Prospectus

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St. Cuthbert’s R.C. High School

The Lord God requires of me that I should help others whenever I can , always make the right choices and be the best that I can be in everything that I do.

Welcome St. Cuthbert’s is entering a new phase in its journey. We have a new Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team, a new Curriculum and new approaches to Teaching and Learning and Pastoral Care. These changes will result in life changing outcomes for the young people in our care. We are extremely pleased you are considering joining us at this most exciting time and can promise you we will do our absolute best to help your child achieve their full potential academically, physically, socially and spiritually.

New parents and students to St. Cuthbert’s are joining a caring and vibrant community.

We are a Catholic School serving the Catholic community of Rochdale. We also welcome applications from non-Catholic families who share our core values of Love, Respect, Compassion, Service and Stewardship and empathise with our Mission Statement.

Please feel free to contact me at school if you would like to know more; you are more than welcome to visit us while the school is in operation. We believe that seeing our fantastic learning environment and meeting our wonderful staff and children will help you to decide that St. Cuthbert’s is the school to help your son or daughter to become the very best that they can be.

David Shields

Headteacher

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Our School St. Cuthbert’s Roman Catholic High School is a caring, diverse Catholic high school with core values centred upon the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. We ensure that God is known to every student and every student is known to us.

We welcome families from all faiths to join us and work together to create a safe, happy learning environment where all young people can achieve their full potential. We are proud to be at the centre of our local Rochdale Catholic community with strong, effective links with our Catholic partner primary schools, sixth form colleges and local businesses.

Our diligent, talented and committed staff at St. Cuthbert’s work closely with parents, carers and individually with students to ensure they fulfil their academic potential.

This is central to what we do; helping our students to use their God given talents so that they leave us as well qualified, well rounded, respectful citizens who have a positive contribution to make to their community.

“There is a culture of welcome and all students and staff demonstrate a very high level of confidence and outreach to all within the school community; recognising, valuing and celebrating diversity at all levels. Diversity is celebrated, ensuring everyone is treated with dignity and respect.”

Section 48 Inspection Report

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We treat others as we would like to be treated; with kindness, consideration and compassion.

Bullying has no place in our school and we work together to prevent this. We are considerate of our local community and conduct ourselves appropriately on the way to and from school.

“Do to others as you would have them do to you. “Luke 6:31

Service

We use our God given talents to help others. We recognise that we are very fortunate and have much more than many in our world do. We offer our friendship, help and kindness to all that need it and expect nothing in return. “ Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.

I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” John 13:14-15

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We respect ourselves, others and our environment at St. Cuthbert’s R.C. High School. We look after our own property and the property of others. We know how important it is to care for our school building, grounds and contents.

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27

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We demonstrate our Christian love for one another in practical ways and by living out our core values.

That is the “ St. Cuthbert’s Way.” “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.” Corinthians 13:4-8

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As a school, we have chosen 5 of the foundational values from Jesus’ teachings in the Gospels which form the core of who we are and how we act as members of St. Cuthbert’s R.C. High School community.

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St. Cuthbert’s R.C. High School Core Values

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“A particularly strong feature of St. Cuthbert’s is how staff and student relationships bear witness to Christian values of justice, compassion, forgiveness and love.”

Section 48 Inspection Report

Stewardship

We value our environment and planet and work hard to take care and preserve it. We take pride in our school and local community, working cooperatively to ensure it is looked after so that others can make use of and enjoy it. “ Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”1 Peter 4:10

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Support and Guidance At St. Cuthbert’s we are committed to keeping your child safe whether that be with us in school, online or out in the community. Parental support plays a vital part in a child’s education, so we work closely with parents and carers to ensure strong links between students, school and home. A good level of communication with parents is essential. We welcome parental input and enjoy the chance to meet parents both at school events and more informally. Our dedicated school-based safeguarding team work with students and their families to provide universal support in the form of parenting support workshops, advice, signposting, onward referrals, meetings in school and home visits.

We are immensely proud of the inclusive education and care that we offer at St. Cuthbert’s. Our inclusion facility is used by students who may need additional support either on a short or long term basis. This may include counselling, workshops such as raising self-esteem and anger management or support returning to school following illness or long term absence.

“Teaching is good. It is characterised by generally high expectations and lessons that enable students to learn effectively and develop their skills. Teachers capitalise well on the students’ eagerness to learn. ” Ofsted

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Pastoral Care At St. Cuthbert’s we pride ourselves on the excellent quality of our pastoral care. All staff are committed to supporting and caring for our students to ensure they are safe, happy and successful. We have an excellent pastoral system with Form Tutors being the focal point of contact in our partnership with parents. Each student is assigned a Form Tutor who sees the student every morning and is a consistent point of contact, taking responsibility for the student’s pastoral wellbeing.

Good behaviour and achievement are recognised through our rewards system and we regularly celebrate students who live out our five core values of Love, Respect, Compassion, Service and Stewardship.

A culture of respect is actively promoted in our school. Our anti bullying policy establishes the right for every child to feel safe and confident; making it clear that any deliberate behaviour that upsets or distresses another student will not be tolerated.

We are committed to preparing our students to become healthy, responsible and mature young people of the future. We equip our students with the skills they need to become role models for all. Our students are positive role models who are actively involved in, and consulted with regarding all key aspects of their learning.

“Disabled students and those with special educational needs make good progress.”

Ofsted

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Growing in Faith Our students have every opportunity to grow spiritually and develop a moral purpose.

Amongst the opportunities and experiences we offer are: daily prayer, weekly Mass, Student Chaplaincy, Caritas Ambassadors, Music Liturgy Group, Mission Week and numerous opportunities to work with local and global charities such as Caritas, Mary’s Meals and CAFOD.

Spiritual, Moral, Social & Cultural Education Our spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) education permeates throughout our curriculum. We aim to educate the whole child. This plays a significant role in ensuring our students are safe, happy and successful.

St. Cuthbert’s is a school community which is Catholic in character and tradition. The Catholic life and ethos, as well as the spiritual, moral, social and cultural values held within the school are based on the Gospel of Christ. The school recognises that there are some members of our community that do not share our faith or practices but welcomes and values their contribution. The school also recognises that we are part of the wider community and the world with its rich variety of faiths, cultures and races.

The school is committed to offering students the opportunities to: • Develop in their faith journey • Identify, reflect on and explore experiences and distinguish between right and wrong • Discuss moral issues, develop and talk about their own attitudes and values • Take responsibility for their own decisions • Develop an understanding of social responsibilities and citizenship • Celebrate a diversity of cultures • Be prepared for a life in modern Britain as responsible citizens

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Achievement and Success All of our students have gifts and talents that we always look to develop and celebrate. Securing both a ‘good’ judgement from Ofsted and a ‘good with many outstanding features’ judgement from the Diocese of Salford, demonstrates our commitment to ensuring our students leave St. Cuthbert’s with the skills, qualifications and confidence that they need to succeed in their choice of further education or employment.

“Celebration of achievement and success is central to and expressive of the life and mission of the school.”

Section 48 Inspection Report We recognise that many of our students are gifted in many different ways and it’s not just in the classroom where achievement flourishes. We also offer support to prepare our students for success beyond school with a wide choice of extra-curricular activities and enrichment opportunities. We come together regularly as a school community to recognise and reward students for all they achieve and the positive contributions they make to our school.

Additional Needs Students’ educational needs are assessed on transition. Provision for those with special needs is coordinated and monitored by our SENDCo and SEND team.

Additional support is also provided by teaching assistants and, where appropriate, external agencies. The SEND provision at St. Cuthbert’s is student-centred and is based on a child’s individual needs. If they require support with any aspect of their education, the SEND team will work to find solutions and ensure that the child is given the best possible chance of achieving their potential.

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Curriculum Key Stage 3 Key Stage 3 marks the start of an exciting journey for both students and staff alike.

During these initial years, students study a broad and balanced curriculum to allow them the opportunity to thrive and flourish in all subject areas. Students are taught in classes which are differentiated in ability, following a curriculum of: English, Mathematics, Science, Religious Education, French or Spanish, Geography, History, Art, Drama, Music, Food Technology, Design and Technology, Computer Science and P.E. This is further enriched by a PSHE programme delivered during form period.

Key Stage 4 Students begin their GCSE courses in Year 9. All students study the following subjects at GCSE level over three years: Religious Education, English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Geography or History, French or Spanish and Science. All students can also study up to two additional subjects of their choice including Food Technology, Design and Technology, Music, IT, Health & Social Care, Psychology, Art, Drama, Computer Science and GCSE PE. These courses are studied over two years in Years 9 and 10.

All students also study core Physical Education to encourage good fitness levels and a healthy lifestyle as well as a continued PSHE programme. GCSE examinations in many languages can also be arranged to ensure that students gain extra qualifications embracing personal pathways. During these crucial and exciting years we aim to enrich our students by offering regular intervention and revision sessions, a careers programme, educational visits and trips which enhance students’ learning, as well as prepare them for life as a diligent and responsible citizen.

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Extra Curriculum St. Cuthbert’s R.C. High School has a rich and vibrant extra-curricular programme that encourages the participation of all students within the school community. Over thirty different activities are offered each week and we are confident that every student can find something special outside of the classroom in an eclectic extra-curriculum that enhances their love of learning. Students can choose to improve their sporting ability by joining one of the many sports teams and clubs; alternatively, they can take their place on stage as part of the school show or musical group. Where students’ interests are in Science or IT, some of the options available are to join the Science or STEM clubs. “ There are so many subjects and extra-curricular opportunities to get involved in.

Our school allows all students a chance to find something they love.”

Year 8 Student We also aim to broaden students’ horizons by providing opportunities for educational trips and visits. In recent years, students have had the opportunity to visit a wide range of places including: PGL (outdoor adventurous activities), The French and Belgian Battlefields (enriching History students’ knowledge of the two World Wars), West End theatre visits (cultural experiences in Expressive Arts) and a trip to the Lake District (as part of Geographical studies and fieldwork).

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Transition The journey from primary school to secondary school is an exciting time for students.

At St. Cuthbert’s R.C. High School, we endeavour to make this transition as smooth as possible. We provide a wide range of transition activities, from Year 1 to Year 6, at our partner primary schools, to help Year 6 students feel confident about their move to secondary school. This means that our Year 7 students will already know their teachers and will have visited the school prior to joining St. Cuthbert’s in Year 7.

“Teachers exuded warmth and a love for their subject which was infectious.

This was apparent in students’ strong contributions to the lessons and their engagement.”

Pioneer Trust Review In the summer term of Year 6, students joining St. Cuthbert’s are invited to attend an “Induction day” where they enjoy lessons, meet their teachers and make new friends.

We hold additional induction sessions for students who may need a little more support, including those with additional needs. Parents are also invited to attend an “Induction Evening”, to meet staff, including their child’s form tutor. At the evening there will be information available on how they can support their child, and have an opportunity to discuss any concerns they may have.

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Our Students Head Girl.

“I moved to St. Cuthbert’s from Holy Family Primary school in Year 7. Since then I have had the opportunity to become a Caritas Ambassador, a Student Chaplain and Head Girl. During my time at St. Cuthbert’s, I have gained extraordinary memories that I feel everyone should experience. I truly believe that each and every parent should choose St. Cuthbert’s for their child. The caring environment allows all children to develop and fulfil their potential. Our school is modern with fantastic facilities yet is also welcoming and inviting.

I thank St. Cuthbert’s for all they have done to help me on my journey.”

Amelia Skalinska

Head Boy “I joined St. Cuthbert’s in Year 7 from St. Gabriel’s R.C. Primary School. The decision to attend St. Cuthbert’s could not have been a better one. There are many aspects that make our school great – the supportive staff, the various different extra-curricular opportunities to get involved in and the way we are all challenged yet supported to reach our potential.

St. Cuthbert’s is an inclusive school where staff make sure all students are safe, happy and successful.

Bartek Szymkiewicz We would like to invite any prospective parents and carers to come and see for themselves all that St. Cuthbert’s R.C. High School has to offer.

Please contact the school on Headteacher@scrchs.com to book a tour of St. Cuthbert’s.

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How to Gain Admission to St. Cuthbert’s R.C. High School St. Cuthbert’s is a Roman Catholic Secondary School provided by the Diocese of Salford and is maintained by the Rochdale Borough Education Authority as a Voluntary Aided School.

“We would just like to thank each and every member of staff at St Cuthbert’s for the wonderful five years our son has had with you. He has thrived at St Cuthbert’s thanks to all your dedicated teachers and support staff who work so hard.

He has made some wonderful friends and we feel you have given him every opportunity for him to reach his full potential. There are too many teachers to mention by name but thanks to all their care and support he is now ready for the next stage of his life.”

Year 11 Parent Whilst we are a Catholic school we welcome applications from all religious and cultural backgrounds. To enable prospective students and families to make an informed choice, we warmly welcome all to attend our Open Evening which is held at the start of the Autumn term. At this evening you will have the opportunity to listen to the Headteacher’s welcome speech, have a guided tour of our school, and meet staff and students. If you are unable to attend, please see our website for details on how to arrange a tour of our school with our Headteacher or member of our senior leadership team.

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Let’s keep in touch St. Cuthbert’s R.C. High School Shaw Road Rochdale OL16 4RX Headteacher: Mr D Shields

T|01706 647761 E|headteacher@scrchs.com W|www.scrchs.com

@StcuthbertsRC

www.facebook.com/scrchs

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St. Cuthbert’s R.C. High School Shaw Road Rochdale OL16 4RX Headteacher: Mr D Shields

T|01706 647761 E|headteacher@scrchs.com W|www.scrchs.com

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