St. Ambrose Barlow RC High School Weekly Newsletter by St. Ambrose Barlow RC High School

ST AMBROSE BARLOW RC HIGH SCHOOL & SIXTH FORM

FAITH IN YOU

LOVE IN LEARNING

HOPE IN BETTER

this week in our school . . .

1Volume 6 Issue 1 April 16th, 2021 COVER ART: EMILY BROWN, YEAR 10

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Head’s . THIS WEEK AROUNDstart THE SCHOOL

curiosity and their eagerness to learn. Our year 7s I get to Maths to find all of Year 9 embroiled taking their and first exciting steps in the Spanish week. in a taskand that8s is are so challenging Welcome to our first newsletter of the year. In thethat I want language impressive confidence and some to stay with and an have a go myself. spirit of celebrating ourthat young people It is about this time what of year I meet with are Outside of it’s: “Sir, have my tie? that they will our Year 9s you haveseen just decided each Headit of Department to review open mywith bottle? didlanguage you achieving is intended as more of a the showcase of Can a youcontinue their What French learning in their summer’s exam results. This involves think of last night’s game? What time is it, small cross section of their learning. GCSEs. plenty of useful and thought-provoking Sir?” and, at least once a day, “Oh my discussion, but it is usually talking about days!” It can be noisy at times and in a Our last newsletter was published in May 2020 and Thethis MFL department is really looking forward to numbers and letters. Behind this data are community size we can’t expect focused on Black Lives Matter so it seems very seeing them in our lessons next stories: how pupils did, how they felt, what everyone to get on with each other all theyear! We are also appropriate that in this edition nearly a year later we incredibly proud of ourand Yeara 10 and Year 11 they liked and what they achieved. We time. But it is our community, lively, are featuring speeches pupils that address always focus two on how thingsfrom can be lovely, positive one at are that.working extremely hard on their students who improved asof well as celebrating what went the scourge racism. GCSEs. well. As a Catholic school, exam results are Perhaps the single highlight of my week, if I just one wayyou of expressing the unique, God-our had to pick, be the conversation In addition, can read a short piece from Yearwould 10 extra revision: startingI had next week, given talents and skills of each pupil. It is with Mrs. Fay who is leading the new Head of Modern Languages, hear from PE, students willnew be able to stay important to look beyond the data so I am development of our library. I amfor a an hour of extra find out about the work of the Science department, revision every other Thursday with the MFL delighted that much more of my job involves library enthusiast and have been ever since view some of the latest art work from pupils in year department. being in classes, walking around the school I was little. The furthest reach of my 10 see to pictures Year 11 and Drama in action. Inmemory is back to moments spent in our andand talking pupils,ofstudents staff. its colour andstarting the 26th of other words, much about school life is normal: fulllocal of library Yearentranced 8 Frenchby club: the week If ever you are feeling at all despondent or bright possibilities. On Twitter energy, achievement and joy. April, we will launch a French after school club. fatigued I reckon a quick tour of the school #RememberingMyLibrary reveals the holdto continue with Those Year 8 students who want would quickly raise your spirits. Let me that such an institution has: ‘A library card Visiting one of the art rooms today was such a their French learning will words be able to stay for an hour show you what I mean. Today (Thursday, was a free pass to wonderment, and pleasure. Here was a full class of Year 10 working after school. We will let you know September 29th) for instance, I dropped into the ability to roam the world’ observes onewhich days. in silence by choice withThere, great Ifocus Year 10 GCSE Music. was and user, whilst another quotes the wrought iron concentration, deeply proud of theirof work. When Igates of Stalybridge library, ‘Read, Mark, delighted to listen to performances Beethoven’stoNinth Back I was Learn and Inwardly Digest.’ Others talk of commented one Symphony, pupil on howHold impressed by the River and When the Saints Go Marching the escape a library represented or ofpublished a piece her work she very modestly offered back, ‘Nah, it’s Thethat education company Ezy has In. I also got to sit with Daniel and Chester the refuge it offered from an unkind world. miss’s teaching!’ examining the impact of their software on learning as they demonstrated their prodigious DJing during lockdown. We are delighted to be one of the talents. Next, during lunch, I supervised the Mrs. Fay spent last Saturday peacefully As ever I can find so much to celebrate about our featured. You can read the full article here: canteen and made a point of watching the stackingschools the shelves and we are inching school and our people - read on toand find out closer tohttps://www.ezyeducation.co.uk/ interactions thatyoung take place daily. Pupils opening. What thrilled me was her more. staff holding doors open for one another, comment that several boys, some of whom ezyeducationdetails/ezyeducation-news/entry/ offering thanks, little moments of personal affect a dislike of reading, were electrified by all-for-one-and-one-for-all.html appreciation and gratitude. Of course, presence of a library in their school: ‘You Ben Davis things don’t always go well in a school, but it mean I can borrow this and, like, read it, Headteacher is lovely to witness a voluntary apology from Miss?’ was the breathless utterance of one a Year 9 to one of the lunch time staff, or pupil. Our library is at the heart of the In this extract Year 11 pupil Hannah Carr explores see one pupil help another who is unsure school: a space for being open to and importance of travel It- ais topic where to go for class. sharing the ideas and experiences. open-of great relevance time when ouras movements Hello everyone! I am Marta Ruiz, the subject leader plan andatitsa shelves serve a reminderand interactions are In the Sixth Form, I enjoyedIahave lengthy with should be no barrier to anyone of MFL department. metchat a few of you onthat there limited. Aidan who explained both the of using its volumes or seeking knowledge, different parents’ evenings andtheory I am looking forward differentiation and its potential commercial or information. I can’t My friends, I want you to imagine being glued to the to meeting the rest of you. These first few monthssolace, entertainment application. In English they were studying wait to see it come to life in the weeks in St Ambrose Barlow have been great for me and I desolate wallsFay of your I want the play Blood Brothers and talking with ahead thanks to Mrs. and home. her band of you to imagine wanted to thank you all for your support. humour and excitement about superstitions; helpers.having to incessantly rely on the actions of others. I Mr. Davis, Headteacher, reflects on the HEAD’S START

Science make it look ezy

The importance of travel

Introducing miss RUIZ

in Year 7 RE they were dissecting our new want you to imagine insecurity engulfing your whole Since westatement have been back to school mission and exploring theI have finally Ben Davis, Headteacher world. I want you to imagine this is you. My dear personal meanings within it.our School is a studentsTwitter: @BenDavis1972 had the opportunity to meet amazing busy, bustling, humming place. in person and I am very impressed with their readers, I am sure intelligent, well travelled people 2

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Head’s . THIS WEEK AROUNDstart THE SCHOOL

Perhaps the single highlight of my week, if I had to pick, would be the conversation I had with Mrs. Fay who is leading the development of our new library. I am a library enthusiast and have been ever since I was little. The furthest reach of my memory is back to moments spent in our local library entranced by its colour and If ever you are feeling at all despondent or bright possibilities. On Twitter fatigued I reckon a quick tour of the school #RememberingMyLibrary reveals the hold would quickly raise your spirits. Let me that such an institution has: ‘A library card show you what I mean. Today (Thursday, was a free pass to wonderment, words and September 29th) for instance, I dropped into the ability to roam the world’ observes one Year 10 GCSE Music. There, I was user, whilst another quotes the wrought iron delighted listen to performances of gates of by Stalybridge library, ‘Read,Eyes Mark, Year 10to Art: Tupac by Braydon Bates; Freddie Mercury Ellie Dunning; Animal by Grace Seddon Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Hold Back Learn and Inwardly Digest.’ Others talk of the River and When the Saints Go Marching the escape that a library represented or of In. I also got to sit with Daniel and Chester the refuge it offered from an unkind world. as they demonstrated their prodigious DJing talents. Next, during lunch, I supervised the Mrs. Fay spent last Saturday peacefully canteen and made a point of watching the stacking the shelves and we are inching interactions that take place daily. Pupils and closer to opening. What thrilled me was her staff holding doors open for one another, comment that several boys, some of whom offering thanks, little moments of personal affect a dislike of reading, were electrified by appreciation and gratitude. Of course, presence of a library in their school: ‘You things don’t always go well in a school, but it mean I can borrow this and, like, read it, is lovely to witness a voluntary apology from Miss?’ was the breathless utterance of one a Year 9 to one of the lunch time staff, or pupil. Our library is at the heart of the see one pupil help another who is unsure school: a space for being open to and where to go for class. sharing ideas and experiences. It is openplan and its shelves serve as a reminder In Sixth Form, I enjoyed a lengthy chat with that there should be no barrier to anyone Aidan who explained both the theory of using its volumes or seeking knowledge, differentiation and its potential commercial solace, entertainment or information. I can’t application. In English they were studying wait to see it come to life in the weeks the play Blood Brothers and talking with ahead thanks to Mrs. Fay and her band of humour and excitement about superstitions; helpers. in Year 7 RE they were dissecting our new mission statement and exploring the Ben Davis, Headteacher personal meanings within it. School is a Twitter: @BenDavis1972 busy, bustling, humming place. 2

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Head’s . THIS WEEK AROUNDstart THE SCHOOL

Mr.yourselves Davis, Headteacher, on thebenefits of I get to Maths to find all of Year 9 embroiled like are used to reflects the ceaseless week. in a task that is so challenging and exciting travel, but I am afraid that there is a growing trend of that I want to stay and have a go myself. anti who tryoftoyear stopthat others blossoming. We It istravellers about this time I meet with Outside Year it’s: “Sir, havehave you seen my tie? 8 would performed their Embrace each Head of Department to review the Can you open my bottle? What did you speeches in January - we rehearsed through lock must stop them before it is too late. We must set summer’s exam results. This involves think of last night’s game? Whatsubmitted time is it, speeches by down and then students others from their We must go travelling. plentyfree of useful and prisons. thought-provoking Sir?” and, at least once a day, “Oh my video or came back to school ready to perform. We discussion, but it is usually talking about days!” It can be noisy at times and in a will this begin these sharings in class, recorded in action numbers and letters. Behind thiscountless data are travel community size we can’t expect As a TV presenter that has made and witheach parents viaall a private, protected link. stories: how pupils did, how they felt, what everyone to shared get on with other the documentaries am not only talking from they liked and Iwhat they achieved. We a voice oftime. But it is our community, and a lively, alwaysbut focus on how things can lovely, positive one at that. Sam Tomson, 8C, Discrimination!!! reason wealthy experience. A be recent study improved as well as celebrating what went conducted the university Oxford has concluded well. As aby Catholic school,ofexam results are PerhapsJust the imagine… single highlight of my week,without if I a world, a world justthose one way expressing the unique,were God-73% had to pick, would be the conversation I had that whoof said they have travelled discrimination? given talents and skills of each is is with Mrs. Fay who is leading the happier than those who have not.pupil. SurelyIt this important to look beyond the data so I am development of our new library. I am a A world where we are all equal? something wants. delighted that everyone much more of my job involves library enthusiast and have been ever since being in classes, walking around the school I was little. The furthest reach of my diversity is aincause and talking to pupils, students and staff. memoryAisworld back where to moments spent our for celebration, Not only does travelling provide the essential not prejudice? local library entranced by its colour and nutrients needed for growth, also provides If ever you are feeling at all itdespondent or the bright possibilities. On Twitter fatigued reckon aon quick of Too the many schoolyoung #RememberingMyLibrary the hold to include instead A world where we reveals show sympathy; chance to Iblossom yourtour own. would quickly raise your spirits. Let me that such an institution has: ‘A library card of exclude? adults in their homes by the was a free pass to wonderment, words and showare yoububble what I wrapped mean. Today (Thursday, September 29th) for instance, I droppedtheir into the ability roam theisworld’ onetoday I would like unnecessary over-protection of parents; Hi,tomy name Sam observes Tomson and Year 10 GCSE Music. There, I was user, whilst another quotes the wrought iron independence withering away. to introduce to you the term ‘discrimination’. delighted to listen to performances of gates of Stalybridge library, ‘Read, Mark, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Hold Back Learn and Inwardly Digest.’ Others talk of Discrimination, what is it? or of the River and When the Saints Go Marching the escape that a librarysorepresented In. I also got to sit with Daniel and Chester the refuge it offered from an unkind world. Wel, for those that don’t know It is where a man/ as they demonstrated their prodigious DJing talents. Next, during lunch, I supervised the Mrs. Fay spent last Saturday woman shows intensepeacefully loathe towards a particular Congratulations to the year 7-9 students canteen and made a point of watching the stacking the shelves and we are inching person or a group of people probably because of that completed the John Muir Discovery Award over interactions that take place daily. Pupils and closer totheir opening. What thrilled me was Horrible, her race, colour or even origin. right? the Easter holidays. been working hard comment that several boys, some of whom staff holding doors They open have for one another, discovering naturelittle andmoments learning of about conservationaffect a dislike of reading, were electrified by offering thanks, personal Discrimination is a really severe problem because it’s for the last 3 months. Tasks included reducing plastic appreciation and gratitude. Of course, presence of a library in their school: ‘You a worldwide issue that a lot of people are facing right thingsbuilding don’t always in the a school, butthat it visitmean I can borrow this and, like, read it, waste, a dengo to well watch animals nowthe and are suffering from. Ifofwe do not stop it is is lovely to witness a voluntary apology from Miss?’ was breathless utterance one their gardens. a Year 9 to one of the lunch time staff, or pupil. Our library is atinto theaheart the going to turn largerofproblem. see one pupil help another who is unsure school: a space for being open to and where to go for class. ideaslets andlook experiences. It of is open  sharing Now at the types discrimination there plan and its shelves serve as a reminder This week the Salford Reds Foundation have started are?:Age,this is where you're treated unfairly In Sixth Form, I enjoyed a lengthy chat with that there should be no barrier to anyone a coaching programme with the year 7 girls. Well because of your age or because you're part of a Aidan who explained both the theory of using its volumes or seeking knowledge, done to the Year 7 girls that joined after school rugby particular age or group.There is Gender differentiation and its potential commercial solace, entertainment information. I can’t discrimination, team. Keep upInthe hard work. which is where one gender (either man/woman)is application. English they were studying wait to see it come to life in the weeks the play Blood Brothers and talking with ahead thanks Mrs. Fay and differently her band of treatedtounequally from another humour and excitement about superstitions; helpers.gender. One of the most serious is Disability in Year 7 RE they were dissecting our new discrimination, this is when you are treated less well mission statement and exploring the Ben Davis, Headteacher or put at a disadvantage for a reason that relates to personal meanings within it. School is a Twitter: @BenDavis1972 your disability. The most common type is Racial busy, bustling, humming place.

PUPILS SPEAK THEIR MINDS ON RACism

John Muir Discovery Award

Salford Reds Foundation Girls' Rugby

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Head’s . THIS WEEK AROUNDstart THE SCHOOL

Mr. Davis, Headteacher, reflects on the week. It is about this time of year that I meet with each Head of Department to review the summer’s exam results. This involves plenty of useful and thought-provoking discussion, but it is usually talking about numbers and letters. Behind this data are stories: how pupils did, how they felt, what they liked and what they achieved. We always focus on how things can be improved as well as celebrating what went well. As a Catholic school, exam results are just one way of expressing the unique, Godgiven talents and skills of each pupil. It is important to look beyond the data so I am delighted that much more of my job involves being in classes, walking around the school and talking to pupils, students and staff. If ever you are feeling at all despondent or fatigued I reckon a quick tour of the school would quickly raise your spirits. Let me show you what I mean. Today (Thursday, September 29th) for instance, I dropped into Year 10 GCSE Music. There, I was delighted to listen to performances of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Hold Back the River and When the Saints Go Marching In. I also got to sit with Daniel and Chester as they demonstrated their prodigious DJing talents. Next, during lunch, I supervised the canteen and made a point of watching the interactions that take place daily. Pupils and staff holding doors open for one another, offering thanks, little moments of personal appreciation and gratitude. Of course, things don’t always go well in a school, but it is lovely to witness a voluntary apology from a Year 9 to one of the lunch time staff, or see one pupil help another who is unsure where to go for class. In Sixth Form, I enjoyed a lengthy chat with Aidan who explained both the theory of differentiation and its potential commercial application. In English they were studying the play Blood Brothers and talking with humour and excitement about superstitions; in Year 7 RE they were dissecting our new mission statement and exploring the personal meanings within it. School is a busy, bustling, humming place.

I get to Maths to find all of Year 9 embroiled in a task that is so challenging and exciting that I want to stay and have a go myself. Outside it’s: “Sir, have you seen my tie? Can you open my bottle? What did you think of last night’s game? What time is it, Sir?” and, at least once a day, “Oh my days!” It can be noisy at times and in a community this size we can’t expect everyone to get on with each other all the time. But it is our community, and a lively, lovely, positive one at that. Perhaps the single highlight of my week, if I had to pick, would be the conversation I had with Mrs. Fay who is leading the development of our new library. I am a library enthusiast and have been ever since I was little. The furthest reach of my memory is back to moments spent in our local library entranced by its colour and bright possibilities. On Twitter #RememberingMyLibrary reveals the hold that such an institution has: ‘A library card was a free pass to wonderment, words and the ability to roam the world’ observes one user, whilst another quotes the wrought iron gates of Stalybridge library, ‘Read, Mark, Learn and Inwardly Digest.’ Others talk of the escape that a library represented or of the refuge it offered from an unkind world. Mrs. Fay spent last Saturday peacefully stacking the shelves and we are inching Year 11 Drama Performances closer to opening. What thrilled me was her comment that several boys, some of whom affect a dislike of reading, were electrified by presence of a library in their school: ‘You mean I can borrow this and, like, read it, Miss?’ was the breathless utterance of one pupil. Our library is at the heart of the school: a space for being open to and sharing ideas and experiences. It is openplan and its shelves serve as a reminder that there should be no barrier to anyone using its volumes or seeking knowledge, solace, entertainment or information. I can’t wait to see it come to life in the weeks ahead thanks to Mrs. Fay and her band of helpers.

Ben Davis, Headteacher Twitter: @BenDavis1972 2 5

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AROUNDstart THE SCHOOL Head’s . THIS WEEK

discrimination, this is any discrimination against suffering that much pain. The police officer treated Mr. Davis, Headteacher, reflects on the I get to Maths to find all of Year 9 embroiled individuals on the basis of their skin color, or racial George unequally and cruelly just because he was week. in a task that is so challenging and exciting or ethnic origin. This is all terrible, isn’t it?But I that I want a different racehave to them, it was the same race to stay and a goifmyself. guess it’s not theofbully's fault,I meet somewith of the faultOutside Derek would’ve leftseen him and treated him better. This It is about thisall time year that it’s: “Sir, have you my tie? is withHead theirof parents because it mightthe be that the Can youhas become a huge global each Department to review open my bottle? What didissue you now as lots of summer’s results. involves of last night’s game? Whatare timehappening. is it, bully learntexam this from theirThis carer or even the carer think is protests and campaigns plenty of useful and thought-provoking Sir?” and, at least once a day, “Oh my probably not noticing their children at all. Still- even discussion, but it is usually talking about days!” ItNow can be times and in a for noisy someat facts: if some of it isn’t their fault- a lot of the fault is on numbers and letters. Behind this data are community this size we can’t expect the bullyhow . Has the bully everthey thought what the everyone to get on with each other all the stories: pupils did, how felt, of what Did you know in New York, 88% of police stops in aftermath for them beachieved. and the effect they liked and whatwill they We it has on time. But it is our community, and a lively, 2018 involved Black and Latinx people, while 10% the victim, foron thehow bully it cancan have always focus things besome bad lovely, positive one at that. involved white people. improved as well asdetentions celebratingorwhat consequences like evenwent jail, but for well. As a Catholic school, exam results are Perhaps the single highlight of my week, if I the victim it’s much worse: mental problems and Fromwould 2013be to the 2017, white patients in the US just one way of expressing the unique, Godhad to pick, conversation I had disorders like depression can take over their body given talents and skills of each pupil. It is with Mrs.received Fay whobetter is leading the quality health care than about 34% and lead to worse problems if it’s not important to much look beyond the data so I am development of our patients, new library. a of Hispanic 40%I am of Black patients, and stopped. that much more of my job involves delighted library enthusiast and have been ever since 40% of Native American patients. being in classes, walking around the school I was little. The furthest reach of my As days,even years, go by I strongly feel that and talking to pupils, students and staff. memory is back to moments spent in our Theyentranced are saying is becoming a huge local library byRacism its colour and discrimination is taking over our world and is problem nowadays and to be honest it actually is. Ifgetting ever you areserious feelingas at itallspreads despondent or bright possibilities. On Twitter more to other’s fatigued I reckon a quick tour of the school #RememberingMyLibrary reveals the hold disgraceful minds, minds with that much hatred that But I always discrimination was would quickly raise your spirits. Let me that such anwait… institution has: thought ‘A librarythat card they want to murder. People who discriminate arewas a free pass to wonderment, words and show you what I mean. Today (Thursday, all about negativity… but all is not, some is positive. not even thinking about how others feel. into They justthe ability to roam the world’ observes one September 29th) for instance, I dropped blast 10 outGCSE at the Music. vulnerable not Irealising they are user, whilst Year There, was another quotes trying the wrought irondiscrimination So how are people to reduce delighted to listen to performances of gates of Stalybridge library, ‘Read, Mark, destroying someone’s life. Isn’t this quite wicked? though? Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Hold Back Learn and Inwardly Digest.’ Others talk of the River andofWhen the Saints Go affected Marchingby the escape that a library represented or of An example a person, who was Didit you know there a subject called positive In. I also got to sit with Daniel and Chester the refuge offered from an is unkind world. discrimination, is George Floyd. George Floyd was discrimination. This could be hiring someone with a as they demonstrated their prodigious DJing a 46-year-old who spentI supervised most of his the life in hisMrs. Faydisability or Saturday promotingpeacefully a specific number of people, talents. Next, dad during lunch, spent last hometown ofmade Houston, Texas. In 2009 Floyd canteen and a point of watching the was stackingsimply the shelves and we are inching because they share a protected sentenced tothat fivetake years in prison.Years interactions place daily. Pupilslater, and closer tocharacteristic. opening. What thrilled me was her staff holding doors open one another,he left comment that several boys, some of whom seeking a fresh start, andfor unemployed, offering thanks, little moments personal affect a dislike of reading, were electrified by Houston to find a job and start of a new life in A lot of acts have been created to protect people, appreciation and gratitude. Of course, presence of a library in their school: ‘You Minneapolis, where he worked as a truck driver and people whothis areand, mostly discriminated against . If we things don’t always go well in a school, but it mean I can borrow like, read it, bouncer. all believe we can utterance stop this huge problem, we can is lovely to witness a voluntary apology from Miss?’ was the breathless of one achieve a Year 9 to one of the lunch time staff, or pupil. Our libraryit.is at the heart of the But once again, heanother was arrested killed for a school: a space for being open to and see one pupil help who isand unsure really small where to go problem. for class. When he was arrested and sharing Well ideasmy and experiences. It isparents open- and teachers, fellow colleagues, plan and its shelves serve as a reminder killed for using a fake $20 note(a non- violence we are coming to the end of my speech now, I hope In Sixth He Form, enjoyedcigarettes a lengthyfrom chat Cup with Foodsthat there should be no barrier to anyone crime). wasI buying you enjoyed it. To finish my speech off, I would just Aidan who explained both the theory of using its volumes or seeking knowledge, (a shop) in Minneapolis but he had paid with a fake like to remind you once again Ito: please follow the differentiation and its potential commercial solace, entertainment or information. can’t note and the shop owner called the police, he was rules of not to discriminating against people. I hope application. In English they were studying wait to see it come life in the weeks arrested. As heBrothers was getting he fell on theahead thanks you have beenFay influenced myofspeech and you the play Blood and arrested talking with to Mrs. and her by band floor, all and of a excitement sudden a police called Derek helpers.have learnt what discrimination is and how to humour aboutofficer superstitions; in Year 7 knelt RE they were dissecting our newGeorge to Chauvin on George’s neck causing handle it. Treat people how you would like to be mission statement and exploring the Ben Davis, Headteacher feel it hard to breathe. Unfortunately, it led to death. treated.That’s what I want from this world so try personal meanings within it. School is a Twitter: @BenDavis1972 His last words were: “ I can’t breathe”- he was your best to stop this horrible monster from busy, bustling, humming place. 2

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Head’s . THIS WEEK AROUNDstart THE SCHOOL

Mr. Davis, Headteacher, Angelo Nwaishi, Year 7 reflects on the week.

I get totears Maths toapologized. find all of Year 9 embroiled and She’d learnt her lesson. in a task that is so challenging and This happened in Year 6 and exciting I wondered where to stay and have a go myself. What jumps to your mind when you hear the wordthat I want she would such racist It is about this time of year that I meet with Outside it’s: “Sir, have have learnt you seen my tie? words from at racism? Discrimination, Antagonism, Ethnicity. that young age. each Head of Department to review the Can you open my bottle? What did you Racism has beenresults. aroundThis for over 600 years and think of last night’s game? What time is it, summer’s exam involves many people have affected by it. Imagine a Sir?” and, Many have taken part plenty of useful andbeen thought-provoking atactivists least once a day, “Oh myin attempting to discussion, it is usually days!”promote It can beequality noisy atfor times and in There a world wherebut everyone was talking treatedabout equally. A everyone. are lots of numbers and letters. Behind this data are community this size we can’t expect world where everyone got along. We may look testimonies from these activists and famous stories: pupils we did,are how felt, what everyone to get on with each other the in our differenthow but inside allthey the same. people to show the impact of all racism they liked and what they achieved. We time. But it is our community, and a lively, and at thethat. need for more work to ensure always focus on how things can be lovely,societies positive one Did you know that over 95% of Black, Asian and equality for all irrespective of colour, race, or improved as well as celebrating what went minority ethnic people in Britain have faced some religious beliefs. well. As a Catholic school, exam results are Perhaps the single highlight of my week, if I formone of racism racial prejudice. That’sGodjust way ofor expressing the unique, had to pick, would be the conversation I had given talents and skills of ever eachimagined pupil. It isa world with Mrs. Fay whohave is leading the charge and are correct...who would have Celebrities been taking important to look beyond the data so I am development of our new library. I am a full of hatred and unkindness, Who? I was being role models. An example would be delighted that much more of my job involves library enthusiast and have been ever since brought up in a very religious family and ever Muhammad Ali who said, “Hating people because being in classes, walking around the school I was little. The furthest reach of my sincetalking I was to born the word ‘racism’ of their color is wrong. And doesn’t and pupils, students and had staff.always memory is back to moments spentit in our matter which been a problem. color does the hating. It’s just plain local library entranced by its colour and wrong.” If ever you are feeling at all despondent or bright possibilities. On Twitter Whenever I hear a that word I always think of Also Mario Balotelli reveals said, “You fatigued I reckon quick tour of the school #RememberingMyLibrary thecan't holddelete racism. would raise your what spirits. Let me an institution has: ‘Acan't library card peoplequickly like Rosa Parks; a hero. A hero for that such It's like a cigarette. You stop smoking if you show you what I mean. Today (Thursday, was a free pass to wonderment, words and not giving up her due right. Or Martin Luther King; don't want to, and you can't stop racism if people September forfor instance, dropped the ability roamto.the world’ one what a hero.29th) A hero helpingI to try andinto stop don'ttowant But I'll doobserves everything I can to help.” Year 10 GCSE Music. There, I was user, whilst another quotes the wrought iron racism and for everyone throughgates of WeStalybridge are doing all we can to help stop this delighted topromote listen to equality performances of library, ‘Read, Mark, non-violence means. One would imagine that stereotype, But is it enough? More Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Hold Back Learn and Inwardly Digest.’ Others talk ofwork needs to afterRiver the efforts of allthe these heroes, the world we the escape be done. the and When Saints Go Marching that a library represented or of In. gotwould to sit with and Chester live Iinalso today haveDaniel a place where everyone the refuge it offered from an unkind world. as they demonstrated Now that you have heard about the greats of the is equal but sadly, this their is notprodigious the case. DJing Black, talents. Next, during lunch, I supervised the Mrs. Fay spent Saturday past, We last all need to joinpeacefully as a family and help end Asian and minority people in Britain still face canteen and made a point of watching the stacking the shelves and we are inching this Hurtful, Horrible stereotype. You and You and racial prejudices in different spheres of life, interactions that take place daily. Pupils andfor closer to opening. What thrilled me was her You,that Everybody needssome to beof the CHANGE that instance in football, and even theanother, judicial system. comment staff holding doors open for one several boys, whom they want to see. offering thanks, little moments of personal affect a dislike of reading, were electrified by Malcolm X wrote letter about a ‘Cure for appreciation and a gratitude. Of course, presence of a library in their school: ‘You things don’t go well in atime school, butwas it mean I can borrow this and, like, read it, Racism.’ He always wrote that at that racism is lovely to witness a voluntary apology from Miss?’ was the breathless utterance of one like an ‘incurable cancer’ that was ‘plaguing’ a Year 9 to one of the lunch time staff, or America. This piece of work was sold for, $ 1.25 pupil. Our library is at the heart of the see one pupil help another who is unsure school: a space for being open to and million.to go for class. where sharing ideas and experiences. It is openI myself have experienced racism. chat I waswith playing In Sixth Form, I enjoyed a lengthy footballwho withexplained my friends in school. A girl Aidan both the theory of was differentiation its potential playing with a and ball and that ballcommercial landed on our application. English were studying I just pitch. So thatInthe matchthey wasn't interrupted, the play Blood Brothers and talking with picked up the ball. But as I was about to get up humour and excitement about superstitions; and give7 itRE to they the girl shedissecting yelled, “Stop Monkey.” in Year were our new That immediately hurt me and I could no longer mission statement and exploring the play or concentrate. The next day sheis was personal meanings within it. School a in busy, bustling, humming place.

plan and its shelves serve as a reminder that there should be no barrier to anyone using its volumes or seeking knowledge, solace, entertainment or information. I can’t wait to see it come to life in the weeks ahead thanks to Mrs. Fay and her band of helpers.

Ben Davis, Headteacher Twitter: @BenDavis1972 2 7

www.stambrosebarlowswinton.org 37 Ash Drive Swinton Salford M27 9QP 0161 921 1570 @SABSalford Headteacher: Ben Davis 8