Pupils and staff from St George’s Catholic Voluntary Academy recognised for living simply, sustainably and in solidarity.
Pupils and staff from St George’s Catholic Voluntary Academy, in Derby, have achieved the LiveSimply Award after taking action to demonstrate they are living simply, sustainably and in solidarity with the world’s poorest communities.
Championed by overseas development charity CAFOD, the award was presented to pupils and staff on Tuesday 28th February. St George’s implemented a number of exceptional projects that highlighted the importance of caring for people and the planet. Their actions had a positive impact on their school community and also reached out to embrace the local community and our global community too.
Siobhan Farnell, CAFOD LiveSimply Award Assessor was delighted to confirm that St George’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby has achieved the LiveSimply Award.
She said “The pupils and staff have a great deal of passion for caring for the planet and living sustainably is embedded into all they do. It was a pleasure to hear from the Chaplaincy Team, they were eloquent and articulate in sharing how we need to look after the planet and its people and how “we appreciate God in others’’. They reach out to support the local and global community in acts of solidarity, reflecting Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si, calling for us all to hear and respond to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. The award is very much deserved.”
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 Higher Level Teaching Assistant – Physical Needs and Learning Support Assistant (Level 1).
Please visit the vacancies section of our website for more information Vacancies – St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust (srscmat.co.uk)
St Margaret’s Catholic Voluntary Academy continues to be a ‘Good’ school, according to Ofsted.
Inspectors said that pupils love their small and caring school community at St Margaret’s, in Glossop Road, Gamesley.
They said: “They say that everyone knows each other well and that they look out for each other. Parents and carers unanimously appreciate the support the children receive. One parent’s comment was typical of many: ‘There is a lovely family feel to the school’.”
Leaders are ambitious that pupils will develop the qualities they need in order to be ready for life in modern Britain, the report said.
“Leaders identify these characteristics as: respect, empathy, self-awareness, positivity, excellence, communication and teamwork. Pupils work hard to show these in their work and play. They are keen to earn their ‘respect’ badge.”
This is the first ungraded inspection at St Margaret’s since 2016, when the school was judged to be ‘Good’.
The report said leaders have set high expectations for pupils’ behaviour.
“Pupils know how important it is to work hard. They show respect for each other and their teachers. In lessons, they listen carefully and do their best. The school is a happy and positive place for pupils to learn and staff to work,” inspectors said.
The curriculum was described as “well sequenced” and it sets out what pupils should learn.
“Teachers assess what pupils know and remember against the important knowledge identified in curriculum plans. They use this information to address misconceptions and gaps in pupils’ knowledge before moving on to new learning,” inspectors said.
Leaders were said to prioritise reading and it was noted that pupils talk with enthusiasm about the books they love.
“Pupils have many opportunities to read in school and are encouraged to read at home. Teachers and teaching assistants are experts in the teaching of reading. Pupils learn phonics well.”
Arrangements for safeguarding at the school, which is part of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, were described as effective.
Inspectors said: “All staff, including the designated safeguarding lead, receive regular safeguarding training. Everyone takes their safeguarding responsibilities seriously. They know what to look out for and how to record their concerns about pupils. Leaders act without delay when staff raise concerns.”
Grainne Beaumont, Headteacher at St Margaret’s, said: “I am thrilled for the staff who work so hard and for the children who are all superstars.
“The two inspectors were very impressed with the children in school. They spoke about the children being positive advocates for the school. This showed itself in the way the children behaved and worked on the day and emphasised how much the children wanted to impress the inspectors. It also showed how much pride they have for their school and teachers. Teachers were extremely proud of all the children. ”
Kevin Gritton, Chief Executive of the St Ralph Sherwin Trust, said: “Congratulations to everyone at St Margaret’s. It was lovely to read all of the positive comments from Ofsted inspectors, which are a wonderful reflection of such a caring school where staff and governors are focused on providing children with the very best education and care.”
Lessons in bridge building, morse code using electrical currents, and communicating via cans were all on the timetable at a Glossop primary school as part of British Science Week.
Saint Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy welcomed 18 Year 8 students from partner secondary school St Philip Howard, who led science lessons working with pupils of all ages.
The Year 8 students planned and delivered the sessions, which included creating a magnet obstacle course and setting up a crime scene investigation.
The day was part of British Science Week- a 10-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths which takes place from 10-19 March 2023 and this year’s theme is connections.
Nicola Barry, science co-ordinator at Saint Mary’s, in Gladstone Street, thanked pupils and staff from St Philip Howard.
She said: “We thought this was an ideal opportunity to further strengthen our links with St Philip Howard as our partner secondary school.
“Their students came up with ideas for the day and planned them. They then led the sessions in classes with support from our staff. Our pupils worked in classes made up of different year groups and it’s been nice to see pupils of different ages working together.
“Our pupils have looked at bridge building, morse code, using magnets, can communication and they have absolutely loved it. Some of the St Philip Howard students used to be pupils here and it’s been lovely to see them again.”
Kadie, a Year 8 student at St Philip Howard, said she enjoyed working with pupils at Saint Mary’s.
She said: “I was in the sessions about morse code but there are different groups doing lots of different things. I volunteered to take part because I enjoy science and I like doing more practical experiments. I liked working with the children at Saint Mary’s; the day was amazing.”
Jane-Ann Birkitt, Joint Head of Science at St Philip Howard, in Sunlaws Street, said the day was a great experience for pupils from both schools.
She said: “The aim of the day was for our Year 8 students to practice their skills and share their enthusiasm for science with the pupils at Saint Mary’s and to look at how anybody can be a scientist.
“We wanted to show the Saint Mary’s pupils techniques and equipment that they might not get the opportunity to use in primary school.
“It was a great day and we were made to feel very welcome. It was lovely for some of our pupils, who used to go to Saint Mary’s, to come back and nice for the Saint Mary’s staff to see how they’ve developed.”
We recruiting a Head of Finance, this is a fantastic opportunity to join our Central Team and help make a difference across our 25 schools.
Please click the link for more details:
Head of Finance | St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust (srscmat.co.uk)
Pupils enjoy attending Saint Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy, where ‘everyone looks after each other’ and leaders have high expectations, according to Ofsted inspectors.
Following an ungraded inspection in January 2023, Ofsted said that Saint Mary’s, in New Mills, continues to be a ‘Good’ school.
“Pupils enjoy attending this small, calm and productive school. They say that they feel safe and happy because everyone looks after each other. They try to follow the school’s ‘gospel values’. These values help pupils care for and respect each other. Pupils are polite and friendly towards staff and visitors,” inspectors said.
The report noted that parents and carers are supportive of the school and pupils are also very positive.
“One parent expressed the view of others when they said, ‘We love St Mary’s! It is a very welcoming, nurturing, family environment’. Pupils are also very positive about their school; they value it and like it. They know that there are trusted adults who will support them to learn and keep safe. Pupils appreciate the effort staff take to get to know them. Relationships are positive,” inspectors said.
Leaders have high expectations of what pupils should learn, the report said, and are passionate about providing an environment that prepares pupils to be ‘confident, happy citizens.”
“Staff are determined to give pupils lots of memorable experiences. They want pupils’ learning to be relevant and embedded in their community,” inspectors said.
Pupils were said to behave well in lessons and around the school and the report said that leaders have developed a very ambitious curriculum.
Inspectors said: “They (leaders) have ensured that the information pupils need to learn is well structured. This helps pupils to fill any gaps in their knowledge.
“Pupils are eager to learn. They take pride in their work and complete it to the best of their ability. Leaders have prioritised reading. They have found many creative ways to introduce pupils to different books and texts.”
Children in early years get off to a strong start and older ‘buddies’ help them to settle quickly into school, according to the report.
Inspectors said that leaders have systems in place to identify and support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
The report said that there is a strong focus on pupils’ broader development and they noted that the school is well led.
Arrangements for safeguarding were also found to be effective.
Patricia Chapman, Headteacher at Saint Mary’s, said: “We are absolutely delighted with our Ofsted report and the fact that the inspectors clearly highlighted the high expectations of what pupils should learn and the memorable experiences that pupils gain through a very ambitious curriculum.
“Thank you to all of our amazing staff who consistently demonstrate how dedicated they are in ensuring all pupils achieve their full potential at Saint Mary’s.”
Kevin Gritton, Chief Executive of the St Ralph Sherwin Trust, said: “Congratulations to everyone at Saint Mary’s on their overwhelmingly positive Ofsted report. It was lovely to read inspectors’ comments, which reflect what a wonderful school Saint Mary’s is. Staff, governors, pupils and everyone connected to the school community should be very proud.”
Blessed Robert Sutton Catholic Voluntary Academy in Burton has been graded as ‘Outstanding’ in all areas by Ofsted.
The school is one of only three secondary schools in the country to move from ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Outstanding’ under the new Ofsted framework.
Inspectors said that pupils are extremely proud to be part of this “highly ambitious school’ and that leaders have the highest expectations for pupils, who receive a “high quality” education.
The ‘Sutton Way’ was highlighted in the report, which focuses on academic excellence, spiritual development and social excellence and permeates throughout the school.
“Staff meet the needs of all pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, exceptionally well. Staff welcome pupils warmly into school each morning. Relationships between adults and pupils are positive and respectful,” inspectors said.
The report said that pupils behave very well in lessons and around school and that they consistently exhibit the school’s values of kindness, love and respect.
“Pupils feel safe here. They know who to talk to if they have a concern. Poor behaviour and bullying are never tolerated. Pupils are highly focused in lessons and are keen to participate. They learn well because teaching is very effective. Teachers are highly knowledgeable. Pupils enjoy their lessons and are successful in many subjects,” inspectors said.
Headteacher Laura O’Leary was said to have brought about “phenomenal change” across the whole school since her appointment in 2019.
Inspectors, who visited the school in January 2023, said: “She and her senior team provide exceptional leadership. They lead by example, with sensitive and calm authority. They know what is best for their pupils.”
The curriculum at the school, which is part of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, was described as “very broad and ambitious”.
“The vast majority of pupils now study the suite of subjects that make up the English baccalaureate in key stage 4. Subject leaders have carefully planned the curriculum so that pupils can learn new knowledge in a highly structured way. Lessons are extremely well sequenced to ensure pupils build on what they have learned before. Teachers plan lessons exceptionally well,” inspectors said.
Pupils’ understanding is checked frequently so that “no child is left behind” and teachers use a range of effective strategies and high quality resources to ensure that almost all pupils, including those with SEND, achieve exceptionally well, Ofsted said.
“Pupils have highly positive attitudes to their learning. They fully concentrate in lessons and low-level disruptive behaviour is rare. Pupils attend school regularly and punctuality levels are very high for all pupils. They love coming to school,” inspectors said.
The school’s personal, social and health education programme was described as “highly effective” and inspectors said that leaders provide pupils with effective careers advice and guidance, meaning that they are very well prepared for their next steps by the end of Year 11.
Inspectors said that safeguarding arrangements at the school were effective and that governance was a real strength of the school. They also said that staff are extremely proud to work at Blessed Robert Sutton.
Miss O’Leary, Headteacher at Blessed Robert Sutton, said: “We have been on a mission to provide an excellent education for all of our wonderful students, which we have achieved with the support of our phenomenal, dedicated staff, the parents and carers of our students and governors.
“I am extremely proud of this report and the education we provide for all students at Robert Sutton. The outcome of this inspection is testament to the efforts of our entire school community, especially the hard work and positive attitude of our students and the commitment and service of our staff team.
“Given that the new inspection framework is much more rigorous and judgements harder to achieve, combined with the ongoing demands of the pandemic, it makes it even more pleasing that inspectors did not identify any areas for development.”
John Rimmer, Chair of Governors, said: “The Governors are incredibly proud of everything that has been achieved by the Headteacher, staff and pupils since the last inspection. It is a phenomenal achievement to produce such a big improvement in the performance of the school in such a short space of time.”
Kevin Gritton, Chief Executive Officer of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, said: “We are absolutely delighted for the whole school community that the school has been graded as Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted. It is an incredible achievement and we know how much hard work has gone into this from Miss O’Leary and all of the staff, governors and pupils. It is also fantastic news for Blessed Robert Sutton pupils who start their journey at partner schools in our Trust, St Edward’s and Holy Rosary. As a Trust we will continue to support Blessed Robert Sutton, to ensure that the school continues to go from strength to strength.”
St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby has been graded ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding’ features by Ofsted.
Behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision at the school were all graded ‘Outstanding’ and the quality of education was graded ‘Good’.
The report said that the school’s mission is to unlock all pupils’ potential by “sharing God’s love and making a difference”. Inspectors reported that pupils are keen to play a positive role in their community and make a difference to themselves and others.
Pupils were praised throughout the report and inspectors said they lived up to teachers’ high expectations.
Inspectors said: “Pupils show kindness and respect to each other. Pupils’ behaviour and conduct is exemplary. In lessons they learn without distraction. They have confidence that teachers will keep them safe.”
The report said that following the fire, which destroyed the school building in 2020, leaders have expertly managed the school during an unprecedented period of challenge and despite tremendous difficulty, they have kept the school community together.
Inspectors said: “The library was destroyed in the school fire. All books were lost. Staff have been unwavering in their determination to ‘get books back in the hands of pupils’.”
Pupils’ behaviour was described as “exemplary” in the report and they have “excellent attitudes to learning.”
“Leaders have worked hard to make sure that pupils, particularly pupils with an education, health and care (EHC) plan, receive the expert support that they need. Pupils with SEND achieve well in school.
“Pupils benefit from a thoughtfully planned and structured personal social and health education (PSHE) curriculum. The school promotes equality of opportunity and diversity effectively. The teaching of protected characteristics is a strength. There is celebration of the Catholic faith but also the culture and faith of others. This meets leaders’ ambition of ‘building mutual respect and tolerance’.”
It was noted that the curriculum is expertly planned. Pupils’ learning is carefully built upon what they know and understand and they often acquire new knowledge that they confidently understand.
“Teachers have good subject knowledge. They use assessment skilfully to check pupils’ understanding. The teaching of reading is a priority. There is a well-planned and sequenced phonics programme in place. Teachers quickly identify pupils who need extra help,” inspectors said.
Children in the early years have an outstanding start, according to the report.
It said: “They receive an ambitious curriculum taught by knowledgeable specialists. Children are completely engrossed in their learning. They understand routines well. They learn to be independent. Children are very well prepared for Year One.”
Ofsted said that staff at the school, which is part of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, have worked together as a strong team.
“They feel appreciated and supported. They are rightly proud of their achievements. They are proud to work at the school,” inspectors said.
St Mary’s ‘SPIRIT’ was also praised in the report along with pupils’ charity work. Inspectors said: “Countless activities take place to raise funds for local and national charities.
“Pupils describe St Mary’s as a family. Pupils from all faiths, families and cultures are welcome and celebrated. Leaders provide rich and meaningful ways to develop pupils’ personal development and character. St Mary’s ‘SPIRIT’ is central to this. Equality ambassadors promote fairness. The ‘circle of friends’ helps their peers to make and then sustain friendships.”
Arrangements for safeguarding at the school are effective and the positive relationships between staff, families and carers were highlighted.
Inspectors said: “Staff know children and their families and carers extremely well. The family liaison officer works tirelessly to ensure that positive relationships are built. Her work is helping to ensure that the most vulnerable pupils are in school, are safe and are learning. Staff are well trained. They know the actions needed to support the most vulnerable pupils. They are vigilant. They tenaciously ensure that pupils are safe within the temporary school.”
Amanda Greaves, Executive Headteacher, said: “We are delighted with the judgements made about key aspects of our school. Despite a challenging few years with the pandemic and the fire, the team has continued to ensure our pupils receive the best Catholic education possible. We have relentlessly strived to ensure the St Mary’s curriculum is tailored for our pupils, which was acknowledged in the report as being expertly planned, and this now needs to be embedded ‘securely and consistently’.
“We will take on board this area for improvement ensuring the curriculum is fully accessible for every learner in our thriving school. I am so incredibly proud of the school team and this achievement in the most challenging of circumstances, their dedication to our children and wider community shone through the report. Finally, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our parents for supporting us on this journey and hope they too feel a sense of pride in their school and this wonderful achievement.”
Emma Farmer, Chair of Governors, said: “As a governing board, we are thrilled with the judgement that has been awarded and we would like to warmly congratulate and thank all those involved. It is richly deserved and is evidence of the enormous, ongoing commitment of all staff and pupils in our school community. Their drive in the most unique and challenging of circumstances has been phenomenal.
“We would like to say a huge thank you to Mrs Greaves, Mrs Novak-Lemmings and their brilliant team for their continuing hard work and professionalism. It is testament to their ongoing dedication that our pupils are able to enjoy the very best school experience where ‘pupils from all faiths, families and cultures are welcome’ and where all our children can truly thrive. It is wonderful to be a part of a school community of which we can feel so proud.”
Kevin Gritton, Chief Executive Officer of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, said: “It is testament to the drive and determination of Mrs Greaves and her team, to continue to provide the best education for all of the children, that has led to such a glowing Ofsted report.
“I was proud to hear inspectors talk about the ambition for all of the pupils and all of the disruption never being used as an excuse to offer anything other than the best education possible for our children. We can now look to an exciting future in a biophilic building and children continuing to receive a first rate education.”
St Mary’s is currently based at St James House, in Mansfield Road, Derby, and is expected to move to a new, innovative environmentally friendly school building in Broadway at the end of 2023.
Pupils and staff across our 25 schools joined in the World Book Day fun this year.
There were competitions, reading breakfasts, visits from poets and mysteries to solve.
At Saint Mary’s in New Mills there was a staged break in at school where all the reading books were stolen!
Headteacher Patricia Chapman said: “A policeman arrived(Mr Peter- our wonderful reading volunteer) with his invisible dog and talked to the children. The children had to complete an investigation and identify the mystery clues spread around the external school buildings. They then undertook writing a newspaper report about their findings. They spotted the book thief, ‘Burglar Bill’ (Mr Peter)later in the day running around outside school. Finally, the clues revealed his where abouts in our new reading shed.”
Parents can ‘weed while they wait’ for their children at St Thomas Catholic Voluntary Academy when its new eco-garden dream becomes a reality.
A ‘flight path’ eco-garden is being created at the school, in Ilkeston, after the school secured £10,000 from East Midlands Airport’s eco-gardens project.
Work is due to start shortly on creating the garden and Headteacher Michael Sellors said everyone was excited to see it come to life.
He said: “The children and staff are looking forward to having an eco-garden where the children can grow their own vegetables and care for local wildlife. We will also have a “weed while you wait” space for parents collecting their children at the end of the day.”
The school is one of eight in the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust that was successful in bidding for the funds. The others are: English Martyrs’ in Long Eaton, St George’s, St Joseph’s and St John Fisher, all in Derby, Blessed Robert Sutton and Holy Rosary, in Burton and St Edward’s in Swadlincote.
Pupils who make up St Thomas’ Sustainability Squad have all been heavily involved in planning the garden.
Their design was inspired by the flight path maps that show the migration of ducks, geese and swans that visit the local nature reserve, Straws Bridge, and land on the school’s roof.
Gemma Shelbourne, a Teaching Assistant at St Thomas who oversees the Sustainability Squad, said: “Our pupils submitted a video where they talked about what we wanted in our eco-garden and that was part of our application. We wanted to bring wildlife in and the inspiration was the ducks that land on our school roof.
“We are all excited to see the plans become a reality. The children have been building bird feeders and bringing them in, they are really enthusiastic and they keep asking when the garden will be ready.”
It is hoped that work will start shortly on creating the garden and that it will be completed by the autumn.
Schools were asked by the airport to submit designs for gardens or green spaces that substantially boost biodiversity and lead to improved wellbeing.
The proposals were evaluated by a panel of experts which included representatives from the airport’s corporate social responsibility team, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and the parks, green spaces and environmental management team at South Derbyshire District Council.
The submissions were assessed against several criteria. The designs needed to demonstrate how the gardens would make existing space environmentally richer and more diverse, improve biodiversity, stimulate outdoor learning, and have wellbeing benefits.
Jo Pettifer, Sustainability Project Co-ordinator for the St Ralph Sherwin CMAT, worked with schools on their garden proposals.
She said: “I am delighted that eight of our schools were successful in securing funds. The pupils have worked so hard, carrying out wildlife audits, planning their designs, discussing them with their teachers and filming presentations for the competition. I am so grateful that East Midlands Airport is rewarding all that hard work, what a triumph.”
