Friday 31 January 2014

St Boniface's Catholic College Head teachers Blog for wb 3.2.14 Week B




Welcome everyone.

I hope that you will have received home a letter today, or possibly on Monday, that involves the next step in us becoming an Academy as part of the Plymouth Catholic and Anglican Schools Trust. (Copy attached at foot of this document) I am very excited by this next phase and although many will see no apparent changes, as a College we will become part of a far richer collective of schools, as well as being more secure – strength in being together, as well as challenge and improvement. I would like to bring your attention to the various ways you can be involved in the consultation process, should you wish to:

email us at: mail@stbonifaces.com

come along to a meeting in the school hall on 12th Feb at 17:00

write to us at the College marking the envelope ACADEMISATION

We aim to become an Academy on April 1st but there are several stages still to go, not least of which is obtaining formal governmental approval.

 Some parents have enquired about Curriculum Enrichment Week for this year. The week forms a valuable experience for KS3 pupils in learning outside the classroom and both students and staff enjoy working with each other in unfamiliar circumstances where the pupil is often more of an expert! With the present arrangements the week fell at a crucial time for our examination classes in years 11, 12 and 13 and although lovely for KS3 pupils obviously less than ideal for those sitting life changing exams. As such we needed to move the week to a time in the school calendar when matters would cause less of a detriment to key groups of pupils. With time constraints and the need to book various activities well in advance this has meant that there will be no Curriculum Enrichment Week for the 2013/14 Academic Year but it will be back for the next. I am conscious that not all secondary schools run such a week or run one on an annual basis but I believe that such experiences are worthwhile.

The new Behaviour Policy is working well with 5 rewards to every 1 sanction across the College. There are still teething issues but the pupils have responded very well as a whole for which I thank them.

 

Boys in 9L wrote poems based on Love and 1 Corinthians 13. They were outstanding pieces of creative writing, really expressing the Christian perspective as well as explaining their own point of view. It also showed what a class of mature romantics I teach! Stuart and Louis stood out as the most well thought through.

KS3 boys attended a session on HMD last week with the main focus being Journeys. The session was planned by Clare Rogers with different activities including a walk through the RE block looking at quotes and pictures, discussion focusing on the eight stages to genocide and how we can plan a better future, writing a postcard explaining what others can do in the future and luggage tags detailing what they have learnt about the Holocaust.

Behaviour, engagement and interaction with others was brilliant. The boys worked well with others as well as on their own and experienced a different style of teaching and learning.

 Miss Sanford

 

 

YEAR 7

As we end our first month of 2014, we have lots to celebrate as a year group. Over 400 entries onto SIMS since January 6th, lots of subject awards and merits being handed out, and outside of school many of our year 7 students are taking part in some great opportunities. What an achievement! Well done to all those who have been putting in so much hard work and effort. Please use your SIMS Learning Gateway log in to see how your son is performing in school, it is a live system that has positive and negative events updated instantly.

This week’s assembly was on the theme of the Holocaust, to mark the Holocaust Memorial Day. Students were told some of the untold stories of the Jewish communities in Greece and looked at a photograph of the “Crying Woman”. We talked as a community of how we can act against these acts of discrimination and how together we can eradicate discrimination and hatred within our own communities.  This gave us all an opportunity to reflect on our own thoughts and actions as Christians within a Catholic community.

A huge congratulation this week for Sam Y in 7G who has been selected to run for Devon in the Cross Country Championship. Well done Sam!

A very important date for your diary;

·         Tuesday 11th February 2014 - Year 7 Parents Evening starting at 3.30pm. A great opportunity for you to meet with your son’s subject teachers to discuss their progression by subject. I will be sending out a letter and an appointment cards for you to attend.

To ensure the extremely high standards that Year 7 continue to demonstrate, please can I ask parents to make a note of the following;

·         Students should adhere to the hair and uniform requirements at all times. Please ensure that the correct outer wear garments are being used (particularly with the adverse weather conditions currently). Students should only be wearing black or navy blue coats, thank you.

·         Mobile phones should not be on during the school day. They should be switched off and in bags so that learning is not disturbed.

·         Home learning should be completed for all subjects in a timely manner. Please can parents insist on checking planners and guiding the students with organisation.

·         Please can parents ensure their son has a reading book in his bag every day to support our reading scheme. This is to further help and improve literacy standards whereby all students will undertake 30 minutes of silent reading each day.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend and that it stops raining!

Miss Beales – Head of Year 7

 

 

YEAR 8

Congratulations to the boys for their effort and successes this week.

Last week’s assembly was led by Mr Romaine who has set himself the challenge of presenting all his assemblies this year based on a cycling theme! His assembly highlighted the qualities of ‘Heroes’ and ‘Zeroes’ and the challenges that we face when confronted by temptations to cheat. It was another thought-provoking fifteen minutes! At the end of the assembly it was my pleasure to present 8 certificates to the following; Matt M., Euan A., Callum C., Harry M., Adrian S., Jacob R., Tom D. and Kieran E. Well done to them.

The Year 8 rugby tournament has, once again, been called off due to the awful weather that is due to hit us tomorrow but it will be rearranged so all is not lost!

Thanks to all the teachers, LSAs and support staff who support us so well in Year 8. Without your invaluable assistance we would not be making the great progress that is evident at the moment.

B. Tucker

 

YEAR 9

Thank you to Mr Weaver and 9G for an excellent assembly this week, it certainly had all the lads captivated. Monday see’s our acting Deputy Head ‘Mr Ramage’ delivering an assembly on 'overcoming frustration and difficulty' I am sure this will of great use to many including myself.

Thanks again to all students who have returned their option slips, however, there are still one or two outstanding can I please ask that these are returned as soon as possible if they want to have any chance of following their selected options.

Well done to the lads who served at Bishop Marks Ordination on Tuesday and Vespers on the previous evening they really were splendid occasions.  I’m hoping it won’t be too long before he makes a visit to our college.

With only two weeks to go until the end of term, competition is hotting up on the rewards and sanctions league with 9B and 9K neck and neck in the tutor race with only 5 pts. between them, merits are being keenly sorted by the lads. Let’s keep up the good work across the whole year group.

Mrs McLoughlin

 

YEAR 10

 

Thank you to all those who attended the parents' evening this week. The turn out was very good and the feedback from staff and parents was that the opportunity to speak 1:1 was very useful. The next evening is June 24th.

The majority of students have now sorted their work experience placement. Thanks to Mrs Hudson for her unending efforts to support the students.

Mr Neethling led us in assembly Monday on the theme of cyber bullying. Next week, Mr Ramage will be delivering his assembly.

A reminder that the VUE trip letters need to be in by Friday 7th.

 Mr Scott

YEAR 11

Mrs Mcloughlin, would like to inform parents of all 11P and 11L that they should be aware that ICT Intervention sessions are running every lunchtime between now and next Thursday which is the deadline day for coursework.   If you could encourage your son to attend this would be appreciated.   Please find an updated intervention timetable below which includes even more opportunities for your son to seek extra help and advice from his teachers. The GCSE time table for the summer examinations should be available very soon.  Your son will be given an individual examination timetable within the next two weeks.  Mr Tew, the Director of Sixth Form at St Boniface’s, has requested that could you return the reply slip to your son’s offer of a conditional place in year 12 should be returned as soon as possible, if you haven’t already done so please. Jordan is currently working at putting together the year book which your son will soon be able to purchase, as a record of his time at St Boniface’s College.       

 

This is just a reminder that tickets for Andrew’s show Les Miserables at Lipson are still available! It is on between 18th-22ndFebruary. Tickets are from the website or Box Office (number should be on website). I Hope you can go along and support Andrew.   ‘Break a leg’ Andrew!    

 Mr Redfern

 

Post 16

Another week nearer the examinations for the Sixth form. The mock A level results will be given out next week. If your son/daughter has underperformed then the teacher should be arranging intervention. A close look has to be made at your sons ability to revise, i.e what method he is using, also the time that he is devoting to his studies. The use of past papers and the examination technique. Each subject has different approaches and skills necessary. Contact your subject teachers for more info. Your son will be asked to fill in a revision/study timetable today to highlight the amount of work they are doing. Please supervise and support.

Resit monies must be in to Mrs Cox for the June Exams. I hope to have a timetable of June exams ready by the end of next week

The Sports Leaders took part in the Devon Ability Games.

 Devon Winter Ability Games Evaluation.
 
On the 24th of January I helped organise and run the Devon Winter Ability Games. I feel the games were a success and that all the participants went away happy and proud of themselves.

My role as a sports leader was to ensure that the rowing event ran smoothly and that all the schools and participants data and results were recorded. I was also in control of the race times and starting the races so I feel that I had a important role in running the event.

It was a great experience as it showed to me that there are people less fortunate than myself and that disability has a place in sport. More sporting opportunities should be given to those with a disability.

 By James Austin post 16 student

 

Mr Tew

 


God of all goodness and love,

in whom we can trust in every time of need:

be close to all who live in fear and distress

at this time of flooding in our land.

We pray for wisdom and strength for all who seek to help,

and that through this emergency,

people and communities may be drawn more closely together

in service to one another;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

 

GCSE Provisional Timetable

Pupils will soon be given their individualised version.

Awarding Body
Title
Exam Code
Duration
Date
Start Time
Edexcel
Religious Studies Unit 3: Religion And Life Based On A Study Of Catholic Christianity
5RS03
1h 30m
12-May-14
Monday am
AQA
French Unit 2 Reading - paper based
46552F
30m   
12-May-14
Monday pm
AQA
French Unit 1 Listening
46551F
35m   
12-May-14
Monday pm
AQA
French Unit 1 Listening
46551H
45m   
12-May-14
Monday pm
AQA
French Unit 2 Reading - paper based
46552H
50m   
12-May-14
Monday pm
Edexcel
Unit 1: Influences On Life (Higher)
5BI1H
1h 00m
13-May-14
Tuesday am
Edexcel
Unit 1: Influences On Life (Foundation)
5BI1F
1h 00m
13-May-14
Tuesday am
AQA
Geography A Unit 1
90301H
1h 30m
13-May-14
Tuesday pm
AQA
Geography A Unit 1
90301F
1h 30m
13-May-14
Tuesday pm
AQA
Information and Communication Technology Unit 1 - paper based
45201
1h 30m
14-May-14
Wednesday am
AQA
Information and Communication Technology Unit 1 (Short Course) - paper based
45204
1h    
14-May-14
Wednesday am
Edexcel
Unit 1: Chemistry In Our World (Foundation)
5CH1F
1h 00m
15-May-14
Thursday am
Edexcel
Unit 1: Chemistry In Our World (Higher)
5CH1H
1h 00m
15-May-14
Thursday am
OCR
History:Study in Development and Study in Depth:with Germany  c.1919-1945
A951/14
2h 00m
16-May-14
Friday am
Edexcel
Physical Education Unit 1: The Theory Of Physical Education
5PE01
1h 30m
16-May-14
Friday pm
Edexcel
Physical Education Unit 1: The Theory Of Physical Education (Short Course)
5PE03
1h 00m
16-May-14
Friday pm
AQA
German Unit 2 Reading - paper based
46652F
30m   
19-May-14
Monday am
AQA
German Unit 1 Listening
46651F
35m   
19-May-14
Monday am
AQA
German Unit 2 Reading - paper based
46652H
50m   
19-May-14
Monday am
AQA
German Unit 1 Listening
46651H
45m   
19-May-14
Monday am
Edexcel
Unit 1: Universal Physics (Foundation)
5PH1F
1h 00m
19-May-14
Monday pm
Edexcel
Unit 1: Universal Physics (Higher)
5PH1H
1h 00m
19-May-14
Monday pm
AQA
English Literature 1
97101F
1h 30m
20-May-14
Tuesday am
AQA
English Literature 1
97101H
1h 30m
20-May-14
Tuesday am
Edexcel
Religious Studies Unit 10: Catholic Christianity
5RS10
1h 30m
20-May-14
Tuesday pm
AQA
Geography A Unit 2
90302H
1h 30m
22-May-14
Thursday am
AQA
Geography A Unit 2
90302F
1h 30m
22-May-14
Thursday am
AQA
English Literature 2
97102F
1h 15m
22-May-14
Thursday pm
AQA
English Literature 2
97102H
1h 15m
22-May-14
Thursday pm
AQA
English Literature 4
97104F
1h 30m
22-May-14
Thursday pm
AQA
English Literature 4
97104H
1h 30m
22-May-14
Thursday pm
OCR
History:Historical Source Investigation with Developments in British Medicine  1200-1945
A952/21
1h 30m
23-May-14
Friday am
Edexcel
Application Of Technology In Engineering And Manufacturing
5EM03
1h 30m
23-May-14
Friday pm
AQA
Music Unit 1
42701
1h    
02-Jun-14
Monday am
AQA
English Language 1
ENG1H
2h 15m
03-Jun-14
Tuesday am
AQA
English Language 1
ENG1F
2h 15m
03-Jun-14
Tuesday am
AQA
English Unit 1
ENG1F
2h 15m
03-Jun-14
Tuesday am
AQA
English Unit 1
ENG1H
2h 15m
03-Jun-14
Tuesday am
Edexcel
Unit 2: The Components Of Life (Higher)
5BI2H
1h 00m
06-Jun-14
Friday pm
Edexcel
Unit 2: The Components Of Life (Foundation)
5BI2F
1h 00m
06-Jun-14
Friday pm
Edexcel
Mathematics 1 : Higher Paper
1MA0 1H
1h 45m
09-Jun-14
Monday am
Edexcel
Mathematics 1 : Foundation Paper
1MA0 1F
1h 45m
09-Jun-14
Monday am
Edexcel
Unit 2: Discovering Chemistry (Higher)
5CH2H
1h 00m
10-Jun-14
Tuesday pm
Edexcel
Unit 2: Discovering Chemistry (Foundation)
5CH2F
1h 00m
10-Jun-14
Tuesday pm
Edexcel
Unit 2: Physics For Your Future (Higher)
5PH2H
1h 00m
12-Jun-14
Thursday am
Edexcel
Unit 2: Physics For Your Future (Foundation)
5PH2F
1h 00m
12-Jun-14
Thursday am
Edexcel
Mathematics 2 : Higher Paper
1MA0 2H
1h 45m
13-Jun-14
Friday am
Edexcel
Mathematics 2 : Foundation Paper
1MA0 2F
1h 45m
13-Jun-14
Friday am
AQA
Design and Technology : Product Design Unit 1
45551
2h    
13-Jun-14
Friday pm
Edexcel
Unit 3 : Using Biology (Foundation)
5BI3F
1h 00m
16-Jun-14
Monday am
Edexcel
Unit 3 : Using Biology (Higher)
5BI3H
1h 00m
16-Jun-14
Monday am
Edexcel
Unit 3: Chemistry In Action (Higher)
5CH3H
1h 00m
19-Jun-14
Thursday pm
Edexcel
Unit 3: Chemistry In Action (Foundation)
5CH3F
1h 00m
19-Jun-14
Thursday pm
Edexcel
Unit 3 Applications In Physics (Foundation)
5PH3F
1h 00m
23-Jun-14
Monday am
Edexcel
Unit 3 Applications In Physics (Higher)
5PH3H
1h 00m
23-Jun-14
Monday am

 

AS and A2 Level provisional timetable

Awarding Body
Title
Exam Code
Duration
Date
Start Time
AQA
Geography 1
GEOG1
2h    
12-May-14
Monday pm
AQA
Psychology A 1
PSYA1
1h 30m
13-May-14
Tuesday pm
Edexcel
Engineering Materials  Processes And Techniques
6931
1h 30m
13-May-14
Tuesday am
OCR
Religious Studies:Religious Ethics (AS):Written Paper
G572/01
1h 30m
13-May-14
Tuesday am
OCR
Religious Studies:Philosophy of Religion (AS):Written Paper
G571/01
1h 30m
13-May-14
Tuesday am
AQA
History Unit 1N
HIS1N
1h 15m
14-May-14
Wednesday pm
AQA
Design and Technology: Product Design(3-D Design) 1
PROD1
2h    
14-May-14
Wednesday am
AQA
Sociology 1
SCLY1
1h    
15-May-14
Thursday am
AQA
English Literature B 1
LITB1
2h    
16-May-14
Friday am
AQA
Geography 2
GEOG2
1h    
16-May-14
Friday pm
OCR
Mathematics:Core Mathematics 1:Written Paper
4721/01
1h 30m
19-May-14
Monday am
OCR
Mathematics:Mechanics 2:Written Paper
4729/01
1h 30m
19-May-14
Monday am
Edexcel
Mathematics: Core Mathematics C1
6663
1h 30m
19-May-14
Monday am
AQA
Business Studies 1
BUSS1
1h 15m
19-May-14
Monday pm
OCR
Physics:Mechanics:Written Paper
G481/01
1h 00m
20-May-14
Tuesday am
AQA
Psychology A 2
PSYA2
1h 30m
20-May-14
Tuesday pm
AQA
Sociology 2
SCLY2
2h    
21-May-14
Wednesday pm
OCR
Biology:Cells  Exchange and Transport:Written Paper
F211/01
1h 00m
21-May-14
Wednesday am
OCR
Mathematics:Core Mathematics 2:Written Paper
4722/01
1h 30m
22-May-14
Thursday am
OCR
Mathematics:Decision Mathematics 2:Written Paper
4737/01
1h 30m
22-May-14
Thursday am
Edexcel
Mathematics: Core Mathematics C2
6664
1h 30m
22-May-14
Thursday am
AQA
History Unit 2R
HIS2R
1h 30m
22-May-14
Thursday pm
AQA
Geography A Unit 2
90302H
1h 30m
22-May-14
Thursday am
OCR
Chemistry:Atoms  Bonds and Groups:Written Paper
F321/01
1h 00m
23-May-14
Friday am
AQA
Information and Communication Technology 1
INFO1
1h 30m
02-Jun-14
Monday am
OCR
Biology:Molecules  Biodiversity  Food and Health:Written Paper
F212/01
1h 45m
02-Jun-14
Monday pm
AQA
History Unit 3J
HIS3J
1h 30m
02-Jun-14
Monday am
AQA
Business Studies 2
BUSS2
1h 30m
03-Jun-14
Tuesday am
OCR
Chemistry:Chains  Energy and Resources:Written Paper
F322/01
1h 45m
03-Jun-14
Tuesday pm
AQA
Psychology A 3
PSYA3
1h 30m
03-Jun-14
Tuesday pm
AQA
Design and Technology: Product Design(3-D Design) 3
PROD3
2h    
03-Jun-14
Tuesday am
AQA
Physical Education 1
PHED1
2h    
06-Jun-14
Friday am
AQA
English Literature B 3
LITB3
2h    
06-Jun-14
Friday am
OCR
Mathematics:Probability and Statistics 1:Written Paper
4732/01
1h 30m
06-Jun-14
Friday pm
Edexcel
Mathematics: Mechanics M1
6677
1h 30m
06-Jun-14
Friday pm
OCR
Chemistry:Rings  Polymers and Analysis:Written Paper
F324/01
1h 15m
09-Jun-14
Monday pm
OCR
Physics:Electrons  Waves and Photons:Written Paper
G482/01
1h 45m
09-Jun-14
Monday am
AQA
Physical Education 3
PHED3
2h    
09-Jun-14
Monday pm
AQA
Information and Communication Technology 2
INFO2
1h 30m
09-Jun-14
Monday pm
OCR
Mathematics:Probability and Statistics 2:Written Paper
4733/01
1h 30m
10-Jun-14
Tuesday am
OCR
Mathematics:Decision Mathematics 1:Written Paper
4736/01
1h 30m
10-Jun-14
Tuesday am
AQA
Sociology 3
SCLY3
1h 30m
10-Jun-14
Tuesday pm
Edexcel
Mathematics: Statistics S1
6683
1h 30m
10-Jun-14
Tuesday am
OCR
Religious Studies:Philosophy of Religion (A2):Written Paper
G581/01
1h 30m
11-Jun-14
Wednesday pm
OCR
Physics:The Newtonian World:Written Paper
G484/01
1h 15m
11-Jun-14
Wednesday pm
AQA
Psychology A 4
PSYA4
2h    
11-Jun-14
Wednesday am
AQA
Geography 3
GEOG3
2h 30m
12-Jun-14
Thursday am
Edexcel
Mathematics: Decision Mathematics D1
6689
1h 30m
12-Jun-14
Thursday pm
OCR
Mathematics:Mechanics 1:Written Paper
4728/01
1h 30m
12-Jun-14
Thursday pm
OCR
Biology:Communication  Homeostasis and Energy:Written Paper
F214/01
1h 15m
13-Jun-14
Friday pm
AQA
Business Studies 3
BUSS3
1h 45m
13-Jun-14
Friday am
AQA
Sociology 4
SCLY4
2h    
16-Jun-14
Monday am
AQA
Geography 4A
GEO4A
1h 30m
16-Jun-14
Monday pm
OCR
Mathematics:Core Mathematics 3:Written Paper
4723/01
1h 30m
16-Jun-14
Monday am
OCR
Chemistry:Equilibria  Energetics and Elements:Written Paper
F325/01
2h 00m
17-Jun-14
Tuesday pm
AQA
Information and Communication Technology 3
INFO3
2h    
17-Jun-14
Tuesday am
OCR
Mathematics:Core Mathematics 4:Written Paper
4724/01
1h 30m
18-Jun-14
Wednesday pm
AQA
Business Studies 4
BUSS4
1h 45m
18-Jun-14
Wednesday am
OCR
Physics:Fields  Particles and Frontiers of Physics:Written Paper
G485/01
2h 00m
19-Jun-14
Thursday am
OCR
Religious Studies:Religious Ethics (A2):Written Paper
G582/01
1h 30m
19-Jun-14
Thursday am
OCR
Biology:Control  Genomes and Environment:Written Paper
F215/01
2h 00m
20-Jun-14
Friday am

 

Extra-Curricular Clubs 2013-2014

JANUARY- APRIL

 
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
BEFORE SCHOOL
Breakfast Club
Fitness
Basketball
All Years
Breakfast Club
Fitness
Basketball
All Years
Breakfast Club
Fitness
Basketball
All Years
Breakfast Club
Fitness
Basketball
All Years
Breakfast Club
Fitness
Basketball
All Years
LUNCH TIME
Fitness Suite + Basketball
 
Year 9 Basketball
Fitness Suite + Basketball
 
Fitness Suite + Basketball
 
GCSE Revision (A18)
Fitness Suite + Basketball
 
Fitness Suite + Basketball
 
AFTER SCHOOL
Year 9+10 Football
PG
All Years, Boxing
AW
All Years, Badminton
Marjon Students
 
 
Year 7+8 Football
RJ
AS Revision
3.40-5pm (A18)
DM
All Years, Table Tennis
External coach
Year 10, 11, 12, 13 and staff. Hash (Cross-Country/Orienteering)
DC
A2 Revision
3.40-5pm (A18)
DM

 

 

Parental Consultation Letter.

 

31 January 2014

 

Dear Parents

As you may be aware, schools that are judged by Ofsted to have serious weaknesses or to require special measures are expected to convert to become academies. While some schools are unhappy about this requirement, you may also be aware that this was always the intention for all Catholic Diocesan schools anyway. Thus for St. Boniface’s we believe that this is an important step forward in our path to improving the education provided by the College.

The company set up by Plymouth Diocese to create the support and improvement structures required for all member schools is called ‘Plymouth CAST’. This 35-school trust is the largest of its kind in the country and it is a model that has been applauded by Government for its innovative design. It will allow us to retain local control about how the College is run but at the same time create a network of additional monitoring and support. Especially during the next few terms when we have to improve quickly, CAST will be allocating significant additional resources to the College together with specialised advisers and closer monitoring by the company’s Board of Directors. You will find enclosed a sheet entitled: ‘An Introduction to Plymouth CAST’ that explains a little more about why the Diocese wished to move in this direction anyway and the general impact on its constituent schools and Colleges.

The other Catholic schools are becoming part of the new Trust company in April of this year and with DfE agreement we hope to convert at the same time. While at one level we have little choice in this matter (as conversion is Government policy for Colleges in our situation) it is also part of government policy that we undertake a consultation process with stakeholders. While this will not ultimately change the decision, it is nonetheless a good opportunity for you to learn more about what/how conversion will help us to improve rapidly, ask any additional questions and make your own views known. Therefore, we want to use the next month as a consultation period.

In brief, the advantages that this proposal brings are in the additional support and economies of operating within a larger network; together with additional resources and targeted support and monitoring during this next critical period of school improvement.

As parents you will not have to deal with changes to the all the things with which you are familiar. The College terms, the timings of the College day, the College name and uniforms, the teachers and support staff, the curriculum etc will all remain the same. We will also continue to work alongside neighbouring schools in the local learning community and retain the effective partnership working we have already established.

If you would like to ask any questions about this proposal, find out more information, or tell us what you think, you can either:-

 email us at: mail@stbonifaces.com

 come along to a meeting in the school hall on 12 February 2014 at 17:00hrs

 write to us at the College marking the envelope ACADEMISATION

 

The Governors will be meeting on 27 February to review all responses to this consultation so that, if necessary, they can raise any unanticipated concerns with the Diocesan trustees before the final agreement to convert is signed. The Governing Body will make a formal response to the consultation on the school website shortly after 27 February which will be found at the following address: www.stbonifaces.com. The outcomes will also appear on the Headteacher’s Blog.

  

Yours faithfully,

 

Mr A R Davies                                    Mr G Johnson

Acting Headteacher                Chair of Governors

 

 

 

 

 

An Introduction to ‘Plymouth CAST’

What is it?

Plymouth CAST (from ‘Catholic and Anglican Schools Trust’) is a company set up by the Diocese of Plymouth to create a more secure environment for the constituent schools so that they can better serve the mission of their Catholic and Anglican dioceses. At a constitutional level, the formation of the Plymouth CAST represents, firstly, a change from ‘Voluntary Aided’ (VA) status for each of the schools to a legal status known as ‘Academy’. Secondly, it means that the schools become part of a new single legal entity (referred to as a ‘multi academy trust’) rather than being separate legal entities. The new legal entity is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee.

What are the advantages of being a multi academy trust?

In summary, the advantages are as follows:-

1. The schools will have more support to focus on their core vision and remember that they carry pastoral and mission priorities that cannot always be seen in academic performance tables. This is because Plymouth CAST is given both the funding for each school’s budget but also the funding to support vulnerable schools and the school improvement resources. Thus, we can ensure that those who give support to our schools understand their wider mission.

 

2. The schools are less vulnerable individually and collectively. Plymouth CAST retains the operational control of each school’s governing body but adds in direct support from a dedicated school support officer, a shared expectation to support school improvement among the local Catholic schools and top level monitoring via the Board of Directors. As a result, if there are any difficulties in a school around standards, finances or anything else, the system is geared to pick these up early and direct resources in response. At the same time, economies of scale make all the resources go further.

 

3. There is increased collaboration between the schools in identifying development issues, designing solutions and securing professional resources. Headteachers across each local area will meet each term to assess what their collected data and ‘intelligence’ is telling them about how they need to, or can, improve. As this work is done collaboratively and with the support of dedicated advisers who know the schools intimately, all schools’ benefit from the combined knowledge and experience rather than being limited by their own internal know-how.

 

4. School to school professional support is identified and brokered through the same collaborative mechanisms.

 

What difference does the formation of Plymouth CAST make to parents and children?

The legislation that allowed CAST to come into existence (Academies Act 2010) allowed academies to change quite a few aspects of the day to day running of their school, for example, the timing of the school day and terms, their curriculum provision, their staffing arrangements and so forth. Also, many schools used a change to academy status to re-brand themselves and change things like their school name and uniform.

For CAST, however, these have not been the reasons to move to academy status and, as a result, there is no reason to make such changes. The difference that CAST makes is that it allows our schools to be better at doing what they are already striving to do. It is not about changing for the sake of it but fulfilling our mission more effectively. In all likelihood, parents and pupils will not experience any changes at all in the day to day life of the school other than, over time, an improvement in the education given to the children.

What difference does the formation of Plymouth CAST make to staff?

In much the same way as explained above, CAST was not formed in response to concerns about staff and so it does not require changes to the way staff are employed. It is the intention to honour nationally negotiated pay and conditions for current and future employees, so as to ensure that they are not made any less secure. The dignity of the individual and pastoral care are fundamental Christian principles and they have to apply to the adults in our schools as much as to the children and their families.

More importantly, it is hoped that the greater financial security of the organisation as a whole will give more security to all employees. At the same time, the collaborative mechanisms give employees more opportunities for personal and professional development; recognising when individuals have developed skills by giving them options to support other staff. In addition, as part of CAST, the schools simply have more flexibility to respond to staff requests for re-deployment within the organisation, either temporarily or permanently, to support their professional and personal development aspirations.