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.”
The importance of looking after your mental health was the focus of a performance by an upcoming Indie band at St Thomas More Catholic Voluntary Academy in Buxton.
The Mercians performed for the whole school over two sessions and discussed the importance of looking after your mental health, who to talk to and how to be there for each other.
The band also spoke about discrimination and how to be careful online, not just with what you post but what you are engaging with. The overriding message from the talks was to always be kind and make the world a better place.
The Mercians have already sold out the O2 Leicester on their first headline tour date, have over half a million streams on Spotify and have been number 1 in the Alt Charts.
Harriet Lichfield, teacher at St Thomas More, said that having The Mercians perform in school was fantastic.
She said: “As a new member of staff it was so lovely to see this type of event taking place, where students are treated to some amazing music whilst key messages about mental health and wellbeing are part of the show. Students absolutely loved it- an event to remember.”
Cleona, a student at St Thomas More, said: “The Mercians were amazing. I enjoyed the fact they spoke about their own mental health problems. The music was fun to listen to and it was a great morning.”
“It was interesting to hear about how engagement online can possible affect your future opportunities and to be careful what posts you’re liking and sharing. Their song ‘Oxygen’ was really good and thought provoking”, said David, student.
Student Leo said: ‘I really liked the energy on stage and it was really nice to meet them and have a photo afterwards. I can see them being a really successful band.”
David Redfern, Headteacher at St Thomas More, said: “I am delighted that The Mercians could join us at St. Thomas More to impart such a significant message to our pupils. The children truly relished the experience, and I am confident that the band has gained numerous new fans. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Mrs Kerry Taylor and our wonderful Parent Association (FOSTM) for their invaluable support in making this event possible.”
Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy, in Derby, continues to be a good school, according to Ofsted.
Inspectors visited the school in November 2023 to carry out an ungraded inspection. Ungraded inspections are usually carried out every four years once a school has been judged to be good. Saint Benedict was judged to be good in 2018.
Inspectors who visited in November said: “Pupils feel safe and cared for at this school. They know who they can talk to if they have a problem. Most parents speak positively about the pastoral and academic care that pupils receive. Parents say, ‘The staff at the school truly care about all aspects of our children’s learning.’ Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive a high level of support.”
The report said that the school’s curriculum identified the key knowledge that pupils will learn and teachers were knowledgeable about the subjects they teach.
Pupils’ personal development was described as “impressive” and inspectors said that pupils had a deep understanding of equality and diversity.
The extensive wider personal development programme was praised along with the “well-developed” careers programme at the school, which is part of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust.
The support given to pupils with Special Educational Needs was praised by inspectors.
They said: “Staff know their pupils well, including those with SEND. Staff identify any pupil with additional needs quickly. The school puts in place any extra support that pupils may need. Extra support is well matched to pupils’ needs and is regularly reviewed. Staff who work with visually impaired pupils are extremely knowledgeable about the needs of these pupils. They provide expert support. The school provides support for pupils with SEND beyond the academic provision. For example, the school provides a focus on independent living skills for some pupils.”
Inspectors said that pupils behaved well in lessons and that behaviour around school was calm, including at lunch and break times. The report said that pupils were happy in school and that they were kind and respectful to each other. Classrooms were described as calm and inspectors said that pupils could focus on their work, free from interruptions.
They said that sixth formers actively participated in school life and acted as mentors for younger pupils.
Inspectors said that governance was a strength of the school and that those with responsibility for governance provide support, challenge and expertise. They also said that staff were happy to work at the school and feel well cared for and that safeguarding arrangements at the school were effective.
Hazel Boyce, Headteacher, said: “We are delighted with the report and especially proud of the fact it recognises our strong pastoral care and personal development programme. The report is a reflection of the dedication and hard work of all the staff and pupils at Saint Benedict.”
Kevin Gritton, Chief Executive of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, said: “Congratulations to everyone at Saint Benedict on this report and thank you to all of the staff there who work so hard every day to improve the life chances of so many children. This is a fantastic achievement.”
Children from Saint Joseph’s Catholic Voluntary Academy were given the opportunity to sing with the largest children’s choir in the world.
Twenty children from Years 3 to 6 at the school in Matlock signed up to take part in Young Voices, which is the largest school choir in the world where thousands of children perform as a single choir to capacity audiences of family and friends.
Events are held across the country in large arenas and children from Saint Joseph’s took part in a concert at Sheffield Arena, which was filled to its capacity of over 4,500 people.
Emily Coxhead, Year One and Two teacher at Saint Joseph’s. ran workshops with the pupils in the lead up to the concert, during which they learnt songs and dance moves.
She said: “It was amazing, the children absolutely loved it. We had a great view and when we saw people walking on to the stage the children were so excited, they were just loving life. It was so lovely to see their faces.
“We learned eight or nine songs and dance moves, one of the songs was in a different language and the children learnt British Sign Language for another song.
“A lot of the children have never been in a venue that big before. It was an incredible experience for them to be with so many people, all singing together. It will really help to build their confidence as a lot of them were quite nervous before the concert.”
Miss Coxhead said she is hoping that the school can be part of Young Voices again next year.
Stacey Carr, Headteacher at Saint Joseph’s, said: “This was a unique opportunity for our children which will help them to grow and learn and it will also help to boost their confidence. We are always looking to enhance the life opportunities of our students and this is a perfect example of that. I would like to thank Miss Coxhead and the staff who worked so hard to make this such a wonderful experience for our children.”
A Headteacher at St Joseph’s Catholic Voluntary Academy has taken the Elf on the Shelf Christmas craze to a whole new level.
Stacey Carr has been dressing up as a real-life Elf on the Shelf every day in December at the primary school in Matlock.
Mrs Carr has been making mischief at the school and this has included drawing funny faces on staff photos, cancelling homework and setting off the fire alarm.
Other pranks have included causing festive chaos by emptying lockers and cloakrooms at home time and hiding bags and coats around school and spraying pupils with a super soaker.
The whole school was also treated to a snow party complete with snow machine and fake snowballs.
Mrs Carr said that that the children were loving the real-life Elf on the Shelf.
She said: “Our staff and pupils are always focused on learning at St Joseph’s so it’s nice to have a bit of fun alongside that.
“We want our children to take away fantastic memories of their time at St Joseph’s and so many of them have said they will never forget this.
“I think the teachers have been wondering what has been going on but it’s been magical, the children are loving it. Some of them don’t realise it’s me, they think it’s my twin sister!
“We’ve been sharing photos on social media and parents are loving it too, one of them asked whether the elf could stay all year!”
The inspiration for the real-life Elf on the Shelf came from Amy Taylor, a teacher in Years Three and Four. Mrs Taylor saw something similar online last year, which involved a school in America that had a real-life Elf on the Shelf and suggested that Mrs Carr tried it out this year.
Pupils said that they can’t wait to see what the real-life Elf on the Shelf does next.
Betsy Lynn, 10, said: “We are all excited to see what the elf is going to do next and when she has done something everyone goes crazy. I loved the snow party; we had no idea that was going to happen.”
Kimche Robinson, nine, said: “We’ve really enjoyed it. It’s given everyone a great experience and it’s something that we will always remember. Lots of us have been saying how much we love it and how we’d like to do it all year round.”
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.”
