Joint Roman Catholic & Church of England School

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1 Joint Roman Catholic & Church of England School

2 St Francis Xavier is the only joint Roman Catholic and Church of England secondary school in North Yorkshire, and one of only a small number in the country. Among our most prized characteristics are the school s relatively small size, high academic standards and family atmosphere. A strong, supportive relationship between pupils, staff and parents is fostered in this environment, based on mutual trust and a good knowledge of each other. As a church school, our aim is to develop in each child a love of God and a love of our neighbours. We do this by striving to develop everybody s talents and potential to the full and treating everyone both in school and the wider community with care and respect. We are extremely proud of our pupils, who are excellent ambassadors. Thank you for your interest in St Francis Xavier School. I look forward to meeting you and working in partnership to provide the best possible education for your child. Dr J Mc Auley, Headteacher

3 Our aim is to create an environment with a strong work ethic, where high standards of behaviour and a smart appearance are expected at all times. In all of these areas, we have been judged by Ofsted to be very successful. We believe that if we provide an environment in which our pupils feel safe, secure and valued, then everything else is possible. Good quality relationships are the key to high achievement. At St Francis Xavier School, teachers know the pupils very well and there is an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust. Through developing these positive relationships we create conditions where teaching and learning can flourish and be enjoyed. We work hard to maintain very high academic standards. Parents receive regular reports on their children s progress and close contact is maintained between school and home. Pupils are supported in their studies through good teaching, regular revision classes and study support. In addition to scheduled consultation meetings, there are many additional opportunities for parents and pupils to meet with teachers. A very positive and successful home-school relationship is fostered through frequent contact and ease of access. Our core beliefs The joint faith nature of the school is a feature of which we are very proud, and our community is supported by two denominational chaplains. In addition to the weekly schedule of class and school assemblies, full Christian acts of worship take place throughout the year. All pupils take part in at least two Eucharistic services annually, one Catholic and one Anglican, when all children receive either communion or a blessing in line with the respective church traditions. Christmas, Easter and the end of the school year are celebrated with whole school liturgies involving many of the pupils in the delivery of readings and prayers. A voluntary Eucharistic service is held each week and is well attended. Our philosophy is that coming together at these times helps us grow personally and develop a love of our neighbour that we can take from school into our homes and the wider community. Children of other faith backgrounds are very welcome within our school, and this sharing of common beliefs and recognition of differences is a quality we hope will develop in our pupils into a tolerance, understanding and respect for all.

4 Learning takes place in a modern, purpose-built environment designed to meet current and future needs. The building, which incorporates traditional and modern elements, offers specialist accommodation in every subject area with the latest interactive technology installed in each room. Facilities include: An international-sized sports hall with fitness suite Dance and Drama studio Music and practice rooms Cutting-edge Technology suite Science laboratories ICT suite Library and learning resources centre A hall designed for school gatherings and performing arts productions An attractive dining room with outdoor eating area A quiet chapel at the heart of the school and Religious Studies department So much more to offer There are plenty of opportunities for extracurricular activities, both on and off-site. A wide variety of lunchtime and after-school activities help to develop well-rounded individuals, with Arts-based activities such as jewellery-making, Drama, wind band and orchestra running alongside Science Club, Latin, Chess Club and charity fundraising. Activities vary each year, and are often instigated by pupils, allowing everyone the chance to enthuse and inspire their peers. Education extends beyond the classroom with visits to theatres, historical sites, museums and national exhibitions. The reputation of our sports teams has spread far and wide, with regular success in competitions against much larger schools demonstrated by the trophies awarded in area rallies. This ongoing success allows players to gain selection at county and even national level. The school also has strong links with the Outward Bound centre at Ullswater, where pupils have the opportunity to be challenged and develop confidence in a residential setting.

5 Teaching and learning Our pupils enjoy school and are motivated and challenged in the classroom by good teaching and a broad and balanced curriculum. Teachers are committed to raising standards through target setting, regular monitoring and reviews of pupils work. Regular homework is an integral part of this process. Revision classes for GCSE candidates are held at lunchtimes, after school and during the Easter holiday. St Francis Xavier School has developed close links with universities and outstanding sixth form colleges in the North East, which allow pupils to attend masterclasses and extend their experiences to an advanced or higher level.

6 By the age of 16 our pupils have developed into confident, well-educated young adults, ready to progress to the next stage of their education. The strong foundations which St Francis Xavier School gives them includes opportunities throughout Years 9, 10 and 11 for children and their parents to access information and personal interviews with a wide range of Post-16 providers in both the state and independent sector. These include major sixth forms and colleges in North Yorkshire and Darlington, with pupils qualifying for scholarships as far away as Gordonstoun in Scotland. Close liaison with these highly-rated establishments, together with expert, one-to-one advice from Connexions Careers Advisers ensures tailor-made action plans which allow a smooth transition to Further Education and training.

7 St Francis Xavier School Darlington Road Richmond North Yorkshire DL10 7DA Tel: Fax: