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St. Cuthbert’s R.C. High School
Living our values...The St. Cuthbert’s Way
“The new headtacher has made significant changes which have begun to improve the school” Ofsted 2019
Welcome I am delighted that you are considering joining St. Cuthbert’s at this most exciting time in our journey. Choosing the right school for your child is difficult and one of the most important decisions you will ever make. This prospectus is designed to give you an insight into our school and our community. Whether you are new to St. Cuthbert’s and considering us as the provider for your child’s education or an existing member of our community, I hope you find this prospectus useful. While we are a Roman Catholic school, serving the Catholic community of Rochdale, we are open to people of all faith and none. What we ask is that you share our values of Respect, Love, Stewardship, Compassion and Service. Here at St. Cuthbert’s we provide a holistic education which develops and nourishes the academic, physical, social and spiritual side of all of our students. This holistic approach to education is reflected in what you will see in this prospectus. We believe this is what will improve the life chances of young people. St. Cuthbert’s is a vibrant, constantly improving, inclusive and exciting school. As well as providing an excellent academic education we provide many other opportunities for students to grow and enjoy their time with us. We have excellent relationships with our parents and very much work in partnership with them. A school prospectus cannot answer all of your questions. I would encourage you to visit, to look at our website, our facebook page and speak to others who already send their children here. We have an Open Evening in September and also welcome, prospective and current parents to visit us by appointment while the school is open. 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
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Our School Mission Statement & School Prayer The Lord God requires of us that we should help others whenever we can, always make the right choices and be the best that we can be in everything that we do. 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 and sixth form colleges. 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
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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 five 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 SELECT 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.
“Pupils say they feel safe in school. ” Ofsted 2019
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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. Trained Peer Mentors play a crucial role in helping our younger students settle into ‘The St Cuthbert’s Way’ acting as ‘buddies’ around the school. 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. “Teachers have ensured that pupils know how to keep themselves safe from physical and emotional harm. They make sure that pupils understand the dangers of extremism and of using the internet and social media. ” Ofsted 2019
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Catholic Life of the School Our Mission Statement challenges every member of our community to be the best that we can be, not just academically but also spiritually. At St. Cuthbert’s, students are given every opportunity to grow spiritually. Students are invited to pray daily, attend Mass regularly, take part in religious retreats and days of reflection, become GIFT Chaplains, young leaders who work with local and global charities and travel on pilgrimage to places of religious significance. All of these opportunities allow each student to develop into the spiritually aware, well-rounded individual they were created to be and bring about the Common Good. The Catholic life of the school is at the centre of everything that we do, and all pupils are actively welcomed and encouraged to join in regardless of their belief or non-belief to be the best that we can be. All pupils are expected to sit a GCSE in Religious Education because it is the ‘core of the core’.
Spiritual, Moral, Social & Cultural Education Our spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) education permeates throughout our curriculum. This plays a significant role in ensuring our students are safe, happy and successful. The school is committed to offering students the opportunity 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 • 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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“It is clear that leaders take care to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. There is a wide range of extra-curricular activities, including cultural visits. In general, pupils have a good understanding of British values and can clearly articulate the link between these and the Catholic ethos of the school.” Ofsted 2019
Achievement and Success All of our students have gifts and talents that we always look to develop and celebrate. Securing 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. 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 and our wider community.
Additional Needs Our SEN team ensure that all students’ individual learning needs are catered for. The specialist, knowledgeable and experienced team work alongside students, parents, carers, staff and other stakeholders to ensure that all students can access all they need to achieve their potential. Where a student’s needs are shared prior to moving to high school, we collaborate to ensure that students have a pupil passport so that staff can best meet and support their individual needs within lessons. Experienced staff support learning in the classroom, deliver personalised intervention programmes and promote positive attitudes and behaviour. The SEND area (BOOST) in school is also home to a break and lunch club where students can access activities and socialise in a quiet, supportive environment. We endeavour to support all of our students. If you feel your child needs additional help with their learning, please contact Miss N Hamnett, (SEND Coordinator).
“Celebration of achievement and success is central to and expressive of the life and mission of the school.” Section 48 Inspection Report
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Curriculum Rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and His Church, the curriculum at St. Cuthbert’s provides ambitious educational opportunities for all members of our community. The curriculum equips our students with the knowledge, skills and personal characteristics to flourish as global citizens bringing about the Common Good. Key Stage 3 During the first three years, students access a broad and balanced curriculum which stretches and challenges but also provides the scaffolding to ensure that students reach their potential. During these initial years, students study a broad and balanced curriculum to allow them the opportunity to thrive and flourish in all subject areas. This is underpinned by high quality provision in the core subjects: Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, French or Spanish. All students also study Art, Drama, Food Technology, Design Technology, Computer Science, PHSE and PE, fulfilling the National Curriculum requirements in an innovative and engaging classroom environment. This is further enriched by a personal development programme which endeavours to build independence, resilience and confidence in students Key Stage 4 Students in Year 10 have the opportunity to personalise their own curriculum and specialise in subjects most appropriate to their needs, interests or future career path. We offer a wide range of specialism courses including Art, Design Technology, Computer Science, Drama, Food and Nutrition, Health and Social Care, Music, PE, Psychology, Sociology, Sport and Statistics. Alongside the specialisms chosen, all students study Religious Education and GCSE courses in the English Baccalaureate subjects, English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Science, History or Geography and French or Spanish. These subjects are all examined at the end of Year 11. All students also study core PE to encourage good fitness levels and a healthy lifestyle as well as an engaging personal development programme. During these crucial and exciting GCSE years we aim to enrich our students by offering regular study and intervention sessions, a careers programme, educational visits and trips which enhance students’ learning, as well as preparing them for life as confident, resilient and responsible citizens.
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We pride ourselves on meeting the needs of our students and motivating them to achieve through our rich and engaging curriculum.
Extra-Curricular At St. Cuthbert’s we aim to educate the whole child; as such we feel it is part of our duty to create a wide range of opportunities that will enhance students’ experience at school and help them develop into confident, successful young adults. We have a rich and vibrant extra-curricular programme that encourages the participation of all students within the school community. We are confident that every student can find something of interest outside the classroom with extra-curricular activities that will enhance 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. They could join STEM club if they have a love of Science and Technology or if your child is passionate about the environment they could join our Eco Team. There are also lots of opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills such as the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme; we also have a thriving School Council where students can opt to become an Eco, Community or Diversity Ambassador. “ 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/Paris (cultural experiences in Expressive Arts) and a trip to the Lake District (as part of geographical studies and fieldwork). “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
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Transition There is no denying that some Year 6 students and their families feel that the move to secondary school could be seen as a daunting progression. At St Cuthbert’s, we have a dedicated team of Transition staff including members of the Senior Leadership Team, Pastoral staff and support staff, who work closely with students on their journey from primary to secondary school. We endeavour to make this transition as smooth and efficient as possible, by providing a wide range of transition activities. Consequently, Year 6 students feel more confident and supported in their move to secondary 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. Thanks to all their care and support he is now ready for the next stage of his life.” Year 11 Parent In the summer term of Year 6, students joining St. Cuthbert’s are invited to attend a number of different events such as a Transition Day where they enjoy lessons, meet their teachers and make new friends. We hold additional induction opportunities for students who may need a little more support, including those with additional needs. Such opportunities include a Friendship Morning for those students coming from primary schools with small numbers. Parents are also invited to attend an Induction Evening, to meet staff, including their child’s form tutor, and ask any questions that they may have. There will also be information available on how parents/carers can best support their child at secondary school, whilst also developing the beginnings of the hugely important working
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Our Students Head Girl “Choosing to come to St Cuthbert’s was the best decision I could have made. I believe the teachers are extremely supportive and I value their devotion to their work - it has indefinitely helped me to achieve my potential. I also believe that the school prioritises your personal well-being and provides a great deal of support to ensure you have a positive journey and a constructive start to your future ahead. My role as Head Girl here has additionally benefitted my time here; it has offered me endless opportunities and a sense of pride that’s has allowed me to become the best I can be. If you are interested in the best secondary school experience, St. Cuthbert’s is the school for you” Laura Bollington Head Boy “Choosing to attend St. Cuthbert’s was the best decision I could have possibly made. As St. Cuthbert’s has supported me unconditionally. I have greatly developed as a person whilst also succeeding in my efforts to become the ‘best I can be’ in my education with the best hopes in further education and life in general. St Cuthbert’s is more than just a school, it is a diverse community which encourages respect and love of each other and brings our talents together. The school’s faith has been a huge help, all students no matter of race or religion are treated equally, and messages of tolerance are taught constantly. Becoming Head Boy made gave me immense pride and it was a personal achievement I will never forget. I have helped the local community and the school from a student’s perspective. The schools core messages of love, compassion, stewardship, respect and service along with support and opportunities will help your child flourish in a caring environment. This is why I am certain St. Cuthbert’s will provide the same experience for your child.” Rohail Khan 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 email the school at 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. 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. Admissions to St. Cuthbert’s are processed by your local authority. Please visit our website www.scrchs.net and follow the ‘Choosing St. Cuthbert’s’ tab where you will find direct links to Rochdale, Oldham and Lancashire authorities.
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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
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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