Saint Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy has achieved a Gold Award in recognition of its provision for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
The award came following visit from a verifier from the National SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural) Quality Mark, who reviews and validates the school’s self-assessment.
In the report that followed the visit, the school, in New Mills, was praised for its energy, determination and commitment in ensuring that the children in its care are able to become ‘the next generation of world leaders’.
“Your focus on striving to continually improve ‘excellence of education’ is inspiring. I know that you are, quite rightly, proud of all that the school offers its pupils and the wider community,” the report said.
Verifier Meg Marshall said in her report that she was overwhelmed by the children’s confidence to talk about social action projects that they had initiated.
She said: “They have so many opportunities to lead and be responsible, from Special Friends, Little Fish to Chaplains who prepare and lead whole school worship. The children are aware of current local and international news, and they are able to discuss world events. Theological questions are provided on the dining tables at lunchtimes in order to promote discussion. They clearly articulate how British Values link to Catholic Social Teaching, and the school’s values.”
Parents described how friendly and homely the school is, the report said.
“I heard about how children ‘thrive’, no matter what their needs. The parents appreciate the careful focus on smooth transition, Nursery to Reception, and KS2 to KS3, and that there is an open door policy. It is also appreciated that staff retention is strong, and that staff have opportunities to develop professionally,” the verifier said.
Governors spoke about the importance of global learning and their involvement with it, according to the report.
The school’s numerous strengths were highlighted in the report, including the positive relationships and pride from everyone connected to the school, the real ethos of ‘family’ and support, the leadership opportunities available for children and how well the children articulate themselves.
Headteacher Patricia Chapman said: “The school is delighted to receive the recognition through this award that reflects the focus and dedication we have for all our pupils in their personal development.”
Pupils at St Anne’s Catholic Voluntary Academy enjoyed an ‘incredible’ trip to Chester Zoo thanks to community fundraising efforts.
The school, in Buxton, signed up for free tickets to the zoo and received enough to be able to take the whole school, which is made up for over 220 pupils and staff.
But the cost of transporting everyone was coming in at over £2,500 so the school launched a fundraising drive in a bid to pay for the travel.
Through a series of events, including a 12-hour sponsored walk at school by staff and some pupils and a Summer Fair/Meet the Teacher event, over £2,700 was raised.
One of the biggest events was a car wash held all weekend by a family who have children at St Anne’s. They were supported by local firefighters and together they raised a total of £575.
Pupil Danny, seven, described the trip to the zoo as ‘incredible’.
He said: “I’ve never been to Chester Zoo before. I’ve been to other zoos but nothing as big as this one. We saw an ant eater, monkeys and lions. The lions were a bit scary but it was great to see them. I also saw a chameleon. I really enjoyed the day.”
Pupil Oscar, nine, said it was a brilliant day.
He said: “My favourite bit was going into the bat cave. There were lots of bats and they were coming quite close. I also really enjoyed seeing the Komodo dragons and the chameleon. As a year group we were paired up with some of the younger children so we were helping them which was nice. I was really tired by the end but it was a brilliant day.”
Assistant Headteacher Stephanie Clarke said that everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day.
She said: “Our children and staff had a fantastic day at Chester Zoo. For some of our children it would have been their first trip to the zoo and they all loved seeing the different animals. It was a trip that was fun and educational and it will be something that the children will remember for a long time to come. We would like to thank Chester Zoo for the tickets and everyone who supported our fundraising drive and enabled us to be able to offer our children such a wonderful experience. We would also like to thank the Friends of St Anne’s who purchased high visibility jackets for every child.”
Free breakfast is being offered to every child at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in Matlock.
The school is working in partnership with children’s charity, Magic Breakfast, to provide a free, healthy breakfast to all pupils.
A range of cereals, bagels, toast and beans are on the menu and children can arrive at school between 8.20am and 8.45am to eat.
Magic Breakfast’s aim is to make sure that no child in the UK is too hungry to learn and the charity’s partnership with Saint Joseph’s is the only one in the local area.
Stacey Carr, Headteacher at Saint Joseph’s, said: “We are extremely excited to announce our partnership with Magic Breakfast to provide free healthy breakfasts to all our pupils, ensuring they start their day fuelled and ready to learn. We are so proud to be the only school in the local area who work with Magic Breakfast.
“Research has shown that a healthy breakfast leads to better academic achievement and we are delighted that a large proportion of our children are taking up this opportunity. We’re offering a range of delicious food and children also have the added benefit of being able to socialise with friends whilst enjoying their breakfast.”
Following breakfast, pupils will be completing the daily mile around the school grounds to support with their physical, social and emotional health.
Mrs Carr said that the school would also be looking to offer monthly family breakfasts where all parents/carers will be invited.
Megan, 8, had cereal for breakfast. She said: “I had some multigrain hoops for breakfast. It’s strange having breakfast at school but also fun to be sitting with all of my friends at school. It’s really nice for everyone to be having breakfast together.”
Betsy, 10, had a toasted bagel for breakfast. She said: “It feels strange having breakfast with all of my friends but it’s lovely. I think it means that we all start the day with a positive mindset. Making sure that we all have breakfast is a really good start to the day.”
Isaac, 10, had a bagel. He said: “I think having breakfast at school is good, I’ve really enjoyed being able to sit with all of my friends and eat breakfast together. It’s a good way to start the day.”
Pupils and staff from St Thomas’ CVA have achieved an award which recognises that they are living simply, sustainably, and in solidarity with the world’s poorest communities.
The LiveSimply award, championed by overseas development charity CAFOD, was presented to the school after they successfully planned and implemented faith inspired actions that highlighted the importance of caring for people and the planet.
Their actions have had a positive impact throughout the school, in their local community, and globally too, as they reached out to make a difference.
Each class at St Thomas’, in Ilkeston, took a pledge to do something either for their school, the local community or overseas.
Students worked together to make a change and each pledge was linked to a Catholic Social Teaching principle, the children learnt how their actions helped to change their lives or the lives of someone else.
Some actions that the school has taken part in and continue to work in include creating a school eco garden, creating links with a local care home, raising money for CAFOD, organising food collections, holding uniform swap shops, litter picking in the community, running eco craft clubs and linking with a school in Gambia.
Harper, a Year 3 student, said: ““I really enjoyed taking part in our class pledge to raise money for the Canaan trust so they could help women who are struggling to get a better life. We took part in a cake sale raising £250. I loved that everyone helped raise the money to help others. I also loved taking part in the Big Lent walk last year and this year we are taking part in the Big Lent Linedance. We had fun and it raised a lot of money for others.”
Pupils Oscar and Willow said: “I think other children should take part in the Live Simply Award because we get to learn more about our world and how we can play our part in making it a better place to live. We get to talk to people in other countries by becoming pen pals and learning about their culture and the life they live. It’s really nice to help other families in our community by being able to offer free school uniform.”
Gemma Shelbourne, Teaching Assistant at St Thomas’ who led the Live Simply journey, said:
“As a school we have enjoyed living out our mission statement by making links with the LiveSimply Award and using our Catholic Social Teaching principles as a guide to building God’s Kingdom on earth. In our mission statement we work, play and serve. When we serve others, we are serving God. The children in our school have taken ownership of their class pledges and have shown how their Gospel values shine from within them.
CAFOD’s LiveSimply Coordinator for Schools, Siobhan Farnell, said:
“Congratulations to the pupils and staff on achieving the LiveSimply Award. Their actions are wonderful examples of caring for others and our common home and we wish them well as they continue to live simply, sustainably and in solidarity.”
Pupils and parents are already feeling the benefit of a ban on traffic near their school at peak times so that they can get there more safely.
Motorists cannot use Oakleigh Avenue and Ismay Road, and some surrounding roads, near St Alban’s Catholic Voluntary Academy, in Chaddesden, between 8.30am and 9am and from 2.45pm to 3.45pm during term time.
The scheme has been running for five days and barriers are currently manned by staff from Derby City Council, which has been trialling the ‘Safe Haven Zones’ at schools across the city.
Cameras will be introduced shortly and any vehicle that does not have an exemption and enters the area during the restriction periods will be fined.
The zones are put in place for around 18 months on a trial basis to try to relieve parking problems around schools and improve safety and air quality for pupils and parents. A decision is then made on whether the scheme will become permanent depending on its success and community feedback.
Headteacher Tim Brogan said that the scheme had been a year in the planning and although it was early days, he could already see the benefits.
He said: “A feasibility study was carried out looking at how this could be beneficial for the community and there was a consultation with parents and residents and there will be a further consultation with local councillors.
“Air quality will be monitored and there will be a comparison between this year and last year so as well as making the walk to school safer for our children, it also has benefits in terms of their health and around sustainability.
“We love it, there’s a feeling of safety around the school and we’ve noticed the difference when we see children walking to school. It’s much better and a much calmer start to the day. We are also developing an active travel plan to encourage more children to walk, cycle and scoot to school. That will be much easier to implement without traffic on roads that the children use.
“We are really grateful to the community for their support and to our parents and pupils who have responded so well. The local residents have been great too.”
The city council launched the ‘School Safe Haven’ scheme last year, with the aim of freeing up roads near schools at busy times to make them safer to use.
Residents and businesses who have a vehicle or vehicles registered to an address located within the School Safe Haven Zone can apply for an exemption. The exemption will give a legal right to drive the registered vehicle into the zone during the scheme’s operating times. Special exemptions will also be available for blue badge holders requiring access to the zone and carers for vulnerable residents living within the zone.
A Year 11 student at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy has been appointed as Derby’s new Youth Mayor.
Sam Thiruvathilil, 16, said he was thrilled to win the vote and hopes to make a real difference during his one-year tenure.
The teenager heard about the opportunity to become Derby’s Youth Mayor at school and decided to submit an application.
He had to outline three areas in which he wanted to make an impact and he said they were mental health, job opportunities and advocating for the rights of young people.
Sam was invited to give a speech in front of Derby’s Youth Council and councillors and this was recorded and sent to schools across Derby, along with three other candidates. Students across the city were then asked to vote and Sam came out on top.
He said: “I was really pleased when I found out I’d won the vote. As part of the role I have to attend Derby City Council cabinet meetings, there will be meetings with the people in charge of services for children in the city and I also have to assist the Mayor. There will also be lots of events where I will be representing young people.
“The three main areas I would like to focus on are improving job opportunities for young people in the city, mental health and advocating for young people’s rights in schools. I will be looking to make small changes which will hopefully all lead to bigger changes.”
Sam officially starts his new role in May and will be supported by a Deputy Youth Mayor.
He said: “A lot of my time is taken up with council meetings and it will depend on how much I can take on but I’m focused and determined and I’m looking forward to it.”
Hazel Boyce, Headteacher at Saint Benedict, in Derby, congratulated Sam on his achievement.
She said: “We are thrilled Sam has been elected as Derby’s Youth Mayor. It is a reflection of his hard work and passion and a very proud moment for Saint Benedict.”
A teacher’s fight against cancer inspired St Thomas More Catholic Voluntary Academy, in Buxton, to ‘go blue’ and raise over £400 for a local hospice.
Kelly Collinge, Head of Humanities and History teacher, was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2023 and was able to access a range of services and support at Blythe House hospice in Chapel-en-le-Frith.
The hospice has also supported many other families at St Thomas More which have been affected by cancer.
Mrs Collinge was keen to raise money for Blythe House and staff and pupils at the school were quick to rally with the whole school wearing blue in exchange for a donation, raising a total of £408.
Mrs Collinge said that Blythe House had been an amazing support to her and her family since her diagnosis.
She said: “They provide all sorts of services, completely free of charge, such as counselling, physiotherapy, complimentary therapies, support groups, and practical help. We are so lucky to have this service in the High Peak, and not have to travel into Manchester. Fortunately, I am on the mend, and have returned to work.
“Everyone at St Thomas More School has been incredibly supportive, and rallied around me when I got sick, as we really are all part of the ‘Tommy’s Family’. I saw the opportunity to raise some funds for Blythe House, and when I mentioned it to the Headteacher, David Redfern, he, without any hesitation whatsoever, said that we would 100% get on board with their ‘Go Blue for Blythe’ campaign.
“Amy Shaw (the Head of English) and her husband very kindly donated sweets for a sweet sale at breaktime to raise as much as we could on the day. They sold out in under 5 minutes! The amount of pupils and staff in blue made me feel quite emotional, as we all, as a whole community, stand together in our fight against cancer.”
David Redfern, Headteacher at St Thomas More, said: “I’m delighted that St Thomas More has raised money for such an special local charity. Blythe House provided invaluable support to Mrs Collinge throughout her cancer journey, and numerous families in our community have also benefitted from their care. I extend a heartfelt thank you to Blythe House for their exceptional care of Mrs Collinge, and I am confident that the funds raised will help them in their mission to support others facing cancer in the High Peak area.”
Pupils and staff in all year groups have been reunited under one roof at St Edward’s Catholic Voluntary Academy after being split across two sites for almost six months.
In September 2023 Years 3 to 6 at St Edward’s, in Swadlincote, had to move temporarily to their partner secondary school, Blessed Robert Sutton Catholic Voluntary, in Burton.
The move followed a Government announcement about issues in schools where Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) had been identified.
St Edward’s was forced to delay the start to term in September by a week whilst alternative arrangements were made. Children in Nursery to Year Two were able to be safely accommodated at St Edward’s.
Since then, various investigations have been carried out at St Edward’s, which is part of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, and this month a large-scale operation to install a mix of horizontal and vertical props across the school began.
Four classrooms have been propped along with internal walkways, toilets and the staffroom. Props are currently being installed in the school hall. Once this is completed the whole process will have taken 5 weeks.
The school has recently been placed on the Government’s School Rebuilding programme which means that it has been deemed eligible to be added to a list of schools to have one or more blocks rebuilt or refurbished. No further details have been given at this stage.
Headteacher Kay Methven received news about the partial closure of St Edward’s on her first day of headship in September 2023.
She said: “We are delighted to have everyone back at St Edward’s. The staff have worked really hard to get the school ready and it looks amazing. The children have settled back in beautifully and it’s nice to see the older and younger children together again. As well as thanking staff, we would also like to thank our parents who have been so understanding, patient, supportive and so positive. We would also like to thank the Trust’s Estates Team for all of their hard work and the staff at Blessed Robert Sutton for making us feel so welcome.
“The children aren’t bothered by the props and the teachers have been quite creative, decorating some with ivy and butterflies and creating a camouflage area.”
Naz Prabatani, Acting Assistant Headteacher and Year 4 teacher, said: “It feels like being back at home again, it’s absolutely amazing, that feeling of being back together. When we came through the doors it still has that family feeling even though the building looks different. The children have adapted so well. I think some of them miss being at Blessed Robert Sutton, because their siblings might be there, but I don’t think they miss travelling there and back on the coaches. It’s been great to have the older children back with the younger children, they have loved seeing each other.”
Pupil Anna, eight, said: “It was strange because at the end of the first day I was thinking that I had to get a coach back to school but I didn’t! Being back at St Edward’s felt like being back at home, it was really calm and really beautiful. I don’t care about the props in the classrooms. It’s been lovely to be able to see my sister in Year Two and brother, in Nursery, again.”
Pupil Leo, nine, said: “It was strange in September when all of a sudden we couldn’t come to school at St Edward’s. Going to Blessed Robert Sutton was fun and I got to see my older sister. It’s nice to be back at St Edward’s, some things are a bit different with the props being here but it’s better to be here.”
Kevin Gritton, Chief Executive of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, said: “It’s fantastic to see pupils and staff back together at St Edward’s and we would like to thank staff, pupils, parents and the whole school community for all of their hard work, dedication and support through such a challenging period. We would also like to thank our Estates Team centrally for everything they have done to support St Edward’s over the past six months and all of the staff at Blessed Robert Sutton.”
A new member of staff at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Voluntary Academy is playing a vital part in Children’s Mental Health Week – Arthur the school dog.
Labrador Arthur is well and truly part of the Saint Joseph’s family and he even has his photo displayed on the staff board as well as his own page on the school website.
He is also playing his part in Children’s Mental Health Week this week as he is instrumental in the school’s approach to wellbeing; he provides a calming influence and children are allowed to walk him as a reward for good behaviour. Children also learn what is involved in caring for a pet.
A full risk assessment was carried out by the school before Arthur was introduced to staff and pupils.
Stacey Carr, Headteacher at Saint Joseph’s, in Matlock, said: “At Saint Joseph’s we believe in providing a nurturing and caring environment for our pupils. Arthur is an important member of our school community who holds a special place in the hearts of our students.
“Arthur is more than just a furry friend; he is an essential part of our school’s wellbeing initiatives. He provides comfort, companionship and unconditional love to our pupils. Research shows that interaction with dogs can reduce stress levels and increase happiness.
“Our pupils adore Arthur and regularly look forward to spending time with him. The opportunity to walk him not only brings joy and excitement but also helps to build a sense of responsibility and empathy among our students.
“Arthur helps children who struggle to regulate their emotions, he can really help to calm them down. He’s really settled in school now and will go in and out of classrooms. The other day he was asleep on the carpet while the teacher was reading to the children. I’ve also seen him outside with the children when they are playing football.
“He has his picture on the staff board and he’s part of our Saint Joseph’s family now. He’s such a calming influence and it’s been good for any children who might have had a fear of dogs because they are seeing Arthur and interacting with him which is a real milestone for them.
“Everyone loves Arthur.”
Pupil Bridget, 11, said: “It’s really nice having Arthur in school, it’s so lovely because he’s so calming but having him in school is exciting at the same time. We can also trade in points that we earn as rewards and one of the rewards is taking Arthur for a walk.”
Pupil Orlaith, 11, said: “I love having Arthur in school, it’s really fun and he’s really cute. A lot of my friends are jealous of all of the things happening in our school, like Arthur. He even has his photo on the staff board. I think he comforts staff as well as children.”
St Joseph’s Catholic Voluntary Academy has been graded Outstanding in every area by Catholic schools’ inspectors.
The school, in Mill Hill Lane, Derby, underwent its Catholic Schools Inspectorate inspection, which is the national framework for the inspection of Catholic schools, over two days in December 2023.
The overall quality of Catholic education provided by the school, Catholic life and mission, religious education and collective worship were all graded Outstanding.
Inspectors described Headteacher Tracey Churchill as an “inspirational leader” who, supported by staff and governors, motivates the school community to live out its mission statement.
They also said that the key principles of Catholic Social Teaching were evident in the ways in which the school welcomes everyone in a spirit of generous hospitality, especially those who are most vulnerable.
Pupil enjoyment of religious education is marked by a high level of interest, enthusiasm, and engagement and the chaplaincy provision has a significant and profound impact on the spiritual life of the school, inspectors said.
The report said: “Pupils fully embrace the distinctive Catholic identity of their school. They understand that it encourages them to follow the teachings of Jesus, and that their mission statement ‘helps us to work hand in hand with each other’. Pupils exude happiness and confidence and have a well-established sense of belonging to their community. Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary at all times.”
The school’s inclusive nature was highlighted in the report which said: “Staff members go above and beyond expectations in participating and contributing to the Catholic life and mission, helping to create a very strong sense of family, where all are welcome, particularly those who are most vulnerable.”
Pastoral care was described as outstanding, with a strong focus on adapting the school and its procedures to cater for a variety of concerns. Praise was also given to the religious education delivered by the school.
“Pupils are developing secure knowledge, understanding and skills within their religious education. Their progress is consistently good in knowing more and remembering more, with all groups, including those with particular needs, achieving the best possible outcomes from their starting points,” inspectors said.
Collective worship was another area that was highlighted and inspectors said: “Pupil participation and engagement in prayer and liturgy is marked by infectious enthusiasm, a deep sense of respect and a clear understanding of its importance in the school’s daily life.”
Mrs Churchill said: “It is an absolute pleasure to serve children and a community that have a clear respect for our faith. Our school team work so hard to enable our children to be true witnesses and I am delighted that they have received this outcome.”
Kevin Gritton, Chief Executive of the St Ralph Sherwin Trust, said: “This is fantastic news for St Joseph’s and is very well deserved. It is great to read about all of the wonderful work that is going on at the school in order to provide every child with an excellent Catholic education.”
