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.

INSET DAY

2 February 2012

Dear Parent/Guardian

Inset Day – Friday 1 June 2012

I write to inform you that the provisional Inset Day for Friday 1 June 2012, mentioned in your child’s school calendar, has now been confirmed. This means that the school will be closed on that day to all pupils.

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

Yours sincerely

Fraser Long
Headteacher

Year 11 - Photographs

30th January 2012

Dear Parent/Guardian

Year 11 – School Photograph
Thursday 2nd February 2012

I write to inform you that Year 11 students will be having their school photographs taken in school on the morning of Thursday 2nd February.

Please ensure that your child is wearing the correct full school uniform.

May I remind you that jewellery and make-up are not part of our school uniform; make-up wipes will be available for your child to use should they turn up wearing make-up. Any jewellery will be confiscated.

Thank you for your co-operation in this matter.

Yours sincerely

Miss Denise Durkan
Head of Year 11

Year 9 Parent's Evening

Dear Parent/Guardian

Year 9 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 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

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

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 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.

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.

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

Christmas cards designed by BGN pupils on sale in school

CHRISTMAS CARDS – DESIGNED BY BGN PUPILS!
SUPPORTING LOCAL CHARITY BYHP

Penguin card designed by Claudia Blanchfield
Starry Night card designed by Harry Shanahan-Jones

�3.75 per pack on sale in school

(5 x 2 designs)

All proceeds go to help the young & homeless in and around Banbury
Thank you for your support

SENCO In Partnership magazine

Please click on PDF link to view In Partnership Magazine

Lourdes Pilgrimage Letters have now gone home to parents.....

Lourdes 2012 Pilgrimage

Letters have now gone home to parents of children interested in taking part in the 2012 Lourdes Pilgrimage. A non-returnable deposit of �100 is required as soon as possible to secure your child's place.

14th November 2011

Dear Parent

You will be aware that your son/daughter expressed a wish to be part of the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes in the June half term next year.

BGN has a tradition of sending one of the largest youth groups from all the schools in the Archdiocese and the year 2012 will be our twentieth consecutive pilgrimage to Lourdes and therefore very special for the school. Whilst in Lourdes, we stay in a very good hotel, close to the Domain, the area of Lourdes owned by the Church and the place where Our Lady appeared to St Bernadette.

The young people will work in shifts with the sick pilgrims, alongside the doctors and nurses who care for them. The cost of the pilgrimage will be approximately �800, which includes the travel by air to and from Birmingham airport. When in Lourdes, the pupils will share a double en suite room in the hotel and have three very good meals a day and also the opportunity to visit the village of Gavarnie, high in the Pyrenees.

In order to make the pilgrimage accessible to all, we fund raise throughout the year and usually reduce each person’s cost by at least �100 per person depending, of course, on our fund raising efforts.

In order to book the hotel of our choice, we now need a deposit of �100, which is non-returnable, to secure a place for each person. Please make the cheque payable to BGN School and mark it 'Lourdes' on the back.

We are looking forward to a really exciting and blessed pilgrimage.

Yours sincerely

Catherine M Weaver
Headteacher

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

2 Parent Governers required

2 Parent Governors Required

If anyone is interested in becoming a Parent Governor please contact the Chair of Governors, c/o BGN School by Wednesday 2nd November 2011.

Please note that if more than 2 valid nominations are received a ballot will be held.

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.

Reminder Notice - Inset Day, Open evening half day

20th September 2011

Dear Parent / Guardian

Reminder Notice

Please note two key dates on the school’s calendar

Monday 3rd October - Inset Day
No children to attend school on this day

Tuesday 4th October - Open Evening
On Tuesday, 4th October Blessed George Napier will be holding its annual Open Evening. In order to prepare for this event, the school will close at 1.20pm. The children will be provided with lunch and will be registered before being dismissed at 1.20pm. School buses will be arranged for this time.

We thank you for your co-operation.

Yours sincerely

Catherine Weaver
Headteacher

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

Parent Pay issues

Parent Pay have today confirmed that there is an issue with purchase and balance information being displayed to parents in their online accounts. Parent Pay and our till provider are working to resolve this issue however they have advised that it may take some time to fully resolve and synchronise systems.

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)

Year 10 Expectations Evening Wed 14th Sept 2011

8th September 2010

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 14th 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 Mrs Samantha Garrett. 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 14th September at 6.30pm.

Signed_________________________________________ (Parent/Guardian) Date___________________

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.

Note from the Governing Body

Mr Fraser Long, Deputy Head, has been appointed Headteacher of BGN as from 1st January 2012.

We offer our congratulation to Mr Long and wish him many happy and successful years at the school.

End of Term school will shut at 12.30pm

School will shut at 12.30pm on Friday 22nd July, school buses will be rescheduled for this time.
The new school term will begin on Wednesday 7th September 2011for all years

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

Year 10 Parents Evening Monday 11th July 2011

Dear Parent/Guardian

Year 10 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 the maintain the high standards upon which the schools good reputation rests. We request that all parents attend all parents’ evenings.

• Year 10 Parents Evening, Monday 11th July, 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 Rachel Morrison
Head of Year 10
_____________________________________________________________________________________

YEAR 10 PARENTS EVENING – MONDAY 11th JULY 2011
(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____________________

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.

Happy and Holy Easter

The staff and pupils of Blessed George Napier School would like to wish everyone a happy and holy Easter.
We look forward to seeing all students on Tuesday 26th April 2011.

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

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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

BGN HOUSE COLOUR SCARVES ON SALE NOW

BGN House Colour Scarves to celebrate BGN Day are now on sale in the school reception - a special price of �5 (please make cheques payable to BGN School).

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

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.

News Letters

Latest school news letter added see "Stay in Touch" tab

The latest newsletter has been added see "Stay in Touch" tab for a complete list of newsletters

Blessed George Napier Catholic School & Sixthform The School

Music at BGN

Statement from the Governors

INSET DAY

Year 11 - Photographs

Year 9 Parent's Evening

Year 11 Mock GCSE Results

Year 11 Revision Timetable 2012

Year 9 Options Handbook 2012

Year 9 Options Evening

Year 10, 11 GCE Religious Studies Exam Reminder

Year 11 Mock Exam Timetable

BGN Centenary Magazine

Christmas cards designed by BGN pupils on sale in school

SENCO In Partnership magazine

Lourdes Pilgrimage Letters have now gone home to parents.....

Lourdes Pilgrimage

Year 9 Options Information

2 Parent Governers required

Year 9 Option process evening

Reminder Notice - Inset Day, Open evening half day

IMPORTANT NOTICE - REGARDING PARENT PAY

Year 10 Work Experience

Work Experience - Year 10

Parent Pay issues

We need your email address...

BGN Parent Calender 2011/2012

School Term and Holiday Dates

Year 10 Expectations Evening Wed 14th Sept 2011

GCSE Results - Press Release

A Level Results - Press Release

EXAM RESULTS

Note from the Governing Body

Mr Fraser Long, Deputy Head, has been appointed Headteacher of BGN as from 1st January 2012.

We offer our congratulation to Mr Long and wish him many happy and successful years at the school.

End of Term school will shut at 12.30pm

Up date with E-mail address

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

Year 10 Parents Evening Monday 11th July 2011

Governors and Senior staff are launching a survey

Governors and Senior staff are launching a survey.

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

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO YEAR 11 STUDENTS

BEWARE OF E-MAILS FROM PARENTMAIL

Happy and Holy Easter

Parking outside BGN - Springfield Avenue

'NO PLACE LIKE HOME' - Year 9 Students

OPTIONS HANDBOOK - 2011

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

Justice & Peace Vigil

Information on entering and leaving BGN School - PLEASE READ

TAKING HOLIDAYS DURING SCHOOL TERMS

School Nurse - Health Drop In

HPV VACCINATION PROGRAMME IN SCHOOLS

BGN HOUSE COLOUR SCARVES ON SALE NOW

School Prospectus

BGN School OFSTED INTERIM ASSESSMENT LETTER (parent information)

IMPORTANT DATES FOR KS 4 STUDENTS

AS & A2 RESULTS STATEMENT

GCSE Exam Result Statement

Examination Results

PTFA Recruiting new members

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

A guide to Cashless Catering at BGN School June 2010

Revised timetable Bicester bus route 1211

PRESS STATEMENT - SCHOOL TRANSPORT

School Transport

Pedestrian Crossing - Springfield Avenue

TRANSPORT TO SCHOOL - PLEASE READ

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

Funds raised for Haiti

Sixth Form students bag packing for Cancer Research

Year 7 Fundraising for Haiti Appeal

BGN School raising money for Educaid

Results of Behaviour Survey

BGN staff clearing school

Springfield Avenue will be locked from 8.40am

News Letters

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