Children and staff at Saint Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in New Mills are supporting a school in Uganda as part of an international aid project.
The school has created links with Busyangwa School, sending over letters, artwork, clothes, sweets and raising £600 to buy a battery-operated TV as the school has no electricity.
The relationship has been built as part of the Connecting Classrooms through Global Learning programme, which helps schools to make connections locally and globally.
Children at Saint Mary’s have also received letters of thanks from pupils at Busyangwa School.
Patricia Chapman, Headteacher at Saint Mary’s, said: “As part of our Global Learning lessons we have been liaising with Busyangwa School which is in Uganda. This is part of the Connecting Classrooms through Global Learning programme, which supports schools internationally to learn about and collaborate on the big issues that shape our world.
“During different fundraisers, including our recent Lent sponsored walk, we have managed an amazing £600 for the purchase of a battery-operated TV. Recently we have been able to send letters, artwork and posters with the help of Brian Westhead and Geoff Carrier, who both became involved with Busyangwa through links with Revive Church in New Mills.
“During the Easter holidays Geoff travelled to Uganda with a suitcase full of our items including clothes and sweets from our local factory.
“Busyangwa School has been in touch to thank us for our generosity. The children and staff of Saint Mary’s CVA are very excited about this connection with our sister school, which has encouraged a greater understanding of global issues.”
Baita Jethro, from Busyangwa School, wrote a letter of thanks to Saint Mary’s.
He said: “Thank you for our gifts from the factory “sweets”, the recorders, clothes, the designed artwork which is meaningful, the money for the school TV plus the great love we can witness flowing across seas, continents, rivers and nations until down to us here on Mt Rwenzori (Busyangwa Primary School).”
Saint Mary’s is planning on donating reading books and sending a member of staff to Uganda next year to see first hand how the school’s donations are making a difference.
Pupil behaviour at St Elizabeth’s Catholic Voluntary Academy is exemplary and school leaders are ambitious for the vision of the school, according to Catholic Schools Inspectors.
The school, in Belper, was rated Good overall in its latest Catholic Schools Inspectorate inspection, carried out in March.
In the newly published report, inspectors said that the school’s Catholic life and mission, religious education and collective worship were all Good.
They said: “The mission statement at St Elizabeth’s Catholic Voluntary Academy, ‘Be like Jesus, be your best, be safe, be caring,’ alongside the seven Franciscan values of joy, forgiveness, faith, respect, service, peace and stewardship, are at the heart of the school community. Pupils and staff demonstrate a good understanding of this mission, which is visibly lived out every day. Pupil behaviour is exemplary.”
Pupils consistently show respect and care for each other, showing politeness to visitors and staff members. They also help and care for each other, taking great pride in their own special leadership roles and responsibilities, according to the report.
“School leaders are ambitious for the vision of the school. They share and live out their faith; they identify strengths and areas of development for the school; they implement systematic plans to drive improvement.”
The report highlighted a “well-developed sense of community” at St Elizabeth’s where “all are cared for and supported.”
“Parents say, ‘We feel our children are loved and nurtured at St Elizabeth’s. Staff are great role models and it is clear that children are encouraged to be respectful and caring to each other,’” the report said.
Inspectors said that pupils demonstrate impressive religious literacy and verbally communicate a wealth of knowledge about religious education. They said: “They express a deep understanding of how this impacts on their daily lives. Pupils show enthusiasm and enjoyment when planning and leading worship. They plan thoughtful prayer and liturgical prayer and are keen to share these occasions with the wider school community.”
Amanda Clemens, Headteacher at St Elizabeth’s, and Tim Ward, Deputy Headteacher, said: “We are delighted to report that our CSI recognises how wonderful our children are, it acknowledges their excellent behaviour, the provision which encourages them to be global citizens of the future and the sense of community that we all feel at St Elizabeth’s.”
St Elizabeth’s is part of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust.
Kevin Gritton, Trust Chief Executive, said: “Congratulations to everyone at St Elizabeth’s. It was a joy to read such a wonderful report which highlights all of the excellent work going on at the school. Well done to all staff, governors and pupils.”
St Thomas More Catholic Voluntary Academy is seeking to appoint a passionate Head of Department to join its hardworking team of staff.
A small, popular Catholic 11 to 16 school in the beautiful town of Buxton in Derbyshire; St Thomas More is within easy reach of Cheshire, Manchester, Staffordshire and Stockport as well as Derbyshire and surrounding areas.
Click on the link below to find out more.
There is now a further recruitment drive at Saint Benedict due to expansion plans.
We are recruiting to a number of roles at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby due to exciting multi-million pound expansion plans.
Current vacancies include:
- Head of Biology
- Teacher of Maths
- HLTA – Numeracy Specialist
- Teacher of Computing
- Student Support Supervisor
- Manager of the Alternative Provision
- Cover Supervisor
- Level 1 Learning Support Assistant.
Please visit the vacancies section of our website for more information Vacancies – St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust (srscmat.co.uk)
St Thomas’ Catholic Voluntary Academy continues to be a ‘Good’ school, according to Ofsted.
Following a two-day ungraded inspection in February, inspectors said that pupils enjoy coming to this “welcoming school”, in Ilkeston, and that they have strong positive relationships with staff.
“Pupils say that all staff are caring. Pupils know a trusted adult they could speak to if they had a problem. The pupils at this school feel safe and happy,” they said.
The report said that leaders have woven the school’s five gospel values into the curriculum as well as all parts of school life.
“Teachers develop all pupils to show respect, forgiveness, honesty, love and friendship. The school operates as one cohesive community,” inspectors said.
It was noted that pupils, parents and carers agree that staff have high expectations for all pupils who attend St Thomas’ and as a consequence pupils behave very well.
The quality of early years provision was also highlighted in the report.
“Children in early years are eager to learn. They benefit from well planned provision and staff who nurture and look after them well. The vast majority of parents would recommend this school to other families. One parent’s comment summed up the view of many parents: ‘The school has a very welcoming atmosphere. Staff are kind and helpful to children and parents,” inspectors said.
The curriculum was praised by inspectors, who said it encompassed a broad range of subjects that give pupils the knowledge and skills that they need for the next phase of learning.
Inspectors said that teachers have good subject knowledge and ensure that pupils get opportunities to revisit prior learning.
“Children in early years get off to a flying start. Activities have a clear intent in developing children’s understanding across all areas of learning,” inspectors said.
The report said that the curriculum teaches pupils about different faiths and cultures.
Inspectors said: ““Pupils understand the diversity they will encounter in modern Britain. Pupils have a firm understanding of British values. Pupils benefit from sports and gardening club and they enjoy singing. School councillors and members of the pupil parliament help improve the school and wider community.
“Pupils commit to their study. They show positive attitudes towards learning. Purposeful, well-managed classrooms enable pupils to spend most of the time learning.”
Inspectors found that the safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective.
Michael Sellors, Headteacher at St Thomas’, said: “I am so pleased for our staff who work so hard day in and day out to educate and nurture all our pupils so that they achieve their best”.
Kevin Gritton, Chief Executive of the St Ralph Sherwin Trust, said: “We are delighted for everyone at St Thomas’ and we would like to thank staff at the school for everything they do, every day, for the children in their care. Staff, governors, pupils and their families should be extremely proud of this outcome, as we are.”
Congratulations to everyone at Blessed Robert Sutton Catholic Voluntary Academy in Burton after the school was nominated in the Secondary School of the Year category at the Tes School Awards 2023.
The school was recently graded Outstanding by Ofsted, only one of three schools in the country to go from Requires Improvement to Outstanding.
Well done to all of the staff, governors and pupils!
We are recruiting to a number of roles at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby due to exciting multi-million pound expansion plans.
Current vacancies include; Teachers of Maths, Science, Dance and a Pastoral Support Assistant
Please visit the vacancies section of our website for more information Vacancies – St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust (srscmat.co.uk)
St George’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby continues to be a Good school and could be judged Outstanding, according to Ofsted.
Following a two-day ungraded inspection in March, inspectors said there was enough evidence of improved performance to suggest that the school could be judged Outstanding if a graded inspection was to be carried out at that time.
During ungraded inspections Ofsted do not give graded judgements but if they find evidence that a school would now receive a higher or lower grade, they will usually carry out a graded inspection within one to two years.
Rachael Snowdon-Poole, Headteacher at St George’s, said: “I am incredibly proud to lead such a wonderful team of staff and to work with our amazing pupils. The inspectors saw what we see every day and I am delighted that they have recognised the quality of the education on offer to all of our pupils. I would like to thank our whole school community for the part that they play in our success and to also thank the St. Ralph Sherwin CMAT who have offered us the most amazing support on our journey together as a school.”
Inspectors praised school leaders and said they were, “very ambitious for all associated with the school to succeed.”
They particularly praised the well-thought-out curriculum and how the school’s mission statement of, ‘Grow in faith, have faith in growing’, encourages pupils to “develop into confident individuals who enjoy learning.”
Behaviour was praised by inspectors who noted that the school is a “very calm and ordered place” with “high expectations of behaviour”, where pupils get on well with each other and are proud to be part of the school. The report said: “As a consequence, they love coming to school.”
Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities was found to be strong, with the report stating that, “Pupils with SEND are well supported within class. Expectations are high for them and they achieve well.”
The school’s inclusive approach was also highly praised, “There is a powerful sense of respect for one another and celebration of difference. As one parent stated: ‘I really appreciate how the school promotes British and Christian values in a multi-ethnic and multicultural environment.’”
The report noted that pupils learn to read as soon as they start school and that well trained staff provide focused support.
“Pupils understand the significance of learning to read. One pupil said: “Reading is an escape to another world. When I pick up a book it expands my mind.”’
The school’s knowledge based and well sequenced curriculum received particular recognition:
“Leaders have identified the key knowledge pupils need to learn, remember and use. Staff expertly shape learning activities to engage and hook pupils. Probing questions challenge thinking. As a consequence, pupils’ attitudes to their learning, and work, are strong,” the report said.
The very youngest children in school make an excellent start to their education.
Inspectors said: “Carefully crafted learning activities develop independence. Adults’ interactions with children challenge children’s thinking. Children collaborate well and show high levels of resilience and perseverance. They are keen and excited to share their learning with others. Children achieve well.”
The wider curriculum offer and programme of personal development was also celebrated, “Pupils have many opportunities to develop character and personality within school. There are a wide range of clubs and activities on offer.”
Kevin Gritton, Chief Executive of the St Ralph Sherwin Trust, said: “Well done to all of the staff, governors and pupils at St George’s for a superb outcome. While inspectors found that the school continued to be Good, they were keen to point out that they feel the school could be Outstanding and are looking to bring forward their next inspection. This is fantastic news and well done to everyone involved.”
There is now further recruitment drive at Saint Benedict due to expansion
We are recruiting to a number of roles at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby due to exciting multi-million pound expansion plans.
Current vacancies include; Assistant Head of Year, Assistant Headteacher, Head of Biology, Teachers of Maths, Science, Dance, ICT and a Pastoral Support Assistant
Please visit the vacancies section of our website for more information Vacancies – St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust (srscmat.co.uk)
Students at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy have won a once in a lifetime opportunity to sing on the same stage as West End stars, in front of a 2,000 strong audience at a European theatre festival.
Thirty-eight students will perform a song from Frozen at Music Theatre International’s Junior Theatre festival, Europe’s biggest celebration of musical theatre for young performers.
Hundreds of youth groups and schools from across the country submitted applications to be in with a chance to perform at the festival and take part in workshops with West End professionals, as part of a programme backed by Disney.
News of the Saint Benedict students’ success was shared on social media and prompted a kind-hearted donation of costumes for the performance, all the way from America.
Anna West, Director of Performing and Creative Arts at Saint Benedict, in Derby, said she burst out crying when she found out that her students would be performing at the festival.
She said: “I couldn’t speak I was so choked. I was just thinking about how this will mean so much for our children and it will enable them to see what opportunities there are for them in the arts, and what can happen if you believe you can do something.
“This is a once in a lifetime event for them, how often will they get to perform on the same stage as West End performers in front of 2,000 people.
“I tweeted a video of the students’ reaction when I told them the news and then a few days later I got an email from a lady in America whose theatre group had already performed Frozen. She has all the costumes and has offered to ship and lend them to us for free, which is wonderful.”
The festival takes place at the ICC in Birmingham on Saturday, April 29th and Saint Benedict students will take to the stage in the afternoon, followed by two performances from West End stars.
Mrs West said: “We are taking students from Years 7 to 12. In the morning they will do some work with other youth groups at the festival and in the afternoon they will take part in dance, drama and music workshops with West End professionals. Then they will do some tech on the main stage, followed by their performance.”
Students will sing the song ‘Fixer Upper’ on stage, a song from Frozen that they submitted as part of their application to perform at the festival.
Ryan Macauley, producer and director of the MIT Junior Theatre Festival, paid a visit to Saint Benedict to help students prepare for their performance.
He said: “Saint Benedict was chosen to perform at the festival because the application from the staff there was exemplary and the children are all ages and from all backgrounds and they are doing it together. We really saw that in the application and they deserved the chance to perform. We will have workshops from Aladdin, Les Mis and Wicked and there will be West End directors and choreographers.”
Student Lucy Finnegan, who is playing Anna, said working with Ryan had been a great experience.
She said: “We were all so excited when we found out that we were going to perform at the festival and to work with someone like Ryan has been amazing. We wouldn’t normally get the chance to go through our performance in so much detail.”
Headteacher Hazel Boyce said: “This is another fantastic achievement for the Performing and Creative Arts Team. At Saint Benedict, we recognise the positive impact the Arts have on young people and we are incredibly proud of our pupils and staff who have won this competition.”
The students will be performing Frozen as their school show at Saint Benedict, in Duffield Road, Derby, from 1st to 5th July 2023. Information about tickets will be released soon. Visit www.saintbenedictderby.srscmat.co.uk for details.
