and during the Curriculum Choices Evening. Presently, this range includes Art and Design, Business Studies, Computer Science, Drama, Economics, Engineering, Food Technology, Geography, History, Languages (French or Spanish), Media Studies, Music, Physical Education, and Product Design.

The school has an outstanding record of achievement in examinations at GCSE, which has been formallyrecognised by the Department for Education. Over 73% of students attained 5 A*‐C GCSEs including English and Mathematics in 2015. St Nicholas Catholic High School’s sustained outstanding performanceat GCSE places it in the top 100non-selective schools in England.

Key stage Five CurriCuluMOur Sixth Form offers a range of pathways for Key Stage 5 students, who can choose to study anacademic pathway of traditional A Levels, a vocational pathway of other Level 3 qualifications and workexperience, or a mix of the two pathways. In addition to the wide range of courses that are available, there are also opportunities to gain qualifications in other areas such as the Extended Project Qualification, Duke of Edinburgh Award and in coaching and mentoring skills.

In 2011, OFSTED commented on the very good subject knowledge and probing questioning techniques used by teachers which encourage students to develop their independent thinking skills and deepen their grasp of complex concepts. As a Business and Enterprise school, the school is always looking to enhance students’ employability in this competitive world through its links with universities and employers.

The Sixth Form centre consists of two study areas with computer facilities for the sole use of Sixth Form students and a series of seminar andtutor rooms. The school has furtherenhanced the Sixth Form centre with a range of computer facilities and wireless technology enabling students to access our virtual learning community at all times.


St Nicholas’ prides itself on the excellent working relationships between staff and students and was commended for its Form Tutor programme during the last OFSTED inspection. Students clearly recognise the positive relationships and sense of community as key strengths of the Sixth Form community and its role within the school.

The Sixth Form welcomes students from a wide catchment area, with an induction day for all external students often led by internal candidates.All students are expected to meet the minimum entry requirements as set out in the Sixth Form Prospectus.

sPeCial needsThe school encourages the highest level of educational and social inclusion in all aspects of school life, both inside and outside of the classroom, to ensure that each student achieves their potential. In the words of our mission statement, “everyone matters.”

This means providing appropriate support for students who have learning difficulties, physical ormental health disabilities, or challenging those who are most able, so that each student can achieve the personal success the school strives to help them attain. Some students have special needs throughout their school career, whilst for others it is for a shorter period.

All students are assessed on entry to the school via the Special Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO). This helps to highlight any specific difficulties a student may have, following which extra tuition or physical equipment is made available where necessary and practicable. Students with an Education Health and Care Plan and those at any stage of the Code of Practice are placed on a provisionmap in order to track the help andsupport that is offered. If additional, specialist assessment is required, the appropriate support is sought from the Local Authority. Throughout this process, the school works with parents to seek their support and ensure they are fully informed.

the Provision – autisM resourCe Centre (arC)The provision consists of a large teaching area where students have their own space and resources to aid their individual learning styles. It is staffed by a specialist Autism Spectrum Conditon (ASC) teacher and seven teaching assistants.Students will access mainstream lessons where possible, but will spend some time in the ARC working on more specific ASC social skills programmes.

entry CriteriaIn order for students to access the provision they must have either Statement of Special Educational Needs or Education Health Care

Plan with reference to ASC and a formal medical diagnosis. Possible placement within the provision will be discussed at your child’s annual statement review in consultation with both Local Authority and St. Nicholas Catholic High School.

english as an additional language(eal)At St Nicholas’ we have studentsfrom a diverse range of backgrounds and we strive to support their needs. The EAL Department actively follows the principles of inclusion and bilingualism where all students from a wide range of social, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, have the right to access the curriculum, receive the best possible education and participate in all aspects of school life. We celebrate cultural diversity and recognise that bilingualism is an asset to the development of language, learning and thinking skills. All languages and cultures are valued equally.

Students, depending on their level of English language proficiency, will also have the opportunity of gaining internationally recognised qualifications such as the Cambridge iGCSE Exams.With this qualification, students are able to progress to higher levels in 6th Form or Colleges that offer English Exams.

Berlin Trip


learning resourCe CentreThe LRC is managed by a qualified librarian and is well-equipped with a comprehensive selection of fiction and non-fiction titles which support all areas of the curriculum and encourage reading for pleasure across the school. We also subscribe to a wide variety of magazines, newspapers and GCSE and A-Level journals.

Students in Year 7 have one timetabled lesson a fortnight in the LRC to be taught information literacy skills. We also support the Accelerated Reader scheme which is co-ordinated by the English Department.

All students have access to laptops and printing facilities during break and lunch times. Students also have remote access to the LRC’s online interactive catalogue and e-book platform. Free apps are available for these resources for the students to download to their own personal devices and access from home.

A variety of activities, groups and competitions are available for enthusiastic readers to take part in. The LRC also provides opportunities for students to train as voluntary pupil library assistants as work experience or as part of working towards their Duke of Edinburgh Awards

religious liFe,Pastoral Care, and studentWelFare

St Nicholas Catholic High School is a Voluntary Aided secondary school in the Diocese of Shrewsbury. The life of the school is conducted in accordance with the rites, practices and observances of the Catholic Church. It is expected that children admitted to the school will take a full and active part in the religious life of the school. There are opportunities for students to go to Mass and to participate in other forms of liturgy. Retreats are organised for students on a variety of occasions at differentvenues.

We aim to create a community that reflects the teachings of Christ based on the principles of love, caring, tolerance and respect for others. A fundamental feature of the community is its members’ sense of responsibility to God, to each other,to oneself and to the wider community. To achieve this goal, the school fosters an awareness of the Catholic Faith within the school community so that members may participate fully and naturally in the life of the Church. Our full time Lay Chaplain offers a faith presence, committed to the values of Christ and on behalf of the community accompanies each member of the school community on their journey of faith.

Each student has a Form Tutor, Year Leader, and an Assistant Headteacher responsible for their general care and discipline. Every teacher in the school, however, may be involved in such concerns, for the whole staff is committed to work for the good of a caring and orderly community.

The school takes highly effective actions to develop the pupils’ understanding of their role in the wider community. Diocesan Inspection - 2011


There is an overall expectation of the highest level of conduct and behaviour from all students, who are expected to treat other people and their property with respect.

The school’s Behaviour Policy, Codeof Conduct and Rewards and Sanctions system underline all to these principles. The response of any problem in school is to seek a constructive remedy and to involve parents fully, as soon as appropriate,whenever matters of a serious nature arise.

traCKing and Monitoring

Students in Key Stage 3 and 4 have targets with are set by the Fischer Family Trust (FFT). All teachers monitor these targets and they track them at various times throughout the year. Parents / carers receive a tracking and monitoring report several times each year which identifies current performance with their target grade. If a student is not on target to achieve their target grade then an intervention is put in place in order to aid progress.

For students in the Sixth Form, targets are set by A-Level Performance System, which is based on GCSE scores. The procedure for tracking and monitoring is the same, with a report sent home on a regular basis.

rePorts and exaMinations

Parents / carers receive a full report about their child’s progress every year and meet with teachers at a Parents Evening to discuss progress in more detail. Reports often follow an examination period and subject teachers are keen to set specific targets in order to encourage students to reach their potential. This examination period is common to every year group, with specific weeks set aside for each year group’s examinations.

For all students, examinations in each subject are usually based on the topics studied over the course of the year, and it is expected that students prepare for these examinations in advance. Students in Key Stages 4 and 5 may be given past GCSE or A

Level examinations during their examination weeks, particularly in Year 11 where the school examination week is set aside for mock external examinations.

hoMeWorK and student Planners

Every student is given a school diary into which they enter homework, as it is set. In addition, homework is set on FROG, the school’s interactive learning platform. Parents are asked to sign the diary each week in order to stay informed of some of the day to day work and to support students in completing work at home.

Each subject sets a specific amount of homework over each fortnightly cycle, reflecting the number of lessons students have in that subject. Students are expected to complete homework on time, and to a high standard, in order for homework to be a valuable part of each student’s education.

Spain Trip

Author Visit


Frog

Frog is the school’s online learning platform and hub. All members of the school community - teachers, students, and parents - have their own user account on Frog, allowing learning to take place outside of the classroom. All that is needed is access to a computer and an internet connection, and students can view and complete homework tasks, as well as access additional resources for classwork, homework, and examination revision.

Parents can use their access to view information on their child’s attendance, behaviour, and attainment. This ‘parent portal’ area of Frog is constantly evolving with new information being added as part of a rolling programme.

uniForM

Students are expected to wear full school uniform at all times, maintaining high standards of dressaround the school. Their smart attire

is commented on by visitors, and students wear their uniform proudly on external visits. In the Sixth form, students wear formal business dress.

Full details of the uniform policy can be found on the school website.

lesson MonitorThe correlation between behaviour, attendance, and attainment is monitored by all teachers using an electronic system known as Lesson Monitor. Students are awarded a grade for each lesson: 4, for outstanding behaviour, achievement or contribution; 3, when behaviour, and achievement in the lesson areas expected; 2, where homework isincomplete or requires improvement; 9, where there are organisational issues as not bringing the correct equipment to the lesson; and 1 if a student exhibits disruptive behaviour.

Lesson Monitor helps identify trends within groups or individuals that show a change in attendance, achievement or behaviour, which allows positive interventions to be put into place at the earliest opportunity, both where students need extra support or where outstanding contributions can be rewarded.

absenCe

When a student is absent from school through sickness or a similar reason, parents / carers are asked to inform the school as soon as possible, by telephone. This is a very important procedure as registers can be immediately updated to reflect students’ attendance based on specific circumstances. All students areexpected to bring a note into schoolupon their return explaining the reason for their absence.


Drama Production

In line with DfE regulations, parents/carers are asked not to seek authorisation for their child to beabsent for family holidays during term time. Leave of absence may only be granted in exceptional circumstances in line with Government regulations. Parents can be fined by the Local Authority for taking their child on holiday during term time without consent from the school.

It is worth bearing in mind that twoweeks absence throughout the year results in the loss of 50 hours teaching time; when this is added to unforeseen and unavoidable absence, this clearly has a significant impact on a student’s progress.

lunCh

The custom and practice is for all students to remain in school during this time. A food service is provided at morning break and at lunchtime. The school runs a cafeteria system with students exercising their own choice over their selection, and this in turn determines the cost. A meal

consisting of a drink, hot main meal, and pudding can be purchased for £2.30.

Parent Pay

This is the school online payment system which means that parents can make all payments online (uniform, trips, food etc…) This system makes the school a cashless place, which also helps keep children safer.

Parent ForuM

Every year brings new challenges and opportunities for students, and the school aims to ensure that parents are involved with making St Nicholas’ the best it can be. There are often presentation evenings, where parents are invited to offer their advice and expertise with projects in school. The school recognises that it can be more successful by working in partnership with parents, and the forum provides the space for ideas to grow and come to fruition.

Parents, teaChers and Friends assoCiationThe St. Nicholas Catholic High School PTFA is made up of parents and teachers working together to raise extra funds for the benefit of students in the school. Membership is open to all those interested in improving the learning experience of our students. In recent years, the PTFA has been able to raise money from a number of different social events, including a Curry Night, Summer Ball, Quiz Nights, Fashion Shows, Wine Tasting evening and Christmas Market. PTFA also runs an accredited First Aid Course annually in March. In addition to raising money, the PTFA works closely with school supporting key functions by offering refreshments at drama events, carol concerts and more.



sChool sPorts

The Physical Education (PE)Department at St Nicholas’ strives to ensure the highest quality of learning and teaching. The staff work hard to provide a positive environment in which all students learn and makeprogress. As a result the students are motivated, enthusiastic and ambitious. PE lessons at St Nicholas’ develop students competence and confidence to take part in a range of physical activities that become a central part of their lives, both in and out of school. The high‐quality PEcurriculum enables all students to enjoy and succeed in many kinds of physical activity. They develop awide range of skills and the ability to use tactics, strategies and compositional ideas to performsuccessfully.

When they are performing, they think about what they are doing, analyse the situation, and make decisions. They also reflect on their own and others’ performances and find ways to improve them. Through

the variety of opportunities on offer, the students make the journey from dependence to independence.

All students receive two hours of timetabled Physical Education per week, with the option of taking an examination course at GCSE and A Level. The school is very proud of the variety of extra‐curricular opportunities on offer and many students achieve high standards at local, district and national level. The PE Department has excellent links with local clubs in the community, which allow the students to extend their knowledge and skills.

Extra‐Curricular clubs range from traditional activities such as Football, Rugby, Netball, Hockey, Basketball, Cross Country, Tennis, Rounders, Cricket, Athletics and Dance to more non‐traditional activities such as Climbing, Wheelchair Basketballand Boccia.

extra-CurriCularaCtivities

In addition to the day to day school curriculum there are a range of out-of-school activities providing additional opportunities for the pursuit of individual interests. We believe that the provision of these activities outside the classroom greatly enhances the school experience and the development of “the whole person”.

We encourage students to learn to play a musical instrument through our programme of individual lessons. Students can choose whether or not they go on to take performance exams on their instruments of choice. Our students’ achievements are consistently across the whole range of exams from pupils achieving Grade 1 to those taking Grade 8 on their chosen instrument. Our preferred exam boards for instruments are either ABRSM or Rock School, though our instrumental tutors are happy to use the particular exam board which suits each individual student.

Year 11 Football Team

Students have the opportunity to play in one of the many Extra-Curricular ensembles on offer: School Choir, Chamber Choir, Concert Band, Jazz Band, String Ensemble, Singformers and Rock Band. These students enter national and international competitions and perform regularly in school, the local community and in a wide variety of regional events as well as having the opportunity to take part in a Music Tour abroad each year.

As well as music and sport, students participate in a variety of other extra-curriculuar activites, which recently have included the Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial Competition, Bar National Mock Trial Competition, and the UKMT Junior and Senior Maths Challenge competitions. The Drama department presents at least one big show each year (recent ones have included (We Will Rock You, Grease, Our House, and Annie), as well as organising regular theatre trips, locally and nationally. In line with the school’s specialism, Enterprise is embedded throughout curricular and extra‐curricular activities. Each year group takes part in Enterprise Challenge Days and Social Enterprise is at the heart of charitable work in school. In Key Stage 3, students can also experience retail management through managing the school stationery shop.

In Key Stage 4, students take part in local regional enterprise projects to develop a range of products which are fit for sale. Our Key Stage 5 students take part in the Young Enterprise scheme, enabling them to compete against other budding Entrepreneurs at a national level.

The school places great value on residential retreats. Years 7 and 10 take part in separate retreats which greatly enhance their faith, spiritual understanding, friendships and understanding of themselves andtheir uniqueness. There are also many other opportunities for residential trips both in this country and internationally, across a range of subjects. Many subjects also run field trips as part of the course at both GCSE and A Level.

In Sixth Form, all students take part in projects as part of their Social and Moral Education. This enables students to deepen their understanding of their role in society through undertaking projects that help to serve the school and widercommunity.

An after school homework club is available every day to enable students to use facilities to help them with their independent study.

student CounCilAt St. Nicholas Catholic High School there is a thriving Student Council. Every form has two members, elected by the form, who meet on a half-termly basis. The Student Council is made up of twenty students from across the year groups. All Student Council members receive training on, how to chair meetings and how to take minutes. The student voice is very highly respected, and the Council have been involved in consultation with the Chaplain on the faith life of the school and charity work. Students’ ideas and suggestions are regularly discussed at staff meetings and any student in the school can submit their ideas through suggestion boxes. The Student Council has a FROG page which is regularly updated so that all students can keep up to date with what the Student Council are doing. They also work alongside other organisations such as the UK Youth Parliament and Youth Voice of Cheshire. The Student Council is a wonderful opportunity for students to gain valuable life skills, develop confidence and contribute to the school community.

Mock Trial Participants


Student Council

exaMination resultsSt. Nicholas Catholic High School was once again absolutely delighted with the performance of its students at GCSE level. A superb figure of 73% gained the key government benchmark figure of 5A*-Cs including English and Maths. Overall, 84% of students gained 5 A*-Cs. Indeed, 31 students (16%) achieved 8 A*-As. All this represents a phenomenal achievement in the current climate in which there has been an incredibly close scrutiny on GCSE grades and especially those at the highest level.

There were similar reasons to celebrate at A Level where there was again an absolutely superb set of A Level results. In spite of a fall at national level of the top grades and the overall pass rate, the results revealed that the percentage of gradesat the highest levels is also most

impressive with 7.4% being A* and 21% being A*/A. In total, 45% of all grades were at A*/B level and 70% at A*/C level.There were some notable individual performances with 9 (8.8%) students gaining three or more A*/As.

Four went to Oxford and one student to Cambridge and a third of all students achieved a place at a Russell Group Uninversity.

The government once again published statistics for all schools on the percentage of students who gained AAB grades at A Level in at least two of the so-called ´facilitating subjects´. These subjects are those deemed to ensure young people get into the Russell Group of universities, considered to be the best universities in the country. Those subjects are English Literature, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, History and Languages.


gCse results - 2015

5 a*-C (eM) 73% 5 a*-C 84%

students achieve 26% a*/a in 5 subjects

a level results - 2015

a* 7.4% a*/a 21%

a*/b 45%

a*/C 70%

17

leavers’ destinations 2015


Birmingham City University 1Coventry University 1Durham University 1Football Scholarship USA 1Keele University 1Lancaster University 1Liverpool Hope University 1The College of Law 1The University of Birmingham 1The University of Manchester 1The University of York 1UMIST 1University of Cumbria 1University of Edinburgh 1University of Huddersfield 1University of Hull 1University of Leeds 1University of Reading 1University of Wolverhampton 1Aberystwyth University 2Bangor University 2Cardiff University 2

Mid Cheshire College 2Queen Mary, University of London 2University of Bristol 2University of Cambridge 1University of Central Lancashire 2University of Liverpool 2Apprenticeship 3Edge Hill University 3Liverpool John Moores University 3Newcastle University 3Nottingham Trent University 3Oxford University 4Plymouth College 3University of Chester 3University of Manchester 3University of Salford 3University of Sheffield 3Gap year 4Sheffield Hallam University 4Leeds Metropolitan University 7Manchester Metropolitan University 8Employment 9

transPortTransport to and from St Nicholas’ is operated by bus companies on a commercial basis, where students pay the driver.

The Local Authority will continue to provide travel assistance for some students who live between 2 and 15 miles away from the school and whose family is in receipt of certain qualifying benefits. Please contact the Integrated Transport Service on 0300 123 7039 (Cheshire West) or 0300 123 5012 (Cheshire East) for the full criteria.

Current timetables and fares are available on the school website.

Please note that transport details for september 2016 are subject to change.

bus routes(as at June 2016)

• holmes Chapel > Sandbach > Middlewich > Rudheath > snChs

• Knutsford > Moulton > Dowenham > Kingsmead Area > snChs

• Middlewich > snChs

• helsby > Frodsham > Kingsley > Crowton > Acton Bridge > snChs

• Winsford > Wharton > snChs

• Winsford > Whitegate > snChs

• appleton > Stretton > Pickmere > Wincham > snChs

train routes

• Chester > Mouldsworth > Delamere > Cuddington > greenbank

• altrincham > Hale > Ashley > Mobberley > Knutsford > Plumley > Lostock Gralam > Northwich > greenbank

• Crewe > Winsford > hartford

• liverpool > Runcorn > hartford


student testiMonies

William, year 7

eve, year 12

hannah, year 8

brandon, year 9


I would like to start with the teachers. The teachers in this school are very good because they help you with a lot of stuff that you don’t know; they even help you outside of school. The second thing is how fun this school is, everything this school does is always great; I enjoy every day of school life and life without this school would be boring. The events this school has are amazing. I especially loved Sports Day which was the best day of my life.

I like St Nicholas for many reasons, I have always felt like I was welcomed and accepted at St Nicholas partly due to the excellent school staff and partly due to the school’s friendly atmosphere. All the teachers help us whether we areexcelling or need extra help. I love the atmosphere in the classes as the lessons are enjoyable. I always feel like I am at home when I am in lessons. It is true that St Nicholas’ is like a family as the teachers are always looking out for you at lunch or break. I really enjoy being here – I couldn’t wish for any more.

St Nicholas is a great school. There are lots of students here so it is easy to have a large variety of friends and I’ve made lots over the year. The teaching is very good and teachers make the lessons interesting and try their best to make it fun. If you struggle with a topic they find the time to help you. I always feel safe at St Nicholas’ and staff always seems to look out for students. The food is great - my personalfavourite is the pasta and chicken panini which is delicious.

St Nicolas provides a community for ages 11-18, to which students feel immediately welcomed into. The teachers show a dedication to their students rivalled only by the dedication of the students to their subjects, which is developed through extra-curricular activities and competitions that students are given the opportunity to participate in. Due to the positive and friendly attitudes of everyone at St Nicholas, I thoroughly enjoy my time at the school and am thankful for the experience and skills I have gained being here.

• If in any category there are more applications than places available, priority will be given on the basis of distance from home to school. Distance will be measured in a straight line from the front door of the child’s home address (including the community entrance to flats) to the main entrance of the school using the Local Authority’s computerised measuring system with those living nearer to the school having priority. If the distance is the same for two or more applicants where this would be last place/s to be allocated, a random lottery will be carried out in a public place

• Where a child lives with parents with shared responsibility, each for part of a week, the child’s “permanent place of residence” will be determined as the address of the parent who normally has responsibility for the majority of school days in a week

• Sibling is defined as a brother or sister, half brother or sister, adopted brother or sister, step brother or sister, or the child of the parent/carer’s partner where the child for whom the school place is sought is living in the same family unit at the same address as that sibling

• A waiting list for children who have not been offered a place will be kept and will be ranked according to the Admission Criteria. Parents will be informed of their child’s position on the waiting list which will not be operated for longer than the end of the Autumn Term

• For ‘In Year’ applications received outside the normal admissions round and if places are available then children qualifying under the published criteria will be admitted. Direct application to the school can now be made under this heading. If there are places available but more applicants than places then the published oversubscription criteria will be applied

8. Baptised children of another Christian denomination from the Catholic primary schools named in criteria 3.9. Baptised children of another Christian denomination from other Catholic Primary Schools.10. Baptised children of another Christian denomination whose parents wish them to have a Catholic education.11. Other children who have a sibling in the school at the time of admission.12. Other children from the Catholic primary schools named in criteria 3.13. Other children from other Catholic Primary Schools.14. Other children whose parents wish them to have a Catholic education.

notes

• All applicants will be considered at the same time and after the closing date for admissions which is 31 October 2016

• A Looked After Child is a child who is (a) in the care of a Local Authority, or (b) being provided with accommodation by a Local Authority in the exercise of their Social Services functions under section 22(1) of the Children Act 1989. A previously Looked After Child is one who immediately moved on from that status after becoming subject to an adoption, residence or special guardianship order

• For a child to be considered as a Roman Catholic evidence of such Baptism or reception into the Roman Catholic Church will be required

• Christian is defined as: “Christian denominations that are members of “Churches Together in England”

adMissionsFor the schools year commencing September 2016, the Governing Body has set its admissions number at 198.

The Catholic Faith and the Teachings of the Roman Catholic Church have an essential role in school life and influence every aspect of the Curriculum. We ask all parents applying for a place here to respect this ethos and its importance to the school community. This does not affect the right of parents who are not of the Faith of this school to apply for and be considered for a place here.

Admissions to the school will be made by the Governing Body. All preferences listed on the Local Authority Preference Form will be considered on an equal basis with the following set of ADMISSIONS CRITERIA forming a priority order where there are more applications for admission than the school has places available.

1. Baptised Catholic Looked After Children who are in the care of the Local Authority and previously Looked After Children.

2. Baptised Catholic children who have a sibling in the school at the time of admission.

3. Baptised Catholic children from the Catholic Partner Primary Schools of St Wilfrid’s, Hartford; St Bede’s, Weaverham; St Mary’s, Middlewich; St Joseph’s, Winsford; St Luke’s, Frodsham; St Vincent’s, Knutsford.

4. Baptised Catholic children from other Catholic Primary Schools.

5. Baptised Catholic children from non Catholic Primary Schools.

6. Other Looked After Children who are in the care of the Local Authority and previously Looked After Children.

7. Baptised children of another Christian denomination who have a sibling in the school at the time of admission.


Notes

• A Looked After Child is a child who is (a) in the care of a Local Authority, or (b) being provided with accommodation by a Local Authority in the exercise of their Social Services functions under section 22(1) of the Children Act 1989. A previously Looked After Child is one who immediately moved on from that status after becoming subject to an adoption, residence or special guardianship order

• The Governing Body expects that all students specifically selecting a Roman Catholic Sixth Form education will wish to be both fully involved in the ethos and spiritual life of the school, and in achieving the aims set out in its Mission Statement

sixth ForM adMissionsIn addition to places available for students from St Nicholas Catholic High School and St Thomas More Catholic High School, the Governing Body will make available a further 20 places for external students. All applicants will be required to meet the minimum entry requirements as set out in the Sixth Form Prospectus. If more applications are received from external candidates than the number specified then the criteria applied at Year 7 will be used to determine admissions.

Head Boy & Head Girl

• If an application for admission has been turned down by the Governing Body, parents can appeal to an Independent Appeals Panel. Parents must be allowed at least twenty school days from the date of notification that their application was unsuccessful to submit that appeal. Parents must give reasons for appealing in writing and the decision of the Appeals Panel is binding on all parties

• The Governing Body reserve the right to withdraw the offer of a school place where false evidence is received in relation to baptism, sibling connections or place of residence


board oF governors, 2016-17head teacher

Mr Kelly

associate MemberMrs A Norman, Mrs K Bowdler

Foundation governorsMr D Perls (Chair)

Mr J Rafferty (Vice Chair)The Rev. P Dutton

Sir P FahyMrs J Keighran

Mrs B LoulieMr N JohnsonMr M Larkin

Mr R PottsMr C Mottram

la representativeMrs R Chantler

elected Parent governors Mrs J McQuade

Mr C Pennington

elected staff governorMr D Huws

Co-opted governorMrs J Petts

Clerk to the governorsMrs V Hill



50years

Teaching Excellence1965 2015

St Nicholas Catholic High School

Greenbank LaneHartford

NorthwichCheshire

CW8 1JW

Tel. 01606 706000

Date post:	10-Oct-2020
Category:	Documents
Upload:	others
View:	3 times
Download:	0 times

A Business and Enterprise College Prospectus · Headteacher deliver presentation evenings at all...

Documents