JOHN 10:10
“I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL.”
“ THE SCHOOL’S ‘VERITAS VALUES’ AND ITS HOUSE SYSTEM ENCOURAGE PUPILS AND SIXTH-FORM PUPILS TO TAKE ON ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITY WITHIN THE SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY.” OFSTED 2022
As the Headteacher, it is my great privilege to be leading a school where the holistic development of our pupils, as set out in our mission statement, is our core purpose.
John 10:10
Our commitment to the pursuit of academic excellence and our rich personal development curriculum is underpinned by our Catholic identity, brought to life through our Veritas Values.
Our curriculum is broad and well-balanced, designed and delivered by expert teachers to support all pupils to reach and exceed their academic potential. This is in conjunction with a bespoke Personal Health, Social and Citizenship Education (PHSCE) programme and a wide-ranging extracurricular offer that is outstanding.
It is our intention that this, supported by our ethos and values, will allow each pupil to complete a seven-year journey with us and take their place in society, where their gifts and talents will be of benefit to all.
We insist on the highest standards of behaviour for learning and have clear policies in place to ensure these are maintained. It is my absolute belief that this consistency of approach enables our community to flourish and enables our pupils to live out our mission statement.
Pupils at St James’ are known and valued as individuals; we know that children learn in different ways and progress at different rates, and adapt our teaching accordingly. Our academic results and progress are consistently good when compared to schools nationally but we know that an exceptional education is about more than examination success.
We offer:
• High quality teaching by dedicated, expert staff, stimulating lessons and a rich and varied curriculum offering pathways for all.
• A well-planned pastoral curriculum to develop our pupils’ character and nurture their spirituality.
• An extra-curricular offer that gives every child the chance to shine.
At St James’ we ensure that our pupils:
• Maximise their academic potential and enjoy their educational experience.
• Make a positive contribution in terms of decision making, developing relationships and building confidence and resilience.
• Are able to learn in a safe and secure environment. This means a zero-tolerance approach to any disruption of learning, bullying or harassment.
• Are prepared for employment and a fulfilling life. We place great emphasis on our life skills programme and have built strong links with local businesses and universities, as well as with schools in other countries.
Our Catholic faith is the basis of everything we do and permeates the school community and the curriculum. Religious Education plays a central role in encouraging the growth and development of pupils’ faith and there are numerous opportunities for spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
“LEADERS HAVE ENSURED THAT THE CURRICULUM IS DELIVERED CONSISTENTLY WELL ACROSS SUBJECTS AND YEAR GROUPS. STAFF HAVE STRONG SUBJECT KNOWLEDGE AND BENEFIT FROM CONTINUOUS AND TARGETED TRAINING.” OFSTED 2022
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IN LESSONS, PUPILS ARE ATTENTIVE AND WORK HARD, IN LINE WITH THE HIGH EXPECTATIONS SET BY STAFF.” OFSTED 2022
“ THERE IS A VERY WELL-PLANNED PROGRAMME IN PLACE TO SUPPORT PUPILS’ WIDER PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT. THIS ENSURES THAT PUPILS LEARN ABOUT IMPORTANT ISSUES, SUCH AS KEEPING SAFE.” OFSTED 2022
Pupils are successful when they feel secure and happy at school. The safeguarding of pupils is of paramount importance to our whole community.
Our expectations:
• We expect all members of our school to show respect and consideration for one another at all times. Our expectations of and for our pupils are extremely high. We are firmly committed to individual excellence, ensuring that all pupils, irrespective of their ability, make better than expected progress.
• We are proud of the many successes and achievements of our community.
• We work hard to make sure that everyone feels safe, valued and welcome.
We offer your child:
• Wide ranging support from teachers, support staff, peers, junior leaders and Sixth Form mentors so that pupils feel safe and supported and have the confidence to flourish.
• Opportunities to engage in a wide range of extra-curricular activities, helping them develop the leadership skills and characteristics that will help them as 21st century learners.
SECTION 48 INSPECTION, JANUARY 2020
“ WITHIN THE SCHOOL, ALL GIFTS ARE RECOGNISED, CELEBRATED AND PUPILS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SHARE WITH OTHERS. THEY HAVE A DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF THE CALL TO SERVE, AND ADOPT POSITIONS OF LEADERSHIP”
Pupils know that they have a voice that is heard and valued at St James’. One of the core ‘Pupil Voice’ activities is the House Council. Each form group elects representatives who meet regularly to discuss a range of issues affecting school life. This process teaches the pupils about the importance of citizenship and democracy.
The views of our pupils are taken very seriously. They are involved in fundraising work, interviews for staff vacancies and meet with senior staff on various committees. Pupil Voice helps inform whole school policy - from our school vision, the curriculum, teaching and learning strategies, to the liturgy and spiritual life of our school and the development of healthy lifestyles.
St James’ provides an education which combines academic excellence with the development of the whole person. Our aim is to develop pupils spiritually, academically, morally, emotionally, culturally and socially, so that they are well-equipped to face the many challenges of the 21st century.
We aim to provide pupils with an educational experience which is broad, balanced, relevant and challenging and which reflects our distinct mission and identity. The curriculum has been designed to be relevant and responsive to pupils’ needs, interests and skills by providing flexibility and choice. Our curriculum provides clear pathways through all key stages and includes exciting vocational opportunities.
St James’ is fortunate to have a highly qualified, dynamic and enthusiastic teaching staff who adapt their teaching techniques to suit all abilities and who challenge and motivate pupils to succeed. The use of technology enhances the curriculum and contributes to pupils’ excellent progress. All classrooms have interactive whiteboards, and we have seven fully equipped computer suites, a music recording studio, extensive playing fields and specialist curriculum teaching bases to support pupils’ effective learning and enjoyment.
“PUPILS BEHAVE WELL AROUND THE SCHOOL AND IN LESSONS. THEY ARE RESPECTFUL AND POLITE TO STAFF, VISITORS AND EACH OTHER.” OFSTED 2022
We are aware that a great deal of valuable learning takes place outside the classroom. Staff at St James’ give generously of their time to ensure that there is a wide range of enrichment and extra curricular activities, as well as trips and visits to suit each pupil.
Pupils enjoy a variety of extra-curricular sports clubs both at lunchtime and after school, as well as Drama, Chess, Art, Choir, Creative Writing, Spoken Word, to name but a few. The Library is open for pupils at break-time, lunch-time and after school, giving everyone in the school community the opportunity to grow and develop into self-sufficient, lifelong learners.
“ PUPILS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND A WIDE RANGE OF LUNCHTIME AND AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES.” OFSTED 2022
St James’ was founded by the Dominican Sisters in 1934 to provide Catholic secondary education for children in the parishes of north-west London. Today, the school maintains its Dominican traditions and continues its role in the mission of the Church.
In September 2019, the school opened its new facilities, including a new Sixth Form Centre, a 4G pitch, a dedicated performance area and a masterclass areas so that the excellent education we provide here at St James’ can continue to enhance the life chances of all young people who come within the compass of its influence.
