School News (135)
Saint Paul’s Helps Caritas Charity
PRESS RELEASE - April 2013
Charity fundraising events are part of life at Saint Paul’s Catholic High School in Wythenshawe. Recently, Year 8 pupils have been working hard to raise money for Caritas, a Catholic charity aiming to eradicate poverty and social injustice.
The fundraising is part of the year 8 ICT Charity Project unit. The pupils have decided to raise money in school by activities such as cake sales. The pupils also made up food hampers and asked staff and pupils to donate items such as tea, coffee, sugar, soup and cakes; the hampers are aimed at providing a little Easter cheer to the children, mothers and babies and elderly people at Caritas.
“Caritas provides assistance to the most vulnerable regardless of race or religion, on behalf of Catholics around the world,” explained Ms Nafeesa Hamid, IT Teacher at Saint Paul’s. “The charity’s main areas of work are in emergency response, sustainable development and peace building. To do this they focus on six key areas: peace and reconciliation, emergencies, economic justice, climate change, HIV and Aids and women and migration.”
Ms Hamid added “Not only do fundraising activities help others, they also build group cooperation and are an important part of personal development. Our hope is that, through their exposure to a range of activities and causes, our pupils will develop a sense of the type and scale of need that exists in modern life.”
“We are proud of the contribution that our pupils make to a wide range of charities,” commented Mr Wiktor Daron, Head Teacher at Saint Paul’s. “We encourage our pupils to consider others in need and to help them through giving of both their time and effort. The organising of fundraising events is therefore a key part of the school’s ethos.”
Students to represent Cumbria in National Science Competition
2nd April 2013 - Press Release
Four students from Austin Friars St Monica’s School will represent Cumbria in the National Final of the “Top of the Bench” competition which this year will be held at Loughborough University.
The Austin Friars St Monica’s School team, who were crowned Cumbrian champions after winning the regional “Top of the Bench” Chemistry competition in December, will be travelling to Loughborough University, in early April where they will compete against teams from 30 other regions.
“Top of the Bench” is a national competition which is run by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). It pits teams of the best 14-16 year olds in the country against each other in a competition which tests their practical skills and chemical knowledge beyond the Chemistry GCSE syllabus.
Each team comprises of pupils from years 9-11. The Austin Friars St Monica’s team consisting of Kathryn Orr, John Colwell, Robbie Ewart and Jake Kirkpatrick are confident going into the final after beating other Schools from across Cumbria, including West Lakes Academy and St Bees.
Mrs Rosie Fielder, is the Head of Chemistry at the School. She said “This was an ideal opportunity for the students to stretch themselves beyond the syllabus and meet other like-minded pupils in a friendly, but competitive environment.”
The winners of the competition will be crowned National Champions and will receive a trophy and a cheque for the School to spend on new Chemistry equipment.
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For more details please contact:
Andrew Hullock
Marketing Administrator
Tel: 01228 550 719 email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Notes to editor
Austin Friars St Monica’s School is the independent day school for girls and boys aged 3-18 years in the centre of Carlisle. The School has a strong reputation in Cumbria and South West Scotland for providing an all-round, high quality education that meets the individual needs of each child.
Academic achievement and strong pastoral care are at the heart of what we do. Focusing on a traditional form of education, every pupil at Austin Friars St Monica’s is also encouraged to take part fully in the all-round life of the School with an extensive range of extra curricular activities available.
If you want further information on what we provide, please go to our website at www.austinfriars.cumbria.sch.uk
Saint Paul’s Pupils Make Palm Frond Crosses
March 2013 - Press Release
The rustle of palm fronds and the gentle snap of the strands broke the peaceful silence at Saint Paul’s Catholic High School in Wythenshawe last week as pupils prepared the delicate palm crosses that they and their families would wear in celebration of Palm Sunday.
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week for western Christians, the most sacred period on the Christian calendar. The week is marked by a multitude of emotions. Christians enter the week rejoicing and waving palms as they recall Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, then suffer with Christ through his trial and crucifixion until Easter Sunday and the celebration of his resurrection.
“The pupils were very enthusiastic and patient as they tackled this intricate and delicate craft. I have found that our pupils love making things when there is a purpose,” explained Ms Catherine Platt, School Counsellor. “We wanted to stimulate our pupils’ reflection as Easter approaches. Recalling the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem, churches distribute palm leaves in remembrance of people who waved them and carpeted his path with them. One of the things you can do with these palm leaves is to fold them into crosses”
Ms Platt added: “Making palm crosses is a long-held Catholic tradition which we are keen to keep alive at Saint Paul’s. My Uncle Frank had taught me to make the crosses, he tells stories about how they had to make the palms last during the Second World War as they couldn’t access new palms and it has always remained in my mind. Also, one of our pupils, Excite Mukalazi, who has come from Uganda showed us how they make the palm crosses there.”
“We encourage our pupils to reflect on their faith and its meaning to them and activities such as this help us to do so,” commented Mr Wiktor Daron, Head Teacher at Saint Paul’s. “The small crosses made of palm leaf, act to remember the palm leaves which the people of Jerusalem waved when Jesus arrived, and to remember the cross on which he died.”
Notes for Editors
1.The 2012 GCSE results for Saint Paul’s Catholic High School were its best ever with 90% of pupils achieving 5 A* - Cs. 59% of pupils gained 5 A*-C plus English and Maths. This is the eighth year in succession that the school has improved its GCSE pass rate.
2.Saint Paul’s received congratulations from the Rt Hon David Laws MP Minister of State for Schools when they were recognised as one of the 100 most improved schools in the country in 2012.
3.At the last Ofsted inspection of the school in March 2010 the following comments were made by the inspectors: “Good teaching enables students to make good progress and achieve well. Relationships between teachers and students are strong. They result in good behaviour.”
The report stated that the school is “enabling students to learn effectively and make good progress. Attainment is rising rapidly as a result. Achievement for all students, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those with English as an additional language, is good.”
4.The Ofsted report is reinforced by the preceding inspection of the school by the Diocese of Shrewsbury under the guidance of the Bishop of Shrewsbury. The Diocese report stated “Saint Paul’s is a good Catholic school. The Head and Senior Leadership Team have a clear vision ….. an outstanding feature of the school is the pastoral care of students and the support of staff.”
5.Saint Paul’s was the first school in Manchester to be awarded Engineering College status.
6.The work of Saint Paul’s drama teacher, Ms Ellie Brookes, was recognised with her winning the much coveted North West Teacher of the Year Award. Also Head of Humanities at Saint Paul’s, Ms Ursula Gallagher, gained third place in the Outstanding New Teacher of the Year category of the Northern Area Teacher of the Year.
7.Lively approaches to teaching maintain vigour and ensure that firm foundations are established for higher level work. The school has a modern approach to learning supported by a programme of constant refurbishment and development of its facilities and resources. Saint Paul’s is currently undergoing a total rebuild with the new school buildings due to open in November.
8.The aims of the school are to:
•Teach and foster a Christian perspective in all that it does
•Provide teaching of the highest calibre
•Promote excellence in all areas
•Develop the ability, talents and character of each pupil, enabling them to make their own unique contribution to school life
•Encourage boys to play their part in helping the community run smoothly and effectively, by taking on responsibility and leadership
More information about Saint Paul’s Catholic High School can be found at www.st-paulshigh.net or contact Jane McAuliffe-Hall (Marketing and Publicity Manager) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or on 0161 437 5841.
Student offered prized Theatre Scholarship at a top USA University
26th March 2013 - Press Release
A student from Austin Friars St Monica’s School has been offered a Scholarship in Design/Technical Theatre at George Washington University, Washington DC.
Thanks to his outstanding acting talents Will Low (aged 17), has successfully been offered a scholarship at one of USA’s top universities, studying for a degree in Liberal Arts. George Washington University, situated 4 blocks away from the White House has over 20,000 students enrolled and is regarded as one of the country’s best Universities.
He will study at George Washington University for 4 years, where he will graduate with a minor in Liberal Arts, and a major that he will choose after his freshman year. Will has family that live in the nearby state of Virginia, but has opted to live on the University Campus.
His freshman year begins in August and of his achievement Will said “When I found out I had been offered the scholarship I rang my Mum. I just couldn't believe it!”
Will’s audition consisted of 3 stages. To be considered for the Scholarship Will uploaded 2 video monologues to YouTube for the University to view. He also had to provide 3 references from professionals in the areas of arts, music as well as a private instructor. Finally, he also had to write an essay describing the current role of art in his life and how he would like to see it continue.
Mr Malcolm Judge, Head of Drama said “I have taught and directed Will for a number of years and he has always impressed me with his talent and enthusiasm. The Scholarship is thoroughly deserved”.
For more details please contact:
Andrew Hullock
Marketing Administrator
Tel: 01228 550719 email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Notes to editor
Austin Friars St Monica’s School is the independent day school for girls and boys aged 3-18 years in the centre of Carlisle. The School has a strong reputation in Cumbria and South West Scotland for providing an all-round, high quality education that meets the individual needs of each child.
School Receives Congratulations from Minister of State for Schools
March 2013 - Press Release
Saint Paul’s One of the 100 Most Improved Schools in the Country!
Saint Paul’s Catholic High School in Wythenshawe was delighted to be recognised nationally as one of the 100 most improved schools in the country. The school recently received official recognition of their achievement from the Rt Hon David Laws MP Minister of State for Schools.
The school has been highlighted as one of the 100 most improved schools in the country in terms of the progress the pupils have made between their Key Stage 2 results (i.e. when the pupils left primary school) and their GCSE results.
Rt Hon David Laws MP, Minister of State for Schools, said: “It gives me great pleasure to congratulate you on the excellent GCSE performance of your pupils in 2012.”
Healthy Start to the Day at Saint Paul’s
Press Release - March 2013
Papal Gift from St Francis Bradford
News Release
Children from St Francis Catholic Primary School have sent a gift to Pope Francis.
The children decided to write to welcome the new Pope, Francis I, after hearing he had chosen the name of their patron saint, St Francis of Assisi.
The children also decided to give Pope Francis a signed, limited edition painting as a welcoming gift from the children, staff, parents and governors of the school and the parishioners from the Parish of Our Lady Immaculate & St Francis here in Bradford.
The painting, commissioned by the governors of the school, was created by Bingley artist Jane Fielder to celebrate the strong home, school and parish community.
Eve Underwood and Abigail Dawson the Chair and Secretary of the School Council said “We wanted to welcome Pope Francis. We hope that Pope Francis will enjoy looking over the St Francis community in Bradford and praying for us. At school and church we will keep praying for Pope Francis.”
Bingley artist Jane Fielder said she was excited by the news and felt “lucky to be part of something so special.”
Contact for additional information –
Daniel Copley
Headteacher
Tel: 01274 638520
Students take over the workplace
All Hallows Catholic College – Press Release
Year 9 students of All Hallows Catholic College were recently given the opportunity to take over the workplace and work with adults for the day. In the end 125 students were involved in the day and spent it in a wide variety of workplaces with family members and with staff in the college; including airports, cabinet makers, residential nursing homes, hairdressers, shops, restaurants and many more.
Sporting Champion Inspires Saint Paul’s Girls
Pupils from Saint Paul’s Catholic High School in Wythenshawe were delighted to attend a recent Us Girls event at Royal Oak and Baguley boxing gym with Olympic gold medallist and Us Girls president, Nicola Adams. At the event Nicola donated the £3,000 which she had won on Family Fortunes to the sports initiative.
Nicola wasn’t the only top class athlete to attend the event, England and Everton player Amy Kane was also there having a kick around with the girls.
The event, which included a number of sporting activities aimed at encouraging young women aged 14 to 25 to get active and have some fun.
Us Girls is a Sport England-funded initiative that aims to get 30,000 young women living in disadvantaged areas more active, by providing them with opportunities to play sport within their local communities.
Us Girls is being delivered by the Active Women Consortium, a body led by StreetGames. Us Girls is receiving £2.3 million of National Lottery investment from Sport England as part of its ‘Active Women’ campaign to tackle the gender gap in sport.
“I’m looking forward to my role in helping Us Girls encourage more young women to enjoy sport and ensure Britain’s Olympic legacy continues,” Nicola Adams commented. “It was great to meet some of the Us Girls participants, answer their questions and tell them that sport can change their lives for the better.”
“We are delighted to be involved in this monumental project which aims to deliver a far reaching legacy for women's sport well beyond the London 2012 Olympic Games,” explained Ms Laura Wild, Head of PE at Saint Paul’s. “We introduced the Us Girls project at school in January and it is becoming more and more successful especially with the self defence and boxing skills activities. It was great for our pupils to have had the opportunity to meet Nicola Adams; a fantastic female athlete who was able to encourage the girls so they could see that taking part is really valuable. She is a great character and really engaged the participants, motivating them to do more and do better.”
Ms Wild added: “At Saint Paul’s, we have listened to our pupils about what type of sports interest them and as a results of introduced activities such as Zumba, roller skating, boxercise and aerobics. We have found that this has inspired female students to take part in more sport and physical activity.”
“We are pleased to be involved with this pioneering new national scheme which has been designed to improve the well-being of young women,” commented Head Teacher, Mr Wiktor Daron. “A key part of the programme will be to develop the girls’ confidence and self esteem as well as their sporting skills. I’m sure that Nicola Adams will have a massive impact on the charity and help engage with many more young women. We really need to show that sport is a fun thing for girls to do.”
The Us Girls project launch can be seen on the Channel 4 news report:
http://www.channel4.com/news/olympic-boxing-champion-nicola-adams-on-girls-in-sport
Saint Paul’s have a successful Us Girls project which includes boxing, self-defence and Zumba. This takes place on Fridays at 5.30pm at the school. There is no cost involved for those who would like to participate. For further information please contact Saint Paul’s on 0161 437 5841.
The Time 2 Change Project at All Hallows
The Time 2 Change Project has been celebrated in The Romero Centre with 10 local primary schools sending their winning teams to compete in a 'final showdown' during Fairtrade Fortnight.
The challenge set was to design a mode of transport for a named foreign country that was fit for purpose in being able to transport Fairtrade products, taking into account terrain, climate etc. Teams had to purchase resources and materials using the appropriate foreign language and also redesign the country's flag to incorporate a fairtrade theme.
There was a requirement that the newly designed flag should appear somewhere on the mode of transport. With each team working on a different country, pupils came up with a fantastic range of ideas for how Fairtrade products could be transported including sledge-like transport and balloon powered vehicles. Judges Pete Pealing of Peaks and Plains Housing Trust and Tom Agar of MS Events Ltd had a difficult job choosing a winner as the standard was so high across all the schools that took part. In the end, after careful examination of all the vehicles, presentations from each team and some tough questioning,
The 'Overall Winner Award' for 2013 went to St. Gregory's, with Gawsworth coming in as 'Runners Up' and The 'Best Team Log Award' went to St. Alban's.
As an added bonus, the competition, which started back in September 2012, raised over £2,000 for more than 15 different charities. Year 12 BTEC Business students who judged the first round of the competition out in primary schools acted as event organisers for the Final Celebration Day. They did a fantastic job throughout the planning stages and on the day itself, gaining excellent feedback from the competitors and visitors who watched the presentations.
The whole project has demonstrated how well enterprise activities work when Sixth Form Business students combine their talents with the talents of young entrepreneurs still in primary school.