St. Boniface's College Head teachers Blog wb 16.9.13

Week A 16^th September.

Could I take this opportunity to thank all the parents who were able to attend the Ofsted report meetings last week.  I have been extremely heartened by your support and fully appreciate your full and frank appraisals of how you would like to see St. Boniface’s develop. It is obvious to us all that of paramount importance is the quality of education your sons receive in the classroom. Consistency in approach by staff in dealing with disruption to learning, homework issues and communication with you and students, have all come across strongly as well. This helps give the College a clear direction on what it needs to improve very quickly, as of course does the Ofsted inspection itself. At the time of writing this Blog the College Action Plan should be in transit to the DfE for approval. Once we have had our visit from Her Majesty’s Inspector I am proposing to hold further meetings with you not only to keep you informed of progress but also for you to be able to comment to upon whether you have seen any progress from a parental standpoint.  I hope that this will be sometime in October or early November.

 

I am expecting to send home the College Parental Diaries to you next week and hope that you will find them of use. The diary covers the Autumn term activities, a new version being provided for each term. I have copied the homework timetable in operation this year into this Blog and will do so for each blog into the future.

Now that the weather appears to have turned could I please remind all parents that “hoodies” are not allowed to be worn in school. The PE based sports clubs start up on Monday and I do hope that pupils will avail themselves once again of the many other varied activities that occur each week as well as those offered by the PE department.

Year 7

Year 7 have had a lovely first week at St Boniface's. They have continued to settle in well, although a couple of students are still struggling with the large campus and finding classrooms! The boys continue to look extremely smart and I have been so pleased that they are adhering to the hair and uniform requirements. 

This weeks assembly focussed on the 12th anniversary of The 9/11 terrorist attacks. I led students in a prayer service for the families of the victims and all who were affected by that fateful day.

I have been popping into various lessons across the campus this week to check the year 7's are settling well into their learning and have been so impressed! Particular mention to the boys in a music lesson who were making their own music! Not only fascinating to watch but excellent! Keep up the great start boys!  

We were delighted to attend the Welcome Mass on Thursday in St Peter's Church. I was incredibly proud of the Year 7’s in the respectful way they behaved during the lovely service. A special well done to the wonderful readings by Toby, Joe and Owen. It's often very nerve wracking to stand in front of your peers, so well done for reading so eloquently! Thank you also to Father John Webb from all of the year 7 team.

 

An important date for the Year 7 diary;

 

 September 17th -  We have our Year 4/5/6 Open Evening.

 6pm – 7.30pm. If you have younger children currently at primary school in years 4/5/6 then please come along to find out more about the college. There will be tours of the classrooms and opportunities to meet staff and students.

 

 

Finally, a reminder that we have a fantastic transition tutor team here at St Boniface’s, who are specialised in dealing with any issues the Year 7’s present. Please contact either your son’s tutor or me directly, should you have concerns or questions.

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

Year 8

Please congratulate the way the Year 8’s have settled in. I’m very happy. I found out that Toby and his parents climbed Ben Nevis during the holidays-the photos were excellent.

Also, please congratulate those boys who attended the university with Mr. Smart.

Mr. Tucker

Year 9

Welcome back to all year 9’s and a special welcome to the 7 new lads who have joined us this year from various parts of the UK.

It was a real pleasure to stand up in assembly this week and to greet all the smiling faces and to see them all smartly attired, thank you to all the parents for supporting the school on the matter of uniform it is these little things that can have a big impact on standards.

To further help and improve literacy standards the school has introduced a reading scheme were all students will undertake 30 mins silent reading each day, could I please ask that you ensure your son has some suitable reading material in his school bag each day.

The lads have settled well and there is calm around the college and a lot of good learning is taking place, many of the lads have matured over the summer beyond all recognition.

Congratulations this week goes to Matthew (9K) recently passed his Grade 3 piano exam with merit.

Mrs Mcloughlin

Head of Year 9

 

Year 10

MR SCOTT

Year 10 have come back to school ready to work and focus on their GCSE courses.  The tutor team were particularly touched by the thank you cards and messages from students and parents at the end of the summer term, and asked that I pass on their collective thanks.

We welcome Juan to our year group - who has recently arrived in Plymouth from Spain.  He has had a fantastic first week - and made lots of new friends.  He has quickly become a fan of the Westcountry's best - the pasty - in the school canteen!

It was pleasing to see the number of Year 10 volunteers at the Open Evening for potential new students. From PE to Catering, the boys showcased all our school has to offer - and were complimented by parents and staff alike.  Well done to you all!  Special mention to Dean, Louis and Joe!

Next week's singing assembly will be Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now" and "Bohemian Rhapsody"... air guitars at the ready!

Updates about Year 10 are also available via Twitter - follow @SBCC_MrScott

Mr Griffin - tutor for 10E will be leaving the College to take up a new post at Plymouth University - so we've welcome a new tutor - Mr James to the team.  For parents of boys in 10E, Mr James' email address is rjames@stbonifaces.com

A gentle reminder that students need to wear their blazer/tie at all times, and black, leather lace-up school shoes (not trainers/boots/plimsolls).  With the current wet weather, a waterproof outdoor coat is recommended (hoodies are neither suitable nor allowed in school).

 

 

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

The sixth form lessons are back in full swing, both vocational and academic. All students are looking very impressive in their new suits. All students are in school periods up to lunch, except for Wednesday where a full program of enrichment is in place for all students.

The new Business Management course in partnership with GHQ is looking to be successful.

The Big Brothers are starting up fully next week, where younger students can be helped by a sixth former.

UCAS applications are starting, if any parent wants advice on funding or courses then they can contact stew@stbonifaces.com to talk or make an appointment. It is very important that the students take the opportunities to show that they can get some experience in their chosen area. E.g Brian has been volunteering at Derriford talking to patients, Dan had Summer work experience with a Law firm, both have glowing references. This makes them stand out from the rest.

It's been a very hectic start back with all students trying to find the right courses. If you are finding the course is not for you don't leave it to late to change. Every Department has been asked to be honest with you about your capability to achieve a grade at A Level so that decisions are made early.

Special thanks to Miss Blackshaw for her efforts to make sure everything runs smoothly and her determination to get things right and to Mrs Cox for her pastoral efforts with all the students. Next week we will focus on the vocational courses.

Last year Year 13s will be heading off or starting university this weekend. This can be a painful time for the parents both emotionally and financially. The students will be in a new environment with in many cases totally new people to meet. A daunting yet exciting time….It is what we aim to prepare them for ..

I wish them well and every success…..

Mr. Tew

 

Homework Timetable 2013-14

		7	8	9	10	11
Mon	D	Science, Art	DT, ICT	Art, ICT, Geography	English Option A	MFL Biology
	L	Science, History	DT, Geography	Drama, Geography
	O	Art, English, Drama	Music	Art, English	English Option A	MFL Biology
	P	History, English		Music, English
	T		Music	English		Science
Tue	D	ICT, History, MFL	History, Music	Science, History	Humanities MFL	RE Option B
	L	Art, MFL, Geography	ICT, Music	Science, ICT
	O	MFL, DT	MFL, RE	DT, History	Chemistry Biology
	P	DT	MFL, Music	DT, Drama
	T		ICT, DT	Music, History
Wed	D	RE, Geography	Science, Art	RE, MFL, Music	Biology Chemistry	English Chemistry
	L		Science, History	RE, MFL, Art
	O	Maths, History	ICT, English	MFL, Music, Science	Physics RE	English Maths
	P	Maths, Art	English	MFL, Science
	T		English	Science, RE
Thu	D	English, Maths	Maths, English	English	Maths RE	Option A Humanities
	L			English, History
	O	Music, ICT	DT Maths	Maths, RE	Maths ICT
	P	Music, MFL		Maths, RE, ICT
	T		Maths, Art	Maths, ICT
Fri	D	Music	MFL	Maths, DT	Option B	Maths Physics
	L	Music, RE	MFL, RE	Maths, DT
	O		Geography, Science	ICT, Geography	Option B Media
	P		ICT	History, Geography, Art
	T		Humanities	Art, Geography

 

 

 

 

Week A	Clubs/activities
Monday	Fitness club (lunch) Year 7 rugby (after school) School Play – Lord of the Flies (after school) Mr Trimmer STEM (after school) Mr Smart Geography clinic (lunch) Miss Beales
Tuesday	KS3 basketball (lunch) Drama club (lunch) Mr Trimmer Workshop sessions catch up (lunch) Mr Griffin Geography clinic (lunch) Miss Beales
Wednesday	Fitness club (lunch) Year 8 rugby (after school) Knitting club (lunch) Mrs Parsons E123 Board games (lunch) Mrs Williamson-Firth E123 School Play – Lord of the Flies (after school) Mr Trimmer Workshop sessions catch up (lunch) Mr Griffin Geography clinic (lunch) Miss Beales
Thursday	Fitness club (lunch) Year 9 rugby (after school) Art club (after school) Miss Gosling Geography clinic (lunch) Miss Beales
Friday	KS4 basketball (lunch) Android club (lunch years 9-11) Mr Neethling Geography clinic (lunch) Miss Beales
Week B
Monday	Fitness club (lunch) Year 7 rugby (after school) School Play – Lord of the Flies (after school) Mr Trimmer STEM (after school) Mr Smart Geography clinic (lunch) Miss Beales
Tuesday	KS3 basketball (lunch) Drama club (lunch) Mr Trimmer Workshop sessions catch up (lunch) Mr Griffin Geography clinic (lunch) Miss Beales
Wednesday	Fitness club (lunch) Year 8 rugby (after school) Knitting club (lunch) Mrs Parsons E123 Board games (lunch) Mrs Williamson-Firth E123 School Play – Lord of the Flies (after school) Mr Trimmer Workshop sessions catch up (lunch) Mr Griffin Geography clinic (lunch) Miss Beales
Thursday	Fitness club (lunch) Year 9 rugby (after school) Geography clinic (lunch) Miss Beales
Friday	KS4 basketball (lunch) Android club (lunch years 9-11) Mr Neethling Geography clinic (lunch) Miss Beales

 

 

     The Prayer of St Boniface

Eternal God, the refuge and help of all your children,
we praise you for all you have given us,
for all you have done for us,
for all that you are to us.

In our weakness, you are strength;
in our darkness you are light;
in our sorrow, you are comfort and peace.

We cannot number your blessings;
we cannot declare your love:
For all your blessings we praise you.

May we live in your presence,
and love the things that you love,
and serve you in our daily lives;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

 

Headteacher's Blog for week beginning 9.9.13

Week B   9 – 13^th September

Welcome to the new term!

After a relaxing break school has started up once again. Fresh faces coming through the school gates with some wide eyes from the newest members in year 7 joining the Boniface family. All appear to have settled in well and it has been a joy to walk around the college and see happy faces. Father John has kindly offered hold a welcoming mass for the Year 7 pupils on Thursday 12^th September at 12.30 in St. Peter’s Church next to the school, an open invite has been extended to parents.

 

Summer offered a great set of results for pupils taking GCSE and A level, the A level outperforming expected Fischer Family Trust, FFT, targets by 20% - with nearly a quarter of those at A* and A grades. Every pupil who wished to go to University did so. For the first time in my living memory I was able to comment that in terms of actual pupil progress at GCSE the English results outperformed the strong maths department results. I would once again like to congratulate all those students involved in external examinations and publicly thank the hard working staff for all that they have done to ensure these students did so well.

In my opinion these results do not reflect an inadequate school.

 

We are very fortunate to be able to welcome some excellent new teachers and support staff into the college at the start of this term.

Mr. Evans – curriculum leader of English and Media, comes to us from an outstanding Ofsted rated college in Cornwall,

Mr. Romaine – Head of Science and Specialism, again from an outstanding rated college but this time in Devon,

Dr Trimming – teacher of Chemistry, from St. Margret’s School in Exeter,

Mr. Taylor – teacher of Chemistry,

Mr. Claricoates – Head of Vocational Studies and Duke of Edinburgh Award, joins us as a decorated member of Her Majesty’s Services.

Mr. James – teacher of PE and

Mr. Allerton – higher level teaching assistant in numeracy.

 

I am sure that by now you will have had a letter from me along with our most disappointing Ofsted report – all involved with the college are determined that never again will Ofsted be able to besmirch our good name in such a manner. From the verbal feedback that the inspection team have given me I am in a position to shed further light on how they arrived at such a grading and will be doing so at the Ofsted meetings coming up at 6pm on Wednesday 11^th, for KS3, and Thursday 12^th for KS4 and 5. I shall be giving the same message at both meetings so please do not worry if you are only able to come to the “wrong” evening. I envisage the meetings being an opportunity for me to allay fears that you may have and to inform you of the way forward the college is taking in conjunction with the local authority and diocese. Please feel free at the meeting to ask me any questions that are of concern to you. I am expecting the local press to report on the June Ofsted inspection in the near future. The report is made available on the Ofsted website on Monday 12^th September. Could I thank the large numbers of parents who have contacted the college to offer support after the inspection conclusions were made open – we have work to do and as recent results show we are well on our way, with everyone pulling together I believe that we will very soon be able to demonstrate to Ofsted that we are once again at least a “good” school.

 One of the areas we want to focus more on is literacy and as such all KS3 pupils have been asked to bring a reading book to school each day. Research from other schools on a national level indicates that reading each day makes a significant difference to eventual outcomes at GCSE level. If your son is in KS3 he will have a 30 minute reading slot during the school day each day. Could you please work with us in ensuring that he does bring a suitable reading book to school each day. We do have books in the library that your son can access.

Mr Neethling in modern foreign languages would love you to look at the website below please:

www.bonniesmfl.weebly.com 

Mr. Greenway, our Head of PE, wants all students and parents to know that the extra- curricular clubs run by the PE staff will start up on Monday 16^th September, week A

 

Clubs and Activities

Week A
Monday	Fitness club (lunch) Year 7 rugby (after school) School Play – Lord of the Flies (after school) Mr Trimmer STEM (after school) Mr Smart Geography clinic (lunch) Miss Beales
Tuesday	KS3 basketball (lunch) Drama club (lunch) Mr Trimmer Workshop sessions catch up (lunch) Mr Griffin Geography clinic (lunch) Miss Beales
Wednesday	Fitness club (lunch) Year 8 rugby (after school) Knitting club (lunch) Mrs Parsons E123 Board games (lunch) Mrs Williamson-Firth E123 School Play – Lord of the Flies (after school) Mr Trimmer Workshop sessions catch up (lunch) Mr Griffin Geography clinic (lunch) Miss Beales
Thursday	Fitness club (lunch) Year 9 rugby (after school) Art club (after school) Miss Gosling Geography clinic (lunch) Miss Beales
Friday	KS4 basketball (lunch) Android club (lunch years 9-11) Mr Neethling Geography clinic (lunch) Miss Beales
Week B
Monday	Fitness club (lunch) Year 7 rugby (after school) School Play – Lord of the Flies (after school) Mr Trimmer STEM (after school) Mr Smart Geography clinic (lunch) Miss Beales
Tuesday	KS3 basketball (lunch) Drama club (lunch) Mr Trimmer Workshop sessions catch up (lunch) Mr Griffin Geography clinic (lunch) Miss Beales
Wednesday	Fitness club (lunch) Year 8 rugby (after school) Knitting club (lunch) Mrs Parsons E123 Board games (lunch) Mrs Williamson-Firth E123 School Play – Lord of the Flies (after school) Mr Trimmer Workshop sessions catch up (lunch) Mr Griffin Geography clinic (lunch) Miss Beales
Thursday	Fitness club (lunch) Year 9 rugby (after school) Geography clinic (lunch) Miss Beales
Friday	KS4 basketball (lunch) Android club (lunch years 9-11) Mr Neethling Geography clinic (lunch) Miss Beales

 

 

A note from Miss Beales, Head of Year 7.

Year 7 have had a wonderful start to the new  year with all settling in well. There were lots of nervous faces on Wednesday morning as they sat silently waiting for the day to begin, however many students have already earned themselves well deserved merits, in just 3 school days, which is so pleasing. The boys looked extremely smart starting school and I have been so pleased that they are adhering to the hair and uniform requirements. Please can I take this opportunity to remind parents that black trainers/pumps are not allowed and students should wear black shoes.

We welcomed the students on Wednesday with an assembly. During this, we had a lovely prayer service led by Miss Heduvan. Many of the tutors were involved with prayers/readings so this was a really nice experience for the boys. Students then had their official school photographs. Details of how you can purchase these will be distributed in due course. At the end of the day on Wednesday, students were treated to a special learning experience with their tutors on our “Building Learning Habits” programme, looking at the skills behind the learning in the classroom. I think this session was thoroughly enjoyed by all!

I was incredibly proud of the Year 7’s as we took part in the practice fire alarm on Friday. The year group behaved impeccably and were a real credit to the school, acting with such maturity. It’s difficult to believe they were in Primary School only a few short months ago.

 

Some important dates for the Year 7 diary;

 

·         September 10^th and 17^th - We have our Year 4/5/6 Open Evenings. 6pm – 7.30pm. If you have younger children currently at primary school in years 4/5/6 then please come along to find out more about the college. There will be tours of the classrooms and opportunities to meet staff and students.

 

·         September 12^th – We have a “Welcome Mass” at St Peter’s Church at 12.30 pm celebrated by Father John Webb. All welcome.

 Finally, just a reminder that we have a fantastic transition tutor team here at St Boniface’s, who are specialised in dealing with any issues the Year 7’s present. Please contact either your son’s tutor or me directly, should you have concerns or questions.

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

 

Please see below a note from Mr. McKenna our Help the Heroes link:

 

                                                                                                1^st September 2013

Dear HMS Heroes

Re: Plymouth Military Kids Choir

 

The Military Kids Choir meets most Wednesdays, at Plymouth Guildhall, providing a unique opportunity for you to meet with other Service children and young people (including if a member of your family is a Veteran) and to sing together. We have over 40 members and are always open to new members. Why not come along and give it a try? It’s free to any age Hero! We have members aged 4 to 18.

We meet from 5-6pm and there is space for parents and carers to meet together and have a coffee whilst you are practicing. Our volunteer staff are CRB checked.

 The choir is lots of fun and we have many performances planned, including: the Plymouth Festival of Remembrance; Pagination RBL; The Stoke Centre and the Devon RBL carol concert, just for starters!

 We have already appeared at the Pavilions, singing with the Military Wives, and Plymouth Argyle, raising funds for military charities.

 If you would like to come along, please ask your parent or carer to bring you to the next meeting that is convenient.

 The autumn dates are: Sept: 18^th & 25.  Oct:  2^nd, 9^th, 16^th & 23^rd.  Nov:  4^th (Monday), 13, 20, & 27^th. Dec:  4^th & 11^th.

Please check the HMS Heroes website (www.hmsheroes.co.uk) Military Kids Choir page as these dates may be subject to change.

The Military Kids Choir is a Children’s University Learning Destination.

 

We look forward to meeting you.   For further information please email info@hmsheroes.co.uk

 

Heather Ogburn and Gwyn Price

HMS Heroes Volunteers Choir Leads

 

 

 

A prayer for the beginning of term:

Lord God,
At the beginning of this new term teach us to
be your hands and feet where we are,
At the beginning of this new term teach us to
love as you love us
At the beginning of this new term teach us to
pray for those in need
So that You are honoured and glorified
Amen