We are a Catholic, Salesian school, inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and the educational charism of St John Bosco.
We aspire to educate all through Reason, Religion and Loving Kindness. We provide a Home, a School, a Church and a Playground where lifelong friendships are formed and all can flourish, realising their God given potential
We send out into the world happy and confident young people as witnesses to the Gospel, with an active concern for social justice
Mission Statement Welcome
Welcome to Salesian College The purpose of this booklet is to provide parents and boys with as much information as possible about the College and to help make the transition to secondary school as smooth as possible. The booklet gives details of the day-to-day running of the College, procedures to follow, and information on all aspects of College life
The College forms part of the SALESIANS OF DON BOSCO, a Roman Catholic Order of Priests and Brothers specifically founded to work in the formation of young people The Rector of the College is Father Patrick Sherlock, SDB The Headmaster is Mr Gerard Owens. A list of current staff can be found here.
Gerard Owens - Headmaster
Week One
The INTRODUCTORY MORNING FOR NEW PUPILS will take place on Wednesday 4 September, more details regarding this event will follow in due course. We ask all new boys to attend school on this morning, in their Salesian uniform, to enable them to settle in, meet their teachers and receive their student planners and timetables. Please arrange your own transport for this day as the coach service does not start until Thursday 5 September, when term starts and the remainder of the College returns. Parents of all new boys are invited to an Information Evening on Monday 9 September to receive important information about the year ahead and the opportunity to meet the staff This meeting will start at 6 30pm in the College Hall following the PTA AGM which starts at 6 00pm, and all are invited to attend
The College Day
8.00am - 8.35am
8 10am - 8 35am
8 35am - 8 50am
8.50am - 9.50am
9.55am - 10.55am
10.55am - 11.15am
11.15am - 12.15pm
12 15pm - 1 15pm
1 15pm - 1 40pm
1.45pm - 2.45pm
2.50pm - 3.50pm
3.50pm - 5.00pm
Homework Club in The Library
College playground open
Registration
Lesson 1
Lesson 2
Break
Lesson 3
Lunch
Tutor time
Lesson 4
Lesson 5
Homework Club in The Library / Extra-Curricular Clubs
Students can access the Library from 8 00am each morning The remainder of the College grounds open at 8 10am and students should not arrive before this time If students do arrive before then, no arrangements for staff supervision are in place and the College cannot be responsible for them.
Unless taking part in College activities (which are supervised by members of staff), students should leave the College promptly after College finishes as 3 50pm Any student having difficulties in getting home should report to the College Reception before 4 30pm
College Dates 2024/25
A full list of College dates can be found here along with a Google calendar which you can subscribe to.
Pastoral Support
Welcome to Salesian College and in particular Year 7!
As Head of Year 7, it is my responsibility to support your family in the transition process for your son to become a fully integrated member of the College. I will be the familiar face that they will become used to through the Induction Process, and throughout the forthcoming academic year via year group assemblies.
During the first half term, your son ’ s Form Tutor will be helping him to settle into life at the College
This will include organisation of their class work and homework, use of their school planner and iPad, involvement in extra-curricular activities and understanding the Mark System. In particular, they will encourage the boys to get involved in College life, make new friends and support your son to ensure the transition to senior school as smooth as possible.
Your son will have a morning and afternoon registration period with the form tutor each day During this time students will engage with a structured PSHE programme, and take part in Year, House and Whole School Assemblies. They will also have singing practice each week.
If you have any issues concerning your son, you are asked initially to email his Form Tutor. If the concern continues or is of a serious nature, you may wish to contact me for further support. The Deputy Headteachers and Headmaster would also be happy to meet with parents if concerns persist
All of the staff of the College have responsibility for both the pastoral and the academic development of the boys. However, our full-time Chaplain, the Pastoral Team and the Form Tutors are key figures in the pastoral programme of the College.
I look forward to meeting you and supporting your family as your son begins his Salesian journey
With best wishes
Mrs M Morrison - Head of Year 7
PHSE
During morning and afternoon registration period with the form tutor each day, each year group follows a structured PHSE programme as per the schedule below
House System
As each boy joins the College, he is enrolled into one of the four Houses. These are St Aidan’s, St Bede’s, St Dunstan’s and St Hugh’s He will remain in this House throughout his College career and this will be his Form (Years 7-11) and teaching group (Years 7-9) Rivalry between the Houses is very keen in sports activities and annually there are Inter-House competitions in basketball, cross country, football, athletics (on Sports Day), and rugby. In studies also, the efforts of the boys contribute to the performance of their House in the Studies Shield.
Saint Aidan’s
Saint Bede’s
Saint Dunstan’s
Saint Hugh’s
LearningSupport
Salesian College is committed to enabling every pupil to attain their full potential. For this reason, Learning Support is available to pupils throughout the College, from Year 7 to the Sixth Form The provision of Learning Support in the College is designed to enable all pupils, whatever their special needs, to have full access to the curriculum.
Pupils receiving support may be withdrawn from class for individual or small group work, and, if required, support may also take place within the classroom environment.
Pupils who may need support can be referred to the Head of Learning Support by their parents or a member of staff. Provision of support is at the discretion of the College. The Learning Support may focus on general literacy or numeracy issues, organisational support or specific learning related support.
ExtendedLearning
In addition to the above, the Extended Learning Programme runs throughout the College in all areas of the curriculum. A detailed booklet, highlighting opportunities both in and out of College is available and further details about this provision can be obtained from Mrs Gemma Grover, Extended Learning Coordinator.
Safeguarding
Salesian College is a SAFE SPACE and a HAPPY PLACE for all. We remain committed to ensuring all in our community can enjoy the opportunities to grow and prosper at the College Student safety is paramount to facilitating student development and all in our community have a duty and responsibility to ensure that this school remains a safe environment for all. If a student has a safeguarding concern, they can speak to any adult in the school or approach their Form Tutor or Head of Year or they can email safeguarding@salesian.com.
There are safeguarding posters around the school site including in form rooms, inserted in the School Planner and available on the school website which confirm the College commitment to safeguarding procedures and communicates
Dr John Toal DSL
Mr Chris Yates
Mr Paul Dalgas
Mrs Michelle Vandenberg
Anti-Bullying
Salesian College, through its Christian ethos, overtly promotes the value of each individual and the need for tolerance and mutual respect We actively campaign against bullying and as a community we acknowledge our responsibility to protect all individuals, both pupils and staff, in our College and to act promptly if any cases of bullying are discovered.
We consider bullying to constitute any form of behaviour which isolates, humiliates, belittles, or which mentally or physically hurts another person. The College considers the STOP acronym as a useful guide to defining when bullying takes place:
Several Times On Purpose.
Bullying is a conscious aim to hurt, threaten or frighten someone. It is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the College in any form whatsoever.
It can be physical or mental and includes: insults; physical violence; using cruel nicknames; isolating someone; making threats; writing lies about someone; taking or hiding property; spreading rumours; inciting other against an individual; teasing.
Cyberbullying is when a person or a group uses the internet, mobile phones or other digital technologies to threaten, tease or abuse someone Don’t respond or retaliate to bullying messages – it could make things worse Block users who send you nasty messages Save abusive emails or messages (or texts) you receive and make a note of dates and times you receive them. Don’t pass on any cyberbullying videos or messages – this is also cyberbullying.
If your son suspects that someone is being bullied or is in distress, he should take action by informing a member of staff
How can students help to stop bullying? not to put up with any form of bullying to work with others to stop bullying to inform a member of staff of any form of bullying not to be afraid of reporting any incidents; if you do nothing, you are in effect supporting the bullying not to put up with bullies in your group of friends to have the confidence to tell an adult if you yourself are subject to bullying; the College has a procedure for helping you the College will seek to regularly educate and provide information to students on anti-bullying and cyberbullying
Rewards&Sanctions
The College is very keen to promote achievement and involvement in all aspects of College life and learning.
Our Rewards and Sanctions system is designed to reflect your son ’ s anticipated success and commitment to becoming the best Salesian they can be.
ACADEMIC MERIT MARKS
Work showing commendable effort/attainment for that pupil 1.
Work showing a high level of effort/attainment for that pupil 2
Work showing a very high standard of effort & attainment for that pupil 4/5 Reserved for project type assignments / multiple weeks work 3
ACTIVITY MARKS
Lunchtime practice, rehearsal or club 1.
After school practice, rehearsal or club 2
Representing & Performing for the College / weekend practice or rehearsal 3
Certificates are presented for outstanding performance when required and reward trips will be organised on a termly basis.
SALESIAN ETHOS MARKS
These are marks which recognise the importance of putting Salesianism into action As members of the global congregation of the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB), we are keen to be able to recognise and celebrate boys putting our Salesian ethos into action. Simply put, we want boys as Salesians to: Say it, Do it, Be it! To assist in this ambition, the following marks will apply;
Minor Contribution e.g. boys offering to help in class, performing a directed task well, exemplary manners, kindness to others
Valued Contribution e g boys going out of their way to help others within school, helping to run charity events, volunteering, etc.
Significant Contribution e.g. boys going out of their way to help others within school and the wider community, leading charity events, role model for others
Rewards&Sanctions
THE 3 Cs
In lessons, when dealing with issues relating to behaviour for learning, pupils will become accustomed to the teachers referring to the 3Cs of Chance, Choice and Consequence. The aim of this strategy is to allow pupils to reflect on their own behaviour and the impact it is having on their progress and the progress of other pupils In the best Salesian tradition, students will be encouraged to take responsibility for their actions
C1 Pupils will be given a chance to change their actions and behaviour
C2 The teacher will remind the pupil to make the right choice
C3 The choices made will result in an appropriate consequence
CONDUCT MARK
This is to record instances of misbehaviour. A full description of the event, with response / sanction / restorative action will be given through an email which is sent to the pupil, Form Tutor and HOY. Parents should ask their son to show them this email for clarification.
HOMEWORK MARKS
This is to record incomplete, late or missing homework and notify parties concerned (pupil and Form Tutor by email). Within this email will be a brief description of the issue, specific set task, and hand in date will be included.
UNIFORM & ORGANISATION MARKS
These are to be used to record all other infractions and may be thought of as a boy not being ‘ready to learn’ These cover punctuality, uniform, equipment, iPad misuse etc An email with a brief written description will be sent to the pupil and Form tutor.
Each week the progress of each boy is reviewed by his Head of Year. Boys who fall below the standards expected will initially be seen individually by the Head of Year. If there is no improvement, he will receive a detention on a Tuesday lunchtime Persistent misdemeanours and poor work will result in a Thursday afternoon detention after school Further persistent poor attitude or behaviour may result in a Saturday morning detention. If this were to persist, the parents would be asked to come to the College to discuss how improvements can be made. The College reserves the right to exclude a pupil either for a fixed-term period or permanently for a serious breach of school discipline.
PracticalInformation Coaches
If you would like your son to use the College coaches, we respectfully advise parents to book early as the routes do tend to be over-subscribed Information on routes, tiems, costs and availability can be found on our website
iPads
Every Year 7 to 11 student at Salesian College will be loaned an iPad to assist with his learning in lessons and at home Every student is expected to take great care of his iPad It must be kept in the protective case provided and treated with respect at all times Bags containing iPads must be treated with respect and should not be placed on the floor, sat on, or used as a backrest. The iPad should be charged each evening at home and must be brought to College every day ready for lessons. Students are not allowed to use their iPads during morning break or lunch period. The iPad will remain the property of the College and managed by the College’s IT Support Team.
PracticalInformation MobilePhones
Years 7 – 11 pupils are allowed to bring mobile phones to College on the understanding that the safety and responsibility for the mobile phone is entirely at their own risk and that the College cannot be held liable for any damage or theft. Years 7 – 11 pupils are not permitted to use mobile phones at any time during the school day, including breaks and lunchtimes If a pupil is found to be using a mobile phone in school, it will be confiscated to the Deputy Head, who will meet with the student at the end of the day. Depending on the use of the phone, the item may be returned on the same day or held securely in College and later returned to the pupil at the discretion of the College. A letter will be sent to parents confirming the confiscation of the phone and any further necessary action. Any pupil who needs to use a telephone in an emergency should follow longstanding procedures and go to the school office where the office staff will assist them in making the call
In an emergency and when fixtures are cancelled at short notice, the boys would be allowed to phone home from the office, either using their personal mobile or the College landline.
MessagesForStudents
If your son should forget equipment or books, these can be brought into the College and left in Reception. They should be collected by the boy concerned from there. It would be greatly appreciated if any messages for your son could be given before 12 noon. Parents are requested not to phone in with messages unless they are urgent.
PracticalInformation Uniform
Boys must wear the College uniform which consists of blazer, charcoal grey trousers, black plain leather shoes with a heel, white shirt, College tie, pullover (optional), and grey or dark-coloured socks Full details can be found here
Boys are expected to wear full school uniform at all times. If there is any reason why this is temporarily not possible, notification in writing is required.
Hairstyles must be in accordance with the standards laid down by the College authorities
Extremes of style (too long or too short) are not permitted Bleached or dyed hair is not permitted
Coats should be smart and plain black. Multi-coloured coats or emblazoned with logos are not permitted.
All items must be clearly marked with the boy’s name
All College uniform and PE items are available from the College outfitters, Brenda’s, 130 Frimley Road, Camberley, Surrey, GU15 2QN. Tel: 01276 469697 Website: www.brendas.co.uk
There is an excellent Uniform Shop, run by the PTA, which sells good second-hand uniform and sportswear There are dates throughout the year which will be included in the College Calendar
Lockers
All boys will have their own named open storage area for their bags. In addition, all boys have access to a smaller lockable storage locker if required Each pupil must provide his own padlock and two keys He keeps one key and gives the other to his Form Tutor
PracticalInformation MedicalArrangements
There are qualified first-aiders in the College to deal with accidents, injuries and illness. Students should report to Reception if they feel unwell during the College day.
Please inform the College in writing of any special medical history which needs particular treatment. No boy should carry tablets or other medication in school. If a boy needs to take medicine in school time, this should be left in Reception for safekeeping in the Medical Room. A signed letter detailing medicines and authorising staff to administer them will be required.
Currently, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio and Meningitis (ACWY) vaccinations are arranged for boys in Year 9 The HPV vaccine is also offered to Year 8 students
Parents are requested not to send a boy to school if he is unwell. Following sickness or diarrhoea, in line with NHS guidelines, we request that boys are clear for 48 hours before they return to the College to prevent the infection of other pupils.
AbsenceProcedures
It would be appreciated if parents did not ask for absence during term time. Please try to arrange appointments with dentists, etc , where possible during the holidays Term dates should be carefully noted when making holiday arrangements
Parents seeking time off during term time must write in advance to the Headmaster for permission. Absence without permission is deemed to be unauthorised.
Please email office@salesiancollege com in advance to notify us if your son needs to attend an appointment No student is allowed to leave the College premises without permission from the Headmaster or Deputy Headteachers
All students must sign out at Reception when leaving the College during the school day, and sign in on return after an appointment.
In the event of illness, parents should email office@salesiancollege com by 9 30am (on each day of absence) to report the absence If we do not receive an email, the College will contact the parent of any pupil who has not registered or whose absence has not been notified. If your son is late for College, he must report on arrival to Reception.
AcademicOverview
Boys will study a wide range of subjects in their first three years at Salesian College before they have to make option choices for GCSE during Year 9.
All pupils at present study the following subjects on the timetable:
English Mathematics
Religious Studies
Art Music
Science
Geography
History
Physical Education
Games
Drama Classics
French
Spanish Computing
PSHE
Homework
In Years 7-9, each form is given a homework timetable. It will usually comprise 3 subjects per night during the week Students must be well organised by recording all homework in the Student Planner to ensure it is handed in on time You are strongly advised, where possible, to do homework on the night set, even if given three or four days in which to complete the work If for any reason you are unable to do, or complete a homework, you should bring a note to the subject teacher concerned.
It is recommended in Year 7 that a boy should spend on average approximately 30 minutes per night on each homework If boys persistently spend a great deal longer (or less time), parents should inform their son ’ s Form Tutor
AcademicOverview Books&StudentPlanner
On entering the College, the boys will be issued with exercise books and text books from their subject teachers, as well as a student planner from their Form Tutor. The student planner must be looked after carefully and a charge will be made if a replacement is required. Further exercise books will be available from their respective subject teacher Text-books and certain specialist equipment are issued on loan Loss or wilful damage of College property will incur a replacement cost
Stationery&Equipment
Students are expected to possess all of the contents of a geometry set, and standard stationary such as:
Ruler (30cms)
Pencil HB
Coloured pencils or pens
Compasses and pencil
Protractor
Pencil sharpener and eraser
Pen – blue or black ink
Glue stick
Fountain Pen
Casio Scientific Calculator (any model)
AcademicOverview Reading
Reading Lists: We have decided to guide parents towards some useful reading lists, including an extra list recommended by ourselves The service is provided free by a website called Lovereading4schools co uk and all the books are available to buy at a 25% discount Salesian College does not require parents to purchase any books through the website (although we get a small financial benefit from sales) but we do advise you to view the lists. Uniquely, school and parents can download a free Opening Extract of each book to find out which their children will most enjoy
Website address www lovereading4schools co uk
The first time you access this site, you will be required to register as a parent and create your own account. When you have done this, Salesian College can be found following the ‘Find Your School’ link
Once you have created your account, on future visits to the website, you can directly access the Salesian College pages via the link below – you will need to login each time you visit.
https://www.lovereading4schools.co.uk/school/7240
Salesian Password: SalesianLibrary
AcademicOverview TheLibrary
The Salesian College Library is open to the whole school from 8.00 am, during break and lunchtimes and after school until 5.00pm for Homework Club. Students are also welcome to read or browse the books on offer.
There are about 7000 books in our Library, plus DVDs and copies of daily newspapers The fiction section of our library holds many different genres and is full of popular authors such as Anthony Horowitz, Robert Muchamore, Sarah Crossan, Pitticus Lore, Rick Riordan and Chris Bradford as well as many classics. We encourage the pupils to try different genres and books outside of their usual comfort zone.
Year 7 students have a Library Induction as part of their English Lessons They come to the Library and are shown the layout and are introduced to how the resources are organised It is a good opportunity for us to get to know what they like to read and for them to see what is available.
We celebrate World Book Day every year, where many staff dress up as book characters and students can get involved in fun competitions and quizzes run by the library. Other library events include author visits such as Joe Craig, Chris Bradford, Andy Briggs and Marcus Alexander for some memorable and highly entertaining shows
Every year, we run the Salesian Book Award. Students and staff chose a longlist of 12 recently published books from different genres to to agree a shortlist of 6. We meet weekly to discuss the 6 books and find out which books we would recommend, and those that we are not enjoying. Finally, we vote for our Salesian Book Award Winner
CreativeArts Music
All boys follow a Music course as part of the timetabled curriculum for the first three years here Music also features prominently as an extra-curricular activity for the majority of pupils in the lower school.
The Junior Choir: The College Choir consists of about 200 boys and performs on a number of occasions throughout the year.
The Savio Singers: A small, select group of boys from Years 7 and 8 who sing at many of the ceremonial, liturgical and musical events throughout the year.
The Orchestra: The Orchestra has over 30 members. Players should be of a grade 3 standard and prepared to tackle frequent sight-reading.
Jazz Band: The Jazz Band is open to all students playing appropriate instruments
Rock & Pop: Students who sing or play Rock and Pop instruments can attend the weekly afterschool session where they learn to play songs in bands with regular concert opportunities during the year.
Other Ensembles: Brass, string, guitar and drumming groups run regularly throughout the year, and various ad hoc ensembles are formed on an occasional basis.
Instrumental Tuition: In addition to the class music taken by all boys in the lower school, and as an option in the senior school, the College offers as an extra, individual (paid for) tuition in piano, voice, guitar (electric and classical), violin, bass guitar, drums, as well as woodwind and brass instruments These lessons take place during school time on a rota basis so that boys do not miss the same subject each week. Group theory classes are also available and take place at lunchtimes. These lessons and classes are given by visiting experts who regularly, and successfully, enter boys for the grade exams of the various schools of music. Tutors invoice parents directly for all lessons, in advance, on a termly basis.
Full details of all additional music tuition will be made available to all boys and their parents before September and it will be possible to apply online for instrumental, vocal and theory lessons before term commences.
CreativeArts Drama
Drama is taught as a separate subject from Years 7-9 and is also part of the GCSE and A Level provision at the College
Junior Drama Club runs in the Autumn and Summer Terms to encourage younger students to gain the confidence to perform on a bigger stage and also to provide an enjoyable and challenging extra-curricular activity.
All students in Year 8 take part in a LAMDA group examinations
In the Autumn Term, the College produces a ‘Performing Arts’ Evening - ‘Salesian Showcase’.
There is an annual production at the end of the Easter Term. This format is varied to allow special drama productions in which a large number of students can be involved Parents are warmly encouraged to attend the performances, which are held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.
We have visiting teachers who offer solo or pair LAMDA lessons in Acting, Public Speaking, verse and prose leading to examinations. For more details please contact our Head of Drama fleetc@sa
Sports
The College has an extensive PE and Sport programme. All boys in Year 7 will have a Games afternoon (2 lessons) and a single PE lesson each week. During these lessons, boys will have the opportunity to improve their skills in all the major team and individual sports as well as improving their own personal fitness level There will also be a swimming course at Camberley Leisure Centre for each form group during the year.
Competitive fixtures are played in sports such as football, rugby, cross-country, athletics, biathlon, swimming, golf, skiing and basketball with success at district, county, regional and national level. A normal year involves hundreds of fixtures across a variety of sports Details regarding fixture and team sheets will be posted on SOCS Details will be available at the Year 7 Parents Information Evening on Monday 9 September 2024.
At the end of each year, a special Sports Awards Presentation is held in a packed College Hall, to recognise the outstanding sporting achievement across the year at the College. It recognises individual performances and team success from both boys and girls throughout the College Each sport has colours awarded to those students who have been consistent performers and have contributed to the sport throughout the year.
There are school sports events to look forward to such as Sports Day,, as well as numerous InterHouse events across a wide range of sports that all students can take part in.
Sports
On Saturdays throughout the year, we have rugby, football and cricket matches against local schools, which give all students the chance, if selected, to represent Salesian College We often field A and B teams in all Years from 7-10, giving a very large number of boys the chance to represent the College. Supporters are always welcome to attend both home and away fixtures.
Without serious reason, recognised as such by the College authorities, boys are expected to make themselves available when selected to represent the College If this involves being late home, boys must inform their parents in advance Many of our College teams play fixtures on a Saturday morning Boys are again expected to be available for these if they are selected Boys involved in other extra-curricular activities (non-sporting) such as music or drama should also attend all necessary rehearsals.
When representing the College in one of the many sports activities, boys are expected to wear full College kit For some teams (football, basketball, cross-country, etc ) the shirts are provided by the College The rest of the kit is that which is used for games lessons (i e , blue shorts and blue socks). For many of these after-school activities, it is advisable to wear the College tracksuit, particularly in the Winter Term. All boys should wear mouthguards for Rugby and Hockey lessons, and shin-pads for Football and Hockey lessons. Please ensure that all PE kit, including footwear, is marked with the student’s name
ExtraCurricular
ClubsandSocieties EducationalVisits
There are many clubs and societies for the boys to join These may include: Japanese lessons, Debating Club, Politics Club, Ancient Greek Club, Rubik’s Cube Club, Chess Club, Computer Club, Drama Club, STEM Club, etc Public Speaking competitions are held for all years and boys will have the opportunity to compete in some of the district and county competitions in future years The College has an outstanding record of success in these events Older boys also participate in debates with other schools
There are outings of academic, cultural and leisure interest Annually, there is a residential activity trip for all Year 7 boys which departs at the end of the May Half Term (provisional dates Friday 30 May - Monday 2 June 2025), along with an optional skiing holiday and sports tours.
Annual visits for Year 7 in recent years have included the Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium, a visit to Braywick Nature Reserve and the Hawk Conservancy
SpiritualDevelopment CollegeChaplaincy
There is a full time Chaplain at the College. Fr Patrick Sherlock SDB is a Salesian priest who has spent all his life working with young people as a teacher and a youth worker Now, he has the time to be with you to listen and to share experiences, joys and sorrows, hopes and fears You can usually find him on the playground at break times, with a ‘joke for the day’ to bring a smile or a groan! He also has an office upstairs in the Foley Building near the Library, where he is available for anyone who would like a longer chat or the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
We are a Catholic school, but we have students from many religious denominations in the College, and we do our best to support you wherever you are on your journey of faith Each day begins with an assembly for your form, the year group or the whole school The College Chapel is open throughout the day as a place where you can go for prayer or peaceful reflection. Every Wednesday morning, there is an optional Mass for staff and students before school. Each form is able to celebrate Mass together at least once in the course of the year and there are retreats for each year group Major events and feast days are marked with Mass for the entire College in the Hall
If you would like to chat about your faith – or about anything – just have a word with Fr Pat in the compound. You can also contact him via email: sherlockp@salesiancollege.com
SpiritualDevelopment ReligiousStudies
In Religious Education, we will consider both Religion & Philosophy We will study some of the major questions that humans have asked since the human race began and look at how different religions have responded to these questions.
All boys in Year 7 will have two lessons of RE per week, both one hour in length. Below is a summary of the topics that they will study.
Autumn Term - The Salesians; The Teachings and Actions of Jesus
Spring Term - Pilgrimage; Holy Week, Easter and The Mass Summer Term - Introduction to Judaism; Saints and Sinners
It is recommended that all boys purchase a copy of the Good News Bible. The Sunrise edition is ideal. This will be an important resource for them to use to support their homework.
In addition to the RE curriculum, all boys will also experience a Retreat Day each year In Year 7, this takes place in September and is an opportunity to come away from a normal school day and spend time as a Tutor Group reflecting on important issues.
SpiritualDevelopment CharitableWork
Each year, the students of the College devise unique and creative ways of raising money for charitable causes These range from cake sales, sponsored walks and cycle rides, along with raffles and many other innovative fundraising schemes. All students are encouraged to participate in such efforts to raise money for charity, either as part of their form, individual or small group endeavours.
Our students regularly raise funds for CAFOD, Hosanna Children's Pilgrimage Trust (HCPT), Sean Devereux Children's Fund (SDCF), Step by Step, The Trussell Trust and SHARE (our own College project). Other beneficiaries of the funds raised over our school year are diverse and include many local, national, and international charities.
The commitment and willingness of students to organise and participate in such activities plays an integral role in the life of the College
ParentTeacherAssociation (PTA)
This is an association which is comprised of parents and staff. The PTA gives magnificent support to the College, both in time given and money raised
The PTA has two very simple aims: firstly, to provide and assist in the provision of facilities and to promote the welfare of pupils and the College; secondly, to foster a good relationship between staff, parents, and others associated with the College
New parents are encouraged to join in with the many activities put on by the PTA (all dates are in the Calendar) and your involvement and participation would be greatly welcomed Communication is usually through Classlist and circulars sent home with the students.
The PTA helps to provide funds towards College events, Sports Awards and items requested by the staff team and the School Council. The AGM will be held on 9 September, and we would be delighted to welcome new parents onto the Committee Hard work is done, but a good time is had at the same time
Please support the various functions, which have previously included the Quiz Night, the Year 7 & 8 PTA Disco, the annual Summer Ball and the Christmas Market - it is a good way to meet other parents and staff in a social environment, and it provides additional facilities for your sons and daughters
