Contents Chair Of Governors’ Report Headteacher’s Report - Aims, Ethos, Mission And Duties The stunning results at GCSE in the summer of 2011 that propelled Governors’ Report Page 2 In the summer of 2013, Saint Benedict became a Catholic the school to its best results ever were matched in many areas in Headteacher’s Report Page 3 Voluntary Academy with the full support of the Diocese. At the 2012. Once again on some measures we were amongst the top two Aims of the School Page 4 - 5 end of our first year as an academy we are seeing a number or three in the City. Staff and students worked very hard for these of ways in which we are now able to work more efficiently and results, and our current cohort who have just sat their GCSEs, have Chaplaincy Page 6 - 7 we are confident that the changes we are beginning to see will worked equally hard building on the strong culture of learning now RE Department Page 8 benefit our young people in the years to come. embedded in the academy. Andy’s Angels Page 9 Deputy Headteacher Page 10 The OFSTED inspectors who visited us in November 2012 Results at A level also maintained success, and we are expecting were able to recognise the effects of the hard work put in by even greater things from the latest cohort. Not only are we the happy English Department Page 11 Saint Benedict is a good Catholic School. The Catholic life staff and students alike over the past two years. They reported and caring academy we have become well-known for, we are also an Sports Department Page 12 - 13 of the school is excellent and emanates from the strong that achievement had improved quickly. They praised the academy where children can achieve and exceed their potential. leadership of the headteacher, the senior leadership team, Sports Day Page 14 commitment of the staff as “exceptional” and noted the “high the chaplain and the Religious Education department, all Year 7 & 8 iLearn Page 15 quality of students’ spiritual, moral and cultural education”. The commitment of our student body is shown in lots of ways. Once again it was a of whom are dedicated to continuous improvement and to Design & Technology Department Page 16 - 17 They recognised the young people’s “positive attitudes towards pleasure to join year groups for breakfast at the Briars, our residential youth centre, the ethos of the school. their learning and towards each other”. and the warmth of their welcome and camaraderie was great to experience. Sports Day Taken from the Diocesan Inspection – Spring 2013 Food, Health And 2013 exceeded last year’s ‘best ever’. Great House spirit, excellent behaviour and a very Human Development Department Page 18 Governors have placed on record their appreciation of the strong competitive spirit made for an exciting day of sport. It was a great pleasure to DTE Department Page 19 efforts made by the whole community to make Saint Benedict welcome Year 13 student, Yasmin Miller, to present the winning House with their award. Maths Department Page 20 an even better place in which to learn. Yasmin had the day before been told she had been selected to represent Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the European Junior Athletics Championships in Berlin. Well done to Sixth Form Page 21 Yasmin. Going back a little further in the year, the school musical play, CATS! was another The Headteacher describes Saint Benedict’s as a special Change seems to be the order of the day and we must search place, and it is. The commitment of staff to students’ Science Department Page 22 - 23 sell-out success, involving almost 200 children in ten weeks of auditions, rehearsals for ways to ensure that the young people at our academy successes and well-being is exceptional as is the high Creative Arts Department Page 24 - 27 benefit from the opportunities it brings. It is all the more (including some Sundays) and eight performances. We were one of the first schools in quality of students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural Robert Ludlam Theatre Page 28 important for us to make sure that our core values and the country to perform the full touring version of this show and members of Andrew Lloyd education. Webber’s company, The Really Useful Group, came to some rehearsals and one of the Lettings - spaces available for hire Page 29 principles are embedded in any new way of operating. For performances. The basketball team reached the English National finals for the third year us, this means remembering that we are first and foremost a Leaders, managers and governors have been consistent The House System Page 30 - 31 in a row, not losing a game en route. Their final position of third is a testament to their in their ambition to ensure that all students make good Catholic academy and, secondly, a specialist academy for the Bakhita House Page 32 skill and commitment. progress. They know the strengths of the academy and performing arts. John Paul House Page 33 they also know what they have to do to improve it further. Kolbe House Page 34 - 35 These are just examples of some of the many experiences available for our children Taken from the Ofsted Report – November 2012 One of our fundamental tasks is to work alongside Catholic through the commitment of staff and the children’s willingness to take part. McAuley House Page 36 parents in bringing up their children in the faith – a huge Romero House Page 37 challenge in itself, especially in today’s secular society. The Becoming an academy has been very successful and extensive use has been made of the Teresa House Page 38 other challenge to Catholic schools and academies, one of new powers. Links with the local authority have been strengthened, and the Academy which Saint Benedict has also always accepted, is to open Citizenship Page 39 expects the highest of standards in the service it receives. its doors to the wider community. The cultural mix of our The strong ethos that all staff have the potential to Saint Benedict Day Page 40 - 41 grow, both professionally and personally, given the right students reflects the diversity of backgrounds from which For those thinking of joining our academy – you would be joining a forward-looking encouragement and support. Food Provision Page 42 Derby’s citizens have come – other parts of the country, learning community that is striving ever to be better; for those already in our academy – Derby Music Centre Page 43 the European Union and across the world. We never forget you are part of something very special where your dedication is appreciated and effective, The school has continued to offer professional Modern Languages Department Page 44 that we have a duty to the poor. Those families who are not and where caring for each other and being happy and achieving well is important; and for apprenticeships. Talking of appointing and mentoring Humanities Department Page 45 Catholic but choose Saint Benedict for their children enrich those thinking of working here, you would be joining a vibrant, positive group of people, apprentices, one member of the SMT explained “I see my our community and give us the opportunity and the challenge one of the most committed sets of staff it has been my privilege to know and work with, role as nurturing the team and bringing them on. I have SEN Page 46 - 47 to share our Catholic faith with them and to help them become and a community where everyone looks out for their colleagues. Saint Benedict is a very responsibility to encourage their careers, even if that Fundraising/Development Page 49 the founded individuals with a great contribution to make to all special place. means moving outside the school”. School Council Page 49 our futures. Taken from the Investors in People Assessment Last year I wrote in this publication, ‘I hope the Ofsted Inspectors when they arrive Charities & Internationalism Page 50 - 51 Report – May 2013 will recognise not only the improvements and quality of our standards of learning and What is Arusha Project? Page 51 At Saint Benedict you will find a vibrant community of young people and adults committed to the idea of building a teaching, but also sense the moment they step across the threshold what a special place Admissions Policy Page 52 - 54 learning organisation. We are proud of our work with students this is. I think Saint Benedict would be very proud of us!’ The School Day Page 55 with sight, physical or learning impairments, of our links Bus Information Page 56 with universities and schools in the United States, Africa, Well, Ofsted did come at the end of November, praised our results and our commitment to all aspects of the school, and referred to my comment above about Saint Benedict being a What Do We Learn / Where Do We Learn Page 58 - 59 Afghanistan and Europe, and of our work in environmental special place with the simple comment, ‘…and it is’. Academy Policies Page 60 - 61 education and the arts. I am sure you will find this prospectus informative. Uniform Page 62 - 63 Read the report. You will discover that we have great children, great staff, a great drive for Links Across the World Page 64 - 65 Mike Ray success – and are truly a great academy. Academy Library & Learning Centre Page 66 Chair of Governors Literacy Page 67 Dr Christopher Reynolds OBE Numeracy Page 67 Headteacher Is your child missing out Page 68 GOVERNORS LEA Governors: Saint Benedict Attendance Page 71 Clerk to the Governors: Mrs R Darby – contacted via the school Mr F Kirkland (Vice Chair), Mr D Byrne A Catholic Voluntary Academy Staff List Page 72 - 73 Foundation Governors: Mr M Ray (Chair) Staff Governors: Duffield Road, Darley Abbey, Derby DE22 1JD Mr F Kirkland (Vice Chair) Ms A O’Hanlon, Mr A Clare, Mrs M Wikinson Rev J Guest, Mr T Spencer Parent Governors: Tel: 01332 557032 Part of the Holy Family Catholic Academy Trust Mrs K Hughes, Father P Chipchase Mrs A Smyth, Mr R Price, Mrs A Molloy Fax: 01332 553032 Dr M Farrell (Parent Foundation) Headteacher Governor: and a specialist Mr N Dunne (Parent Foundation) Email: [email protected] Performing Arts College Dr P Hagan (Parent Foundation) (Ex-officio) Dr C Reynolds OBE Website: www.saintben.derby.sch.uk Mr A Mowles (Parent Foundation) We meet each term for Full Governing Body Meetings.