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Tuesday, 26 March 2013 15:51

Student offered prized Theatre Scholarship at a top USA University

26th March 2013 - Press Release

A student from Austin Friars St Monica’s School has been offered a Scholarship in Design/Technical Theatre at George Washington University, Washington DC. 

Thanks to his outstanding acting talents Will Low (aged 17), has successfully been offered a scholarship at one of USA’s top universities, studying for a degree in Liberal Arts. George Washington University, situated 4 blocks away from the White House has over 20,000 students enrolled and is regarded as one of the country’s best Universities. 

He will study at George Washington University for 4 years, where he will graduate with a minor in Liberal Arts, and a major that he will choose after his freshman year. Will has family that live in the nearby state of Virginia, but has opted to live on the University Campus.

His freshman year begins in August and of his achievement Will said “When I found out I had been offered the scholarship I rang my Mum. I just couldn't believe it!”

Will’s audition consisted of 3 stages. To be considered for the Scholarship Will uploaded 2 video monologues to YouTube for the University to view. He also had to provide 3 references from professionals in the areas of arts, music as well as a private instructor. Finally, he also had to write an essay describing the current role of art in his life and how he would like to see it continue.

Mr Malcolm Judge, Head of Drama said “I have taught and directed Will for a number of years and he has always impressed me with his talent and enthusiasm. The Scholarship is thoroughly deserved”. 

 

For more details please contact:

Andrew Hullock

Marketing Administrator

Tel: 01228 550719 email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Notes to editor

Austin Friars St Monica’s School is the independent day school for girls and boys aged 3-18 years in the centre of Carlisle.  The School has a strong reputation in Cumbria and South West Scotland for providing an all-round, high quality education that meets the individual needs of each child.

Academic achievement and strong pastoral care are at the heart of what we do.  Focusing on a traditional form of education, every pupil at Austin Friars St Monica’s is also encouraged to take part fully in the all-round life of the School with an extensive range of extra curricular activities available.
 
If you want further information on what we provide, please go to our website at www.austinfriars.cumbria.sch.uk
 
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Tuesday, 26 March 2013 13:49

School Receives Congratulations from Minister of State for Schools

March 2013 - Press Release

Saint Paul’s One of the 100 Most Improved Schools in the Country!

Saint Paul’s Catholic High School in Wythenshawe was delighted to be recognised nationally as one of the 100 most improved schools in the country. The school recently received official recognition of their achievement from the Rt Hon David Laws MP Minister of State for Schools.

 

The school has been highlighted as one of the 100 most improved schools in the country in terms of the progress the pupils have made between their Key Stage 2 results (i.e. when the pupils left primary school) and their GCSE results. 

Rt Hon David Laws MP, Minister of State for Schools, said: “It gives me great pleasure to congratulate you on the excellent GCSE performance of your pupils in 2012.”

“Your results show that you are amongst the 100 best improving schools in terms of the progress your pupils make between Key Stage 2 results and their GCSEs”.
 
He continued: “I would like to congratulate your staff, governors and pupils for their hard work and success and thank you for your leadership in continuing the drive towards high standards of educational achievement.”
 
The school achieved excellent GCSE results in 2012: the eighth year running that they had celebrated improved GCSE exam results.
 
2012 saw the best ever GCSE results for Saint Paul’s with 59% of pupils achieving 5 A* - Cs including Maths and English GCSEs (the government’s preferred measure), an increase of 11% from 2011. Also, the number of pupils attaining 5A* - Cs increased to an all time high of 90%.  
 
“We are delighted to be celebrating national recognition as one of the hundred most improved schools; this is another milestone for the school and is a remarkable achievement,” said Head Teacher, Mr Wiktor Daron. “2012 was an excellent year for pupils at Saint Paul’s; the results were a fantastic achievement. We are very proud of the results which students and staff at the school worked very hard to achieve.”
 
“I am delighted that once again Saint Paul’s has improved its GCSE results. The school has shown sustained improvements over a number of years and this is down to the hard work and dedication of the Head teacher, the teachers and staff at Saint Paul’s,” commented Councillor Tommy Judge, Chairman of Governors. “I am also delighted for the community of Wythenshawe that they have a school to be proud of.”
 
 
 
Notes for Editors
 
1.At the last Ofsted inspection of the school in March 2010 the following comments were made by the inspectors: “Good teaching enables students to make good progress and achieve well. Relationships between teachers and students are strong. They result in good behaviour.”
 
The report stated that the school is “enabling students to learn effectively and make good progress. Attainment is rising rapidly as a result. Achievement for all students, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those with English as an additional language, is good.”
 
2.The Ofsted report is reinforced by the preceding inspection of the school  by the Diocese of Shrewsbury under the guidance of the Bishop of Shrewsbury. The Diocese report stated “Saint Paul’s is a good Catholic school. The Head and Senior Leadership Team have a clear vision ….. an outstanding feature of the school is the pastoral care of students and the support of staff.”
 
3.The 2012 GCSE results for Saint Paul’s Catholic High School were its best ever with 90% of pupils achieving 5 A* - Cs. 59% of pupils gained 5 A*-C plus English and Maths. This is the eighth year in succession that the school has improved its GCSE pass rate. 
 
4.Saint Paul’s is the first school in Manchester to be awarded Engineering College status.
 
5.The work of Saint Paul’s drama teacher, Ms Ellie Brookes, was recognised with her winning the much coveted North West Teacher of the Year Award 2009. Also Head of Humanities at Saint Paul’s, Ms Ursula Gallagher, gained third place in the Outstanding New Teacher of the Year category of the Northern Area Teacher of the Year 2010.
 
6.Lively approaches to teaching maintain vigour and ensure that firm foundations are established for higher level work. The school has a modern approach to learning supported by a programme of constant refurbishment and development of its facilities and resources. Saint Paul’s is currently undergoing a total rebuild with the new school buildings due to open in November. 
 
7.The aims of the school are to:
•Teach and foster a Christian perspective in all that it does
•Provide teaching of the highest calibre
•Promote excellence in all areas
•Develop the ability, talents and character of each pupil, enabling them to make their own unique contribution to school life
•Encourage boys to play their part in helping the community run smoothly and effectively, by taking on responsibility and leadership
 
 
More information about Saint Paul’s Catholic High School can be found at www.st-paulshigh.net or contact Jane McAuliffe-Hall (Marketing and Publicity Manager) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or on 0161 437 5841
 
 

 

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Tuesday, 26 March 2013 13:41

Healthy Start to the Day at Saint Paul’s

Press Release - March 2013

Saint Paul’s Catholic High School in Wythenshawe recently extended their breakfast club provision for their pupils. The club is part of the Saint Paul’s healthy eating initiative, which aims to emphasise the importance of healthy eating and regular exercise to its pupils.
 
The school believes that the Breakfast club meets a variety of important needs: it meets children’s health needs by providing a balanced meal at the beginning of the day, it meets educational needs in terms of ensuring children start the school day on time, feeling well-nourished and settled and at the same time it meets the needs of children and their families through the provision of a safe, supervised environment before school starts.
 
“Research has shown that a successful breakfast club can have a positive impact on attendance and improve concentration levels,” explained Mrs Joanne Walters, Head of Food Technology at Saint Paul’s. “They can see at the club how healthy foods can be used to make enjoyable meals and snacks.”
 
Mrs Walters added “The Breakfast Club also helps to develop healthy eating habits in childhood which, it is now widely accepted, positively influence adult eating patterns. A good healthy breakfast provides the best possible start to the day!”
 
“The club is proving popular with our pupils,” commented Head Teacher, Mr Wiktor Daron. “Such provision helps busy parents juggle their roles and provides a safe, secure and stable environment for their children. We are delighted with the enthusiasm which our pupils have shown.”
 
“It also has a positive impact on the children’s manners, social skills, attendance, concentration, motivation and classroom performance,” added Mr Daron.
 
 
Notes for Editors
 
 
1.At the last Ofsted inspection of the school in March 2010 the following comments were made by the inspectors: “Good teaching enables students to make good progress and achieve well. Relationships between teachers and students are strong. They result in good behaviour.”
 
The report stated that the school is “enabling students to learn effectively and make good progress. Attainment is rising rapidly as a result. Achievement for all students, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those with English as an additional language, is good.”
 
 
2.The Ofsted report is reinforced by the preceding inspection of the school  by the Diocese of Shrewsbury under the guidance of the Bishop of Shrewsbury. The Diocese report stated “Saint Paul’s is a good Catholic school. The Head and Senior Leadership Team have a clear vision ….. an outstanding feature of the school is the pastoral care of students and the support of staff.”
 
 
3.The 2012 GCSE results for Saint Paul’s Catholic High School were its best ever with 90% of pupils achieving 5 A* - Cs. 59% of pupils gained 5 A*-C plus English and Maths. This is the eighth year in succession that the school has improved its GCSE pass rate. 
 
4.Saint Paul’s is the first school in Manchester to be awarded Engineering College status.
 
5.The work of Saint Paul’s drama teacher, Ms Ellie Brookes, was recognised with her winning the much coveted North West Teacher of the Year Award 2009. Also Head of Humanities at Saint Paul’s, Ms Ursula Gallagher, gained third place in the Outstanding New Teacher of the Year category of the Northern Area Teacher of the Year 2010.
 
6.Lively approaches to teaching maintain vigour and ensure that firm foundations are established for higher level work. The school has a modern approach to learning supported by a programme of constant refurbishment and development of its facilities and resources. Saint Paul’s is currently undergoing a total rebuild with the new school buildings due to open in November. 
 
 
7.The aims of the school are to:
•Teach and foster a Christian perspective in all that it does
•Provide teaching of the highest calibre
•Promote excellence in all areas
•Develop the ability, talents and character of each pupil, enabling them to make their own unique contribution to school life
•Encourage boys to play their part in helping the community run smoothly and effectively, by taking on responsibility and leadership
 
 
More information about Saint Paul’s Catholic High School can be found at www.st-paulshigh.net or contact Jane McAuliffe-Hall (Marketing and Publicity Manager) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or on 0161 437 5841.
 
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Tuesday, 26 March 2013 13:34

Papal Gift from St Francis Bradford

News Release

Children from St Francis Catholic Primary School have sent a gift to Pope Francis.

The children decided to write to welcome the new Pope, Francis I, after hearing he had chosen the name of their patron saint, St Francis of Assisi.

The children also decided to give Pope Francis a signed, limited edition painting as a welcoming gift from the children, staff, parents and governors of the school and the parishioners from the Parish of Our Lady Immaculate & St Francis here in Bradford. 

The painting, commissioned by the governors of the school, was created by Bingley artist Jane Fielder to celebrate the strong home, school and parish community.  

Eve Underwood and Abigail Dawson the Chair and Secretary of the School Council said “We wanted to welcome Pope Francis.  We hope that Pope Francis will enjoy looking over the St Francis community in Bradford and praying for us. At school and church we will keep praying for Pope Francis.” 

Bingley artist Jane Fielder said she was excited by the news and felt “lucky to be part of something so special.”

 

Contact for additional information – 

Daniel Copley

Headteacher 

Tel: 01274 638520

 
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