Students at St Thomas More Catholic Voluntary Academy have experienced a “life-changing” and “unforgettable” trip to Poland.
This is the first time that the school has run a trip to Poland – which included visiting Auschwitz Birkenau – and 38 pupils studying History or Geography at GCSE went along.
The group, led by four staff, enjoyed a walking tour of Krakow Old Town, visited Auschwitz and Auschwitz Birkenau, the Galicia Museum and went on a walking tour of Kazimierz, which is the Jewish Quarter and Ghetto.
They also heard from a Holocaust survivor and visited the Wieliczka Salt Mines.
Dr Michael Kelly, Acting Head of Humanities at St Thomas More, said: “A lot of planning went into getting this trip off the ground and this is the first time that we have done it. We have a fantastic team of staff who helped with the organisation of the trip and running it.
“The whole trip was a very good experience and it is something we would definitely like to do again in the future.
“The main aim for Geography students was to give them that sense of place, the opportunity to travel to another country and experience a different culture. To visit the Wieliczka Salt Mines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was an incredible opportunity to link one of the world’s oldest salt mines with the economic Geography curriculum and with the lives of people who lived and worked there, creating incredible sculptures out of the salt. For both Geography and History students it was about giving them that experience outside the classroom. I don’t think they will ever forget visiting Auschwitz Birkenau, seeing it for yourself is completely different and it will make them think a bit more about what the Nazis undertook during World War Two.
“The students were amazing and we did lots of preparation with them, especially around Auschwitz. They were very well behaved. After the Auschwitz visit we collectively said a prayer for those who had lost their lives and I believe the experience had a big impact on the students, it felt like they really bonded and the whole trip was very worthwhile.”
Gracie Kemp, 15, said: “I am interested in the history of World War Two and I really wanted to go, also my mum is from Poland. I’ve been to different parts of Poland but not Krakow. We went to Auschwitz Birkenau which was really interesting and we went to the old town which was quite historical and very pretty. I am used to speaking Polish so that helped. I think it will help me with my history GCSE as we talked about Nazi Germany and the occupied lands. I think it made me realise how much we take for granted and how children back then died and didn’t get to live their lives to the fullest and have the kind of freedom that we do.”
Vicky Wittbrodt, 14, said: “I have been to Poland a lot but this was different to when I go with my family. Also, I’ve never been to Auschwitz and that was actually quite a shock, to have someone explain what happened there to us.”
Francesca Hobbs, 15, said: “I wanted to go on the trip because I thought it would be beneficial for my GCSE. On the first day we had a walking tour of Krakow, which was really interesting. It was pretty and there was a nice atmosphere, I really enjoyed it.”
Amy McKnight, 15, said: “I thought Auschwitz was haunting and I think it has changed me as a person and it’s made me think about what happened there a lot more. It’s much more real when you are there. I thought Auschwitz felt like a museum but at Birkenau you could almost feel the souls of the people who were there. At some points it felt a bit too much, like you can’t imagine that could have happened.”
Ryan Beesley, 15, said: “It was a good trip. We heard from an Auschwitz survivor and even though it was done through a translator you could really feel what she went through.”
Ted Carberry, 16, said: “It’s not often you get the opportunity to go on a trip like this. I think the best bit was going to Auschwitz and how moving it was. It’s something you don’t often experience and it was really interesting, it’s really rare to see something like that considering how long ago it happened.”
St John Fisher Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby is celebrating after being rated ‘Good’ in all areas by Ofsted.
The quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision were all assessed as part of the two-day inspection in October 2023.
Inspectors said: “St John Fisher is a warm and welcoming school. Pupils enjoy their learning and are
happy. They feel safe. Pupils behave sensibly in class and around the school. Children learn the routines they need to follow as soon as they join the school. This helps them to be ready for learning. Staff, including those in the early years, are ambitious for what they want pupils to achieve.”
Pupils show respect towards staff and each other, they are polite, well-mannered and they enjoy their lessons, the report said.
Inspectors said that parents and carers valued the work that the school did to support their children.
One parent stated: ‘I would highly recommend this school to any other parent. I’m so glad my children have such a wonderful environment to be in whilst getting their education. I cannot thank the teachers and other staff enough for all they do’.
The school is ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), to learn as much as possible, the report said.
Reading was described in the report as a “whole school priority.”
Inspectors said: “Children begin learning to read as soon as they start in Reception. All staff are well trained and teach daily phonics sessions effectively. Teachers make sure that books match the letters and sounds that pupils know. The school identifies pupils who may be falling behind in the reading curriculum. These pupils receive extra support to catch up. Teachers inspire pupils when they read to them every day.”
Support given to SEND pupils was highlighted in the report.
“Pupils with SEND access the full curriculum. The school has made significant progress in identifying and assessing the needs of SEND pupils. Staff deliver carefully planned support in lessons. Teachers adapt their teaching to meet these pupils’ needs. SEND pupils produce work of good quality and achieve well,” inspectors said.
The inspectors also acknowledged that “The school has made significant progress in identifying and assessing the needs of SEND pupils,” which coincides with the arrival of Kirsty Campbell, the new SENDCo and Deputy headteacher.
The report said that the curriculum for children in the early years was “well sequenced”.
“Children gain a wide range of knowledge and skills. They are well prepared for their next phase of learning in Year 1. There is a sharp focus on developing children’s communication and language skills. Children enjoy learning through well-planned activities. They play happily together and demonstrate strong social skills,” inspectors said.
The school works closely with families to promote pupils’ attendance and adds to pupils’ personal development in many ways, according to the report.
Saul Ratcliffe, Headteacher at St John Fisher, in Alvaston Street, said: “I am thrilled to be able to share this report with our children, parents, parish and wider school community. The report showcases everything that we have worked so hard on. None of this would have been possible without the dedication and support of all the staff and governors of St John Fisher. I am now looking forward to the exciting challenge of further improving this ‘Good’ school.”
Inspectors said that safeguarding arrangements at the school were effective and the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust and governors were committed to giving pupils the best possible experience.
Kevin Gritton, Chief Executive of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, said: “We are delighted for the community at St John Fisher and would like to thank the staff and governors for everything they do, every day, to give the pupils there the very best education and care.”
Congratulations to Helen McElhone, Pastoral Lead at English Martyrs’ in Long Eaton, who was a runner-up in Unison’s Hidden Heroes awards.
She received some lovely goodies after being nominated by her colleague Kim Sutton, Premises Manager at the school.
Kim said: “I nominated Helen because I thought she really deserved recognition for all the kind things she does for people around the school. She always has time for others and nothing is too much trouble. She is amazing with the children and has that special caring nature with them. Helen is always there for me and asks me how I’m feeling and she was a massive support when my mum was ill and I sadly lost her. She is just a lovely person and a great person to work with.”
Helen said: “The award was a complete surprise and I felt very humbled that someone had nominated me. “
Pupils at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in Matlock have taken an oath to protect their school and local community as part of a ‘Mini Police’ programme.
Year 5 and 6 pupils have signed up to the Derbyshire police initiative, which is designed to give young children the opportunity to learn about their safety, their role within their community and how the police work to keep them safe.
Mini Police is aimed at 9-11 year olds and runs for a whole academic year, from September until the following July.
The weekly sessions are held in school, within class times for approximately an hour. The Mini Police ‘Officers’ wear a uniform which consist of hi-vis vests with the Mini Police and force crest, a Mini Police cap and pocketbook.
Pupils get an attestation at the beginning of the year and their own awards ceremony once they have completed the programme.
During the academic year the Mini Police are visited by external agencies as well as different Policing departments.
Sessions can include inputs on the role of the police, crime, knife crime, heritage crime, different roles in the police, cyber crime and pedestrian safety as well as random acts of kindness.
Stacey Carr, Headteacher at Saint Joseph’s, said: “Our Year 5/6 students have been learning about the importance of teamwork, leadership, and responsibility.
“They will actively engage in various community initiatives and help spread awareness about road safety, cyberbullying, and other vital issues affecting young people today. Their dedication and commitment have been truly inspiring!
“We would like to express how grateful we are to Matlock, Cromford, Wirksworth and Darley Dale Police SNT for their support and guidance throughout this journey.”
Trust schools have been bringing learning to life for pupils across all year groups.
Pupils and staff at St Anne’s Catholic Voluntary Academy travelled back in time to bring their learning about the Victorian era to life.
Children in Year One and Year Two have been learning about Victorians for the last three weeks and this culminated in a Victorian Day complete with chalk boards, a Victorian PE lesson and gruel.
All of the children and staff came into school dressed in clothes that would have been worn during the Victorian era.
Spelling activities were completed on chalk boards and some daily Victorian school routines, such as hand cleanliness inspections, were carried out.
Teachers talked to pupils about the differences between the toys they have now and the toys that children played with in Victorian times. They took part in playground games such as skipping, hopscotch, marbles and jacks.
Learning was brought to life for pupils at St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy when they enjoyed a whole day devoted to history.
Pupils and staff at the school in New Mills dressed up and took part in practical lessons themed around history topics that they have been studying, including the early Islamic Empire, Ancient Egypt and Space.
Pupils ate space food, learnt how to be an astronaut, tested perfume, learnt about Trade routes and took part in fun Egyptian themed activities.
Patricia Chapman, Headteacher, said: “Planning fun practical lessons ensures all the pupils can retrieve the key knowledge and explain it with confidence. Pupil voice clearly shows engagement and focus within the lessons. It is wonderful to note how pupils can make links between different subjects.”
A midday supervisor is to retire after over 40 years at St Thomas’ Catholic Voluntary Academy.
Pat Attwood first joined the school as a volunteer, reading to children, and then became a midday supervisor.
Although the 75-year-old has finally decided to retire, she is not planning on staying away for long.
She said: “I’ve been at the school for over 40 years as I first came as a volunteer to read with the children. Then I got the job as midday supervisor, I said I was only going to stop for a little while but I just carried on. It was easy work and the best thing about it is interacting with the children. The dinners have definitely changed, they were much more traditional, like a roast dinner, years ago.
“I am retiring but I will be coming back to read with the children again. I’ve seen generations of families come to the school. I was here when three current staff members were pupils. My son and daughter came here and they are now in their 40s.”
Michael Sellors, Headteacher at St Thomas’ in Ilkeston, thanked Pat for her years of service to St Thomas’.
He said: “After over 40 years as a midday supervisor and volunteer at St Thomas’, Mrs Attwood has made the decision to retire. She has given such great service to school and helped hundreds of children to eat their lunch, administer first aid and supervise play.
“We will all miss Pat but wish her every happiness in her retirement.”
English Martyrs’ Catholic Voluntary Academy has been shortlisted for a national sustainability award.
The school, in Long Eaton, is in with a chance of winning £2,500 after making it to the final of the Department for Education’s Education Estates Awards in the Sustainability category.
The awards will take place in Manchester on October 17th.
The school’s entry for the awards detailed a number of sustainability projects that pupils and staff have been involved in since 2021.
These include acting as a lead school for sustainability across 25 schools in the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust.
Projects at English Martyrs’ include a pre-loved uniform exchange, a drive to minimise food waste, sustainable transport weeks and a Vegan Thursday lunch for staff every week.
Widlflower seeds were scattered in parts of the school grounds to boost bio-diversity and a commitment was made to become a zero waste school by ensuring that hard-to-recycle waste was collected for recycling.
One of the school’s biggest projects was creating an eco-garden with funding secured from East Midlands Airport. English Martyrs’ was one of eight schools across the Trust which bid successfully for the EMA funding.
The school also created an online action platform which links all 25 Trust schools on an interactive map. To date, 343 sustainable actions have been replicated across the Trust.
Gemma Ellis, Headteacher at English Martyrs’, said: “We are so proud of what the school has achieved on this important sustainability journey so far and we will continue to build on this to ensure our pupils and community understand the crucial part they play in protecting the beautiful world they are part of. To be recognised with this award would mean so much to the pupils. ”
The Priory Catholic Voluntary Academy, in Eastwood, is celebrating its 60th anniversary.
Bishop Patrick McKinney celebrated Mass at the school along with clergy, staff, pupils, parents and ex-pupils.
It was a wonderful occasion and The Priory would like to thank everyone who made it such a special day!
Pupils at St Edward’s Catholic Academy, in Swadlincote, have returned to face to face learning thanks to the hard work of staff across the Trust.
Following the Government’s announcement about Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), Years 3 to 6 at St Edward’s have moved temporarily to Blessed Robert Sutton Catholic Voluntary Academy, in Burton, after empty classrooms there were transformed in just four days,
Nursery to Year Two have been able to return safely to St Edward’s.
Kevin Gritton, Chief Executive of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, said “Due to an issue with RAAC at St Edward’s Catholic Academy, in Swadlincote, Years 3 to 6 will be accommodated temporarily at Blessed Robert Sutton Catholic Voluntary Academy in Burton.
“All of the necessary arrangements around safeguarding, travel, toilets, break and lunch times, are in place.
“There are a small number of areas that we are able to use safely at St Edward’s which means that Nursery, Reception, Year One and Year Two were able to return to classrooms at the school that are not affected.
“We do not know how long this arrangement will need to last as we will be carrying out investigations at St Edward’s over the coming weeks to determine what remedial works can take place in areas where RAAC is present.
“This has been an incredibly challenging time for everyone involved but it has demonstrated the strength of the relationships that we have across our Trust. We would like to thank Miss O’Leary, Headteacher at Blessed Robert Sutton, and her staff for all of their hard work and support. We would also like to thank staff at St Edward’s and the Trust for the work they have done to make sure that children at both locations had everything they needed when they returned on Monday.
“We would like to thank parents and carers for their support and understanding. We do appreciate that this will be an unsettling time for them and for our pupils, but we would like to reassure them that the safety of our pupils and staff is our top priority.
“We will keep in regular contact with parents and carers and share any updates with them as soon as we are able to.”
Kay Methven, Headteacher at St Edward’s, said: “We would like to thank our parents and carers, they have been so understanding and patient. I want to say a huge thank you to our staff, to Miss O’Leary and her staff at Blessed Robert Sutton and to the Trust. Everyone has been amazing and we have all worked together to ensure that our pupils could return to face to face learning from Monday and all of this has been put in place in four days, which is an amazing achievement.”
Laura O’Leary, Headteacher at Blessed Robert Sutton, said: “We are pleased to be able to support one of our partner primary schools and would like to thank all of our staff, particularly our site team, for all of the hard work that they have done to make this possible. We are excited to have the younger pupils on site with us.”
Students across schools in the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust have been celebrating their GCSE results.
At Blessed Robert Sutton Catholic Voluntary Academy in Burton, Headteacher Laura O’Leary congratulated the Year 11 students.
She said: “We are immensely proud of the work and achievements of this wonderful group of students. We understand the immense effort they have put in, and I am thrilled to see their results reflecting their abilities and potential. Our heartfelt congratulations go out to all of them, and sincere gratitude to our staff who have worked tirelessly to support and prepare them for these exams. This year has further reinforced our long-term trend of outstanding GCSE results.
“I extend my congratulations to all our students, express thanks to parents for their continued support, and acknowledge the dedication of the staff at Blessed Robert Sutton Catholic Voluntary Academy. Their hard work and commitment have yielded exceptional results. It is a true privilege to be a part of this community; our young people now possess the qualifications to open doors and take the next steps in their adult lives.
“Our ultimate goal is to provide the best opportunities for every young person in our care, enabling them to achieve their highest potential. Today’s results show that we have succeeded in this. We are incredibly proud of their achievements.”
Hazel Boyce, Headteacher at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby, said the results reflected the hard work of students and staff.
She said: “We are very pleased with our results and they reflect many hours of hard work from our students and staff. 60% of students achieved maths and English at grade 4 or above which matches our 2019 results.
“Results in Science, History, Music, Dance, Engineering, Food and Business Studies are also extremely strong.
“Three quarters of all students are able to access Level 3 qualifications as a result of their achievements today. This is a phenomenal success.”
Students at St Thomas More Catholic Voluntary Academy in Buxton were also celebrating.
Acting Head of School, Sarah Lancett said: “Well done to the students of St Thomas More. We are delighted to see 20% of our students getting the very top grades, this is testament to their hard work and that of the teaching staff.
“Students have made significant progress since mock exams earlier in the year. We are pleased to see an improving picture for our students with SEND and our vulnerable students.
“Our results follow the national trend and we are exceptionally proud of our students for the tenacity they have shown during their secondary education years.”
Steve Brogan, Headteacher at Saint John Houghton Catholic Voluntary Academy in Ilkeston, praised the students picking up their results and staff who had supported them.
He said: “We are absolutely delighted for our students who have worked so hard for these results through such challenging circumstances over the last five years.
“They are remarkable young people who have shown tremendous resilience through everything life has thrown at them.
“Congratulations to their families and to the staff at Saint John Houghton who have worked tirelessly to support them.”
St Philip Howard Catholic Voluntary Academy in Glossop also celebrated another set of excellent GCSE results.
