St. Boniface's Catholic College Headteachers Blog Summer 2103

Well, the end of the Summer term is upon us. Where has the year gone once again? Can I thank you the parents and students of the College for all your hard work over this past year. It has been rather rocky at times but there is a real feeling that we are moving forward at pace. I am sure that the new academic year will bring it’s challenges but we will meet them head on together and continue to push the College forward in our mission.

 

Examination results days are:

 

15^th August for A and AS levels  - College opens at 8am

 

and 22^nd August for GCSE results – College opens at 10am

 

 

The College re-opens for students in years 7, 10 and 12 at 8.50 on September 4^th

 

All other remaining students are expected in on September 5^th.

 

Ofsted have now confirmed that the forthcoming report will not be published until September from them.

 

Could I urge parents to follow the school uniform code. We believe that St. Boniface’s College stands for quality within the City of Plymouth and I am a firm believer in an outward appearance reflecting an inner self. Smart, well dressed young men indicate to me people who are serious about themselves and their studies. I am aware of the great drive to take into account the present fashion of hanging shirts out but in school we constantly ask the boys to tuck them in, we also do this as they leave the College at three different locations along their way home! It is a battle we will continue to have to drive up standards on all fronts.  

Please ensure that haircuts are suitable, above the collar at the back and out of the eyes in the front – no tramlines etc. please.

Black shoes, preferably leather and certainly not canvas. A rule of thumb I use is that if a shoe has a heel it is a shoe but I am aware that there are varieties of this. Boots are not acceptable.

 

I would also like to bring to your attention a letter I have received this week from the local authority regarding requests for holidays during term time, a copy of which I show below:

 Dear Parent/Carer

 

RE:      GOVERNMENT CHANGES RELATING TO HOLIDAY IN TERM TIME

 

We are writing to inform you that as from the 1^st September 2013, all schools are unable to authorise any requests for absence relating to holidays in term time.  This has been brought about by an amendment to the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006, which has removed reference to holidays and the ten day period.  The amendments make clear that Head Teachers may not grant leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.

 

These changes reinforce the government’s view following the “Taylor Report” on attendance, that regular school attendance is vital and that pupils should only be granted authorised absence by the school, in exceptional circumstances, e.g. illness, exclusions or due to other unavoidable causes.  This view has recently been reinforced by Ofsted who in a recently published report on a school, reported, “Pupils clearly enjoy being at school.  However, overall attendance is no better than average, and this is in part due to some pupils being taken out of school for holidays during term time by their parents, in spite of the fact that the school has a clear and published policy that makes it clear that such absence is unauthorised.  This absence has an impact on pupils’ achievement.  As a result, the overall judgement for behaviour and safety is good rather than outstanding”.

 

We would remind parents that unauthorised absences may well result in the instigation of parent responsibility measures which could be a penalty notice, or a fine of up to 2,500 and/or a term of imprisonment of up to 3 months depending on levels of absence.  We hope you will support your child’s school by ensuring that your son/daughter obtains the maximum benefit from their time at school by attending punctually for the 190 days each year that the law requires, unless prevented from doing so by an unavoidable circumstances.

 

 

If you have any questions about the content of this letter then please contact your child’s school or the Education Welfare Service on 01752 307404/05.

 

Education, Learning and Family Support

 

I will of course be following these changes and ask that you do note the first sentence in the letter. It is highly unlikely that I will be able to grant authorisation in the same way as I have been able to in the past.

 

Year 8

As I continue to get to know my new year group I am constantly surprised and pleased at their attitude and approach. A big thank you to all the year and I am looking forward to working with you all next year.

 Mr. Tucker

 

Year 9

 

Can I take this opportunity to thank all the lads in the year group for all their efforts this year,  the year group has really started to gel now and they are showing  a real camaraderie amongst themselves which I am looking forward to building on in September.

Good luck to the lads who due to family commitments are moving on to new schools I hope you will be happy and continue to be successful.

I look forward to seeing the rest of you again on Thursday September 5th in your smart uniforms, (leather shoes not canvas or trainers), suitably short haircuts and NO earrings! Together with the correct equipment for lessons pens, pencils rulers etc.

 

Finally can I take this opportunity to wish you and your families a happy and enjoyable summer, look after yourselves and stay safe.

 

Mrs Lyn Mcloughlin

Head of Year 9

 

 

YEAR 10

 

As the last line of Cliff Richard’s “Summer Holiday” rang out in yesterday’s assembly, it was clear to all that the end of the year was nearly upon us.  It has been a fantastic year for the lads – they’ve persevered and made a success of their time in Year 9.  The start to Year 10 has been a testament to their hard work.

 

We’ll take with us a wide range of memories from the year – from GCSE options evening to Flambards; sports day to Curriculum Enrichment Week.  Mr Smart’s singing, Mr Tucker’s dancing, and of course the KS3 Awards Evening - where the boys took 11 of the 13 major awards!

 

A big ‘thank you’ to the boys for their hard work, to the parents for their unending support, and to my tutors for their commitment to their groups.  Here’s to the coming two years.

 

School’s out for summer…!

 

 

THANK A TEACHER

 

If you’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to your son’s teachers for their work this year – visit www.thankateacher.co.uk to nominate them for an award.  They’ll receive a nice card in the post too!

 

Mr. Scott

 

 

Year 11

 The end of the year and the springboard to a very important year for the year 11’s. I have been very pleased by the approaches the boys have taken to their studies this year and feel encouraged that with continued effort they will succeed in their GCSEs in the not too distant future – now only 9 months or so away. Have a great Summer all and come back ready for work!

Mr. Redfern

  

Post 16

 Lubomba has won the Plymouth artist of the year, gaining extra tuition and a money cash prize. A lot of time has gone into his development as an artist by all the Art staff here and at Notre Dame.

Congratulations to all our vocational students who have gained vocational awards, from Accountancy to Teaching Assistant to sports coaching to construction. Special mention to Joe and his catering achievement. Well done!

Thanks to all sixth form staff and students for their dedication and help.

 

Mr. Tew

 

 

All that remains is for me to thank you for your continued support and to wish you all a peaceful, relaxing, enjoyable and safe Summer. I look forward to helping move the College forward next year.

A.   Davies

 

 

O God of all beginnings and endings,
We praise and thank you for the gift of this school year.
It has been a time filled with grace and blessings,
With challenges and opportunities, joys and sorrows.

The days have passed quickly, O Lord.
The weeks, the months, the seasons, the holidays and holy days,
The exams, vacations, breaks, and assemblies,
All have come forth from your hand.

While we trust that your purposes have always been at work each day,
Sometimes it has seemed difficult to understand and appreciate
Just what you have been up to in our school.

Give us the rest and refreshment we need this summer.
Let our efforts of this past year bear fruit.
Bring all of our plans to a joyful conclusion,
And bless us, according to your will,

With the fulfillment of our summer hopes and dreams.
Watch over us in the weeks of rest ahead,
And guide each day as you have done this past year.
Help us return to school with a new spirit and a new energy.

May we continue to grow
In age, wisdom, knowledge and grace
All the days of our lives.

Amen.

 

St. Boniface's Catholic College Headteachers Blog for the week beginning 15th July 2013

Please note that in a recent letter home from Mrs. Venn a comment regarding the movement of the Inclusion department for September was made. At the time of writting this was the proposal however, as with much in education, plans have changed and I can confirm that the Inclusion department will now NOT be moving for September. Apologies to all for the confusion.

Mr. Davies

Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome to the penultimate Blog for the 2012-13 academic year. The warm weather has certainly helped bring a Summer feel at last to this term. The promotion of the timetables appears to have worked well with a smooth transition reported by Heads of Year.

Could you please note that the College will be closing at 12.30 on Friday 19^th of July with a Mufti day in aid of St. Boniface’s PTFA Motiv -8 project to provide improved gym facilities for all students and the “Hugs for Henry” campaign. £1.00 donations would be gratefully received from all in Mufti, but £2.00 would be even better if possible please. Thank you.

College opens again for pupils in years 7, 10 and 12 at 8.50 on Wednesday September 4^th with all years back the following day, 5^th September.

 

For those who enjoy bike riding please log on to

www.plymouth.gov.uk/cycling

to learn about Sky Ride Plymouth.

 

I am unsure if the recent Ofsted inspection will now be published before the end of this term. My understanding is that Ofsted do not publish reports during holiday periods so we may not get the report before we return in September. Please be assured that as soon as I have any news regarding Ofsted I will inform you straight away.

It was lovely to be part of the new parents evening last Wednesday looking into the work new year 7 students will be doing in English, Maths, Science and RE. I am constantly amazed at much education has changed since I was a student.

A big thank you to all the present parental team who made themselves available to give an insight into what to expect and useful tips. I can see that the website is going to be busy!

 Mr. Davies

 

Year 7

With the promotion of the new timetable there are no Year 7 pupils at the College.

 

Year 8

Mr, Tucker has been head of year for only a few weeks and is in the process of getting to know his year group.

Yr 8 cricket team now completed their cricket fixtures and remain unbeaten after a win last evening (10^th) at Tor Bridge.

 Mr. Tucker

 

Year 9

After a long wait we are finally enjoying a experiencing a warm summer term and our thoughts start to think about the summer holidays ahead, however, there is still work to be done before we can enjoy the break as the boys continue to settle into their new timetables, and for many new academic groups. The changes have been positive with many of the boys telling me how they are enjoying their new challenges and how they have moved groups within English and Maths and are finding the work more aspirational.

This week a selection of boys attended Plymouth University for a  Boys into Books Event,  they went on to campus and were involved with workshops in which there is currently a gender imbalance.

The boys were offered the chance to attend hands on workshops with two professional male writers, Dr Edson Burton; a Radio 4 playwright and poet and Steve Duncan, a Bristol based spoken word artist. The workshops offered the boys an introduction to Edson and Steve and the opportunities that a career in writing can offer before they get hands on with script writing and creative writing exercises. All those who attended came back full of enthusiasm.

On the sporting front, the cricket season is well under way with a number of our lads playing for local cricket clubs both in Devon and Cornwall, Rhys tells me his side Plymouth Cricket Club beat Cornwood this week, as I write this Year 9 are playing against Ivybridge so I hope I can report a win next week, Good luck lads.

Mrs  McLoughlin

Year 10

 

Our first singing assembly was a particular highlight this week with Ben in 9B showing he can ‘bust a move’ with his dancing, and Ben (also in 9B) singing loud for all to hear.  Mr Ousey led the 140 strong choir through the finale song from the film Pitch Perfect.  Dr Summers, Miss Seward, Mrs McLoughlin and Miss McFarland joined the assembly to sing along too.  Next week we will be singing Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out” and Cliff Richards’ “Summer Holiday” – to end a great year!

 

Thirteen GCSE Computer Science students took part in a residential at Plymouth University which saw them creating interactive web pages; experience different hardware platforms for running web servers; learn about the design of web pages; explore the principles and practice of creating code - and how this links to the core discipline of computer science.  They even went bowling together and stayed in student accommodation for the night.

 

In addition, two Year 10 students explore IT in society with a visit to Drake Circus – including a visit to the Apple Store to look at iPhone point-of-sale devices and Starbucks to look at contactless payments and wi-fi structures.

 

I wish you all a wonderful holiday and encourage a rest before the GCSE courses resume in September.

 

Mr. Scott

 

Year 11

 
Group photographs have been taken of each tutor group along with their respective tutors this week.  Mr Matson's tutor group 10V, led the assembly this week on Nelson Mandela. The timely assembly informed the boys of Mr Mandela's colourful history and his outstanding achievements in defeating apartheid in South Africa and how consequently, he has become a global icon and inspiration to others struggling against oppression.   

 Mr. Redfern
 

Post 16

 

We say goodbye to Cameron who has been offered a pre apprentice course with Skills Group. Cameron will be a great asset to any business. Cameron was Trainee of the Year last year in Plymouth.  We wish him all the success and will miss him being around.

Peter is improving greatly at Frenchay in Bristol. Are prayers and thoughts are with him and his family.

Phil has secured a place at Cardiff University following a long tradition in his family - a fantastic achievement. We wish him every success. 

Nathan has secured a place with World Challenge Expedition and is going to Uganda for a month.

 

The time of the year is upon is when UCAS has started. All personal statements should be written in draft - all 5 University choices need to be considered. Applications open September 1st.

 If any parent/student need guidance or have any questions then please email stew@stbonifaces.com. A UCAS application evening will be arranged in September.

 

Please note: Due to changes in examination set ups there are no longer any examinations in January.

Mr. Tew

 

 

Please see link below for the PE clubs for this term:-

 

https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=7pbtqaonjk2lukct3eke58kilc%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=Europe/London

 

Monday 15 July 2013   08:10 – 08:45 Table Tennis Breakfast Club 13:35 – 2:20 Film Club (F136) 13:35 – Geography Club (A9 or A6) 13:35 – Quiz in the Library 13:35 – Various Clubs in the Learning for Life Centre 13:35 – Fitness Suite 15:20 – 16:20 Extended Learning Club – Library 15:30 – Flag Football

Tuesday 16 July 2013   13:35 – 14:20 Film Club (F136) 13:35 – Card Games in the Library 13:35 – Various Clubs in the Learning for Life Centre

Wednesday 17 July 2013   13:35 – 14:15 Careers Club in the Library 13:35 – 14:10 Board Games Club BWF (Art Room E123)  13:35 – Knitting Club (Miss Gosling’s room) 13:35 – 2:20 Film Club (F136) 13:35 – Geography Club (A9 or A6) 13:35 – Various Clubs in the Learning for Life Centre 15:20 – 16:20 Extended Learning Club – Library 15:20 – 16:20 Gardening Club (LfLC) 15:30 – Flag Football 15:30 – Cricket 15:30 – Mountain Biking

Thursday 18 July 2013   13:35 – 14:20 Film Club (F136) 13:35 – Various Clubs in the Learning for Life Centre 13:35 – Geography Club (A9 or A6) 15:20 – 16:20 Extended Learning Club – Library 15:30 – 16:30 Stem Club (Mr Smart’s room)

Friday 19 July 2013 School closes 12:30 for Summer Holidays Mufti Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Take time to claim your strength;

they are gifts of God.

 

Take time to have fun;

it's God's way of teaching you your strengths.

 

Take time to grow yourself;

only you can grow you.

 

Take time to trust yourself;

God trusts you.

 

Take time to be self-reliant;

it is better than being dependent.

 

Take time to share with others;

they will bless you, and you will bless them.

 

Take time to have hope,

you are a child of God.

 

Amen

 

St. Boniface's Catholic College Blog for week beginning 8th July 2013

It was lovely to welcome new pupils and parents into the College family last week. Could I thank all those involved in making a lovely evening and what looked like a fun first day for the present Year 6 pupils. From saying goodbye to them from the gate at the end of the day they certainly enjoyed themselves.

 

Things here in the College have returned to normal after the Ofsted inspection last week. I do not yet have the formal feedback from the inspection team but will of course share any news with you as soon as I get it. We were very open with the Inspectors about the recent challenges we have faced and all the actions we have already taken to address them.  I am sure Ofsted will reflect this in their report and will make some more suggestions for how we can improve further. No matter what judgement the final report indicates, I am confident that with the support of staff, and parents and the continued hard work of our students, we are now well placed to take St Boniface’s College on to the next successful chapter of its history.
 

A polite reminder that school will be closing at 12.30 on 19^th July. The final day will be a MUFTI day with donations towards the PTFA Motiv-8 fund and the Hugs for Henry appeal please.

 

 

Old Year 7 

Here is my final entry for year 7 this year;

A week full of mixed emotions for us in year 7 last week. We have been celebrating with the year 7 Celebration Assembly and all of the fantastic achievements our boys have received, and commiserating with the movement of the year 7 students into year 8 and my last week as their Head of Year. It’s been a very busy year for us all, but I truly speak from the heart when I say I am so proud of the boys for their achievements both personal and academic this year. They are maturing into a lovely set of young men and Mr Tucker is lucky to continue with them into year 8.

I was really touched to receive a beautiful bouquet of flowers from the Year 7 students and a card signed by each of them saying how much they will miss me (!) It was so thoughtful. I managed to embarrass them suitably with a video I had made of the photos from throughout the year! I was extremely proud to give out so many certificates during the assembly. I think it made us all appreciate what a lovely pastoral team we have here at the school and the successes that it can bring out in our young men of the future.

 A special mention goes to David in 7K who beautifully read out a prayer he had written following the assembly last week on being thankful. In the prayer, David talked of the thanks he feels for the wonderful friends he has made here in his first year at St Boniface’s. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room! Well done David!

A final note to say “Thank You” to the parents for your continued support throughout the year. This will be my final blog entry for this year’s Year 7, as I pass the year group onto Mr Tucker. I have enjoyed seeing the students develop throughout the year and very much look forward to hearing about their continued success into Year 8.

 I wish you all a lovely week! – Miss Beales, Head of Year 7.

 

Year 8  Mr. Tucker

Mr. Tucker has picked up this year group after having had last year’s Year 11 group. After just 4 days he comments that he has been impressed with them.

 

Year 9

Recent converts from Year 8 has seen many of the lads mature from the somewhat shy year 7’s into more independent confident young men, many of them will not have a clue what they want to do when they leave school yet, - university, apprenticeship, job  etc..  Today the average worker stays at each of his or her jobs for 4.4 years, so it is possible they will make many life changing decisions before settling into a career path that they enjoy.

 Year 9 is the time when important choices are made, what subjects to follow for GCSE and for some continue into AS and A levels. For some it is a time for fresh starts and new beginnings for others building on and consolidating the good work they have started at the college. Whatever, category they fall into, let’s all look forward to a good year that serves as a healthy foundation for many years to come.

 Year 10

 The boys have started Year 10 with a positive mindset, and are adjusting to their new timetables.  Lots of excitement around Public Services, Computer Science and Engineering.  The new break time is working well, and students will be able to work with Mr Tucker’s Year 8 pupils over the coming year as Peer Mentors.  We also have an additional assembly on a Thursday – which will be dedicated to singing.  At the students’ request - Mr Ousey will lead us next week with the finale from the movie Pitch Perfect.

Following a rigorous selection process, ten students have been selected to take part in a two day residential course at Plymouth University focussed on computer science.  More to come next week!

  

Year 11
 
The majority of the year 11 boys enjoyed a days paintballing at Sparkwell, near Ivybridge, as a reward for good attendance and behaviour over the previous academic year.  The boys were extremely grateful to Mr Ramage, our Key stage four leader, for organising the event.   Everyone had a great time even though the paintballs did sting a lot  more than some of us expected them to!


Congratulations to James for being picked to represent England in the next  European Cross Triathlon Championships.  What an amazing achievement. Well done James, we're all proud of you.   

 

Post 16

Delayed congratulations to Fraser, now in year 13, Student of the Year from his Group. Well Done!

Year 12 - You're Hired.

Congratulations to Daniel who was the outright winner of the prestigious 'You're Hired' business competition, beating 35 other finalists from across the whole of Plymouth. The BBC's 'Apprentice' style competition is sponsored by some of the countries most notable companies such the accountancy firm KPMG, Bailey Partnership Construction and Balfour Beaty, to name just a few. The gruelling two day competition was held at Plymouth University which was also the venue where James Brent the Chairman of Plymouth Argyle and guest speaker, presented Daniel with the winners trophy which said that he was 'Plymouth's most employable 17 year old.' Sean also picked up a prestigious award from Bailey Partnership Construction, as their choice of being the most likely person to be successful in the construction industry. Well done to all the boys competing in this tough challenge. It bodes well with regards to them having a successful career.

 Mr. Redfern

 

 

150th Anniversary Ties – Now Available

You can order your son a Limited Edition 150^th Anniversary tie for £9.  Simply send in payment with your son’s details to main reception.  Alternatively, you can pop in an buy one at Trutex Schoolwear, Unit 3/4 Sugarmill Retail Park, Plymouth.

 

A report from Mrs Duggan on recent sporting excellence:

Just to let you know what a brilliant day it was at Exeter today. The 8 boys who took part were a credit to the school. They showed enthusiasm and good sportsmanship.

 

In the Orienteering: 

Martin, Harry and Morgan all won bronze medals. Joe and Lewis both won silver. 

Morgan won an additional Gold medal for his sportsman like conduct in the spirit of the Games.

 In the Indoor rowing: 

Ben won gold and Chris won silver, although John did not win a medal he gave his very best.

We will hopefully present these medals and certificates to the boys in their assemblies next week. Thank you for allowing them to go. It did their self esteem no end of good and they participated in activities that they would not ordinarily have taken part in. They also spent valuable social time together and worked collaboratively with each other which was a pleasure to witness.

 I was so proud of them all!

 Mrs Duggan

 

St. Boniface’s at a National level:

 

I qualified to represent Great Britain in the Junior Age Category by entering my best cross triathlon experience which was a race in Ampleforth, Yorkshire on April 6th 2013. The results can be found here: http://www.ukmtbtri.co.uk/results.html

I came 15th out of a total of 78 competitors and I was 2nd in the under 20's category. It consisted of a 500m swim, which I completed in just under 6 minutes, then a 14Km mountain bike and a 5Km x-country run. My total finishing time was 1 hour 19 mins 26 secs.

This race time enabled me to apply for the 2013 Strobl am Wolfgangsee ETU Cross Triathlon European Championships. found here: http://www.britishtriathlon.org/ge-gb-teams/age-group/detail/2013-Strobl-am-Wolfgangsee-ETU-Cross-Triathlon-European-Championships_2463

I then found out on Monday the 20th of May that I qualified for the event on the 7th September in Austria.

More information can be found at the event website: http://www.wolfgangseechallenge.at/portfolio/em-crosstriathlon

I am competing in the Junior category for ages 16-19 which involves a 500m lake swim followed by a 11Km mountain bike and 3Km run. I will be competing as part of the Great Britain cross triathlon age group team for this race at European level as it is a European championship.

 James  – Year 11

 

MFL News:

Mr Neethling attended a very exciting and productive meeting for languages teachers across Devon and Cornwall – students should watch out for exciting new developments in classrooms! In the meantime, start following @SBCCMFL on twitter and download the following GREAT free app on your Apple of Android smart phone or tablet

 

ANDROID: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.duolingo

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/duolingo-learn-spanish-french/id570060128?mt=8

 

Danke … au revoir!

 

 Careers Information:

 

Tuesday 16^th July 2013 we will be hosting a National Careers Service day.  Guidance and advice will be given to Parents who are thinking of going into further education, higher education or wanting to learn in the work place.  Information will be available about course costs, child care costs, support with living costs, Parent’s learning Allowance and Tax Credits.  Any parents that are interested please contact me here at the College.

 Mrs Hudson

 

 

 

 

Please see link below for the PE clubs for this term:-

https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=7pbtqaonjk2lukct3eke58kilc%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=Europe/London

 

Monday 8th July 2013   08:10 – 08:45 Table Tennis Breakfast Club 13:35 – 2:20 Film Club (F136) 13:35 – Geography Club (A9 or A6) 13:35 – Quiz in the Library 13:35 – Various Clubs in the Learning for Life Centre 13:35 – Fitness Suite 15:20 – 16:20 Extended Learning Club – Library 15:30 – Year 10 Baseball

Tuesday 9th July 2013   13:35 – 14:20 Film Club (F136) 13:35 – Card Games in the Library 13:35 – Various Clubs in the Learning for Life Centre

Wednesday 10th July 2013  Year 4/5 Taster Day 13:35 – 14:15 Careers Club in the Library 13:35 – 14:10 Board Games Club BWF (Art Room E123)  13:35 – Knitting Club (Miss Gosling’s room) 13:35 – 2:20 Film Club (F136) 13:35 – Geography Club (A9 or A6) 13:35 – Various Clubs in the Learning for Life Centre 15:20 – 16:20 Extended Learning Club – Library 15:20 – 16:20 Gardening Club (LfLC) 15:30 – Athletics 15:30 – Cricket 15:30 – Mountain Biking

Thursday 11th 2013   13:35 – 14:20 Film Club (F136) 13:35 – Various Clubs in the Learning for Life Centre 13:35 – Geography Club (A9 or A6) 15:20 – 16:20 Extended Learning Club – Library 15:30 – 16:30 Stem Club (Mr Smart’s room)

 

 

 

 

Lord, show us how to learn from others ,

how to be patient,

and how to persevere.

Amen