Y6 Open Evening

September 2020

Our Virtual Welcome

WelcomeWe want to welcome you to this presentation.

Whilst we regret we are not able to meet you in person, we hope that this presentation will give you a good understanding of our school, our values and our beliefs.

The presentation includes information on the following;

- Our school and our history

- A Catholic education experience

- The Y7 Curriculum

- Our Pastoral Care

- How the admissions process works

- Expectations, including uniform and mobile phones

- A message from the Headteacher, Mrs Dengate

Our School Prayer

Loving God, as I begin this day

help me to live my life to the best of my ability.

To be open to those who love me,

forgive those who hurt me,

respond to those who need me

and to appreciate the lift in which I live

Amen

Our school and our history.

St Mary’s is a Roman Catholic High school with a proud heritage in Chesterfield and within the Hallam Diocese. As a school community we live by the values Jesus taught in the Gospel; values such as humility, patience, tolerance, and unconditional love of others.

Our Mission Statement, which runs through everything we do, is that we will ‘Live, love and learn in the Light of Christ’. This means that as a school we endeavour to give pupils and staff an opportunity to live out the teachings of Jesus and the Catholic Church; to be witnesses to our shared faith. Alongside this, all members of our community are encouraged to embrace the unconditional love that Jesus speaks of in the Gospels; we are asked to be Good Samaritans to all those we come across, sharing our gifts and talents to help those in need and to be examples of forgiveness. Our school is a place of academic learning, but also an environment where everyone can engage in their own spiritual development and access all the necessary resources to fulfil their own personal vocation.

A truly comprehensive school

St Mary’s Catholic High School is proud to be a comprehensive school serving children from a wide catchment across Northern Derbyshire. Learning daily from each other, students enjoy cultural diversity and richness of tradition and know how to live harmoniously with those from different backgrounds and experiences.

The Catholic Educational ExperienceSt Mary’s was opened in 1854 by the society of Jesus(the Jesuits) based at the Annunciation Parish Church.

St Mary’s is a school which nurtures faith and where all are challenged to be the best that they can be. We have Religious Education at the centre of our curriculum, to which it devotes 10 % of time in Years 7 – 11. We believe that a thorough understanding of our Catholic Christian values, of what it means to be religious, of a variety of religious standpoints, especially the major world religions and of those who do not have religious faith, is essential to understanding what it means to be human and alive in our contemporary world. At the heart of this is our view that religious belief and practice must liberate people in their living and their thinking, allowing individuals to be fully human and creative. Fundamentalist and extreme practice can be identified when this liberating and positive view of the world and of life is missing.

The Year 7 Curriculum

St. Mary’s offers a broad and balanced Key Stage 3 programme, providing pupils with the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects and explore a rich, varied curriculum. Key Stage 3 lessons are designed to engage our pupils and create a life-long thirst for learning. The ethos in our classrooms is one in which pupils are encouraged to be inquisitive, resilient and proud of their talents and successes.

How many lessons each week?

• Monday – Thursday you will have 6 lessons each day

• On Friday you have 5 lessons

• Each lesson lasts 50 minutes.

This is an example of a typical Y7 timetable

MusicMathematics

English

Science

Modern Foreign Languages

ICT

Design Technology

History

Geography

Religious Studies

Drama

Physical Educationx3

x3

x4

x4

x3

x2

x2

x2

x2

x1

x1

x1

Lessons per week

How will I be grouped?At our school, Key Stage 3 pupils are taught in ‘Teaching Groups’ which are banded according to ability. This ensures that all pupils are taught in an environment more suited to their particular needs.

Pupils will take our Cognitive Ability Tests (CATs) in the summer of Y6 which will be used to form the banding process.

Pupils will change teaching groups as and when their needs and learning styles change.

Your lessons in Year 7

Religious StudiesOur curriculumThere is no national curriculum for Religious Studies at KS3, however, Catholic Schools are expected to follow the Curriculum Directory (as set down by the Bishops of England and Wales). As such, our programmes of study are bespoke and have been created to give students a coherent understanding of Catholicism and other world faiths.In Year 7 you will study;· Beliefs about human beings· Beliefs about Jesus: what is His role and why is He important?· Sacraments· Lent and Forgiveness· Hinduism

Religious Studies enables pupils to develop the key skills of research, problem solving, empathy, critical analysis, interpretation and evaluation and has a high standing as a rigorous, academic subject.

Head of DepartmentMiss H Loxley

Your lessons in Year 7

MathematicsOur curriculumIn Key Stage 3 pupils follow the programs of study prescribed by the National Curriculum. They learn new techniques in each of the set areas of Number & Measure, Geometry, Algebra, Statistics, Probability, Ratio and proportion and Rates of Change and apply these to problems. We challenge and extend their thinking often going beyond that set out below. The pupils are encouraged to explain their thinking and to set this down on paper. They meet simple proofs and are encouraged to develop their talents of reasoning, interpretation and problem solving in the context of real life problems.

Mathematics is a cornerstone to success in life. By doing well in Mathematics we believe that you will have the freedom in later life to choose a job that gives you real satisfaction.

See the next page for the topics covered in Year 7

Head of DepartmentMr K O’Sullivan

Number and Measures Geometry Algebra Statistics

Factors, Multiples, Squares, Square Roots, Primes and Divisibility tests. Powers and roots. Finding HCF and LCM logically.· Simple estimation and rounding to decimal places and significant figures.· Multiplication –standard methods up to 4 digit by 2 digit.· Negative numbers including +/-/x/÷and order of operations.· Conversion between metric units.· Time including time in decimal form.· Fractions, decimals, and percentage problems

Angle facts.· Properties of 2D and 3D shapes.· Area and perimeter of rectangles, triangles, parallelograms and composite shapes.· Volume and surface area of cubes and cuboids.· Metric and Imperial Units and their connections.· Reflective and rotational symmetry in shapes, transformations & formal constructions.· Coordinates and straight line graphs.

· Using letters in place of unknowns & variables and simplifying expressions. Create and use formulae.· Solving simple equations.· Generate sequences from term-to-term and position to term rules

· Work confidently with discrete data. Representing and interpreting data in graphical form. Comparing two data sets.

Ratio, Proportion and Rates of Change

· Understand the relationship between ratio and proportion.· Solve proportional and ratio problems.

Your lessons in Year 7

EnglishOur curriculumIn Key Stage 3 pupils follow the programmes of study broadly set out by the national curriculum and adapted to fall into line with the demands of the new GCSE syllabus. Students cover a range of reading materials (fiction and non-fiction) from the 20th and pre-20th century; study and create different forms of writing; take part in debates and poetry recitals and continue to develop their analytical skills in order to become strong writers who can apply inference skills across a variety of genres.In Year 7 you will study;

English is a highly important academic subject, that gives our pupils linguistic competence and good communication and analytical skills.

Reading Writing

· Class novel (e.g. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas,Skellig, Holes, Stormbreaker, Cirque Du Freak).· Shakespeare (e.g. A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The New Play).· Pre-21st Century short story (e.g. The Red Room, The Speckled Band).

· Autobiography· Beowulf newspaper article· Descriptive writing

Head of DepartmentMrs E Taylor

Your lessons in Year 7

ScienceOur curriculumIn Year 7 all students follow an in-house programme of study that is largely based upon the National curriculum. The course is designed to be activity-and practical-based to make the learning both relevant and fun. They learn how to conduct practical work safely and methodically whilst investigating scientific principles then forming their own conclusions. Students develop the necessary skills and scientific understanding to prepare them for their Science GCSEs in KS4.In Year 7 you will study;· Cells· Particles· Energy· Reproduction· Acids· Electricity· Mixtures· Variation· Forces· Atoms and elements· Sound

A good foundation in science gives pupils the confidence to succeed in our modern and innovative world.

Head of DepartmentMr D Greenslade

Your lessons in Year 7

Modern Foreign Languages

Our curriculumIn our increasingly competitive global marketplace, the demand for language skills is increasing and employers recognise the value of multi-lingual employees who have the skills and flexibility to operate in international environments. In a recent CBI skills survey it was reported that no less than 74% of employers want to employ people with conversational skills in a foreign language – a figure that is likely to grow. If as a nation we fail to meet these demands, employers will increasingly recruit from abroad, and when it comes to interviews, monolingual British candidates will find themselves overshadowed by foreign counterparts with two, maybe even three languages.The Modern Languages Department at St Mary’s aims to address these needs fully, with Year 7 pupils studying French, German or Spanish, and many pupils taking this further to GCSE and ‘A’ level standard. Furthermore, languages are at the heart of human relationships, as through language we can connect with other people and make sense of our experiences. Most important of all, languages are about tolerance and understanding, which are at the heart of Catholicism.

French German Spanish

Spanish is one of the official languages of the European Union and the United Nations, and is spoken as the first language in 21 countries

Year 7 Topics-Greetings-Family-Describing yourself-School-Holidays

After English, German is the most widely spoken language in Europe; it is a key language for business and much sought after by many employers.

Year 7 Topics-Greetings-Describing yourself-Family and pets-Leisure activities -School-Festivals and traditions

French is one of the three official business languages of the European Union, and is spoken as the first language in 29 countries.

Year 7-Describing yourself and others-School- Hobbies- Where you live- Holidays

Head of DepartmentMs L Craven

Head of DepartmentMrs C Parkin

Head of DepartmentMiss S Pugh

Your lessons in Year 7

ICTOur curriculumAt St Mary’s we believe that the future workforce will need technical expertise in areas such as IT and Computing, plus skills which robots cannot replace – flexibility, empathy, creativity and enterprise. The Digital Revolution was prompted by the Bank of England’s prediction that up to 15 million jobs are at risk of automation across the UK economy including professions such as law and accountancy. The economy is changing at an unprecedented pace. Every day, jobs are being lost in professions we used to regard as careers for life. Artificial intelligence, robots, 3D printing and driverless vehicles will impact on sectors as varied as the legal profession, transport and construction. In the Digital Revolution, knowledge is as necessary as ever, but it is not enough. It has to be connected with the real world through practical applications.

In Year 7 you will study;· Introduction to computers· Binary· Online safety· Scratch· Modelling Head of Department

Mr S Gannon

Your lessons in Year 7

Design Technology

Our curriculumThe Design and Technology team is committed to making a difference by delivering creative, technical and practical expertise needed to complete everyday tasks confidently and to contribute successfully in an increasingly technological world. Our aim is for our students to learn how to manage and control risks, work safely with a variety of tools and materials and become resourceful, innovative and competentAt St Mary’s, we believe that creative learning opportunities in Design and Technology, together with innovative teaching methods, will inspire our pupils to challenge themselves and to gain in confidence. Students are encouraged to take an active role in their learning and become independent learners.

Year 7 projects

· USB (plastic)· Note holder (wood)· Coat hook (metal)· Organiser (textiles)· Food Head of Department

Mr T Fagan

Your lessons in Year 7

HistoryOur curriculumA high-quality history education will help pupils gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. It should inspire pupils’ curiosity to know more about the past. Teaching should equip pupils to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement. History helps pupils to understand the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and relationships between different groups, as well as their own identity and the challenges of their time.In Year 7 you will study;

· The skills of an historian.· Anglo-Saxon England and· Why did William win the Battle of Hastings?· The changing political power of Kings (castles, the Domesday Book and the Magna Carta.)

· The Medieval Church· Living and working in the Middle Ages

· Black Death and Medieval Medicine Head of DepartmentMr T Franks

Your lessons in Year 7

Geography

Our curriculumAt St Mary’s we aim to develop this enthusiasm and realisation by studying the real life issues which we all face. We aim to understand processes and concepts and apply our own knowledge to think about the global issues we face.

In Year 7 you will study;

• What makes Geography unique?• What is an economy?• Why do weather patterns vary?• Is our portrayal of Africa out of date?• What is the UK's physical landscape like?• How has the past shaped the Peak District National Park today?

‘‘Geography is a living breathing subject, constantly adapting to change. It is dynamic and relevant. For me Geography is a great adventure with a purpose.’’ Micheal Palin. Head of Department

Miss L Stones

Your lessons in Year 7

MusicOur curriculumMusic is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity. At St. Mary’s we aim to provide a high-quality, engaging and inspiring musical education in which pupils develop a love of music and their talent as musicians. In addition to the music lessons that form a part of our curriculum, all pupils are offered the chance to participate in a range of additional musical experiences including learning to play a musical instrument, performing as part of a choir or instrumental ensemble and taking part in one of the many concerts that take place throughout the school year.

In Year 7 you will study;

• Rhythm• Pitch• Chords• Texture• Form

‘Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy’. Ludwig Van Beethoven Head of DepartmentMiss J Pendlebury

Your lessons in Year 7

DramaOur curriculumDrama is ‘the collaborative exploration and analysis of meaning through the enactment of events’. Drama enables pupils to symbolise the world in ways that engage the intellect and the emotions. Through drama pupils can develop their ‘emotional literacy’ and analytical awareness by seeing the world imaginatively from other perspectives. This imaginative engagement underpins the development of their critical thinking. At St Mary’s we aim to promote individual self-confidence, encourage social cooperation and enhance creativity through highly engaging lessons. We aim to inspire our pupils to become superb collaborators and nurture their talents in performance through key stage three clubs and whole school productions.In Key Stage 3 pupils follow programmes of study inspired by the national strategy drama objectives bank. They learn to create, perform and evaluate drama across a range of historical periods, genres and styles. Pupils create and perform collaboratively in groups and learn how to evaluate the success of their own and others performances. They learn how to develop acting skills and performance techniques when approaching both scripted and devised work through the topics outlined below:

- Working together - The Twits - The Island - Bugsy Malone - Storytelling

Head of DepartmentMs R Brownsword

Your lessons in Year 7

Physical EducationOur curriculumPhysical Education develops pupil’s 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 Physical Education curriculum at St Mary’s enables all pupils to enjoy and succeed in many kinds of physical activity. They develop a wide range of skills and the ability to use tactics, strategies and compositional ideas to perform successfully. As a result, they develop confidence to take part in different physical activities and learn about the value of healthy, active lifestyles. Physical Education helps pupils develop personally and socially.They work as individuals, in groups and in teams, developing concepts of fairness and of personal and social responsibility.They take on different roles and responsibilities:

Through the range of experiences that we offer, they learn how to be effective in competitive, creative and challenging situations.In Year 7 you study;

- Hockey - Rugby - Netball - Individual Fitness - Gymnastics- OAA - Tennis - Cricket - Rounders - Athletics

Leadership Coaching Officiating

Head of DepartmentMr M McKee

Our Pastoral Care

St Mary’s High School strives to be a Catholic community in which principles of care and respect are valued, with emphasis on the development of the young person through academic achievement, holistic personal development and religious formation. We aim to give every pupil the most appropriate opportunities to learn and develop to become the best that they can be. We take our ethos from Gospel values and work to draw out the potential in every young person.

The most important influences on a child’s values, attitudes and standards are those of family, home and community. We aim therefore, to work in close partnership with parents and carers to encourage all our pupils to have good manners, be kind and develop a sense of responsibility, self -discipline, respect for themselves, for others and for their environment. We recognise that education is a collaborative and cooperative enterprise and that although we emphasise our role in meeting individual needs, those needs must be met within the shared community life of the school and within an atmosphere which is positive, supportive and conducive to learning.

It goes without saying that every member of staff has a role to play in Pastoral Care in St Mary’s. Every teacher is expected to be interested in a child’s overall development and should be trying to encourage good social and moral habits as well as academic potential. The key to any successful Pastoral System and to the success of the school are the qualities, abilities and commitment shown by the form teacher. With such a large pupil population the form teacher is the “lynchpin” of the Pastoral System in St Mary’s. The Form Teacher is supported by the Head of Year, the Head of Key Stage and the Leadership Group.

St Mary’s Catholic High School is a fully inclusive school where our aim is to ensure that the needs of all pupils are met so that they reach their full potential. Quality First Teaching by the class teacher is at the core of this aim. All planning is therefore fully differentiated so that pupils can access the curriculum and make progress at their level. All teachers at St Mary’s are committed to creative and inclusive learning environments that aim to meet the needs of all pupils. There is also an additional range of support and expert advice that can be put in place to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities or when pupils aren’t making expected progress.

Admission to St. Mary’s

The Admission Process

The Governing Body of St Mary’s is the admission authority and the Local Authority co-ordinates all admissions on behalf of the Governing Body. The process for transfer from primary to secondary school begins in the September that a child starts Year 6.

Parents are required to make an online application through the Local Authority

Parents are also required to complete our supplementary information form (please download from our website)

The Admission Process

The Governing Body of St Mary’s is the admission authority and the Local Authority co-ordinates all admissions on behalf of the Governing Body. The process for transfer from primary to secondary school begins in the September that a child starts Year 6.

Parents are required to make an online application through the Local Authority

Parents are also required to complete our supplementary information form (please download from our website)

The Admission CategoriesAt any time where there are more applications for places than the number of places available, places will be offered according to the following order of priority:

1. Looked after and previously looked after children

2. Catholic children who live in one of our Parishes or attend one of our family of primary schools

3. All other Catholic children

4. Catechumens and members of an Eastern Christian Church

5. Children who have brothers and sisters who, at the point of application and admission, attend St Mary’s Catholic High School

6. Children of other Christian denominations and children of other faiths whose membership is evidenced by a minister of religion or other religious leader who have attended one of our family of primary schools

7. All other children of other Christian denominations and children of other faiths whose membership is evidenced by a minister of religion or other religious leader

8. Any other children who have attended one of our family of primary schools.

9. Any other children not in any of the above categories.

The Admission CategoriesPlease download our Admissions Policy from the website for more details on categories.

Our expectations

We have three ‘Golden Rules’ that pupils are expected to adhere to at all times;

To be ready

To be respectful

To be safe

Uniform

Our standards of uniform are very high and there is no negotiation of what pupils are expected to wear.

Please see our uniform expectations for full details.

We do not recommend parents to apply for St. Mary’s if you do not feel our uniform expectations are what you wish for your child.

Mobile Phones

Our lessons are never interrupted by mobile phones. This is because pupils are not allowed mobile phones at St. Mary’s. This benefits the educational experience of every single child.

If a mobile phone is found on a pupil, it will be confiscated for 6 weeks.

All parents must sign a contract agreeing to this before your child starts our school. We do not recommend that parents who wish for their child to have a mobile phone at school apply for St. Mary’s.

A message from our Headteacher

Mrs M Dengate

Headteacher

St Mary’s Catholic High School is proud to be a Catholic School believing that we are all part of God’s creative process and that we are here to make the world a better place. Our vision and ethos are intrinsically linked to our Catholic Christian faith but our values are universal and apply to all pupils. That is we are all working for the common good and aiming to build a school community where the contribution of each individual is valued and relationships are characterised by co-operation and generosity of spirit. It is through our relational behaviour that we demonstrate our commitment to our mission statement to Live Love and Learn in the Light of Christ.