Blessed George Napier Catholic School & Sixthform The School

Music at BGN

The Music Department at BGN offers students of all abilities and musical backgrounds a lively and practical opportunity to experience and explore the medium of music.

Statement from the Governors

As Governors of the Blessed George Napier School, we recognise that the family role is all-important. God has given parents the duty to educate their children to the best of their ability and we in the Blessed George Napier School can never replace the work of the parents, only supplement it by offering professional Christian teaching, which is applicable to the age and to the ability of all pupils. The 'ethos' of the school is built upon the principle of equality of opportunity for all, and:

The fact that it is a caring Roman Catholic community which seeks to appreciate and develop the individual talents of all its members. It follows that there has to be an awareness and recognition of the value and uniqueness of each individual within the school and a positive effort to develop this uniqueness.
The recognition that the school is part of a much wider community in what has to be clearly seen to be an active partnership with pupils, parents, parishes and wider communities. It is vitally important that parents and pupils should be encouraged to become positively involved in every aspect of school life. We have an obligation to recognise the contribution made by the parishes in supporting the school and we must seek ways of giving something back from the school community to recognise this commitment. In preparing our young people for life after school, we must make every effort to incorporate outside agencies in the planning and implementation of teaching content. There has to be active involvement in the work-related curriculum and we must be aware of this involvement in all our planning.
The obligation on us to prepare our young people to face the world with confidence and take up the challenge of the Gospels. This requires us to equip our charges with the life skills necessary to take a fully active part in society. We must promote individual talents, skills, interests, abilities and responsibilities to help pupils fulfill their potential. Our concern is for the 'whole person' and recognises the special needs, strengths and weaknesses of each individual within the BGN community by providing help and caring support, together with the spiritual guidance necessary.

In spiritual terms, we must all be involved through positive Christian example in instilling in each individual an awareness, understanding and practice of the Catholic Faith.

In academic terms, we must help each individual to realise these ideals in a positive way through preparation for, and entry to, examinations at an appropriate level, in terms of ability and aptitude.

In social terms, we believe that each and every pupil needs support, care and assistance by whatever means possible. Central to this is the right of every pupil, no matter what the circumstances to her or his good name.

Starlight Express Theatre Trip

Tickets are still available for the Starlight Express Theatre Trip in Milton Keynes on Wednesday 1st May 2013.Cost of trip is �26. Please collect a letter and consent form from Miss Roberts should your child like to attend.

Many thanks
Head of Expressive Arts

Equality Form

Please click on PDF document to view Equality Form

Making sense of Apprenticeships

Please click on attached pdf document for further information regarding the above

Year 8 - Parents' Evening

Dear Parent/Guardian

Year 8 Parents Evening

BGN is a good school that is heavily oversubscribed. The staff at BGN wish to work with all parents in making sure that all pupils have the best learning experience possible and to maintain the high standards upon which the schools good reputation rests. We request that all parents attend all parents’ evenings.

• Year 8 Parents Evening, Tuesday 23rd April, 4pm – 6.30pm finish
• Pupils must have appointments with subject teachers prior to the evening
• Each appointment will last 5 minutes
• Please bring the list of appointments with you (page provided in pupil’s planner)
• In order to fit in all your appointments please arrive no later than 5.45pm.
• All pupils must attend with their parent/guardian and wear full school uniform

If you arrive BEFORE 5pm please use the Addison Road entrance. AFTER 5pm please ensure that you use the Springfield Avenue entrance and leave via Addison Road AT ALL TIMES. When parking please be considerate to others.

Yours sincerely

Miss M Fisher
Learning Leader – Year 8
___________________________________________________________________________________

YEAR 8 PARENTS EVENING – Tuesday 23rd April 2013
(Please complete the following slip and return to your child’s tutor immediately)

NAME OF STUDENT_____________________________________TUTOR GROUP________________

You will attend your child’s parents evening YES NO (please circle as appropriate)

If No please give a reason and contact telephone number_______________________________________

Please tick if you have particular requirements:

Interpreter  Disabled access  Appointment to discuss special needs 

Other (please state) ____________________________________________________________________

SIGNED____________________________________ (Parent/Guardian) DATE____________________

Year 10 Parents' Evening

Year 10 Parents’ Evening – Wednesday 20th March 2013

BGN is a good school that is heavily oversubscribed. The staff at BGN wish to work with all parents in making sure that all pupils have the best learning experience possible and they maintain the high standards upon which the schools good reputation rests.

We request that all parents attend all parents’ evenings:

• Year 10 Parents’ Evening, Wed 20th March, 4pm – 6.30pm finish
• Pupils must have appointments with subject teachers prior to the evening
• Each appointment will last 5 minutes
• Please bring the list of appointments with you (page provided in pupil’s planner)
• In order to fit in all your appointments please arrive no later than 5.45pm.
• All pupils must attend with their parent/guardian and wear full school uniform
• Please ask your child to make their appointments before work experience week commences.

Yours sincerely

Mrs Rachel Morrison
Learning Leader Year 10
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Please complete the following slip and return to your child’s tutor immediately

NAME OF STUDENT_______________________________________ TUTOR GROUP____________

I will be attending my child’s parents evening Yes / No (please circle as appropriate)

If No please give a reason and phone number you can be contacted on___________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

Please tick if you have particular requirements:

Interpreter  Disabled access  Appointment to discuss special needs 

Other, please state______________________________________________________________________

SIGNED_______________________________________ (Parent/Guardian) DATE________________

PTFA Meeting - Tuesday 5th March 13

There will be a PTFA meeting on Tuesday 5th March in the Learning Resource Centre commencing 7.30pm. All welcome

Boston Tea Party

Dear Parents

Boston Tea Party
23rd March 2013

We are writing to invite you to the latest Lourdes fundraising event, the Boston Tea Party on 23rd March at 7.30pm. This unusual and entertaining night involves one or two people hosting a table and providing a meal for their 8-12 invited guests. Each guest pays �10 (under 16's are �5) to their host/hostess for a place at their host’s table which goes entirely to the Lourdes Pilgrimage Fund. There will be a bar, a raffle, and after the feasting there will be music from the Celtic band ‘A Few Quiet Men’ and a ceili.
As a table host, you can attend for free; your challenge is to provide as basic or as fancy a feast as your culinary skills allow. There will be a prize for the ‘Most Impressive Table’ so feel free to decorate your table and go to town on the food! Tables can be set up in the hall from 2.00 to 3.00pm and you have use of the school kitchen from 6.15pm for your last minute gastronomic touches. Guests are invited from 7pm and the food is to be served at 7.30pm. Please see overleaf and contact Catherine Barrett if you would like to host a table and we can give you further details.

Entertainment-only tickets are also available for those who would like to come along for the music and dancing, from 8.30pm, at a cost of �5 or �2.50 for under 16’s. For those brave enough, ‘Pot luck’ tickets will also be available for �10 and these tickets can be purchased from the school office, where you will be allocated a meal at a table on the night.

If you are unable to attend this event you can still support the Lourdes Group by sending in a raffle prize. Furthermore, if any parent has access to ‘Match Funding’ for either this or future events through your place of work I would be very grateful if you could please contact me.

Our fundraising events have been well attended this year and we are truly grateful for your support. The sixth formers who are travelling to Lourdes have been working hard to raise money to subsidise the cost of the pilgrimage in a variety of ways but more funds are needed. They would be so grateful for your assistance in making this evening a success.

If you have any questions about the event, or any suggestions of other fundraising activities, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely

Mr Chris Martin
Assistant Headteacher

Inset Day and Easter Holiday

1 March 201

Dear Parent/Guardian

Inset Day and Easter Holiday

I write to confirm that Thursday 28 March will be an Inset Day for BGN which means that the school will be closed on that day to all pupils. Friday 29 March through to Friday 12 April will be the Easter holiday, with school reopening on Monday 15 April 2013 .

May I take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support.

Yours sincerely

Fraser Long
Headteacher

MEAT ISSUES - For Parents of Blessed George Napier School and Frank Wise

Due to recent information that has been in the news we would like to assure you that our in house catering team purchase our meat from a local butcher who has full certification to confirm traceability of all their fresh meat and confirmation that it is British. All our meat dishes are prepared daily on site at BGN.

These measures have always been in place with our suppliers as part of our commitment to provide a high quality catering service for our pupils and staff.

Year 11 Parents' Evening

30th January 2013

Dear Parent/Guardian

Year 11 Parents’ Evening – Thursday 7th February 2013

We request that all parents attend all parents’ evenings:

• Year 11 Parents’ Evening, Thurs 7th Feb, 4pm – 6.30pm finish
• Pupils must have appointments with subject teachers prior to the evening
• Each appointment will last 5 minutes
• Please bring the list of appointments with you (page provided in pupil’s planner)
• In order to fit in all your appointments please arrive no later than 5.45pm.
• All pupils must attend with their parent/guardian and wear full school uniform

Yours sincerely

Miss Denise Durkan
Learning Leader Year 11
___________________________________________________________________________

Please complete the following slip and return to your child’s tutor immediately

NAME OF STUDENT_______________________________________ TUTOR GROUP___________

I will be attending my child’s parents evening Yes / No (please circle as appropriate)

If No please give a reason and phone number you can be contacted on___________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Please tick if you have particular requirements:

Interpreter  Disabled access  Appointment to discuss special needs 

Other, please state______________________________________________________________________

SIGNED_______________________________________ (Parent/Guardian) DATE________________

Year 9 Parents' Evening - Tuesday 29th January 2013

24th January 2013

Dear Parent/Carer

YEAR 9 PARENTS' EVENING - TUESDAY 29th JANUARY

I was very pleased to be able to meet so many of you at our Options' evening last week. Students are working hard to ensure they make the right choice and the Parents' evening on Tuesday will provide the final opportunity for you to check on your child's progress before the Options form has to be completed.

The format of the evening will be the same as in previous years.
• Students will arrange appointments with members of staff and keep a note of these times in their planner
• Students are expected to accompany their parents and wear full school uniform
• Appointments will be limited to five minutes. However if a longer meeting is required to discuss a student's choices, please do contact either Mrs Clare Smith or me by telephone or using the email cps1343@bgn.oxon.sch.uk or pher7100@bgn.ocnmail.net
• Appointment times are between 16.00 and 18.30
The Options form will be on the website this week with paper copies available at Parents' evening. The form can be handed in on Tuesday evening but will not be accepted before that time and the final date for completion is 18th February. It is important to realise that if students want to choose those subjects with limited availability, indicated by an asterisk on the form, then these students will be accepted on to those courses in the order in which their forms are handed in.

If you are not able to come to Parents' evening I would be most grateful if you would let me know, either by email or telephone.

Yours faithfully

Mrs C P Herridge
Head of Year 9

PTFA Quiz and Fish Supper - Friday 1 February 2013

Please click on PDF document for further details

RE: Auditions for BGN Musical - 'ANNIE'

Dear Parent/Guardian

Auditions for this years musical will be held on WEDNESDAY 16th JANUARY from 2.30pm - 5pm and THURSDAY 17th JANUARY from 3.30pm - 5.30pm in the hall and drama studio.

All are welcome!

Don't miss out!!!!

Kind regards
Tim Wilson - Head of Expressive Arts

Traffic and Access arrangement - Important Information

Dear Parents/Guardians

Welcome back to the New Year and a new term. We just need to remind everyone about our traffic and access arrangements.

Vehicles should enter the school via Addison Road until 5pm then Springfield Avenue after 5pm. Please be aware of this especially on Parent Evenings when appointments run before and after 5pm. Vehicles should always exit via Addison Road only.

There should be no dropping off of pupils on Addison Road in the mornings please.

We would also ask that consideration be given to residents on both Addison Road and Springfield Avenue, especially when parking and picking up from trips or concerts etc.

Many thanks for your continued help and support, it is very much appreciated.

Mrs N Rolph
Deputy Headteacher

Year 9 Options Evening

Dear Parent/Carer,

Options Information Evening - WEDNESDAY 16TH JANUARY 2013
6:00 pm – 7:30pm

Further to the Options Presentation Evening on October 24th 2012 we would like to remind you that a further Options Information Evening will take place on Wednesday 16th January 2013.

Information on all subjects will be available to you on this evening. The core subjects of English, Maths, Science and R.E. will be in the Learning Resource Centre. The Option Subjects will be in the Main Hall and Drama Studio. In the meantime the Options Handbook will be available on the school web site. If you do not have access to the internet please contact Mrs Peyton-Bruhl and we can make a hard copy available.

The Option Pathway we are recommending for your child will be sent to you shortly.

Please note that this is NOT a parents’ evening. It is an opportunity for you and your child to gather general information about the GCSE and BTEC courses which are available at KS4. There will be an opportunity for you to meet with your child’s individual teachers at the Year 9 Parents’ Evening on Tuesday 29th January. This meeting has been arranged to take place before the Options Choice deadline of 28th February.

Please ensure you use the Springfield Avenue entrance and leave via Addison Road AT ALL TIMES. When parking please be considerate to others.

Yours sincerely

Clare Smith

Deputy Headteacher

Year 11 BGN Revision website details

The new website for Year 11 revision tips and details is www.year11bgn.co.uk.

There will be plenty of tips and advise on how to revise for the examinations. Please note is is still a work in progress.

Year 11 Examination Boards

Please click on PDF document to view Exam Board details

Year 11 You Tube helpeful revision tips

Please click on PDF document for details

School Christmas Concert/School Carol Service - St John's Church

Dear Parent/Guardian

Just a quick reminder of two forthcoming events which the Music Department is preparing to celebrate Christmas.

The first is the SCHOOL CHRISTMAS CONCERT to be held on Thursday 13th December in the school hall at 7.30pm. This will feature all the groups that meet to rehearse on a weekly basis at lunchtimes and after school, as well as some original composition and solo performances. This is always a well supported event, so early purchase of tickets, priced at �6 for adults and �3 for children is advised. These are available from the School Office from Friday 7th December onwards.

The second event is the Annual School Carol Service, to be held at St John`s Church on Tuesday 18th December at 7.30pm. Led by the Youth Choir the service will feature carols old and new and is an ideal preparation for the celebration of Christmas. All are very welcome.

With best wishes for the festive season.

Yours sincerely

Mr T Wilson
Head of Expressive Arts

Year 11 Revision Guide, Timetable

Please click on PDF documents to view

BGN PTFA AGM

BGN PTFA AGM will be held in the LRC at 7.30pm on Tuesday 20th November 2012/

Wine and mince pies for all.

We really need some new members so please come along and join us.

BGN Christmas Fair

BGN Christmas Fair - Sunday 25th November 2012

2pm - 5pm

Local Craft stall holders selling

Handcrafted jewellery, hand painted porcelain, greeting cards/notelets, household gifts, toys,
Christmas wreaths and much more!

Cakes and Sweets

Light Refreshments

Raffle Prizes to be won

BGN's Youth Choir singing Christmas Carols

Come and join in the festive fun

PTFA Meeting - 23rd October 2012

PTFA Meeting in Learning Resource Centre - Tuesday 23rd October 2012 at 7.30pm
All welcome

Year 9 Options Presentation Evening

Dear Parent / Carer,

YR 9 OPTIONS PRESENTATION EVENING
WEDNESDAY 24TH OCTOBER 2012
6:30PM - MAIN HALL

The Year 9 Options Presentation Evening is an early opportunity for you as parents to find out about the Options process in school. During the evening we will explain how decisions for the Pathways are made, how the Option Blocks are put together and you will also receive a form on which we would ask you to indicate your child’s initial subject interests at Key Stage 4.

Please be aware that this is an information gathering evening. Further dates for your diary are:
Wednesday 16th January 2013 Year 9 Options Evening
This will provide you with an opportunity to speak with
a representative from the departments about their subject.

Tuesday 29th January 2013
Year 9 Parents’ Evening

Thursday 28th February 2013
Option Form return deadline date.

We look forward to welcoming you on Wednesday 24th October.

Clare Smith
Deputy Head Teacher

Attendance

5th October 2012

Dear Parent/Guardian

At BGN we pride ourselves and the students on our commitment to learning and achievement as well as our good attendance record.

We understand that medical appointments are unavoidable, but we ask that where possible dental and doctor appointments are made outside of school hours. If however, you should need to take your child out of school for such an appointment, they are expected to come into school before and after the appointments. While we do understand that sometimes it is unavoidable to make these outside of school hours and in some cases it is impossible for your child to get back into school, please ensure that every effort possible is made to have your child at school during school hours.

Please ensure that your child either brings a letter or a note in their planner advising of any such appointments. Alternatively, you can ring the Attendance Office on 01295 264216 ext 218.

We also strongly disapprove of pupils taking time off school for the purpose of a holiday. Pupils have fourteen weeks off school each year and we regard that as sufficient. Any absence during term time seriously affects a pupil’s progress. I should like to point out that, by law, parents must request leave of absence from the school for any period of time from one day to two weeks well before the planned absence. The Headteacher has the right to refuse any request which is not deemed suitable. The school also has an active policy of discouraging parents to withdraw pupils during term.

Past records show a clear link between performance in national tests and regular attendance at school. In fact 17 missed school days in a year leads to a GCSE grade drop in each subject taken.

We would be grateful if you will bear this in mind when making dental check- up appointments, or considering when to book your child’s holiday.

Thank you for your continued support.

Mrs Niamh Rolph
Deputy Headteacher

Sixth Form Open Evening

SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING - 18thOCTOBER

6.30PM START IN SCHOOL HALL

FOR STUDENTS STARTING SIXTH FORM IN SEPTEMBER 2013
OPPORTUNITY TO SEE SUBJECTS AREAS WILL FOLLOW PRESENTATION
NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY

Year 6 Intake Evening

The Open Evening for the new year 6 intake will take place at BGN School on Tuesday 2nd October 2012 commencing at 6.30pm.

The Open Day will take place on Wednesday 3rd October from 9am until 10.30am

BGN School Fixtures , after school clubs, news

Please see the Sports page for details of up and coming fixtures, after school, lunchtime clubs and news relating to school sports. This page will be updated on a regular basis

PTFA Meeting - 11th Sept 12

PTFA Meeting at BGN School in the Learning Resource Centre 7.30pm. All welcome

Year 10 Expectations Evening

5th September 2012

Dear Parent/Guardian

RE: Year 10 – Expectations Evening

Welcome to Year 10 - An exciting year for pupils but also the beginning of GCSE courses and a great deal of hard work!

I would like to invite you to attend the Year 10 Expectations Evening on Wednesday 12th September at 6.30pm. Please ensure that you enter the school via the Springfield Avenue entrance and exit via Addison Road.

This evening will allow you and your child to become more aware of what is expected of Year 10 pupils in terms of classwork, homework and coursework/portfolios. It will give you the opportunity to meet with subject staff, look at examples of previous pupils work and find out which revision aids are suggested by individual departments.

May I also take this opportunity to remind you that Year 10 pupils should, by now, have arranged their work experience placements. Forms to be completed about this placement will soon be sent home and should be returned to school by the end of October.

It has been arranged for a member of Banbury Rotary Club to come into school to talk to students regarding their work experience letters of applications and CV’s. Each pupil is expected to write a CV and letter of application in preparation for their interview with members of the Banbury Rotary Club. Some time will be spent writing these in school however we would be grateful if you could also discuss the importance of a good CV and application letter with your child.

Please return the completed reply slip below for the attention of Miss Debbie Roberts. I look forward to seeing you at the Expectations Evening.

Yours sincerely

Miss Denise Durkan
Learning Leader KS4


REPLY SLIP:
RE: Year 10 – Expectations Evening

NAME OF STUDENT__________________________________________TUTOR GROUP____________

I/We will/will not (please delete as appropriate) be able to attend the Year 10 Expectations Evening on Wednesday 12th September at 6.30pm.

Signed_________________________________________ (Parent/Guardian) Date_________________

UNIFORM, EQUIPMENT AND NEW ACADEMIC START DATE

19 July 2012

Dear Parent/Carer

Uniform, equipment and new academic start date

As we approach the end of our academic year, I write to you to remind you of our requirements with regard to uniform and equipment at BGN. We expect all students to adhere to these uniform and equipment expectations at BGN as follows:-

All

• Plain navy or black top coat – no logos
• Navy blue blazer with BGN badge. No other top should be worn with school uniform
• Navy ‘V’ neck jumper with BGN badge
• Black substantial shoes with heel no higher than 1 inch. No material shoes or ballet shoes
• A plain navy or black scarf may be worn

Boys

• Plain white shirt with collar large enough to allow the top button to be fastened. The top button must
be fastened at all times
• BGN tie which should be fastened allowing at least 12 stripes to be shown
• Grey trousers, not black

Girls

• Blue and white check revers neck blouse
• Navy pleated skirt no more than 3 inches above or below the knee [new skirts bought from mid to
end August 2012 will have the BGN logo embroidered in]
• Navy tailored trousers
• Navy or black tights or socks, no leg warmers

General

• No body or facial piercings are permitted whatsoever, covering of such with plasters is not sufficient
Studs, rings etc may not be worn in school time. One pair of small ear studs, a small crucifix on a
chain and a watch are the only permitted items of jewellery. These items will have to be removed for PE
• Hair colour and style must be appropriate for school
• Jewellery and make-up, including nail varnish, are not permitted in school
• Coats and outdoor clothing may not be worn in school
• Boots may not be worn in school

Sixth Form

• Pupils must be dressed smartly at all times but especially so on Monday for full School Assembly and when required by Head of Sixth Form

PE Kit

Boys Girls
Navy rugby shirt with gold band Navy blue short-sleeved polo shirt with school crest
Navy blue shorts with BGN badge Navy blue shorts with BGN badge
Navy blue football socks with gold stripes Navy blue socks with gold stripes
Football boots Training shoes
Training shoes

Navy blue hooded sweatshirt with BGN crest Navy blue hooded sweatshirt with BGN crest
Navy blue tracksuit bottoms Navy blue track suit bottoms
Football boots
Navy blue t-shirt with BGN crest

All items of clothing must be named.

Please note that anyone arriving in non-uniform clothing may expect to be sent home to get changed. Similarly anybody not having the right equipment may expect to be sent home to get it.
Equipment

• Black or blue ballpoint pen (and a spare)
• Coloured pencils/fine fibre tips
• Pair of compasses
• Calculator
• Rough notebook/jotter

• Pencil
• Pencil eraser
• Pencil sharpener
• Ruler 12”/30cm
• Protractor
• Set square

Tippex/liquid paper is not allowed in school and must not be used in any school work.

An overall/apron may be required for science and craft activities.

Just a reminder, the school will open on Wednesday 5 September to Years 7 and 12 and to Year 13 and fully open to all pupils from Thursday 6 September 2012. Please also note that school closes on Friday 26 October at 3.20 pm for the October half-term.

I would like to thank you for your continued support and wish you all a relaxing and enjoyable summer break.

Yours sincerely

Fraser Long
Headteacher

October half term - error in newsletter

Please note that there is an error in the school newsletter in respect of October half term.
We break up on Friday 26th October 2012 and not the Thursday.

Please accept our apologies for this error.

Year 6 Pupils - four day experience

We look forward to welcoming our new intake to the Four day experience next week. Please can you ensure that all students bring their PE kits with them on Monday morning. Many thanks

PTFA Meeting

PTFA Meeting at BGN School on Tuesday 3rd July 2012 at 7.30pm
All welcome

END OF SCHOOL YEAR 2011/2012

21 June 2012

Dear Parent/Guardian

End of School Year 2011/2012

As you are aware, the school year is due to finish on Monday 23 July 2012.
In recognition of the excellent Ofsted Inspection reported in March 2012 and the Outstanding Section 48 Inspection carried out in May 2012, the Governors of Blessed George Napier School have taken the decision to award the staff and students of the school an extra day’s holiday in recognition of the hard work and dedication that these reports reflect. This will result in the school closing on Friday 20 July 2012.

An end of year Mass will be celebrated for the whole school on the morning of Friday 20 July and the pupils will then be dismissed to their buses at the earlier time of 1pm. Although lunch will not be served on this day, food will be available to the pupils at break time as usual.

I am sure you would want to join me in thanking the entire staff of the school for their commitment to our young people and for all the care and support that they continue to offer to the pupils under the leadership of Mr Fraser Long.

May I take this opportunity to wish you all a happy and safe summer and to thank you for your continued support of our excellent school.

Yours sincerely

Paul Concannon
Chair of Governors

Maths Revision Session - Sat 9th June 2012

Final Maths Revision session will be held in school on SATURDAY 9th JUNE from 10am - 2pm.
Refreshment will be provided. School uniform not required.

We look forward to seeing you all there!

Miss Angela Knight
Head of Mathematics

YEAR 11 PROM DATE

Year 11 Prom

Friday 22nd June 2012 7pm - 11.30pm
Heythrop Park Hotel, Enstone

'Billy Elliot' - Theatre Trip Thursday 31st May 12

17th May 2012

Dear Parent/Guardian

RE: ‘Billy Elliot’ – Victoria Palace Theatre, London
Thursday 31st May 2012

I have managed to secure tickets for the production of ‘Billy Elliot at the Victoria Palace Theatre, London on Thursday 31st May.

The cost of the trip is �32.50 to cover both cost of discounted tickets and transport by coach. We shall be leaving BGN School from the Springfield Avenue entrance at 4.00pm and return at approximately 12.30am, with a Bicester drop off at midnight. Those participating do not have to wear school uniform and should bring with them a packed tea. Seats are limited, so tickets will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, together with payment in full and a completed parental consent form.

Please complete the reply slip below and return with �32.50 please make cheques payable to BGN School and collect a parental consent form from Miss Debbie Roberts should you wish to secure a place. The consent form must be completed and returned as soon as possible to allow your child to attend. Please note payments must be received by Friday 25th May.

Yours sincerely

Mr Tim Wilson
Head of Expressive Arts
______________________________________________________________________

REPLY SLIP:

RE: ‘Billy Elliot’ – Victoria Palace Theatre, London
Thursday 31st May 2012
A PARENTAL CONSENT FORM MUST BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED

NAME OF STUDENT_________________________________ TUTOR GROUP_______

I wish to secure a place on the above trip and enclose �32.50 cash/cheque (please delete as appropriate).

Signed______________________________ (Parent/Guardian) Date___________

Year 11 - Leavers Mass

20th April 2012

Dear Parent/Guardian

As we approach the end of our Year 11s compulsory education we are writing to invite you to our annual celebration of Year 11 Leavers Mass.

This is a long established tradition here at BGN and is a wonderful occasion for staff, parents and students to wish each other good luck and bid farewell. On this occasion awards including the Sean Concannon Cup are rewarded to students who have made great contributions to the life of the school over the past 5 years.

This year our Leavers Mass will be celebrated by Fr Bill on Friday 18th May at 9.00am and all Year 11 will attend. We also warmly invite all parents to this wonderful occasion.

Please note that for this occasion students are invited to wear their own smart clothes and after the celebration they will be free to leave school with you.

Yours sincerely

Mr F Long
Headteacher

YEAR 11 Locker Key return/clearance forms

Dear Parent/Guardian

YEAR 11 – LOCKER KEY RETURN

Please remind your child to return their locker key before they leave school in June, the �5 deposit will only be returned if the original key has not been lost and replaced during their time at school. The clearance form must be completed and brought in with the key for redemption and return of the deposit. Please also note that lockers must not be handed over to younger or older siblings. Please hand in key and clearance form to Miss Roberts. Clearance forms will be handed out to students by Miss Durkan.

Many thanks

YEAR 11 GCSE RE Revision sessions

Dear Parent/Guardian

GCSE RE Revision classes commence today (Tue 24th April) from 3.30pm until 6.00pm and weekly classes as follows:

Tuesday 1st May - 3.30pm - 6pm
Tuesday 8th May - 3.30pm - 6pm
Friday 11th May - 3.30pm - 6pm
Tuesday 14th May - 3.30pm - 6pm

There will also be a revision day on Monday 7th May from 10am - 4pm in school.
The actual GCSE exam takes place on 15th May 2012 and is worth 50% of the whole GCSE.

Please encourage your child to attend as many of these sessions as possible to enable him/her to reach their full potential.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any further information regarding this matter.

Yours sincerely

Miss Rachel Smith

Year 8 Glasbury Trip meeting

19th April 201

Dear Parent/Guardian

RE: Year 8 Woodland Outdoor Education Centre, Glasbury
Tuesday 8th May – Friday 11th May 2012

I write to inform you that I will be hold a meeting on Monday 23rd April from 6pm until 6.45pm in the Learning Resource Centre in respect of the forthcoming Glasbury Residential trip.

Please ensure that any outstanding payments are made immediately and the completed parental consent forms are returned to Miss Debbie Roberts as soon as possible.

Please ensure that you use the Springfield Avenue entrance on arrival and leave via Addison Road AT ALL TIMES. When parking please be considerate to others.

Please complete the reply slip below to indicate whether or not you are able to attend the meeting. I look forward to meeting you then.

Yours sincerely

Mr James Sturla
SENCo
_____________________________________________________________________________

REPLY SLIP:

RE: Year 8 Woodland Outdoor Education Centre, Glasbury
Monday 23rd April - Meeting

NAME OF STUDENT________________________________ TUTOR GROUP_________

I / WE WILL / WILL NOT (please delete as appropriate) be attending the Glasbury Residential Trip meeting on Monday 23rd April at 6pm.

SIGNED___________________________ (Parent/Guardian) DATE________________

Year 8 Parents' Evening

Dear Parent / Guardian

Year 8 Parents Evening

• Year 8 Parents Evening, Tuesday 24th April, 4pm – 6.30pm finish
• Pupils must have appointments with subject teachers prior to the evening
• Each appointment will last 5 minutes
• Please bring the list of appointments with you (page provided in pupil’s planner)
• In order to fit in all your appointments please arrive no later than 5.45pm.
• All pupils must attend with their parent/guardian and wear full school uniform

Yours sincerely

Miss M Fisher
Head of Year 8
___________________________________________________________________________________

YEAR 8 PARENTS EVENING – Tuesday 24th April 2012
(Please complete the following slip and return to your child’s tutor immediately)

NAME OF STUDENT_____________________________________TUTOR GROUP________________

You will attend your child’s parents evening YES NO (please circle as appropriate)

If No please give a reason and contact telephone number_______________________________________

Please tick if you have particular requirements:

Interpreter  Disabled access  Appointment to discuss special needs 

Other (please state) ____________________________________________________________________

SIGNED____________________________________ (Parent/Guardian) DATE____________________

OFSTED REPORT

29 March 2012

Dear Parent/Carer

I have received the final copy of the Ofsted report from the Section 5 inspection of Blessed George Napier on 8-9 March 2012. This inspection was carried out under the new framework which came into force on 1 January 2012. This is a far more stringent framework to be assessed under and cannot be compared to schools inspected under the previous framework.

I am very pleased that BGN has been judged good in every category. There are outstanding comments in the section evidence. The lead inspector was pleased with what he saw at BGN. He commented that the behaviour of students around school and at break was outstanding. He was also impressed with the quality of learning and spiritual development of students in lessons and the way that our teachers enable this to happen.

The RE teaching was not assessed in the Section 5 inspection as this will happen in the Section 48 inspection by the Archdiocese on 9-10 May 2012.

This really good report is a fitting tribute to the hard work and vision of all involved with BGN since the last inspection, particularly my predecessor Mrs Catherine Weaver.

As a school, we will strive, as always, to help all our children excel as people. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support.

Yours sincerely

Fraser Long
Headteacher

PLEASE CLICK ON ATTACHED PDF DOCUMENT TO VIEW THE OFSTED REPORT

YEAR 11 PROM

Year 11 Prom - 22nd June 2012 at Heythrop Park Hotel 7pm - 11.30pm

Year 11 - Prom Ticket and Year Book Purchase

Please encourage your child to purchase Year book and Prom Tickets as soon as possible.

Yearbooks are priced at �17.50 as is a wonderful memento of your child's time at BGN School. Prom tickets are priced at �32.50. Please make cheques payable to BGN School and forward for the attention of Miss Roberts as soon as possible.

Year 11 - Year book purchase 2012

7th February 2012

Dear Parent/Guardian

RE: Year 11 – Yearbook 2012

I write to inform you that as in previous years, Year 11 will have a Yearbook published to collate all of their memories. This is a wonderful memento of your child’s time at BGN School.

I you wish to purchase a copy please forward the sum of �17.50 cash/cheque (please make cheques payable to BGN School) together with the reply slip below at your earliest convenience for the attention of Miss Debbie Roberts.

Yours sincerely

Miss Denise Durkan
Head of Year 11

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

REPLY SLIP:

RE: Year 11 – Yearbook purchase 2012

NAME OF STUDENT______________________TUTOR GROUP______

I wish to purchase a copy of the Year Book and I enclose the sum of �17.50 cash/cheque (please delete as appropriate) in this respect.

Signed_________________________ (Parent/Guardian) Date__________

YEAR 10 Records of Achievement

1st March 2012

Dear Parent/Carer,

Year 10 Records of Achievement

At BGN we are keen to prepare students for their future careers by offering a range of opportunities which include work experience, visiting speakers, access to online licensed careers websites, work experience interviews and preparation of a Record of Achievement to use at interviews.

We are once again ordering our Records of Achievement files to provide pupils with a smart and practical file to record and store their CV, letters of application, personal statement, certificates and evidence of achievements. The file can be used beyond KS4 to record further achievements and keep information tidy.

The file is A4 in size, black and hardback with the school crest embossed in silver on the cover, inside there are a number of strong, clear pockets. It is very impressive and we hope will give our pupils an advantage at interviews.

Each pupil has an opportunity to have a file and we would like a contribution of �2.50 towards the production costs. Please complete the form below and return, together with your contribution, in an envelope marked for the attention of Mrs Peyton-Bruhl by Friday 9th March .

Yours sincerely,

Mrs S Moss
…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Record of Achievement Order to Mrs Peyton-Bruhl

Pupil Name……�Forename� �Surname�……….. Form…�Reg�…………

I would / would not *like my son/daughter to purchase a Record of Achievement and enclose �2.50 contribution towards the cost (*please delete as required)

Signed parent / guardian…………………………………………………………

Year 10 Work Experience/Mock Interviews

Year 10 Rotary Club Mock Interviews

Each child will receive an individual mock interview next week this will either be on Tuesday 6th March or Thursday 8th. Your child will already know the time and date of their interview.

Students are not required to wear school uniform for their interview but smart appropriate interview clothing (NO Jeans) should be worn.

Work Experience Week - 12th -16th March 2012.

By now all students should of contacted their employer and attended an inform interview if required. They should also know what time they start and finish work and any other information they may need to know i.e. do i need a packed lunch, do i need a uniform, safety boots etc.

Please make sure your son/daughter is aware of all this information and please do not hesitate to contact me if i can be of any further help.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Samantha Garrett

Work Experience Co-ordinator.

01295 264216

Year 9 Tall Ships Event

Dear Parent/Carer,
I am writing to tell you that the time has finally come to ask for nominations from staff for the Year 9 event of a lifetime!

We have been telling our students for some time now of the incredible five days we spend aboard two 70' yachts with twenty-two Year 9 students each year, sun blazing down, a gentle breeze tugging at the sails, and miles away from the cares of everyday life. The students who came with us two years ago still talk of the event, describing the incredible opportunity as 'The Best Ever!'

Our 'Voyage of a Lifetime' this year will take place between June 9th – 13th and is planned to be the highlight of a year where we have celebrated success.

Under the watchful eye of a member of BGN staff, the experienced Tall Ship's crew will help the students to be responsible for all aspects of life on deck. Chores are rotated each day, and a fair amount of time is available to simply watch the world go by and chat to friends. The ability to be a team player is a necessity.

During the next week, staff will be asked to nominate students for the following reasons:

• Through making an outstanding contribution in sport
• Through making significant improvements in their academic work or maintaining constant high standards
• Frequently contributing significantly to the life of the school
• Being particularly supportive of other students

Many of last year’s final selection demonstrated a number of these characteristics.
Since the lucky participants will be expected to take an active part in financing their trip, we would expect them to be able to present their ideas as to how they will undertake fundraising activities. We specifically do not want parents to finance the voyage but would ask that you help them with their ideas.

Once the nominations have been made, we will contact the lucky students and ask for their parent's permission to allow them to participate. Presuming that more than 22 students will want to take part, the Year 9 tutor team will meet with Miss Smith, Deputy Head to make the final choices.
Parents and successful students will be invited to a meeting on Tuesday 21st February
We cannot guarantee the sunshine, but we can guarantee the experience. We are really looking forward to making this 'The Voyage of a Lifetime' for the students.

Yours sincerely

Mrs J Hart Mrs P Herridge
Organisers

Year 9 Parent's Evening

Dear Parent/Guardian

Year 9 Parents Evening

• Year 9 Parents Evening, Wednesday 1st February, 4pm – 6.30pm finish
• Pupils must have appointments with subject teachers prior to the evening
• Each appointment will last 5 minutes
• Please bring the list of appointments with you (page provided in pupil’s planner)
• In order to fit in all your appointments please arrive no later than 5.45pm.
• All pupils must attend with their parent/guardian and wear full school uniform

Yours sincerely

Mrs C P Herridge
Head of Year 9
___________________________________________________________________________________

YEAR 9 PARENTS EVENING – Wednesday 1st February 2012
(Please complete the following slip and return to your child’s tutor immediately)

NAME OF STUDENT_____________________________________TUTOR GROUP________________

You will attend your child’s parents evening YES NO (please circle as appropriate)

If No please give a reason and contact telephone number_______________________________________

Please tick if you have particular requirements:

Interpreter  Disabled access  Appointment to discuss special needs 

Other (please state) ____________________________________________________________________

SIGNED____________________________________ (Parent/Guardian) DATE____________________

Year 10 Science Revision Sessions

We will be holding Science Revision sessions for Year 10 students on Tuesday's after school from 3.30pm until 4.30pm the sessions will be aimed at helping students towards the resit in March. Please encourage your child to attend and we thank you for your support in this matter.

Year 11 Parents' Evening

Year 11 Parent's Evening will take place on Monday 23rd January 2012 from 4pm until 6.30pm. Please ensure that your child has made appointments with their subject teachers and they attend the evening with yourselves dressed in full school uniform

We look forward to seeing you then.

Year 11 Mock GCSE Results

All Year 11 have received their mock GCSE results, a copy will be available for
you to collect at Parents evening next week.

Year 11 Revision Timetable 2012

Please click on PDF document to view the Year 11 Exam Revision Timetable

Year 9 Options Handbook 2012

Please click on the PDF attachment to view the Year 9 Options Handbook

Year 9 Options Evening

12th January 2012

Dear Parent/Carer,

Options Information Evening - THURSDAY 19TH JANUARY 2012
6:30 pm – 8:00pm

Further to the Options Presentation Evening on October 13th 2011 we would like to remind you that a further Options Information Evening will take place on Thursday 19th January 2012.

The evening will begin at 6.30 pm in the Main Hall, with a short presentation from the Head of Science, Mrs Dolan, informing you of the changes to the KS4 Science Curriculum.

We enclose a copy of the Option Pathway we are recommending for your child. Mrs. Herridge and I have taken great care in deciding which Pathway each child should follow. We have taken into account your child’s FFT GCSE predictions, their recent Progress Reports and also other information about your child’s progress which has come to us through subject teachers and form tutors. In many cases individual pupils have been interviewed about the subjects they would like to follow and their career aspirations.

If you are unsure or concerned about the Pathway we have selected for your child please do not hesitate to contact either Mrs. Herridge or me at school by telephone. We will both be available on Thursday night to address any concerns.

Please note that this is NOT a parents’ evening. It is an opportunity for you and your child to gather general information about the GCSE and BTEC courses which are available at KS4. There will be an opportunity for you to meet with your child’s individual teachers at the Year 9 Parents’ Evening on Wednesday 1st February. This meeting has been arranged to take place before the Options Choice deadline of 10th February.

Please ensure you use the Springfield Avenue entrance and leave via Addison Road AT ALL TIMES. When parking please be considerate to others.

Yours sincerely

Clare Smith
Deputy Headteacher

Year 10, 11 GCE Religious Studies Exam Reminder

4th January 2012

Dear Parent/Guardian

I write to inform you that your child will be sitting their actual GCSE Religious Studies exam worth 25% of the final mark on Wednesday 18th January 2012.

Extra revision classes have been organised for all students in Year 10 and for some students in Year 11 who are re-sitting the Ethics exam. These classes will take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 3.30pm until 6pm commencing on Thursday 5th January and will run until Thursday 17th January.

Please encourage your child to make use of this fantastic opportunity to consolidate their learning in class, build upon their own revision and practise exam technique.

Your support in this matter is much appreciated.

Yours sincerely

Miss Rachel Smith
Head of RE

Year 11 Mock Exam Timetable

5th December 2011

Dear Parent/Guardian

RE: YEAR 11 MOCK EXAM TIMETABLE

Please find attached a copy of the Year 11 Mock Exam timetable. Please note that the GCSE English Exam on 10th January is a real exam and not a mock exam.

I am aware that the Christmas season is a busy time but I would encourage you to ensure that your child has adequate revision time to prepare for these important exams.

Wishing you a happy and peaceful Christmas.

Yours sincerely

Miss Denise Durkan
Head of Year 11

Please click on PDF document to view the Year 11 Mock Exam Timetable

BGN Centenary Magazine

Please click on PDF document to view BGN Centenary Magazine

SENCO In Partnership magazine

Please click on PDF link to view In Partnership Magazine

Lourdes Pilgrimage

BGN students have been going on pilgrimage to Lourdes every year since 1993. The year 2012 will mark our twentieth consecutive year which is an amazing record for the school and for the Archdiocese of Birmingham.

Please support us in our fundraising events to help our amazing students to work with the sick and disabled during their half-term week in May when they have finished their AS examinations.

The first fundraising event will be this Friday evening, 11th November. It is a Karaoke evening with a licensed bar, live band and raffle and will be great fun.

The Lourdes pilgrimage gives our pupils an opportunity to put their faith into action. Please assist them in their fundraising so that they can help those much less fortunate.

With best wishes

Catherine Weaver
Headteacher

Year 9 Options Information

Please click on the PDF document to view Year 9 Options information

Year 9 Option process evening

3 October 2011

Dear Parent/Guardian

This is a reminder that the first meeting regarding the Year 9 Options process will take place next week on Thursday 13th October 2011 at 6.30 p.m. in the school hall.

The evening will consist of a presentation, during which we will outline the options process to you, explain about the Pathways offered at BGN and raise some of the local and national issues affecting the curriculum at KS4. Our aim is to give you the information you need to begin a discussion with your child about her/his KS4 choices and also to provide a much earlier opportunity for discussions with us about the most appropriate courses and pathway for your child.

This year the presentation will take place ahead of the Subject Options Evening on 19th January 2012. All departments will be represented in January and it is at this later meeting that you will have an opportunity to meet with the staff of different subjects and find out more about the specific courses which are available at BGN.

Further dates for your diary (which are also on the School calendar) are:

Thursday 19th January 2012 Subject Options Evening
Wednesday 1st February 2012 Year 9 Parents’ Evening
Friday 10th February 2012 Options Return Deadline

We look forward to meeting you on 13th October.

Yours sincerely

Clare Smith
Deputy Headteacher

Please note: On the evening we would appreciate your co-operation in using the Springfield Avenue gate to enter, and the Addison Road gate to exit.

IMPORTANT NOTICE - REGARDING PARENT PAY

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Parents need to ensure that there are sufficient funds available on their child's lunch account before the start of the school day. This is due to pupils getting to tills and then being told that balance is nil - this is resulting in food being wasted. Pupils can come to reception at break time to check balances. Many thanks for your support in this matter.

Year 10 Work Experience

Click on PDF files to obtain Student handout details and employee application form

Work Experience - Year 10

14th September 2010

Dear Parent

Your son/daughter will be undertaking a week of Work Experience from Monday 12th–Friday16th March 2012.

The purpose of this week is to give students an insight into trades and professions that they might pursue as a career. It is a very important week for all year 10 pupils and choices need to be made carefully.

We encourage our pupils to arrange their own work experience placement at an appropriate work place, however I am here to support them once they have made their choices. All placements are inspected beforehand by one of the county’s work experience officers for health, safety and insurance.

Where students are taking a vocational course e.g: Construction, Health and Social Care or Travel and Tourism, work experience placements must be relevant to their course, YA students should liaise with their college tutor regarding work placements. Students should only take a placement within a school if they are considering a career in teaching. We also discourage students from working with a parent or family member.

Your son/daughter has been given a placement information form which should be completed and returned with, their letter of application and CV, by Monday 31st October 2011.

There is a final deadline date for the placement of all pupils this is Monday 21st November 2011. If a placement has to be found after this date the county charge us �25.00 for the extra administration costs. In certain circumstances, such as where a pupil has not completed all the application forms by that date, the cost will be passed on to you as parents. If a placement has to be found 2 weeks before work experience begins the cost will be �50.00. Student wishing to complete their work experience placement out of county, depending on the area the cost will be passed on to you for health and safety checks to be completed.

Yours sincerely

S Garrett
Mrs S. Garrett
(Work Experience Co-ordinator)

POINTS TO REMEMBER FOR YOU FIRST CV

The most important thing is PRESENTATION

Personal details Full name, address, telephone numbers, date of birth.

Education Dates, schools, all exams with grades.

Achievements Bullet points of anything which you are proud.

Work Experience Dates, company, responsibilities

Interests Including any clubs etc to which you belong

Reference Ideally two; ask before you commit there name to paper
and make sure they will give you a positive reference.

Use one page, one side only

Use white space well

Make the information easy to see

Use a simple font like Arial or Times New Roman

Use bold for heading where appropriate

Laser print on good quality paper

Check your spelling

DON’T

Underline heading

Mix fonts; it looks messy

Use coloured paper

Use clip art, cartoons or illustrations

Attach your photo

We need your email address...

Please could you supply us with an email address where you would like to receive correspondence regarding your child. Please could you either telephone main reception with the details or alternatively send the information via your child to hand into our reception. Many thanks.

BGN Parent Calender 2011/2012

please click on the pdf file to view the school calendar

School Term and Holiday Dates

October Half term break - Monday 24th October 2011 - Friday 28th October 2011
Christmas Holiday - Monday 19th December 2011 - Tuesday 3rd January 2012
February Half term break - Monday 13th February 2011 - Friday 17th February 2012
Easter Holiday - Monday 2nd April 2012 - Friday 13th April 2012
June Half term break - Monday 4th June 2012 - Friday 8th June 2012
Summer Holiday - Tuesday 24th July 2012 - return date to be confirmed

Monday 3rd October - INSET DAY (School closed to students)

GCSE Results - Press Release

At BGN we are very pleased that the commitment and hard work of pupils, staff and parents has been rewarded with record results of 68% 5+A*-C (including English and Maths) and an amazing 84% 5+A*-C.

English and Maths results have never been higher and in English Language over 80% of pupils gained an A*-C grade.

Our highest achievers this year, gaining all A* and A grades are Liam Anderson, Dominic De Groote, Max Davies and Annabel Deakin. Between them they have achieved 16A* and 23 A grades!

A Level Results - Press Release

We are particularly pleased to announce that of all the students who received their results today, more than half have achieved two or more A*/A & B grades and a third have achieved all A and B grades. In fact, the number of A* grades awarded has doubled this year!

There are many stories of individual success including eight students who have gained all A* and A grades. One of these students, Hannie Lawlor, will begin a degree in French and Spanish at Oxford University in October and another, Tom Stafford, is set for Cambridge University and a degree course in Law.

EXAM RESULTS

GCE Results day 18th August 2011- Results available in the LRC 9.00am - 10.30am.

GCSE Results day 25th August 2011- Results available in the LRC 9.00am - 10.30am.

Up date with E-mail address

In the new term we are hoping to send more information to you by email, please could you therefore let us know your current main email address for our records. Please send this in to main reception in writing with your child as soon as possible. Also could you please inform us should your main e-mail or mobile number change so we can keep our records up to date. Many thanks for your support.

Year 10 Maths Revision Books available to purchase at Year 10 Parent's Evening

Year 10 Maths Revisions books will be on sale during Parent's Evening

Essential Questions - �5.00
Maths Watch DVD - �3.50
Revision Guide - �3.50

Cash or cheques accepted

Governors and Senior staff are launching a survey

Governors and Senior staff are launching a survey.

They are very keen to hear yourviews. With BGN School’s continued recent successes, there has been consistent strong demand and growth in pupil numbers. There are now nearly 850 pupils and over 100 staff working at BGN. It is recognised by Ofsted as a good school and we have a thriving Sixth Form Centre. As a part of our long term planning, a working group has been asked to look at viable options for the potential redevelopment or relocation of the school. They want to canvas the views of as many people as possible who are linked to the school. Present and former pupils, parents and carers, teaching and non-teaching staff, regular visitors
(including suppliers and hirers) will all be asked to complete a brief survey. The school has been on its Addison Road site since 1961. The on-line survey asks you to identify what you think are the best physical features of the school as well as the things about BGN’s buildings you might like to see changed. Chair of Governors, Paul Concannon recently commented: “We’re very keen to hear from others what is good about BGN. We have a responsibility to ensure BGN’s continued success for many more years to come. At a time when many talk about financial cuts, we want to be ready with a well thought-out plan to capture any opportunities that may arise.” He added: “This is a good time to plan further ahead. With this consultation exercise
we can find out the views of those who are most familiar with the School. Whether BGN stays on this site or perhaps at some stage relocates, the school has to continue to be fit for purpose and we need to address any constraints that this survey will highlight.” For the first phase of the survey, we will use “Survey Monkey” which is an online facility and this will make the collation of responses much easier. (Please follow the link). We are hoping for a really good response from everyone representing the many different groups with strong connections to the school.

The survey will only take around five
minutes to complete and the results will be invaluable to us.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO YEAR 11 STUDENTS

Any Year 11 students coming into school MUST be dressed in full school uniform. Anyone not adhering to this rule will be sent home.

Thank you

Miss Durkan
Head of Year 11

BEWARE OF E-MAILS FROM PARENTMAIL

Please be aware of any emails that you may receive from a company by the name of PARENTMAIL. Please be informed that they are not connected to BGN in any way. You may receive an email stating that you owe money to the school but BGN are not mentioned in the email at all. Please contact reception at school should you have any concerns.

Parking outside BGN - Springfield Avenue

Please could parents refrain from parking on the zig zag lines outside BGN School when dropping off in the mornings and picking up in the afternoon. Also, please encourage your children to use the crossing to ensure their safety when crossing the road.

Many thanks

'NO PLACE LIKE HOME' - Year 9 Students

'No Place like Home' programme has recently visited the school to ensure that Year 9 pupils are aware of pressures that can arise at home and how to resolve conflicts.

We have been given a number of 'Parent Packs' - 'A Parents Guide to Understanding Teenagers' which are available free of charge from the school office. They contain useful advise and contact details for a wide range of issues.

OPTIONS HANDBOOK - 2011

Please click on the attached PDF document to view the Options Handbook for 2011

His Grace, Archbishop Bernard Longley visiting St John's Parish

18 January 2011

Dear Parents

His Grace, Archbishop Bernard Longley will be visiting St John’s parish this weekend, the 22nd and 23rd January and will be preaching at all Masses.

You may remember that His Grace celebrated Mass for us on our feast day of the 400th anniversary of the martyrdom of Blessed George Napier. He was very appreciative of the very warm welcome that he received here at BGN and would welcome the opportunity to meet again BGN pupils who are members of St John’s parish and their parents at one of the weekend masses.

Some of our pupils will be extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist at the 10.45am Mass on Sunday 23rd January and in the future our pupils who attend Mass regularly will also be Ministers of the Word. It is very important that we give time to our parishes and to demonstrate the willingness of our young people to lead the younger children by their example.

It is also an essential part of our Catholic/Christian formation that we attend Mass where we receive nourishment through the Word and the Eucharist to help us to realise our particular mission in life.

Please make sure that if you are a member of St John’s parish that you attend one of these Masses and that you introduce yourself to His Grace. He is a very personable and welcoming man and is looking forward to meeting you.

The Mass times are as follows:

Saturday 4.00pm
Sunday 9.00am
10.45am
5.30pm

With best wishes

Yours sincerely

Catherine Weaver
Headteacher

Justice & Peace Vigil

Peace Vigil

There will be a vigil for peace at St John's Church between 3.00pm and 4.00pm on Peace Sunday - 16th January. This will consist of prayers and readings interspersed with music and periods of silence.

All are invited

Information on entering and leaving BGN School - PLEASE READ

If you visit BGN School after 5pm and at weekends please ensure that you enter via Springfield Avenue and leave via Addison Road entrance. Thank you for your co-operation.

TAKING HOLIDAYS DURING SCHOOL TERMS

Taking holidays during school terms
(You and the law on School Attendance) – information supplied by the Attendance and Engagement Team at
Oxfordshire County Council

There is no right time to take a child on holiday during a school term. Learning takes place throughout the whole term and your child will miss out on this if they are on holiday.

If you take your child on holiday for two weeks every year, your child will miss more than six months education during the time they are of statutory school age.

The law says

• That parents/carers do not have a right to take a child out of school for holiday leave during term time.

• Schools have discretionary powers, in exceptional circumstances, to grant up to 10 days holiday during term time.

• Schools have discretionary powers to grant more than 10 days holiday, extended leave, in exceptional circumstances.

What does school take into account when considering a request for holiday leave?

When a school considers a request for holiday during school term they will take the following into account before any permission is granted:
The child’s overall pattern of attendance during the previous academic year and the current academic year.
The likely impact on the child’s education.
Whether the holiday fall within a year that the child is due to take public exams.
Whether the child is due to be taking part in assessment work for a particular Key Stage.
The length, destination and purpose of the holiday and whether it is likely to be a rare event in the life of a child.
The family circumstances and the parents’/carers’ reasons for wanting to take their annual holiday during term time.

How do I request holiday leave?

Before you can take our child on holiday you must follow the school’s procedure for asking permission for holiday leave. You may be asked to fill in a holiday request form or you may be asked to write a letter giving full details and the reason why the holiday has to be taken during term time.

The Headteacher, acting on behalf of the Governors of the school and in accordance with the school’s attendance policy, will decide if the request for holiday leave can be granted and for how many days. They will then inform parents/carers if permission has been granted.

Any request must be submitted in writing at least one month before the start date of the holiday.

You should not assume that permission will be granted and it would, therefore, be advisable to seek permission before booking a holiday.

Permission cannot be granted if you take your child on holiday and do not seek permission until you return.

Extended Leave

It is possible to request extended leave to allow families to make a visit to relatives abroad. When considering requests for extended leave, parents/carers should, where possible, ensure that the majority of the extended leave is taken during school holidays.

If your child is not able to return to school on the agreed date following an holiday, or extended leave, you should contact the school as soon as possible to inform them of the reason why your child is not returning to school as agreed. If a child fails to return to school on the agreed date, their absence may be marked as unauthorised and their name could be removed from the school roll. This may mean that your child would have to apply for a school place when they return from extended leave.

What will happen if I take my child on holiday without permission from school?

If no permission is granted by the school and you still take your child on holiday, a Warning Notice will be sent. If you take a second holiday without permission, a Penalty Notice, carrying a fine of �50, can be issued, or you may even be prosecuted under Section 444 of the Education Act 1996 for failing to ensure that your child attends school.

Children of statutory school age are required to attend school on 190 days a year. This means that there are 175 days in a year when your child is not required to attend school.

Your child’s education is important and missing 10 days of school will mean:

• Missing taught time
• Having to catch up with work missed, whilst taking on a new areas of work when they return

And could mean:

• Not being able to complete important modules of coursework which contribute to exams
• Missing extra curricula activities that take place during the school day
• Increasing their workload when they return, as they will have to catch up with missed work and complete new work
• Miss importance assessment work

Research has shown that there is a close link between attendance at school and a child’s achievement.

All time out of school affects learning and achievement for both primary and secondary pupils.

By arranging holidays outside of term time, you will be giving your child the best chance to succeed.

Where can I find help?
Contact the Attendance and Engagement Team, the contact details are listed below:

Senior Attendance & Engagement Officer
Hazel Ackroyd
Northern Attendance and Engagement Office
Samuelson House
1st Floor, Tramway Road
Banbury
Oxon, OX16 5AU

Area Service Manager
Mark Corness
Samuelson House
1st Floor, Tramway Road
Banbury
Oxon, OX16 5AU

If you need this information in another language, large print, Braille, on audiocassette, computer disk or by email, please telephone: 01865 323444

Information is also available on the Internet at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk
Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

www.oxfordshireservicesdirectory.org.uk
Directory for parents/carers and people working with children

School Nurse - Health Drop In

Are you stressed? Do you need diet and exercise advice, info on drugs, smoking or alcohol or any other health advice.

BGN School are pleased to offer a Health Drop In where you can speak in confidence to the school nurse - Mrs Batsel.

Mrs Batsel will be available in the Chapel Office every Wednesday lunchtime.

Mrs Batsel is also available on 0129 819133

HPV VACCINATION PROGRAMME IN SCHOOLS

Normal
0
false
false
false
MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ansi-language:#0400;
mso-fareast-language:#0400;
mso-bidi-language:#0400;}

HPV VACCINATION PROGRAMME IN SCHOOLS

The School Health Nursing
team will be routinely offering the HPV immunisation to girls in year 8. This
is an immunisation given 3 times over a six month period. The HPV vaccine protects against the two strains of HPV (16 and 18) that
cause cervical cancer in over 70% of women, around 800 women die every year from cervical cancer. Last year over 88%
of year 8 girls were vaccinated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any side effects of the vaccine?
How long does protection last?
How effective is the HPV vaccine?
What about girls who have allergies, or other
illnesses, can they still have the HPV vaccination?

For
answers to these questions and information about the HPV vaccine in general visit:
www.immunisation.nhs.uk/hpv

School Prospectus

The new school prospectus can now be viewed in the school information

BGN School OFSTED INTERIM ASSESSMENT LETTER (parent information)

Please find attached letter

IMPORTANT DATES FOR KS 4 STUDENTS

Important dates for KS4 Students

Year 11 Breakthrough Evening.
Wednesday 15th September 2010 – 6.30pm

Year 10 Expectations Evening.
Tuesday 21st September 2010 – 6.30pm

AS & A2 RESULTS STATEMENT

We are extremely pleased that our A level students – so many of whom have given great service to the school – have achieved 100% pass rate for the third year in a row. Almost half of the grades achieved are at the highest levels and a quarter of the students gained all A & B grades. The majority of students achieved their aspirational targets.

Five students achieved one or more of the new A* grades including one of our Deputy Head Boys, Jack Cato, who is going on to study History at Royal Holloway College. One of our most talented students, Xinyi Hu, achieved 4 A* grades in Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths and Physics. Another, Mohammed Naushad Chaudhry achieved 3 A* grades in Chemistry, Biology and Maths and will continue his education at St George’s Medical School, London.

As always these well-deserved results are a tribute to the hard work and commitment of staff, students and parents working in partnership. We wish all our students well in the next phase of their lives.

GCSE Exam Result Statement

We are delighted to announce that a further increase in the number of students gaining 5 or more A* - C grades including English and Maths has resulted in 67% of our students achieving this aspirational target.
For the third year running every single child has gained a GCSE qualification and 77% of students have achieved at least 5 GCSEs at A*-C.
22% of all grades were A & A* grades and 7 students have achieved all A* and A grades.

Examination Results

Examination Results

19th August - AS / A level

24th August - GCSE

Examination results can be collected from school

on the above dates

between 9.00am - 10.30am

PTFA Recruiting new members

Please see attached PDF file

URGENT MESSAGE - Change of travel times for students travelling to Lourdes

Further to information letters sent out to pilgrims travelling by coach and train last week stating that the return ferry from Calais to Dover on Saturday 5th June was 9.25am, I can confirm that all Birmingham coaches will now board the 8.35am ferry owing to earlier arrival at Calais Ville.

We were notified on Monday 24th May by French Railways that the train will arrive in Calais an hour earlier due to rescheduling.

This in turn will result in an earlier return to the various drop off points throughout the Diocese depending on traffic conditions.

Many thanks

A guide to Cashless Catering at BGN School June 2010

Please click on the attached document to find a guide the cashless catering systems that will be put in place at BGN school during June 2010.

Revised timetable Bicester bus route 1211

Please be advised that the Bicester bus route 1211 will be leaving 10 minutes earlier in the mornings This will take effect from Monday 10th May 2010. A copy of the revised timetable will be sent home with the students on Friday 7th May.

PRESS STATEMENT - SCHOOL TRANSPORT

PRESS STATEMENT

Blessed George Napier School has faithfully served the local and wider communities of Banbury, Bicester and the villages since 1961 and has become a very successful and consequently heavily over-subscribed school.

As the only secondary school with a religious character in North Oxfordshire we are dismayed to discover that our well-established transport arrangements are now under threat.

This threat to our transport arrangements may well have consequences for other schools and colleges in the locality and certainly threatens key principles in the DCSF’s Home to School Travel & Transport Guidance, namely:

• the promotion of diversity and choice for parents;
• a parent’s right to choose a school or college in accordance with their religious/philosophical belief;
• the promotion of a sustainable transport policy.

A lack of clarity in the Oxfordshire County Council document on Home to School Transport raises more questions than it answers! There are key issues to be addressed such as the efficiency of the savings to be made and the evidence needed to support an application for those choosing Catholic education.

We will strongly resist the County Council’s proposed changes to end subsidised travel to schools of a religious character, a proposal which strikes at the heart of all we have worked so hard to achieve in the last 49 years.

School Transport

24 March 2010

Dear Parents

We had a successful meeting with parents whose children use school transport on Monday evening and we agreed at the meeting that we needed to respond to the School Transport Policy Consultation Document en masse to make our voices of protest heard.

I hope that you will want to follow suit and have attached information to this letter to help you do so.

More information is available in school. If you wish your child to pick up a pack please let us know either by phone or by the pupil planner. These packs are available in the school office.

Thank you for your continued support.

Yours sincerely

Catherine Weaver

Catherine Weaver
Headteacher

To access Home to School Transport Policy Consultation Document on the internet:

Google: Oxfordshire County Council

Click on: Schools

Put into search box: Home to School Transport Consultation Document

Click on: Home to School Transport Policy consultation (second one down)

Go to Downloads (at the bottom of the page)

Click on: Comments Sheet

Fill in Proposals 1, 2 and 7

Pedestrian Crossing - Springfield Avenue

The new pedestrian crossing in Springfield Avenue is now up and running, please encourage your child to use the crossing when arriving and leaving school. Many thanks.

TRANSPORT TO SCHOOL - PLEASE READ

16 March 2010

Dear Parent

Please take the time to read this letter as its contents may have an effect on your child’s education at BGN.

You may or may not have heard that Oxfordshire County Council are proposing to withdraw their subsidy towards the cost of transport to faith schools. This will have a serious effect on those of you living in Bicester and the outlying villages and any who rely on school transport.

Governors and Staff of BGN want to oppose this action and wish to rally as many parents as possible to do the same.

We are calling a meeting at 6.00pm on Monday 22nd March at BGN to issue information which parents could use in their letters of concern to Oxfordshire County Council. We will also discuss the best way of voicing our concerns so that we make the most impact.

We are sending this letter to all parents knowing that we are a faith filled community and that those who may not be directly affected by transport issues will also want to offer their support.

We all believe in Catholic education; we all believe in the right for parental choice in how our children are educated. Please come to this meeting and help us to prepare and present our case. The deadline for the appeal is 1st April consequently we need to act quickly

Due to our limited parking I respectfully ask you to share transport where possible.

Yours sincerely

Catherine Weaver
Headteacher

Year 7 Football BGN v Icknield Community College 5-0 win!

A winning start to the football season for Year 7 with a 5-0 win over Icknield Community College in the first round of the Oxfordshire County Cup.

Captain Ryan Murphy led a fantastic squad performance with the opening goal coming from Bryan Tah sending BGN into a 1-0 lead at half time. In the second half BGN dominated with goals from James Gibbs, Jordan Bedford, Rhys Hamblett and Josh Holloway. The game was played in excellent spirit with BGN deserved victors.

Mr Sturla's Man of the Match Award was given to Ashley Banks for his all round contribution and non stop engine!

Good luck in the next round!!

Funds raised for Haiti

Year 10 raised �152 in their cake sale today towards the Haiti Appeal. The rolling total at present is �298. Well done BGN!

Sixth Form students bag packing for Cancer Research

We are delighted with our Sixth Formers, who on 23rd December gave up their time and bag packed for Mrs Matthews for Cancer Research, the letter below is her acknowledgment of the dedication and commitment of our pupils.

Thank you both so much for allowing me to come and talk to your sixth form assembly at the end of last termre my cancer charities that I have been fundraising for during the last six months.I will shortly be taking part in the Big Cycle challenge in India where I will have to cycle 370 kms overfive days. I have paid my own challenge costs so all funds raised are going direct to all four charities. People thought my goal of raising �10,000.00 in six months was totally unrealistic, but I am delighted to say that not only have I reached my dream target I have also exceeded it. This could not have been achieved without the outstanding help that I received from a group of your sixth form students during my bag packing day at Sainsbury's on 21st December. Apparently we raised the highest amount of funds bag packing in a day everat the local Banbury store ! During the day we collected a whopping �2,642.18Barclays Bank were willing to price match us up to �1,500.00 so the day alone brought our charities a grand total of �4,162.18 Your students whom I had the pleasure of meeting are an absolute credit to your school and I would like to express my sincere gratitude and thanks to:

Chris Cotter (yr12)

Freddie Everitt (yr12)
Simon Penhallow (yr12)
Alex Taliana (yr12)
Harry Davies (yr12)
Caitlin Montague (yr13)

These students worked so hard with me on the day, smiled throughout, andproved beyond doubt that Christmas is indeed a time for giving and the season of Good Will. They have helped the following four charities enormously - so heartfelt thanks to all. The four UK charities that have benefited are:

• Children with Leukaemia • Marie Curie cancer Care • Ovarian Cancer Action • The Lymphoma AssociationIf I can ever be of assistance to you please do ask as I would be delighted to do so.In the meantime I wish you all a very Happy & Healthy 2010God bless

Year 7 Fundraising for Haiti Appeal

Year 7 students will be fund raising for the Haiti Appeal, saving money individually by giving up something that they enjoy. All money will be collected in on Thursday.

BGN School raising money for Educaid

Changing Lives

Our Charity for Christmas was Educaid, supporting an ex pupil of BGN and her work with the poor and needy in Sierra Leone. Miriam came to the school and gave a moving assembly to the pupils on her work in Sierra Leone. In response to this, as a way of raising funds for Miriam BGN pupils suggested a themed non-school uniform day plus extra fund raising activities, for example a Christmas Raffle, Cake Stall and Home made Christmas cards. In total the pupils raised �1,118.25. The tutor group who raised the most money was 8 Campion, who raised �49 towards the final total. A brilliant effort! A cheque will be sent to Miriam in the New Year. Thank you to all families who helped their children to support this event

Results of Behaviour Survey

On behalf of the school I would like to thank all parents who took the time to complete and return the Behaviour Survey at the end of last term. We received many interesting and helpful comments which will help us to rewrite and improve our Behaviour Policy. The results of the parent survey are as listed below:

Results of the Parent Survey for the Behaviour Policy - November 2009

660 surveys were posted to each family in our school. There were 140 replies, 21.2% of our families in the school. The responses were overwhelmingly positive although some parents did comment that on some questions they did not feel qualified to comment or said that they had asked their child to supply the answer.

Question Analysis:

1 Behaviour at BGN is good
97.2% said they agree or strongly agree.

2 My child feels safe at BGN
97.8% said they agree or strongly agree with this.

3 Behaviour in lessons is good
79.3% agree or strongly agree, although several parents commented that it depended on the member of staff taking the lesson.

4 Behaviour at break and lunch time is good
85.7% agree that it was.

5 The code of conduct in the School Planner is known and used
Of the parents that answered this, 84.3% clearly knew and understood the code of conduct from the planner.

6 Good behaviour is rewarded at BGN through assemblies and tutor time
Although 74.3% of the returns indicated that this was the case, several wrote that it depended on the year group. Lower school seeming to have a lot of rewards, whereas older pupils do not feel they are rewarded.

7 Faith at BGN influences the behaviour of pupils
Clearly parents of pupils feel that the faith of school does influence the behaviour of the children. 87.8%

8 Teachers issue good referrals and house points fairly
Whilst 82.1% of parents felt that this was the case, 140 returns from 660 possible returns maybe not significant.

9 As a parent, are you aware of the consequences of poor behaviour for your child
Again of the returns 94.3% were positive that they understood and knew the consequences for their child if poor behaviour happened.

10 The consequences for poor behaviour are effective in discouraging further poor behaviour
81.5% responded that the consequences did discourage further poor behaviour but again only 140 responses.

11 Prefects play an important role in the encouragement of good behaviour
81.5% agree or strongly agree with this.

Overall Analysis:

Whilst the parent survey was very supportive and positive it was the views of only 140 families which is less than 25% (21.2%) of our school population. We can assume that the other parents are satisfied. Many of the comments were inline with staff and pupil understanding. What should have been added to the parent survey is the year group or groups their families were associated with.

Kind Regards

Mrs Verena Childs- Deputy Headteacher

Springfield Avenue will be locked from 8.40am

In an effort to improve attendance and punctuality the Springfield Avenue gate will be locked at 8.40am each morning, after this time pupils will have to use the Addision Road entrance. ALL students arriving late should sign in at Miss Robert's office.

Many thanks for you co-operation.