Open Evening 2015 Information Booklet

A National Teaching School A National School of Creativity

ST AMBROSE BARLOW RC HIGH SCHOOL

open evening

departmental information

The Headteacher, Governors, staff and pupils are delighted to welcome you to St Ambrose Barlow RC High School Open Evening.

THIS IS AMBROSE...

WE DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY HERE

You will see from visiting our subject areas and speaking to staff and pupils alike that everyone associated with St Ambrose Barlow is very proud of the school and its success. The facilities within our new school are 21st Century and state of the art to ensure that our children achieve their very best potential.

Whilst our school’s academic achievements are much to be proud of, it is about realising the potential of each and every child. Our Open Evening is an ideal opportunity to speak to teachers and pupils and observe our children at work.

We extend a warm welcome to our very special school and hope you enjoy your evening.

60 Celebrating 60 Years of Outstanding Learning

ART & DESIGN Miss B Furey - Subject Leader | Miss H West | Mr M James | Miss R Warner As you will know from Art and Design at Primary school, art contributes to the school curriculum by combining seeing, feeling, thinking and making. It engages pupils in a powerful form of learning which values diversity in individual responses and promotes understanding of differences in cultural identities. Art educates visual and tactile senses and the imagination, encouraging creative thinking and the inventive use of materials, processing and technologies. Art experiences develop practical, investigative and intellectual skills, the ability to pose and solve complex problems, a willingness to take risks, challenge and question and the ability to cope creatively with failure.

Pupils acquire knowledge and understanding of the significant contributions of artists, designers and crafts people make to our culture.

Programmes of study in Year 7 In year 7 pupils will work on 3 thematic projects designed to help them: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Research and develop their ideas Exploring and experimenting with different techniques and materials.

Reviewing and modifying their work as it progresses.

Investigating the work of other artists, designers and crafts people.

The first theme is Abstract Expressionism. Pupils will make a variety of art works in many different forms including paintings and drawings, sculpture, textiles pieces, prints, collage and computer generated studies. Pupils will investigate the work of designers and artists who have also begun by responding to the beauty and complexity of the natural world.

During each assignment pupils will be encouraged to respond in a personal way to the subject or theme. Central to all assignments is the sketchpad and the research and investigations conducted by pupils including homework.

Pupils will receive a weekly homework task which must be completed in pupils’ sketchpads.

What all pupils require An A4 size sketch pad and A3 folder (to be purchased from school in September) A, B or B2 grade drawing pencil, a set of colouring pencils and, if possible, a set of watercolour paints.

We would also encourage pupils to bring in art work they are very proud of to further enhance our knowledge of each pupils special abilities and talents in art and design.

Religious Education Mr B Davies – Subject Leader | Mr T Sanders – Phase Leader KS3 Mrs B Dwyer-Moores – Phase Leader KS4 | Miss A Morris | Miss H Singleton Modules of work covered in Year 7 Autumn 1 - Visit to Wardley Hall/Stewardship The pupils will take part in a visit to Wardley Hall in January, the residence of the Bishop of Salford. They see the skull of St Ambrose Barlow and learn about the Patron Saint of our school. Pupils complete a baseline assessment about St Ambrose Barlow and his importance to our school.

The ethos of our school community is studied and the importance of looking after our school environment.

Pupils study the need for stewardship in our school and wider communities and identify ways to act as stewards of Christ.

Autumn 2 – Morality/Charities/Advent Pupils examine the distinctive nature of a Catholic school and begin to relate scripture to their daily lives.

The work of some Catholic charities is identified and supported by the pupils, especially that of CAFOD and CCRS (Catholic Children’s Rescue Society) Advent is studied in the lead up to the Christmas break and pupils produce a project about the significance of the birth of Jesus.

Spring 1 – The History of the Church/Saints Pupils undergo an exploration of the history and development of the Catholic church.

Understanding of how the Church was formed through the lives of saints Peter, Paul and Stephen. Pupils recognise the impact of saints of our school community.

Spring 2 – God – The Mystery of the Trinity through Scripture Pupils examine God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit through scripture, recognising how the bible is the word of God for Christians.

Summer 1 – Worship/Styles of prayer/Collective Worship/Why we pray/Aids to Prayer Pupils examine why and how we pray and undergo different experiences of prayer using aids such as rosary beads.

Pupils create their own prayers based upon the four kinds of prayer (ACTS) to be used in Morning Prayer Group, class liturgy and at home.

Summer 2 – World Religion - Buddhism Pupils discover the main ideas surrounding the Buddhist faith, including its origins and how it is practiced. Pupils will have the opportunity to take part in meditation.

English Department Mrs K Norris – Subject Leader | Mrs C Chalk – KS3 Phase Leader Ms G Haselden – KS4 Phase Leader | Mrs R Fay | Ms V Sherry Mrs S O’Connor | Mr I Cameron | Mrs P Tucker | Mr M Cochrane The English Department at St Ambrose Barlow allows pupils to develop a life-long love of learning and literature. Our ethos is to foster creativity and provide the platform for your child to embrace this ever-changing, fascinating and crucial subject. English is delivered through personalised schemes of work, utilising key concepts that underpin the study of the subject: competence, creativity, cultural understanding and critical understanding.

Pupils will engage and progress in the core areas of the new Key Stage 3 curriculum, building on existing skills in the principal areas of reading, writing and speaking and listening. These are assessed on a half-termly basis throughout KS3 (years 7-9). Ultimately their progress throughout KS3 will determine several decisions about their KS4 (GCSE) career.

Homework is set twice per week (in compliance with a school-wide homework timetable) and will take a variety of differing forms such as: written tasks, planning, research, reading, and spelling and grammar exercises.

Through a balanced, broad and engaging curriculum we aim, not only to deliver the skills and content outlines in the new national guidelines, but to foster enjoyment and a passion for English that goes beyond their secondary school experience.

Speaking and Listening Pupils are actively encouraged to become sensitive, confident speakers through a range of challenging activities.

Their listening skills are enhanced by working in a variety of formal and informal situations. This will involve paired work, small groups and whole class activities. The use of multimodal stimuli will encourage your child to think and engage in wider theoretical concepts about our community.

Reading Our agenda in terms of reading is simple; we promote active, independent readers in order to raise literacy and concentration levels across the entire school. Reading is fundamentally important and our selection of fiction and nonfiction books in every classroom seeks to challenge each and every type of learner. Pupils are encouraged to read for pleasure in conjunction with their studies and are provided with a 45 minute reading lesson every week. In conjunction with the SEN department, a reading initiative is also operated for those likely to benefit.

Special attention is given to encouraging reading across different cultures and genres of novel, e.g. horror, detective, myth, science fiction and adventure. Sensitivity to the author’s craft is a key feature of many of our programmes of study. Comprehension of these texts is assessed in a variety of ways, both with summative and formative assessment.

Examples of this type of exercise may include: sequencing, story mapping, questioning techniques, sketching, maps and interpretation of written text into a piece of drama.

Writing Pupils are given opportunities to write in a range of styles and forms. Emphasis is placed upon different text types, audiences and purposes and technical accuracy is a key feature of all writing tasks. Utilising ICT, including new software packages, is encouraged and time is provided for pupils to use the computer facilities during their English lessons.

Drama Mrs R Tulloch – Subject Leader Drama lessons create a learning environment that allows pupils to explore world issues from their own perspective and the perspective of others. It engages students in the art form of theatre, a long standing British tradition, whilst also addressing many important personal and social issues.

Through Drama, pupils develop the ability to work on their own, in small groups and in whole class situations. Pupils learn through improvisation techniques such as role play, hot seating and cross-cutting as well as covering various drama texts. There is great emphasis placed on team work, presentation skills and communication.

Topics and themes are often extensions of the themes being covered in English lessons, thus allowing the development of existing skills such as discussion skills, creative writing and evaluating use of language, whilst also facilitating understanding of complex texts or themes.

All skills develop the groundwork for pupils to progress to studying the subject at GCSE level if they wish.

Mathematics Mrs H Lillie – Subject Leader | Mrs D Johnston – Senior Assistant Head Mr P Paize – Head of 6th Form | Mr A Lavin – Phase KS4 Leader Mrs G Ashton – Phase KS3 Leader | Mrs A Robinson | Miss K Hughes Mr M Harrison | Miss A Sidebottom | Miss S Fishwick | Miss K Alker Mathematics is a powerful tool for life and is an essential element of communication. It is used to analyse information and ideas, to tackle a range of practical, investigative and real life problems. It includes learning facts, skills, strategies and developing personal qualities. Mathematics consists of Number and Algebra, Shape and Space and Data Handling which are taught using a variety of methods and by allowing pupils to experiment, question, reflect, discover, invent and discuss their work.

The contents of the year 7 course We follow the National Numeracy Strategy for Key Stage 3. Year 7 will be grouped according to KS2 results, information from their primary school and a baseline assessment on entry.

Lessons will follow a three-part structure in most cases:Mental and oral work Main activity Plenary designed to extend knowledge and challenge pupils Pupils will be assessed by a test every half term in order to determine their progress and to monitor achievement in comparison with others in the year group. In addition, pupils will sit National Tests, usually in May, to assess progress over the year.

Please ensure your child has the following items of equipment as they will be required for most lessons and homework: PENS, PENCILS, RULER, ERASER, CALCULATOR Scientific calculators are available from the maths department at a cost of £5.00. These calculators will meet all the National Curriculum requirements up to Year 11.

Science Dr H Norton – Subject Leader | Mrs D Halliday – KS4 Coordinator Mrs A Robb – KS3 Coordinator | Mrs K Keane | Miss K Moore Mr S Murray | Miss C Stewart | Mr D Hayes | Miss S Cunliffe Miss C Ashworth – Science Technician Science at St Ambrose Barlow RC High School caters for pupils of all abilities. It is a practical based subject which focuses on making lessons as exciting and as fun-filled as possible.

The science themes in year 7 cover a wide variety of subjects based on the new curriculum.

Themes in Year 7 include: • Beyond the naked eye which includes cells and particles • I’m a celebrity which includes diet and forces • Journey to another planet which includes gravity and space, plants and reproduction

Pupils have the opportunity to develop their practical skills by using a wide range of laboratory apparatus. Pupils also have access to IT equipment for data logging, interactive whiteboards and visualisers.

There are opportunities for pupils to attend after school clubs, and to gain certificates and awards to put into their National Record of Achievement.

We endeavour to provide a broad ranging and challenging curriculum for your children, with chances to learn new skills and gain new experiences. We provide a supportive learning environment for pupils, based on the National Curriculum and allowing pupils to build on the knowledge gained at Primary School.

Technology Mrs R McGowan – Subject Leader (Food) | Mr L Waterworth Mr D McDonagh | Mrs N Taylor | Mrs A Jones Mr B Driscoll - DT Technician

All pupils will study Cooking and Nutrition, Product Design and Design Engineer Construction.

Technology in Year 7 Cooking and Nutrition – Pupils will develop good hygiene and safety routines Pupils will develop the basic manipulative skills and prepare a range of savoury dishes. The pupils will develop an understanding of food preparation and nutrition.

Product Design This covers a wide range of design and making skills. Through the course pupils learn how to follow the design process and harness their creative juices to solve design problems.

They use a range of resistant materials to produce small personalised products. Pupils are also taught a variety of drawing/rendering skills to help them with their design work.

Basic electronic skills are also included as an important part of the course.

Design Engineer Construct Pupils will use specialist computer design software to design a variety of different structures. Pupils will develop a knowledge of architecture and engineering skills.

Textiles Pupils will develop a range of skills using a variety of equipment.

Physical Education Mr G Holden – Subject Leader | Ms K Wright Mrs K Grundy – Second in PE | Miss C Hyland | Mr L Morrison | Mr M Burns

Enjoy, Refine, Achieve The PE curriculum delivers activities throughout KS3 which meet the requirements of the National Curriculum. In all activities, pupils will develop their ability to perform skills and select and apply appropriate skills whilst developing their knowledge and understanding of sporting activities. Pupils will work in small groups, reciprocally and as individuals, experiencing a range of roles within sporting situations such as leader, official and coach. Working in a variety of situations and environments helps pupils to build confidence and creativity whilst helping to develop co-operation and communication skills.

Assessment is a continual process carried out by teacher observation, peer and pupil-self assessment. Pupils are taught in single gender and mixed groups appropriate to the activity.

All pupils are encouraged to achieve their maximum potential in each activity and to appreciate the value of physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle. An ethos of fair play is encouraged throughout all lessons.

Examples of sports taught: •

Games: Football, Rugby, Basketball, Netball, Hockey, Badminton, Volleyball, Short tennis, Cricket, Rounders, Softball.

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Gymnastics & Trampolining: Pupils work on topics such as Balance, Transfer of Weight, Flight, Rotation and Body Shape. Pupils work at a level and pace set by themselves, whilst being encouraged to explore and develop to improve and refine performance.

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Athletics: Pupils experience track and field events such as 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, Shot Putt, Javelin, Discus, High and Long Jump.

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Outdoor and Adventurous Activities: Pupils experience problem solving tasks and orienteering on a school site course. In Year 7, pupils take part in Outdoor Adventurous activities as part of the ‘Conwy Centre’ residential education course.

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Dance: The Dance Syllabus in KS3 incorporates the elements of composition, performance and appreciation.

The students will develop their ability to explore and communicate ideas from their imagination and express them through the medium of movement and the tools of choreography. The students will extend their capacity to perform in front of peers demonstrating expressive, physical and technical competence. They will also develop their skills in appreciation using self-reflective judgement and that of their peers and mentors.

Safe practice and safe use of apparatus and equipment is stressed at all times.

Pupils will be able to choose to study GCSE PE in Years 10 and 11. Pupils are able to take part in both recreational and competitive sports after school with a large number of our pupils taking part in various activities at local and regional level.

An extensive extra-curricular programme takes place after school which includes fixtures and practices in football, rugby, hockey, netball, badminton, cricket, athletics, rounders, girls football and girls cricket, trampolining, fitness clubs and dance

Guten Tag!

German Mrs G Brunt – Subject Leader | Miss R Livingstone | Miss L Higson Mr J Bessonies | Mrs A Howarth In September 2016, German will be taught to all pupils in Year 7. This is part of a wider policy which aims to increase proficiency and fluency in at least one modern European language.

All pupils when they reach Year 8 will then also learn Spanish. Both languages will be studied throughout Years 8 and 9.

We aim to use as wide a variety of resources, activities and authentic materials as possible in our teaching, to encourage pupils to take an active part in learning, and to develop their ability to work collaboratively as well as independently.

Lessons contain a high proportion of oral work including role-play, class surveys and presentations. From the start pupils are encouraged to participate as much as possible to develop confidence which they can build on.

We strongly recommend the purchase of a suitable school dictionary such as the ‘Collins German/English Pocket Dictionary’ or the ‘Heinemann German/English School Dictionary’, both of which retail at around £6.

Geography Mrs J Grindley – Subject Leader | Mr C McGuiness

Geography offers opportunities for pupils to: • Investigate a wide range of people, places and environments around the world.

• Carry out geographical enquiry, including identifying geographical questions and developing their own opinions.

• Use a range of investigative and problem solving resources, including different types of maps and atlases, satellite images, aerial photographs, texts and ICT. This will develop Mapwork, graphical and ICT skills.

Key Stage 3 pupils will: • Study different parts of the world at a variety of scales and different types of environments including the local Salford area, the UK, the EU and parts of the world in different states of economic development.

• In lessons, pupils will investigate a range of contemporary issues affecting our local area, for example, Year 7 pupils will conduct a litter survey and Year 9 will conduct a crime survey.

• All pupils will have the opportunity to develop cross curricular skills such as art techniques with a fashion project in Year 9.

GCSE Pupils will: • Follow the AQA A examination syllabus. This involves a study of both physical and human geography. The pupils also take part in a residential field trip in the Yorkshire Dales National Park where they carry out a tourism study and visit The White Scar cave.

History Mr A Noone – Subject Leader | Mr J Stephenson | Miss S Chester Pupils follow a programme of study which explores how the Historian handles historical evidence to put together a picture of the past. We aim to make History: Challenging

Relevant

Engaging

In Year 7 Pupils will study: 1. Learning to Learn

• The History of Salford and Swinton 2. The Roman Empire • How was the Roman Empire controlled?

• Did people love or hate living in the Roman Empire?

• Independent Enquiry: Why was the Roman Army so successful? Or were the lives of rich Romans different to poor Romans?

• What did the Romans do for us? Legacy 3. How powerful was the King? Reform and Protest • • • •

Norman Conquest How powerful was the King?

Enquiry: How did William Control England after 1066 What is the story behind the Crusades?

4. Muck and Misery in the Middle Ages • • • •

Was life really that hard?

‘Was life any better in a medieval town?

Did medieval peasants have truly miserable lives?

How was law and order upheld? Was it fair?

Information and Communication Technology Miss S Finnemore – Director of Computing, iMedia and ICT/Assistant Head Teacher Mr A Shepheard | Mr A Cammann | Mr M Clancy | Mrs S Cheshire | Mr J Lewis Teachers of Computing, iMedia and ICT Computing, imedia and ICT is taught as a discrete subject in year 7. The course is split into several units of work ensuring all pupils cover topics such as how a computer works, computer programming, coding, word processing, spreadsheets, multi-media presentations, desk-top publishing, control, databases, graphics, animation and website design. Pupils also learn how to use email and the internet efficiently and safely.

The school has six well-equipped computer suites. There are also mini suites and laptops available for use in curriculum areas. All subjects use ICT in their delivery of lessons. Our computer suites are all equipped with some of the most up-to-date teaching and learning equipment. Projectors, Scanners, ipads, Digital Cameras and Camcorders are just some of the equipment used to enhance learning in year 7. All computers are connected to the school network and give each pupil access to the Internet.

The Year 7 ICT Course We aim to teach pupils to become autonomous users of Computing, imedia and ICT. Computing, imedia and ICT skills and knowledge are invaluable to pupils now and in the future. We ensure that the skills and topics taught are relevant to the pupils now and when they leave school.

Pupils gain a mix of creative, coding, and business skills. In brief, the pupils have a period of induction to the schools’ network and safety. Skills and knowledge are then taught in units through topics which combine the creative and computing strands of the new National Curriculum.

Year 7 Study Units Unit 1 – Hardware, Software, Internet Safety Unit 2 – Word processing, DTP (Desk Top Publishing), Multi-media presentations Unit 3 – Animation Unit 4 – Graphics Unit 5 - Web Design Unit 6 – Hacking, viruses and databases Unit 7 – Spreadsheets Unit 8 – Computer Game Design Computing, iMedia and ICT is a successful, exciting and innovative subject. The pupils at St Ambrose Barlow are encouraged to embrace and use the new technology to enhance learning in all subjects.

PSHE Ms K Wright – Subject Leader Personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education is a planned, developmental programme of learning through which children and young people acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to manage their lives now and in the future.

As part of a whole-school approach, PSHE education develops the qualities and attributes pupils need to thrive as individuals, family members and members of society.

PSHE education can help schools to reduce or remove many of the barriers to learning experienced by pupils, significantly improving their capacity to learn and achieve.

The PSHE education programme makes a significant contribution to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development, their behaviour and safety and the school’s statutory responsibility to promote pupils’ wellbeing.

PSHE education equips pupils with the knowledge, understanding, skills and strategies required to live healthy, safe, productive, capable, responsible and balanced lives. It encourages them to be enterprising and supports them in making effective transitions, positive learning and career choices and in achieving economic wellbeing.

Topics covered in Year 7

Welcome to your new school Friendship - building Anti-bullying issues and - getting to know staff and relationships how to respond to incidents making new friends Organisation skills - being Study skills - homework habits Voting and democracy equipped for every subject Drugs education - what they Personal safety - in school Citizenship and Careers are and the damage they do and our community Personal finance - how to Holocaust memorial day Voluntary organisations budget A critical component of PSHE education is providing opportunities for children and young people to reflect on and clarify their own values and attitudes and explore the complex and sometimes conflicting range of values and attitudes they encounter now and in the future.

Music Mrs S Adamson – Subject Leader Music is a lively, performance-based art and pupils at St Ambrose Barlow can expect to be actively engaged in music-making from their first day.

We will explore performance and composition skills in various styles using our voices, instruments and percussion. At the end of each module, we will perform and record our pieces in class so that we may evaluate progress made.

By being given the opportunity to extend their skills in this practical way, pupils will also increase their knowledge of theory, history and repertoire.

There are also a number of extra curricular activities available, along with instrumental lessons which are provided by Salford Instrumental Service.

SEN Special Educational Needs Mr M Hulton (SENCO) | Mrs C Thompson – Senior Teaching Assistant Teaching Assistants Level 3 - Mrs K Hoxworth | Mrs L Walker (Intervention TA KS3) Teaching Assistants: Mrs K Chan | Ms J Clarke | Mr P Condron | Mr G Glover Mrs K Hawksworth | Mrs S Hesketh | Ms D McKiernan | Miss K Morse | Mrs K Wares Mrs D Buchert-Onyegbuna The SEN department is fully aware of its responsibilities and duties within the provisions of the Children and Families Bill, its associated regulations and the new Code of Practice which came into force on 1 September 2014.

Our aims for our children are laid out in the school’s Mission Statement: • To encourage and enable each individual pupil to reach their full potential throughout their school life.

• To introduce all pupils to a broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum and to equip pupils with the necessary knowledge, skills and values to be a valuable member of society.

• To provide a curriculum for our pupils which develops them academically, physically and morally.

Pupils are identified as having Special Educational Needs in a variety of ways: • • • •

Information following liaison with primary schools/outside agencies Objective testing Observation by teachers/Teaching Assistants/other school staff/external agencies Communication and liaison between parents and the SEN department

Pupils can be on the SEN register for all of their school career or for only a few weeks, depending on the nature of their special need.

At St Ambrose Barlow, any pupil identified with SEN is addressed in a number of ways: • • • •

Individual Education Programmes; SEN Register information with advice and strategies Class teacher intervention In class support; small group support; 1:1 support from internally based TAs Specialist interventions from external agencies including Speech and Language programmes, educational psychology, sensory and physical impairment specialists, therapeutic practitioners etc • Provision of some appropriate vocational qualifications • Liaison with other specialist schools If you have any concerns that you might wish to discuss, you should contact Mr Hulton at the school to make an appointment.

St Ambrose Barlow RC High School A National Teaching School A National School of Creativity

37 Ash Drive | Wardley | Swinton | M27 9QP | 0161 921 1570 | Office@ambrose.salford.sch.uk | Tweet @SABSalford