Blessed George Napier Catholic School & Sixthform The School

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 fact the world with confidence and take up the challenge of the Gospels. This requires us to equip our charge 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 and 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.

Year 11 Mock results

Year 11 mock results being handed out

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.

Collection of Old Clothing

Bags will be sent home with children today for collection of old clothing, please note that the bags must not be brought back into school until Thursday 25th March. Many thanks.

PTFA Meeting

PTFA Meeting will take place in the Business Room at BGN school on 09/03/2010 at 19.30. All are welcome.

Year 11 Prom

The Year 11 Prom will take place on Friday 25th June 2010 at the Bodicote Cricket Club. Tickets will be on sale in school after the Easter Break.

Henry's of Banbury are offering a discount for schools of 20 or more wishing to hire evening outfits for the prom. The normal cost is �45, they are offering a price of �40 for a complete outfit. Please contact Henry's on 01295 251044 for more details.

A letter will be sent home with students with more details in due course.

Re-Scheduled Year 7 Parents Evening

Dear Parent, Guardian

RE: Year 7 – Parents Evening

As you are aware the Year 7 Parents’ Evening, scheduled for Wednesday 6th January was postponed due to adverse weather conditions.

We have now selected Tuesday 16th March 2010 from 4pm until 6.30pm as the evening on which to re-schedule this meeting. Although this evening is sometime later than the original date we feel that it would be more beneficial to you and your child as it will allow time for you to receive this year’s second Progress Data Report and to address any specific issues which this might highlight.

Please note that the evening will take place in the Corrigan Building and each department will be situated in a different room, because of this, it is extremely important that your son/daughter makes appointments with the tutors they wish to see and adhere to the allotted time. All pupils must attend wearing their full BGN uniform.

Each student has an appointment form in their planner with time slots to make appointments with his/her teachers. It is the student’s responsibility to see teachers and make appointments. This should be done during the normal lesson times with each teacher, where this is possible. Please check that appointments have been made on your behalf and bring the appointment form with you on the night. The evening will finish by 6.30pm and we ask for your cooperation in not making all appointments at the later times as this will delay the finish.

We hope that as many of you as possible will be able to attend. This will be the opportunity to discuss with teachers how the school year has gone so far. As usual, we would also ask that you bring your child with you so that all concerned are involved in the consultations.

Yours sincerely

Miss Tara Boyle
Head of Year 7

Year 10 Work Experience

Year 10 Work Experience.Monday 15th – Friday 19th March 2010

Most students have now received their completed work experience agreement forms signed by their employer.

The information on the form has the timings of their day, if they need any specific clothing or if a student is required to take their own packed lunch if canteen facilities are not available.

All students are encouraged to contact their employer either by telephone or attend an informal interview before work experience begins to introduce and familiarise themselves with their employer and surrounding.

Year 10 Practice Interviews
Tuesday 9th March and Thursday 11th March.

Every year Banbury Rotary Club comes into school and conducts practice interviews for all Year 10 students. This is a great experience and gives students an insight into the world of work and preparing for the future.

Students have already been given the time and day of their interview and are not expected to wear school uniform. Students should be dressed smartly ready for an interview.

Closure of Springfield Avenue from 9am to 4pm starting 01/03/2010

There will be closures of Springfield Avenue, from 9am to 4pm, starting on Monday 1st March. This will affect school transport operations in the afternoons.

From Monday 1st March to about Thursday 11th March, the closure will be from Farmfield Road junction to Horton View junction. Schools transport in the afternoons should enter Springfield Avenue from Grange Road, and leave via Farmfield Road.

The change-over is expected to take place on about Thursday 11th March, although it could be earlier or later, depending on progress.

From about Thursday 11th March to Wednesday 17th March, the closure will be from Grange Road junction to Farmfield Road junction. At this stage, the new zebra crossing is expected to have been completed. Schools transport in the afternoons may enter Springfield Avenue either via Farmfield Road, or via the Horton View / Springfield Avenue junction. Each operator should agree with the Blessed George Napier School whether their pick up point on those days will be in Farmfield Road, or in Springfield Avenue north-west of the School access.

If you have any queries, please ask either me or the appropriate Transport Co-ordinator at the County Council.

David Deriaz
Senior Engineer (Design & Implementation)
Oxfordshire Highways

Oxfordshire County Council
Speedwell House
Speedwell Street
Oxford OX1 1NE

Tel: 01865 815666
Fax: 01865 815085

Oxfordshire County Council website: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk

NEWS FLASH Year 9 Option Forms deadline

Please be aware that the deadline for Year 9 Options form to be returned to school is Friday 12th February 2010. If you need further assistance, please contact Mrs Herridge or Mrs C Smith as a matter of urgency.

Many thanks.

PTFA Update

PTFA Update
The Boston Blues Tea Party has been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances and has been rescheduled for October 2010.

Family Portrait Day
Saturday 6th February at BGN 10am – 3pm
This event was held 18 months ago and was very well supported. Prices start from �8. They would make great Mother’s Day presents! Please ring the school reception 01295 264216 to book a time slot.

Collection of old clothes!
Friday 26th March
An opportunity to turn out your old winter woollies and make money for the school! Bags can be brought into school on Thursday 25th March from 3.20pm and will be collected on Friday 26th March at 9.30am.

Summer Folk Evening
Saturday 26th June with popular folk band Scarecrow + Pig Roast
More details to follow

St Patrick’s Celebration Evening
Saturday 13th March 7.30pm – 12.00am
�10 per adult �5 per child
Price includes a sit down 2-course meal and dancing to The Quiet Men Ceildh Band and Irish dance display. There will be a licensed bar.
Menu
Irish Stew and Colcannon or Vegetable Irish Stew followed by Irish Cream Delight or Shamrock Cake

Tickets on sale from 1st February
Please complete and return the reply slip with your money to the school reception
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
St Patrick’s Celebration Evening
Pupil Name: ………………………………………………. Tutor Group: ………………
I would like ………….. tickets @ �10 per adult and …………….. tickets @ �5 per child
I enclose �………. Cash / Cheque made payable to BGN School
Please indicate how many vegetarian options are included ………..

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!!

Year 11 Mock results

Year 11 mock results were handed out to students last week

a selection of pictures can be seen in "The School Gallery Year 11 Mock results"

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!

Boston Blue Evening, postponed

The Boston Blues Evening has unfortunately had to be postponed, this will be rescheduled at a later date.

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 Parents Evening New date

21st January 2009

Dear Parent/Guardian

RE: Year 7 – Parents` Evening – Tuesday 9th February 2010

We have now rearranged the Year 7 Parents’ Evening and this will take place on Tuesday 9th February 2010 from 4pm until 6.30pm. Please note that the evening will take place in the Corrigan Building and each department will be situated in a different room, because of this, it is extremely important that your son/daughter makes appointments with the tutors they wish to see and adhere to the allotted time. All pupils must attend wearing their full BGN uniform.

Yours sincerely

Miss Tara Boyle
Head of Year 7

Year 11 After School revision sessions

Week A:
Monday - English
Tuesday - RE
Wednesday - Art, Dance, PE
Thursday - Maths
Friday - Teacher discretion

Week B:
Monday - Drama, Business Studies
Tuesday - History, Geography
Wednesday - Music, D & T, French
Thursday - Spanish, Leisure & Tourism, Health & Social Care
Friday - Teacher discretion

Science revision prior to modular examinations:
23rd February and 2nd March

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

Year 11 GCSE RE Coursework sessions

Miss Boyle will be running some coursework sessions after school on Tuesday 19th January and Thursday 21st January for any pupils who need to complete or re-draft coursework. These will be held in Room C5 from 3.30pm until 5.00pm.

Any Year 11 RE Pupils are welcome to attend.

Year 11 GCSE Art

IMPORTANT DATES

Monday 8th February 2010
Hand in all coursework for preliminary assessment

Friday 12th February 2010
Receive assessment sheet, see what is left to do and take any necessary work home over half term

Half Term
Buy a sketchbook for exam work- minimum size - A4

Monday 1st March 2010
FINAL COURSEWORK DEADLINE - all work is to be handed in

Week beginning - 1st March 2010 - receive exam paper in lesson

Monday 9th April 2010
Year 11 Art Coursework Day

Thursday 29th April AND Friday 30th April 2010
GCSE EXAM

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

BGN staff clearing school

Dedicated BGN staff clearing pathways so BGN can open

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.

Exam Results - August 2009

Dear Parents/Guardians

Many thanks for your support in making sure that our pupils, your children, made a good start to the school year. They continue to look smart in their uniform and hopefully they are proud of being part of this school.

We have been delighted once again with our examination results. Our A level results were particularly
impressive. 57.1% of our pupils achieved A and B grades and nearly a third achieved straight A grades. One pupil, Joshua Altamura gained four As and will be taking his place at Oxford University. BGN had 100% pass rate at A level which means that each student is well prepared for the next stage in their lives, whatever that might be.

As with our A level results we have this year achieved our best ever results at GCSE. Of our 137 pupils 76% achieved 5+A*-C grades and 63% achieved 5+A*-C including English and Maths.

Two of our pupils, Hannie Lawlor and Selena Ryan-Vig, achieved 10 A* grades each!

We also extend our congratulations to Rachel Bray and Matthew Titman who gained all A* and A grades.

What amazing achievement!

Thank you all for the support and encouragement that you give to the staff of BGN enabling us to provide the best possible education for our pupils.

With best wishes

Catherine Weaver

Headteacher

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