St Ursula's Convent School

Our History & Ethos

The school was established in 1877 by the Ursuline Order and continues to have as its inspiration the spirit and traditions of the congregation. As an Ursuline school, we have been entrusted by St Angela, our foundress, to continue to live out her vision of educating young women of tomorrow.

Our school motto is “Serviam” meaning “I shall serve.” We are a testament to this in that our school community bears witness to God’s love; whereby each individual is encouraged to serve and love one another. All girls have a responsibility to make a significant contribution to the wider community. Students understand that their thoughts, values and deeds have an impact on all they become involved in.

We are one of the many Ursuline schools across the world noted since the 16th century for encouraging the education of young women. The school offers a unique opportunity to play a part in an establishment which is rich in tradition and academic achievement.

Mission Statement

Our Mission is to ensure that every individual achieves their potential through the pursuit of academic excellence and the nurturing of their gifts and talents.

To create a caring Catholic community; allowing everyone to develop and share in the love of Christ; serving the world of today and tomorrow through the relationships we make and the service we provide to others.

Ursuline Core Values

As Ursulines, we continue the approach to ministry which draws its life and vision from St Angela’s spirit and philosophy. Inspired by the call of the same Gospel, and challenged by the needs of our time, we, like Angela, ground our mission in the following core values:

• · Spiritual formation and faith development
• · Respect for the uniqueness of the individual
• · Development of the whole person
• · Development of a nurturing community spirit
• · Commitment to peace-making
• · Serviam (I will serve) as a lived reality
• · Development of leadership skills for every individual

A hallmark of an Ursuline school is academic excellence and a shared vision and profile.

Location

St Ursula's Convent School is situated by historic Greenwich Park. The school has fine views over London and the Thames, surrounded by a rich heritage of maritime history and located on the Meridian Line.

Facilities

The original Georgian house set in beautifully landscaped grounds has been extended to embrace all the requirements of a modern school. Specialist accommodation includes up-to-date, fully equipped science laboratories, a design technology unit, extensive computer suites and creative arts facilities, including music and drama studios and an activities hall.

A Teaching School

Initial Teacher Training

We are committed to training teachers. We offer a wide range of subject placements, working closely with our local universities, Goldsmiths and the University of Greenwich.

The support and guidance given to the many “Beginning Teachers” we host on placements throughout the academic year is highly rated.

All our subject departments are involved in ITT through:

• PGCE placements

• Subject mentoring

• Pastoral mentoring

• Visits to departments from prospective PGCE students

• Delivery of Learning and Teaching sessions

“It is a pleasure to work in an environment where the staff are friendly and the morale is good. I found my placement at St Ursula’s encouraging and rewarding.”

“The students’ keenness to learn has been amazing and they have made my first experience of teaching highly enjoyable. Behaviour is incredible at the school.”

Our Teaching School ethos effectively and innovatively leads the way in the recruitment, training and development of teachers. This ensures that expert knowledge and practice is disseminated across the school and through collaborative outreach with partner schools, local authorities, initial teacher training providers and other agencies.

‘Staff feel privileged to work at the school and speak highly of the support and development they receive’. (Ofsted 2015)

A Centre of Teaching Excellence

St Ursula’s is a strategic partner in the Catholic Teaching Alliance and the Royal Borough of Greenwich Teaching Alliance. As a strategic partner, we are designated as a centre of excellence in training and development.

We focus on developing and delivering high-quality initial teacher training (ITT) and professional development which is focused on improving and enhancing the quality of teaching and learning in our school community.