St. Ambrose Barlow Weekly Newsletter Vol.4 Issue 32 July 5th, 2019

FAITH IN YOU

LOVE IN LEARNING

HOPE IN BETTER

this week in our school . . .

Volume 4 Issue 33 July 19th, 2019

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ST AMBROSE BARLOW RC HIGH SCHOOL & SIXTH FORM

“

Head’s start .

Mr. Davis, Headteacher, reflects on the week.

Our First Year of new HOUSes It isofabout St. Bernadette Lourdesthis time of year that I meet with each Head of Department to review the

st. benedict summer’s of nursia exam results. This involves

plenty of useful and thought-provoking

st. oscar romero discussion, but it is usually talking about

numbers and letters. Behind this data are st. michael the archangel

stories: how pupils did, how they felt, what

liked and what they achieved. We st. francis ofthey assisi always focus on how things can be

St. teresa ofimproved calcutta as well as celebrating what went

well. As a Catholic school, exam results are just one way of expressing the unique, Godst. and oscarskills romero given talents of each pupil. It is important to look beyond the data so I am delighted that much more of my job involves being in classes, walking around the school and talking to pupils, students and staff.

I get to Maths to find all of Year 9 embroiled in a task that is so challenging and exciting Everybody matters; everyone’s a winner that I want to stay and have a go myself.

Outside it’s:many “Sir, have seen my tie?

Amongst otheryouexciting developments Can you open my bottle? What did you thisofyear introduced six new think last we night’s game? What timehouses is it, to Sir?” at least a day, “Ohinto my vertical, the and, school and once placed pupils days!” It can be noisy at times and in a ‘family’ forms.

All community this size weyear can’tthere expecthas been everyone to get on with each other all the healthy rivalry between them. The results time. But it is our community, and a lively, lovely, positive one at that. are in…

Perhaps the single highlight of my week, if I had to pick, would be the conversation I had with Mrs. Fay who is leading the development of our new library. I am a library enthusiast and have been ever since I was little. The furthest reach of my memory is back to moments spent in our local library entranced by its colour and If ever you are feeling at all despondent or bright possibilities. On Twitter St. Bernadette of Lourdes: SPORTs Day champions fatigued I reckon a quick tour of the school #RememberingMyLibrary reveals the hold would quickly raise your spirits. Let me that such an institution has: ‘A library card show you what I mean. Today (Thursday, was a free pass to wonderment, words and st. michael the archangel September 29th) for instance, I dropped into the ability to roam the world’ observes one Year 10 GCSE Music. There, I was user, whilst another quotes the wrought iron delighted to listen to performances of gates of Stalybridge library, ‘Read, Mark, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Hold Back Learn and Inwardly Digest.’ Others talk of the River and When the Saints Go Marching the escape that a library represented or of In. I also got to sit with Daniel and Chester the refuge it offered from an unkind world. as they demonstrated their prodigious DJing st. benedict of nursia: football champions talents. Next, during lunch, I supervised the Mrs. Fay spent last Saturday peacefully canteen and made a point of watching the stacking the shelves and we are inching interactions that take place daily. Pupils and closer to opening. What thrilled me was her staff holding for one another, comment that several boys, some of whom St.doors teresa open of calcutta offering thanks, little moments of personal affect a dislike of reading, were electrified by appreciation and gratitude. Of course, presence of a library in their school: ‘You things don’t always go well in a school, but it mean I can borrow this and, like, read it, is lovely to witness a voluntary apology from Miss?’ was the breathless utterance of one a Year 9 to one of the lunch time staff, or pupil. Our library is at the heart of the see one pupil help another whost.isfrancis unsure school: space for being open to and of assisi: house pointsachampions where to go for class. sharing ideas and experiences. It is openplan and its shelves serve as a reminder In Sixth Form, I enjoyed a lengthy chat with that there should be no barrier to anyone Aidan who explained both the theory of using its volumes or seeking knowledge, differentiation and its potential commercial solace, entertainment or information. I can’t application. In English they were studying wait to see it come to life in the weeks the play Blood Brothers and talking with ahead thanks to Mrs. Fay and her band of humour and excitement about superstitions; helpers. in Year 7 RE they were dissecting our new mission statement and exploring the Ben Davis, Headteacher personal meanings within it. School is a Twitter: @BenDavis1972 busy, bustling, humming place.

9695

9084

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9550

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9870

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“

Head’s start .

Mr. Davis, Headteacher, reflects on the week.

Mr. Davis, Headteacher, reflects on the week.

So, here we are at the end of term, the end of

another school year in fact. And it must be said It is been aboutathis time ofweek, year that I meet that this has fantastic on top of with each Head of Department to review the which there is much to celebrate about our school summer’s exam results.

This involves this year.

plenty of useful and thought-provoking but it we is usually talking In the lastdiscussion, few days alone have seen theabout entire numbers and letters. Behind this data are school participate in an ambitious and thoroughly stories: how pupils did, how they felt, what good-natured Sports Day, a real triumph of they liked and what they achieved. We sporting spirit (and coming after England’s Cricket always focus on how things can be World Cup victory and an epic final at Wimbledon, improved as well as celebrating what went it had a lot to live up to). We have also seen our well. As a Catholic school, exam results are first Inter-House Football tournament, where over just one way of expressing the unique, God200 pupils took to the 3G to slug it out in a hotly given talents and skills of each pupil. It is contested series of matches.

important to look beyond the data so I am delighted that much more of my job involves Then, on Thursday evening, a huge cast of pupils being in classes, walking around the school took to the stage in our first ever Summer and talking to pupils, students and staff.

Cabaret, a brilliant evening of song, dance, ensemble pieces and instrumentals.

If ever you are feeling at all despondent or fatigued I reckon a quick tour of the school I know I go on about it a great deal, but I am would quickly raise your spirits. Let me always humbled by the talent of our pupils, their show you what I mean. Today (Thursday, incredible spirit, their excellent attitude and September 29th) for instance, I dropped into behaviour and the way in which they bring life to Year 10 GCSE Music. There, I was our school.

delighted to listen to performances of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Hold Back This is matched by the huge respect I have for my the River and When the Saints Go Marching colleagues, who in got variety roles work and so hard In. I also to sitofwith Daniel Chester for the young people we serve.

This has been DJing as they demonstrated their prodigious reinforcedtalents. this week in aduring million smallI moments Next, lunch, supervisedofthe summer loveliness between staff and pupils: thethe canteen and made a point of watching high five from the Year 9 boy to the girl who had interactions that take place daily. Pupils and just won staff a race havingdoors comeopen to our holding forschool one another, months ago, speaking no English; the organisation offering thanks, little moments of personal and technical supportand thatgratitude. pupils showed in appreciation Of course, leading the cabaret.

I could go on and on.

things don’t always go well in a school, but it is lovely to witness a voluntary apology from What thisaunderscores is the waytime in which Year 9 to onethis of the lunch staff, our or mission has caught fire across the school, see one pupil help another who is unsure inspiring where and transforming what we do, ensuring to go for class. everyone is included regardless.

In Sixth Form, I enjoyed a lengthy chat with It being the endwho of the year weboth inevitably see our Aidan explained the theory of colleagues move on.

One such individual is Mr. differentiation and its potential commercial Jonathanapplication.

Lawford, Deputy Headteacher, who In English they were studying has beenthe with the school since 1995.

play Blood Brothers and talking with humour and excitement about superstitions; I would like to pay tribute his dedication, his new in Year 7 RE theytowere dissecting our friendship, his unwavering commitment to our mission statement and exploring the Catholic values, kindnesswithin and calm (oftenis a personalthe meanings it. School commented on) he brings to our school busy, bustling, humming place. and the example of public service as a teacher and leader he has set over 30 years. We wish him well and hand this column over to him.

I get tostarted Maths at to St findAmbrose all of Year 9 embroiled “Having Barlow 25 years in a task that is so challenging and ago I have decided it is time for me toexciting retire in July that I want to stay have a go this year.

It has beenand a privilege andmyself. an honour to Outside it’s: “Sir, have you seen serve the community of our schoolmy fortie? so many Can Iyou openas my bottle?

What you it years. started Head of RE anddid enjoyed think of last game?

What time is it, immensely andnight’s took on the additional role of Head Sir?” and, at least once a day, “Oh my of Year for three years. I still have the have the days!” It can be noisy in office! a photograph of the class at oftimes 2001 and in my I community this size we can’t expect have been a teacher for 30 years and a member of to get on with each other the seen a theeveryone Leadership Team for 21 years andallhave time.

But it is our community, and a lively, massive amount of change over the years, but lovely, one atsame that. is the pleasure that I what haspositive remained the have gained from working with the wonderful Perhaps theschool. single In highlight of of myteaching week, if II have pupils of our 30 years had to pick, would be the conversation I had5 of been involved in 6 OFSTED inspections with with Mrs. Fay who is leading the them being at our school and it was a very development of our to new I am aTeacher humbling experience belibrary.

Acting Head library enthusiast and have been ever since of our school for six months.

I was little. The furthest reach of my memory is back to moments spent in our local library entranced by its colour and bright possibilities. On Twitter #RememberingMyLibrary reveals the hold that such an institution has: ‘A library card was a free pass to wonderment, words and the ability to roam the world’ observes one user, whilst another quotes the wrought iron gates of Stalybridge library, ‘Read, Mark, I have had a Inwardly really enjoyable and Learn and Digest.’career Others talkworked of with and met some fantastic people.

However, the escape that a library represented or of what mindfrom the an most is theworld. gratitude of the sticks refugeinit my offered unkind the pupils have I have lucky enough to work with.

Mrs. Fay spent last Saturday peacefully I would particularly likeand to thank theinching many parents, stacking the shelves we are some of which I used to teach, for the incredible closer to opening. What thrilled me was her support that I have received over the years and comment that several boys, some of whom when I am retired I will always have St Ambrose affect a dislike of reading, were electrified by Barlow HighofSchool in my heart.”

presence a library in their school: ‘You mean I can borrow this and, like, read it, I (and Mr.was Lawford) wish all readers of this Miss?’ the breathless utterance of one newsletter, but especially our wonderful pupil. Our library is at the heart of the pupils, their families and our staff the very and school: a space for being open tohappiest and sunniest of summer breaks.

See you in sharing ideas and experiences. It is openSeptember.

plan and its shelves serve as a reminder that there should be no barrier to anyone God Bless,

using its volumes or seeking knowledge, solace, entertainment or information. I can’t Ben Davis wait to see it come to life in the weeks Headteacher ahead thanks to Mrs. Fay and her band of Twitter: @BenDavis1972 helpers.

what has remained the same is the pleasure that I have gained from working with the wonderful pupils of our school

Front image: image of St. Ambrose Barlow Bencover Davis, Headteacher composed of pictures of every pupil in our school Twitter: @BenDavis1972

by Michael Connor, former pupil.

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calendar what’s on

HOUSE POINTS

 

Pupils welcomed back Years 8 - 11 at 8.35am; Year 7 at 9:50am; Year 13 at 12:15pm

Advance Notice Feast of St. Ambrose Barlow, September 10th

In-service Day School closed to pupils

TUE 03

WED 04

THU 05

This Week

This Year

St Benedict of Nursia

362

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St. Bernadette of Lourdes

303

9084

St. Francis of Assisi

402

9870

St. Michael the Archangel

393

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Saint Oscar Romero

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St. Teresa of Calcutta

371

9331

FRI 06 SAT 07

In-service Day School closed to pupils

MON 02

COMING UP THIS WEEK week beginning 02.09.19 week A

attendance We aim for 100% attendance for all of our students and have set 96% as satisfactory attendance for this year.

Attendance is monitored period-by-period and statistics are published each week. Excellent attendance guarantees excellent learning.

Attendance by year (w/b July 8th). Attendance last week was 95.6% with two forms (5M & 6T) achieving 100% attendance.

Attendance and its impact on learning

Year 7 Year 8 year 9 year 10 year 11 School

95.7% 94.7% 94.8% 94.5% N/A 94.9%

10 days absence means 95% attendance 19 days absence means 90% attendance 29 days absence means 85% attendance 38 days absence means 80% attendance 47 days absence means 75% attendance Please note: If your child is off school you need to contact student services the same day on 0161 921 1589/1551. If the school has not been contacted within five days, the absences will automatically be unauthorised. Ten unauthorised marks may lead to a fixed penalty notice being served.

Top: at the Siemens Rollercoaster Challenge;

Below: 6th formers at the Teenage Cancer4 Trust fundraiser

AROUND THE SCHOOL THIS WEEK 


Above: photographing Blackpool on the Art trip Below: graduating from the FACT project

Top: at the Siemens Rollercoaster Challenge; Below: 6th formers at the Teenage Cancer5 Trust fundraiser

AROUND THE SCHOOL THIS WEEK  

We welcomed former pupil, now actor, Vicky Burrows back to school to talk to Drama pupils. What an inspiration and role model.

Top: at the Siemens Rollercoaster Challenge; Below: 6th formers at the Teenage Cancer6 Trust fundraiser

AROUND THE SCHOOL THIS WEEK  

Above: raising money for the Change Makers Challenge by sponging the staff.

Below: the BMX trip

Top: at the Siemens Rollercoaster Challenge; Below: 6th formers at the Teenage Cancer7 Trust fundraiser

AROUND THE SCHOOL THIS WEEK

More pictures from Plas Menai

 

Top: at the Siemens Rollercoaster Challenge; Below: 6th formers at the Teenage Cancer8 Trust fundraiser

AROUND THE SCHOOL THIS WEEK 


In our first ever Inter House Football Tournament St. Benedict were the winners.

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AROUND THE SCHOOL THIS WEEK

Celebrating another goal!




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AROUND THE SCHOOL THIS WEEK 


More pictures from the Inter House tournament, including a group shot with organiser Mr. Stephenson.

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AROUND THE SCHOOL THIS WEEK  

The Year 7/8 rugby team who made it through to the final against Walkden; more plumbing and challenging stereotypes.

Top: at the Siemens Rollercoaster Challenge; Below: 6th formers at the Teenage Cancer 12 Trust fundraiser

AROUND THE SCHOOL  

Above: deep in concentration in the goal mouth, the Interhouse Football Tournament hots up.

Below: Kirsty Nalus thrilling the audience on piano at the Summer Cabaret.

Top: at the Siemens Rollercoaster Challenge; Below: 6th formers at the Teenage Cancer 13 Trust fundraiser

AROUND THE SCHOOL THIS WEEK

Avan Seddon performing ‘I Love You’ in the Summer Cabaret.

Top: at the Siemens Rollercoaster Challenge; Below: 6th formers at the Teenage Cancer 14 Trust fundraiser

AROUND THE SCHOOL THIS WEEK

LLearna Toolan delighting the audience with “Hey Mr. Miller” in the Summer Cabaret.

Top: at the Siemens Rollercoaster Challenge; Below: 6th formers at the Teenage Cancer 15 Trust fundraiser

AROUND THE SCHOOL THIS WEEK

Yna Montarde wowing us all at the Summer Cabaret with an impassioned rendition of the classic ‘Feeling Good.’

Top: at the Siemens Rollercoaster Challenge; Below: 6th formers at the Teenage Cancer 16 Trust fundraiser

AROUND THE SCHOOL THIS WEEK  

Martin McDonagh, performing some incredible dance to The First Time at the Summer Cabaret.

Top: at the Siemens Rollercoaster Challenge; Below: 6th formers at the Teenage Cancer 17 Trust fundraiser

AROUND THE SCHOOL THIS WEEK  

Lauren Gatley performing her street dance with style and confidence at the Summer Cabaret.

Top: at the Siemens Rollercoaster Challenge; Below: 6th formers at the Teenage Cancer 18 Trust fundraiser

Staying safe THIS summer

Safe4Summer is a partnership campaign which takes place each year over the summer months – involving Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) local councils and United Utilities, plus others – with the ultimate aim to keep the young people of Greater Manchester safe and provide information to their parents and carers so we can all work together to achieve this.

Following evaluation of last year’s Safe4Summer campaign, this year we will focus on the main three objectives (click each link for further information):

• • •

keep our communities, including young people, safe in and around water

reduce the number of deliberate fires that are started by young people

work with young people to reduce the amount of crimes they might find themselves involved with

NOW OPEN - iPad competition for 5-16-year-olds

Give us your views on Safe4Summer and have a chance to win an iPad Water Safety The safest way to enjoy the water this summer is to use your local swimming pool or join an organised, supervised water sports activity. If you are under 16 and live in Manchester you can swim for free at your local pool during the summer holidays!

If you choose to swim outdoors, follow these top tips to stay safe: • Never drink alcohol before going swimming • Don't go swimming alone. Make sure someone is nearby so you can shout for help if you get into difficulty • If you are swimming at the beach, look out for the flags which warn you of any dangers • If you see someone getting into difficulty in the water, tell the lifeguard i immediately. If there is no lifeguard on duty call 999 - ask for the Police at inland water sites or the Coastguard at the beach Be aware of the dangers of swimming in canals and rivers Swimming in canals, rivers and lakes might sound like a good idea on a hot summers day, but it's very dangerous. There are no lifeguards to help you if get into trouble and the water can be cold and very deep, making it difficult to swim or get out. There might be broken bottles, shopping trolleys or tin cans lurking underneath or hidden currents, and if the water is polluted, it could make you ill.

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TWEET OF THE WEek More

SABTeamDrama @sabteamdrama Jul 12

Exemplary behaviour from these students today: entranced

by Shakespearean & Modern monologues expertly delivered by @VickyBurrows A real moment of #LoveInLearning whilst growing #FaithInYou as Vicky explained her struggles & triumphs since @SABSalford “I 20 was a shy student...”

FAITH IN YOU

LOVE IN LEARNING

HOPE IN BETTER

ST AMBROSE BARLOW RC HIGH SCHOOL & SIXTH FORM www.stambrosebarlowswinton.org 37 Ash Drive Swinton Salford M27 9QP 0161 921 1570 @SABSalford Headteacher: Ben Davis 21