Teaching Assistant

LEADERSHIP TEAM AND GOVERNORS

HEADTEACHER

• Ms O'Connor

DEPUTY HEADTEACHERS:

• Ms Goodwin

ASSISTANT HEADTEACHERS

• Mrs Scanlon
• Mrs Perkins
• Mr McDonnell
• Mrs Chester
• Mr Franzoni
• Ms Nadiello

BUSINESS MANAGER

• Mrs Heffernan

ASSISTANT BUSINESS MANAGER

• Ms Wheeler

CHAIR OF GOVERNORS

• Mrs Boland

Our Mission:

• Knowledge through the light of faith

Our Core Values:

• Living our faith
• Respect for self and others
• Dynamic, creative and innovative teaching
• An exciting, challenging curriculum
• Achieving the potential of every individual
• Positive attitudes and a ‘can do’ culture

Our Facilities:
Cardinal Newman School was opened in 1969 as a purpose-built comprehensive school for boys and girls aged 11-18.  It occupies an attractive site on the north-west outskirts of Coventry.  Over the years we have built up an impressive range of facilities to give our students a wide range of experiences and opportunities.

The school is made up of fourteen single or two storey buildings which provide:

• A separate building for most subject areas.
• A chapel for liturgical celebrations and individual use.
• A refurbished library providing books and multimedia support for computer aided learning.
• Eight refurbished Science laboratories.
• A refurbished Design & Technology area.
• A Student Support Centre.
• An extensive fully networked computer system including five computer suites and departmental based computers.
• A refurbished Post 16 Centre with Lecture Theatre.
• A Music area with rehearsal rooms.
• A large Theatre  for Drama and Dance and 2 Drama studios.
• Extensive sporting facilities.
• A Chaplaincy Centre.
• Two cafeteria style dining areas.

ACADEMIC ORGANISATION
At Cardinal Newman School teachers work in subject areas with specialist facilities to deliver the best possible education programme for our students. A two week timetable operates, consisting of twenty five one hour lessons in each week.

Our curriculum caters for students of all abilities at Key stages 3, 4 and 5. We take time to ensure that all of our students are given the opportunity to access courses that are best suited to their learning needs and their future aspirations, whilst also ensuring that they are given as broad and balanced an educational experience as possible. Careers, Citizenship and Personal Development (CCPD) are taught by all tutors through our pastoral programme.

At Key Stage 4 (14-16) students are able to study for a wide range of exams from the traditional GCSEs to the more vocational BTEC qualifications.  Students may follow college courses and Young Apprenticeships.  A number of students take GCSEs in their home language such as Polish.

Cardinal Newman has a thriving 6th form and the number of students who stay on to study post 16 courses increase each year. We offer a range of pathways that includes the  traditional A levels and BTECs at both Levels 2 and 3.

Communication is a key factor in the success of any student at Cardinal Newman. To facilitate this, parents have the opportunity to talk to staff and find out about their child’s progress at various meetings and visits to the school throughout the academic year.

PASTORAL ORGANISATION

Students are looked after in year groups by a team of tutors led by a Head of Year.

On entering the school, students are placed in one of eight tutor groups.  There is close liaison with the feeder primary schools to work out the combination of students in each tutor group.

Each tutor group is looked after by a tutor.  The tutor takes the register and looks after the students on a day to day basis.  Some of their responsibilities include:

• Delivering a programme of learning called the Pastoral Programme.
• Giving help and advice to the students and their parents.
• Trying to identify and listen to problems and help to find a solution.
• Encouraging students in their activities and interest within school.
• Following up referrals from subject teachers which may be giving praise or   highlighting a cause for concern.  Tutors will decide the best course of action and may contact parents if necessary.
• Monitoring attendance, punctuality, uniform and homework.
• Keeping students informed of all that is going on in the school.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
We offer a wide range of extra curricular activities which enhance the curriculum and broaden students experiences.  Some of those on offer are:

• Sports Teams
• Orchestra and Choir
• Drama
• Competitions
• Drama and musical productions
• Residential experience at Soli House, Alton Castle and Dol y Moch.
• Foreign Trips Abroad e.g. Barcelona, Paris, World Challenge expeditions
• Computer Club
• Various subject trips
• Fund raising for Charity
• Skiing
• Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

CREATIVE ARTS
The Arts have an important role in the broad, balanced curriculum offered at Cardinal Newman which is a Specialist Arts College and has been awarded Arts Mark Status. All students have the opportunity to study Art, Drama and Music and take part in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities such as:

• Choir
• Orchestra
• Drama Club and productions
• GCSE and A Level Drama Showcases
• Concerts
• Battle of the Bands
• Art Exhibition and visits
• Young Musician of the Year

Successful Drama and musical productions have involved a large number of students from all year groups and have shown an enormous array of talent and commitment.  Recent productions have included Little Shop of Horrors, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Jesus Christ Superstar.  On average there are over 25 extra curricular Arts Opportunities available to students every year.

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
At Cardinal Newman we believe that all children are of equal worth and have an entitlement to the full range of curricular experiences and opportunities.  We try to ensure that all students can access the curriculum by providing a differentiated approach to learning where activities are matched to students’ abilities and needs.  We hope that this will give all students the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

All students have individual needs, but some have special educational needs related to learning, medical and/or social, emotional and behavioural issues.  Such needs may require support from our Student Support Centre.  This may involve help with basic literacy or numeracy, development of social skills or behaviour management and may be short term or on-going support.

The mission of the Student Support Centre (SSC) is to ensure that every student with difficulties receives as much help and support as is possible.  This support may be for learning, behaviour, medical or personal difficulties.  We aim to help all students achieve their potential. THE CATHOLIC LIFE OF THE SCHOOL.

Finally, and most importantly, our school is a faith community with a strong Catholic ethos.  This impacts on all aspects of school life.  It is demonstrated particularly by:

• 10% of curriculum time devoted to RE
• The study of RE is compulsory for all students, including Sixth Form
• Weekly tutor group masses and daily prayer
• Yearly House masses and masses on Holy Days of Obligation
• Regular support from our priest Chaplain
• A Lay Chaplain who leads a Chaplaincy Team
• Student retreats at school and residential centres
• Strong links to Diocesan Youth Groups (BCYS)
• Vocations Days
• Lenten activities and a commitment to charitable works
• Opportunities to visit Lourdes