FAITH IN YOU
LOVE IN LEARNING
HOPE IN BETTER
this week in our school . . .
Volume 5 Issue 4 September 27th, 2019
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ST AMBROSE BARLOW RC HIGH SCHOOL & SIXTH FORM
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Head’s start .
Mr. Davis, Headteacher, reflects on the week. Mr. Davis, Headteacher, reflects on the week. Open Evening is one of the highlights of the is about thisnight timefor of the yearpupils that I and meet with year. It’sItalso a long each Head of Department to review the staff who run it, but something must be going summer’s exam results. This involves right when teachers skip out of the school at of useful andthat thought-provoking 8:30pm plenty observing cheerily it is their discussion, but it is usually talking about favourite night of the year.
numbers and letters. Behind this data are did, how and theywas felt, what I greatly stories: enjoyedhow our pupils Open Evening they liked and what they achieved. struck by the sheer energy and enthusiasm We of always focus how things can the pupils who led ouron guests around thebe as team well as celebrating school. improved Our prefect were excellentwhat and went well. As a Catholic school, exam the Year 7 guides did their jobs with greatresults skill are just one way of expressing the unique, and verve. In each subject area prospective Godand skills each pupil. It is parents,given carerstalents and pupils wereofgreeted by staff important to look beyond the data so I and current pupils keen to showcase skills andam that much more of great my jobtoinvolves enthuse delighted about their learning. It was see being in classes, walking around theand school such a fantastic attendance at the evening talking to pupils, students and staff. to enjoy and so many diverse conversations with
adults and children alike.
If ever you are feeling at all despondent or fatigued I reckonI spent a quicksome tour of thetrying school During my presentation time would quickly raise your spirits. Let me to articulate the idea of the Ambrose Way and, show you what I mean. Today (Thursday, in doing so, shared an example of the September for In instance, I dropped responses to it from29th) pupils. this case it was into Year 10 GCSE Music. There, I was work that had been completed that day in form to listen performances by Miss delighted West’s class - youtocan read it in theof Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, House reports on the following pages. Hold Back the River and When the Saints Go Marching In.striking I also got to sit with Daniel and Chester What was about it (and about many of as they demonstrated their prodigious DJing the responses from forms) was the way in which talents. Next, during lunch, I supervised young people have had a deep and thoughtful the canteen and made a point ofand watching the response to the ideas of generosity interactions that take place daily. Pupils and gratitude.
staff holding doors open for one another, offering thanks, moments of personal Our theme this week, aslittle explored in assembly appreciation and gratitude. Of course, and form, is the first of the Ambrose Way things don’t always go well in a school, but it dimensions: Grateful and Generous. This is is lovely to witness a voluntary apology expressed in one simple sentence: “our pupils from a Year to one the lunch time are grateful for 9their ownofgifts, for the giftstaff, of or see one pupil help another who is other people, and for the blessings of eachunsure day; where with to gotheir for class. and generous gifts, becoming women and men for others.”
In Sixth Form, I enjoyed a lengthy chat with Aidan who explained thesimple theory -of The trouble with this is that it both sounds differentiation and its potential commercial surely most people are grateful for something application. In English they were studying and everyone can muster at least one example the play Blood Brothers and talking with of personal generosity. The trick lies in the last humour and excitement about superstitions; phrase. What does it mean to become women Year 7 RE they werethat dissecting our new and meninfor others? Doesn’t require some mission statement and exploring the special capacity, the quality of a saint?
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 ways want to and have a go In some thestay answer is ‘yes’, butmyself. the point Outside it’s: “Sir, have you seen my tie? is that everyone can do this. And what a Can you open bottle? What didbeyou fantastic place ourmy community would if think ofwas lastthis night’s What time is it, everyone waygame? all the time. Sir?” and, at least once a day, “Oh my It can bepeople noisy at times and a Thedays!” thing is many already are, in it doesn’t community this size we can’t expect require big gestures and complex plans to save to get on withthat each the the everyone world. It just requires weother take all account time. But it is our community, and a lively, of the small things in our lives for which we are lovely, positive one at that. grateful and that we offer what we have in the service of others in any way we can.
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 This week I saw that in the way so many of our the ability to roam the world’ observes one pupils gave of their time to support staff and the user, whilst another quotes the wrought iron school at Open Evening. I also saw it in the gates of Stalybridge library, ‘Read, Mark, large group of Year 10 boys who spent ten Learn and Inwardly Digest.’ Others talk of minutes carefully and gently releasing a magpie the escape that a library represented or of that had become trapped in a football net. It the refuge it offered from an unkind world. was there in the two year 11 girls who spontaneously bout toast for an adult guest to Mrs. Fay spent last Saturday peacefully the school because ‘he looked hungry and stacking the shelves and we are inching lonely’.
closer to opening. What thrilled me was her comment that several boys, some of whom It is there when an older pupil steps in to help a affect a dislike of reading, were electrified by lost Year 7 or when pupils and staff share a presence of a library in their school: ‘You cheerful moment of conversation in the mean I can borrow this and, like, read it, busyness of the day. These are the blessings Miss?’ was the breathless utterance of one for which I feel grateful and they are little acts of pupil. Our library is at the heart of the generosity that make our community special.
school: a space for being open to and sharing ideas and experiences. It is openGod Bless,
plan and its shelves serve as a reminder that there should be no barrier to anyone Ben Davis using its volumes or seeking knowledge, Headteacher solace, entertainment or information. I can’t Twitter: @BenDavis1972 wait to see it come to life in the weeks ahead thanks to Mrs. Fay and her band of Front cover image: the Year 8 rugby team who helpers. won 2, drew 1 and lost 1 in the 1st round of fixtures. Well done boys!
our pupils are grateful for their own gifts, for the gift of other people, and for the blessings of each day; and generous with their gifts, becoming women and men for others
Ben Davis, Headteacher Twitter: @BenDavis1972
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HOUSe News St. Bernadette of Lourdes st. benedict of nursia
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st. oscar romero
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st. oscar romero st. michael the archangel st. francis of assisi St. teresa of calcutta House points and house news pages
st. assisi St francis Francisofof Assisi House
Mr Stephenson
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St. teresa of calcutta
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In 2T over the past two weeks we have been working on team building and being unique together. Our form Jigsaw is below, showing how we all fit in together but are completely unique:
St.Bernadette Bernadette of Lourdes St. of Lourdes Fionn Devlin & Abigail Dawson, Year 9 write: As the year began we welcomed our new Year 7s into 2BL. As a form we have collectively earned over one hundred achievement points and received many good comments. So far this year we have celebrated worship Wednesdays by each reading paragraphs from the Gospel. On Tuesdays we learn about the Ambrose Way: Faith in You, Love in Learning, Hope in Better. We each show this as a family by being ready, safe, and respectful in everything we do. On a Thursday we watch Newsround, it’s great to learn about different inventions and solutions, cultures and religions, sports and discoveries from all around the world. Up to now we have only celebrated one birthday, and we did so with a box of celebrations! As a form we have set our target extremely high this year, and hopefully will end the year being the form with the most achievement points. (Form Tutor: Mr. Pemberton) Mrs Sidebottom
St. ofof calcutta St teresa Teresa Calcutta 2T has had a brilliant start to the year, with 59 achievement points in this past week alone. Our new year 7’s have settled in well and are shaping up to be wonderful members of our school community. The older pupils in our form have been very proactive in welcoming all 5 year 7’s with them acting as positive and fantastic role models.
This has fit wonderfully into the introduction of The Ambrose Way where we have just began reflecting on Generosity and Gratitude. One of our form prayers for the term is a lovely example of how we can ask for support from God with these two virtues: “Dear Father, I hope to be a kinder person and respect everyone equally. I hope to make the world an even better place and for everyone to keep God’s creation good. I am thankful for everything that everybody does for me. Amen” (Form Tutor: Miss Mills) Mrs. Robb
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st. benedict of nursia St. Benedict of Nursia
A warm hello from form 2BN. My name is Mr Lee and I am starting my first year here at St Ambrose Barlow. I am a RE teacher, form tutor and sports fan. I am really looking forward to my first year here. The role of a form tutor is important to me because as this allows me to support and guide the pupils in my form and watch them grow as individuals. I am looking forward to being alongside them as they journey through their time at St Ambrose, working together to be the best we possibly can be. Together, as a form we are very excited to be taking on the new academic year 2019/20 and all that it brings. Our new year 7s who joined us in September are eager to get involved and stuck into the Ambrose life, and our year 11s are getting ready to take on their GCSEs. as a form we have all made an amazing start to the year. We are all looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead this year and we know we are going to do ourselves proud. Our aims are to be brave, be confident, be happy and make the most of every single day. Mr. Merriman
st. oscar St Oscarromero Romero During the week, many things were accomplished. Such as: coming fourth in the house ranking for achievement points, and a new discovery of year 9s in the lead of the year by year ranking, as well as five Oscar having the most achievement points, overall, out of the forms. At the end of the term, whichever form has the most achievement points will receive baked goods from the Head of House, Miss Jackson. The assembly, this week, contained memorable information about the Ambrose way. A certain message was displayed, the message being: “Doing the right thing.” A cyclist was used as an example. We were shown images taken by Mr Carol (the deputy head). This was to show us that teamwork is very important, and that even if we lose some of our team along the way, we should keep going.
-Tribes got talent -Camouflage -Trap-making -Singing around the campfire -Making tribe/camp bracelets -Playing a variety of games All in all, this week has been a major success for Oscar Romero! With many pupils attending the bushcraft trip and almost everyone being inspired by Thursday’s assembly, we hope that Oscar keep on working to the best of their potential. By Federica Race & Georgina Kenney (Year 9) Miss Jackson
st. michael theHouse archangel St Michaels news You Can Quote 2M On This This week in form we have been discussing and reflecting on how we are Unique Together: Grateful and Generous. We have shared little acts of kindness by sending thank you notes to those in school who have shown gratitude to us. To quote 2M on their gratitude….. • "I have been grateful for the teachers doing revision lessons to help us and get us ready for our GCSE's" • "I am grateful for this school because it has helped me come out of my comfort zone" • "I am grateful that people are recognising my effort towards my goal and helping me to achieve it" • "I am grateful for teachers helping me when I'm struggling" • "I am grateful for being helped by my friends and helping my friends" • "I have been grateful for teachers making sure they push me so I can reach my targets in Year 11" • "I am grateful for being in a safe school and to have a good education" (Form Tutor: Miss West) Mrs. McGowan
Bush Craft This weekend, there is also a planned outdoor trip of camping, trap-making etc. The trip is for a total of three days, leaving on Friday and returning on Sunday. Students are expected to bring a variety of things, ranging from sleeping bags to toiletries. The activities the pupils will participate in are: 4
-Fire-making
Around the school This week
Clockwise: Year 7s meet with Mr. Davis at lunch to talk about their experience of school; the Maths corridor at Open Evening; the pupil guides and leaders
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Around the school This week
Clockwise: Mr. Carroll warming up for Open Evening; drama performances; the art department
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Around the school This week
Following the example of St. Catherine of Siena and setting the world on fire at Open Evening.
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calendar what’s on
Advance Notice
Year 7 Parents’ & Carers’ Evening, Thursday, October 10th, 5:00pm 7:00pm
Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, House Mass at 8:40am Y11 Exam Preparation Evening, 6:00pm
TUE 01
SurveyFest (all Y7 & 8)
WED 02
THU 03
FRI 04 SAT 05
MON 30
COMING UP THIS WEEK week beginning 30.09.19 week A
attendance We aim for 100% attendance for all of our students and have set 96% as satisfactory attendance for this year. Attendance is monitored period-by-period and statistics are published each week. Excellent attendance guarantees excellent learning. Attendance by year (w/b September 16th). Attendance last week was 95.1% with three forms (5M, 3BL & 7BL) achieving 100% attendance. Attendance and its impact on learning
Year 7 Year 8 year 9 year 10 year 11 School
98.8% 95.3% 94.7% 93.8% 95.2% 95.6%
10 days absence means 95% attendance 19 days absence means 90% attendance 29 days absence means 85% attendance 38 days absence means 80% attendance 47 days absence means 75% attendance Please note: If your child is off school you need to contact student services the same day on 0161 921 1589/1551. If the school has not been contacted within five days, the absences will automatically be unauthorised. Ten unauthorised marks may lead to a fixed penalty notice being served. Top: at the Siemens Rollercoaster Challenge;
Below: 6th formers at the Teenage Cancer8 Trust fundraiser
TWEET OF THE WEek More
Pathway CTM @PathwayCTM Sept 23
Wonderful talking to the Year 13 at @SABSalford launch event today
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Parishes in our Catchment Area Holy Trinity, Worsley (formerly Christ the King; St. Edmund’s) Sunday Mass Times • 9:00am at Christ the King • 11:00am at St. Edmund’s Our Lady of Hope, Salford (formerly St. Luke’s; SS. Peter & Paul, Pendleton) Sunday Mass Times • 6:30pm (Sat vigil) at St. Luke’s • 9:30am at St. Luke’s • 8:00am at SS. Peter & Paul • 11:00am at SS. Peter & Paul St. Ambrose Barlow, Swinton & Pendlebury (formerly St. Mark’s, St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, St. Charles Borromeo) Sunday Mass Times • 9:30am at St. Mark’s • 11:15am at St. Charles • 4:00pm at St. Mark’s
FAITH IN YOU
LOVE IN LEARNING
HOPE IN BETTER
ST AMBROSE BARLOW RC HIGH SCHOOL & SIXTH FORM www.stambrosebarlowswinton.org 37 Ash Drive Swinton Salford M27 9QP 0161 921 1570 @SABSalford Headteacher: Ben Davis 10
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