| As a voluntary-aided Roman Catholic
school the basic religious ethos is to be found across the whole
curriculum and not just within the R.E. timetable. The whole aim of
the school is the Christian growth of the children, not simply their
growth in their own faith, but their growing awareness of the world as a
maturing Christian.
Painsley Catholic High School has a full programme of religious
education based on the Archdiocesan syllabus. In Years 7 to 9 pupils
follow the "Christian Way Series" programme of Christian
education. In Years 10 and 11 all pupils are prepared for the
Northern Examination Association G.C.S.E. in Religious Studies.
Retreats are arranged for Year 8 to Alton Castle and for Year 10 to
Soli House, the Diocesan Retreat Centre at Stratford-upon-Avon.
These retreats are usually two to four days' duration. Extra to
these, weekend retreats are arranged for Year 11 pupils whenever
possible. A group of staff and pupils, past and present, visit Our
Lady's Shrine at Walsingham during the October half term.
The new School Chapel is extremely well appointed for the Voluntary
Masses and Eucharist Services. The Chapel serves as a quiet area for
"Time-Out", a time of meditation and prayer. Children are
helped to prepare the liturgy in school. There are Masses in School
for Holy Days of Obligation and for each year group at the start of the
academic year. Special liturgical celebrations such as the Harvest
Festival take place at various times throughout the year.
The School Chaplain, Father Peter Weatherby, is available for children
and staff to discuss any matters of concern.
General Curriculum Notes
There is a full range of subjects offered in Years 7 to 9. This
gives a broad and balanced curriculum. The National Curriculum
subjects are: Religious Education, English Language and Literature,
Mathematics, Physical Education, Science, French and German, History,
Geography, Art, Music, Drama and the Technology subjects (which include
Design, and work in Graphics, Food, Textiles, Wood, Metal, plastics and
Electronics).
An I.C.T., Information and Communications technology, course is taught
throughout Years 7, 8 and 9. A Combined Science course is used in
Years 7 and 8, followed by the individual sciences (Physics, Chemistry and
Biology) in Year 9. French or German is taught to all pupils from
Year 7 and the second language is introduced in Years 8/9. Physical
Education includes Swimming in Year 7.
|
"Attitudes to
learning are excellent. Pupils want to be successful. They are
attentive and show good concentration."
Ofsted, April 1997
"Results in the
national tests in English, Mathematics and Science at the end of Key Stage
3 are well above average."
Ofsted, April 1997
"The school
offers pupils many opportunities to experience success, including
academic, sporting and cultural"
Religious Inspectors, 1997 |
