To develop spiritual growth and an understanding of Christian values.
	To provide a broad and balanced education which is rooted in Catholic values and principles.
	To recognise the unique talents and values of each individual so that everyone can experience the success which promotes self-confidence and a positive self-image.
	To establish an environment in which care and mutual respect is clearly evident.
	To raise awareness of the value of people of other faiths, backgrounds and ages and encourage respect for them.

As a specialist College for Mathematics and Computing/ICT we will:

	Raise standards for achievement for all pupils in these specialist areas and through this improve overall achievement.
	Improve standards of teaching and learning in Mathematics and Computing/ICT through innovation and imaginative use of resources.
	Work with other schools to raise achievement in Mathematics and Computing/ICT by sharing improved resources and expertise.
	Develop Mathematics and Computing across the whole school curriculum and embracing all aspects of school and community life.
	Meet the needs of all pupils be extending and enhancing opportunities and supporting Post 16 participation in Mathematics and Computing.
	Work with the local community to ensure opportunities match learning needs and life long learning is supported.
	Strengthen links with sponsors to support the continuing development of the school.
	Engage in learning those at risk of social exclusion - both in school and in the community - so that they develop employable skills and clear vocational pathways.

 

Foundation Governors Rev A Jackson Miss A Stapylton Mr G Turton Mrs B Longbottom Mrs J Culkin Rev T Marshall Mrs Dignam Dr P Brooke Mr P Gibson Mr M Chadwick Mrs M Oresi Teacher Governors Mr J Booth Mr M Harvey Staff Governor Mrs C Singh	Parent Governors Mr J Kehoe (Chair) Mrs Kennard Local Education Authority Governors Councillor Mr M Lyons Mrs Norman Co-opted Governor Mr M Robinson Ex Officio Mrs B King (Headteacher) Clerk to the Governors Mrs B Walker
Teaching Groups Our aim is that pupils should be in classes in which they feel happy and secure and in which they can achieve their best potential.  Teaching groups in Year 7 are of mixed ability except for Mathematics.  Subjects continue to be taught in mixed ability groups in Year 8 except for Mathematics, Science, Modern Languages and Technology.  As pupils progress through the school each subject area determines its own setting arrangements. We have a flexible system which will give a truly comprehensive and integrated school, yet allow individual children to progress as rapidly as possible, by taking into account their strengths and weaknesses in different subjects.  Particular provision is made for pupils who have special learning difficulties.  They are provided with additional support within the classroom and/or may be withdrawn from classes to receive specific help. Form groups continue to reflect a wide spectrum of pupils in the year group and changes are not made without very good reason. Assessment The work in all subjects is divided into modules which provide pupils with attainable short-term targets.  In Years 7, 8, 9 & 10, at the end of each module of work, pupils assess the progress made under the guidance of the subject staff.  Form teachers discuss overall progress with the pupil on a termly basis.  Certain pupils have individual mentors in Years 9, 10 and 11 to support them.  All pupils have target grades for the end of KS3 and KS4, based on prior achievement. Each year parents will receive a full record of performance and achievement in all areas of the curriculum in the Annual Report.  Parents are also provided with grades during the year to help monitor progress.  Year 11 pupils are presented with their National Record of Achievement at a special leaving ceremony.  Assessment in all subjects in all years is ongoing.  Annual examinations are held for pupils in all subjects in Years 9-11 and in selected subjects for Years 7-8.  Year 11 pupils will sit mock General Certificate of Education examinations (GCSE) in December. Special Educational Needs At Mount St Mary's Catholic High School we recognise and respect the learning needs of children.  We aim to meet the needs of all our pupils within our subject departments but place particular emphasis on support for the needs of pupils who have difficulties which act as a barrier to their learning.  We are committed to a philosophy of integration of all pupils so that they have the maximum access to the National Curriculum and we see this a s a co-operative venture between pupils and staff. Support for children with learning difficulties may be provided in a variety of ways: before school activity, intensive reading groups, "Successmaker" programme, in class support, withdrawal from class for special tuition.  The Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator is Mrs P Kearney, who leads a team of Learning Support Assistants.  A copy of the school's Special Educational Needs policy may be obtained from school. Gifted & Talented As part of the Government's Excellence in Cities initiative there is enhanced provision for identified pupils. Religious Education Mount St Mary's High is a Catholic school.  Religious Education is fundamental to all that we do.  This applies to al that we teach and how we treat each other.  Our aim is to respect the dignity and self-esteem of everyone with whom we come into contact. There are two hours of Religious Education (RE) lessons each week for every pupil in the school.  In KS3 pupils follow the scheme of work 'Icons'.  All KS4 pupils study GCSE in Religious Education.  Pupils at the school are expected to fully participate in religious education, other liturgies, prayers and assemblies, all of which reflect the Catholic nature of the school.  All pupils are expected to attend retreats and days of recollection and renewal.  These may range from one day per year in Years 7 & 8 to Residential work in Years 9 and 11.  Such days are both popular and valuable.  Parents have a statutory right to withdraw children from religious education and acts of collective worship. It is our aim that the Gospel message should permeate the whole curriculum, every part of which has to be seen by pupils and teachers as relating to God. Personal and Social Health and Citizenship Education
A programme of Personal and Social Health and Citizenship Education (PHSCE) runs throughout the five years. This includes: A weekly form period concentrating on personal management and social awareness. Science lessons e.g. "Drug Awareness". Religious Studies covering Education in Personal Relationships. Careers Education and Guidance delivered by our careers teacher and form tutors in Years 9 - 11. Citizenship.
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Learning Mentors & Co-ordinators
As part of the Excellence in Cities Programme additional support and guidance is provided by Learning Mentors for identified pupils.  The school has two learning mentors who are based in "The Flat".  Support is available to pupils, parents, carers and staff to help children achieve their best potential at school, at home and within the community. Various activities are organised throughout the year during term and school holiday times for pupils, parents and carers.  Two other specialist co-ordinators work with KS3 and KS4 pupils on intervention strategies and attendance provision to ensure all pupils have the help they need to succeed.
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Sex Education
Education in Personal Relationships is part of the school's religious and moral programme of education and includes Sex Education. The intention is to provide pupils with a Catholic framework within which they can discover, discuss and reflect on their God-given sexuality and the effects of this on their lives. Our aim is to acknowledge the dignity and value of each individual member of the school community and, in doing so, to create the conditions in which healthy and worthwhile relationships can be developed. Factual information is included in the programmes of study of the National Curriculum in Science but this is not sufficient without a Christian, moral framework and a true understanding of the Gospel message. These are provided as part of the religious education programme and also permeate our whole approach to sex education.
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Pastoral Care
Pastoral care is that which is exercised by all good parents and teachers for the spiritual, moral, physical and social welfare of their children. All teaches have a pastoral responsibility for pupils. Pupils are placed in a mixed ability form group and the form teacher has responsibility for the day to day care, welfare and well being of pupils. Each year group has a Head of Year and a team of form tutors.   Heads of Year 2003/2004 Year 7 - Mr Floyd Year 8 - Mr Wilford Year 9 - Mrs Dickinson Year 10 - Mrs Higgins Year 11 - Mr Daly Pastoral staff are always very willing to see parents, by appointment, to discuss problems and difficulties which may arise. Learning mentors play an essential part in the school's pastoral care system, as does the Catholic Care worker that the school is fortunate to have.
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Parents
Parents are always welcome in school but appointments should be made to see a particular member of staff. Invitations are issued from time to time through out the year for parents to attend special Liturgies, meetings and celebrations both in and out of normal schools hours. Each Year group has a Parents' Evening when there is an opportunity to discuss the progress, achievements and attitudes of pupils with their subject teachers and form tutors. Years 9 - 11 also have additional "Information Evenings" to help keep parents informed about various issues which will affect their children. It is most important that parents should attend these. Parents are informed of their children's progress in all subjects regularly throughout the year. They may make an appointment to discuss this progress with the Head of Year at any time. Parents are also invited to come to school to discuss their child's annual report if they so wish. Three parents are elected to serve on the School Governing Body for a three year period.  The Governors' Annual Meeting for Parents takes place in the autumn term, and all parents are invited. Mount St Mary's Catholic High School has an active and very important Parent Teacher Association, the purpose of which is to strengthen the links between home and school for the benefit of all pupils. The PTA has also been successful in raising money for educational resources from which all children benefit. All parents automatically belong to the PTA but their active support is needed for it to be successful.
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Student Planners
All pupils are provided with a planner booklet which is designed to be the principal routine means of communication between parents and teachers. The member of staff mainly responsible for monitoring and supervising each child's planner is his or her form teacher who works in conjunction with the Head of Year. Other teachers may also make a written comment in the planner if they judge it necessary. Parents are encouraged to use the planner as a means of two way communication and are invited to make comments. Used in this way, the planner can become a useful means of providing communication, structure and security for youngsters in high school.
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Careers Education
All pupils in Years 10 and 11 have timetabled careers lessons. This time is used to give information and advice about a wide range of careers and issues related to employment and training. It is also used to prepare all pupils in Year 10 for two weeks of work experience which is organised by the school during the summer term.  All pupils from Years 9 to 11 will develop a Careers Action Plan which, with their work experience certificate, forms an important part of their Record of Achievement. Careers guidance is available to parents on Parents' evenings from our own staff and also from the school's Careers Service Advisers. Advisers interview all Year 11 pupils and many of our Year 10 pupils.  A Year 9 Parents Information Evening is also held in the spring term prior to making option choices. In addition there are  opportunities for pupils to attend Careers Conventions, both in and out of school, to visit Notre Dame Sixth Form College, F.E. colleges and employers and to attend presentations in school by employers. Pupils have a computer-based analysis (JIIG-CAL) of their strengths and aptitudes to help them make the right decisions.
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School Leavers Destinations
Destinations of Year 11 pupils who left Mount St Mary's Catholic High School in July 2003, as known in 9/03 were: Further Education/Notre Dame Sixth Form College 124 Employed without training  12 Employed withtraining 19 Employed with work based learning 3 Other 14
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Extra Curricular Activities
We encourage pupils to take part in a wide range of extra-curricular activities. The number and variety of these changes from year to year; currently they include the following and large numbers of pupils are normally engaged in these activities after normal school hours:   Gospel Choir; Rock Band; Orchestra; Dancing; Basketball; Football; Netball training; Singing; Cross-country; Gym club; Cyber Cafe; Fellwalking; Rugby Training; Guitar Club; Swimming. The school provides much opportunity for those who wish to apply themselves in the field of performing arts: during the course of each year a range of activities, including concerts, musicals and displays are performed for very appreciative audiences. Those wishing to learn to play musical instruments are given every encouragement. We have a good range of instruments in school and the concert orchestra performs on special occasions throughout the year. We also have a number of rock and pop groups who perform successfully in local concerts and competitions. The new Mount St Mary's Gospel Choir has already performed in the Town Hall and is clearly set for a bright future.
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Sporting Aims & Provision
The school's sporting aims are, as with all aspects of school life, to deliver the mission statement. Through sport we endeavour to give all pupils the experience of collaborating and co-operating with each other: to develop pupils' self esteem and confidence to acknowledge unique talents to encourage achievement so that everyone can achieve success In PE, in Games, in Dance, in participation of competitive sport, Mount St Mary's Catholic High School seeks to deliver these aims. The school has a large gymnasium, a fitness training room, a dance studio, netball court, two football pitches and a basketball court. Regular visits are arranged to the local sports centre, bowling alley and tennis courts. Teams represent the school in most major sport, in all age groups, and they participate most successfully in local school leagues and competitions.
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Behavioural Management
At Mount St Mary's Catholic High School we believe that expected behaviour must reflect and support the stated aims and philosophy of the school. This means: establishing an ethos where the Christian concept of life can flourish. ensuring that the school community is caring supportive and friendly. ensuring that the atmosphere and conditions are conducive to effective teaching and learning. encouraging pupils to take responsibility for their own behaviour. Mount St Mary's Catholic High School has positive expectations of behaviour. Good behaviour is recognised, and rewarded by the use of a commendation system . In addition to verbal praise and comments in diaries, 'Gems'/ 'Senior Commendations' are used to recognise, reinforce and support good behaviour. 'Gems'/'Senior Commendations' are an acknowledgement of real consideration, commitment and care. They are a fair reward for sustained effort and good conduct. When a pupil in Years 7 - 11 has received 20 Gems/Senior Commendations they will be awarded a special certificate. The school will also write to parents to inform them of the positive achievements of their child. Further Gems/Senior Commendations result in a second certificate, another letter, and may merit a more tangible reward of a voucher. The school wishes to have the minimum of rules consistent with the reasonable and orderly standards of behaviour necessary to establish an atmosphere where meaningful learning can take place. The school operates a consistent approach to classroom management by promoting a clear system of rules/praise/consequences. Four simple, clear rules operate in each classroom: Follow instructions straight away. Listen in silence when the teacher speaks to the whole group. No teasing, name-calling or insults. Leave other people and their belongings alone. Consequences for pupils who choose to disregard the rules are equally clear. A range of sanctions is used in response to misconduct. Detention may be held after school for those pupils whose work or behaviour warrant it. (Pupils will always receive 24 hours notice.) Other sanctions include the setting of extra work, loss of recreational time and being placed on report. Serious misbehaviour or lack of work will result in consultation with parents. If all other remedies fail, pupils may be excluded from school. All pupils are made aware that outright defiance or insolence to any member of staff will result in withdrawal from lessons and isolation from peers at least. Any physical aggression will almost certainly result in exclusion for a period of time. Such sanctions are necessary to ensure that all pupils have the opportunity to learn within a safe, secure and orderly environment. In accepting a place for their children at Catholic High School, parents are deemed to have accepted these sanctions. A copy of the school's Behaviour Policy is available from school on request.
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Bullying
It follows from the school's Mission Statement that any incident of bullying, whether physical, verbal or in any other form is totally unacceptable at Mount St Mary's Catholic High School and is always taken seriously. Incidents are handled differently depending on the nature of the incident and a variety of approaches may be used. Bullying is the concern of every member of staff at Mount St Mary's Catholic High School. Pupils are encouraged to report incidents of bullying. The school believes every person has a right in a Catholic/Christian community to be able to go about their daily lives feeling secure. Workers and pupils have a right to be treated with respect. A copy of the school's full Anti-Bullying Policy is available from school on request.
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Attendance
The school places great emphasis on the importance of regular attendance and parents are urged to avoid taking pupils out of school in term time for holidays, dental appointments, etc. If absence is unavoidable, usually because of illness, the parents are asked to inform the school straightaway. When the pupil returns, parents should send in a note confirming the reason for absence in writing. On the first or second consecutive day of absence the school will contact parents by telephone unless notification has been received about the reason for absence.
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Rates of Absence
Figures below relate to the period September 2002 to May 2003. Number of day pupils of compulsory school age on roll for at least one session Number of pupil sessions 272694 Number of authorised absences 22054 Number of day pupils with at least one authorised absence 905 Number of unauthorised absences 1100 Number of day pupils with at least one unauthorised absence 40 Percentage of pupil sessions (half days) missed through authorised absence 8.1 Percentage of pupil sessions (half days) missed through unauthorised absence 0.4
Transport
The school is 7 minutes walk from Leeds Central Bus Station from which buses go regularly to all parts of the city. There are two special school buses, serving Middleton and Beeston. Routes and times are given in the Appendix. In addition, the service bus 61/62 comes from Beeston to very near the school. Information about entitlement to free transport, bus passes, etc. can be obtained from the Department of Education, 110 Merrion Centre, Leeds LS2 8DT Tel : [0113] 2475503.
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Voluntary Contribution Scheme
All parents of pupils are asked to give £5 per term for each pupil (maximum £10 a family per term) to the Voluntary Contribution Scheme. This money is used entirely to ensure necessary building and maintenance work can be undertaken in all the Catholic schools within the Leeds diocese. 10% of the cost of all such work has to be met by the Diocese of Leeds on behalf of the schools. Parishes can no longer support the cost of school building work, so the Bishop asks all parents who have chosen to send their children to a Catholic school to make a contribution.   Charging Policy Any charges made by the school must meet the requirements of the Education Reform Act 1988. The school endorses the guiding principles contained in the Act, in particular that no child should have its access to the curriculum limited by charges. Charges will not be made for any activities which form part of a prescribed examination syllabus, or are in fulfillment of National Curriculum requirements. Activities which are wholly or mainly within school hours should not normally be chargeable. In practical subjects parents may be asked for the full or partial cost of material or ingredients if they have indicated in advance that they wish to own the finished product. Voluntary contributions may be invited for trips which take place mainly within school hours. No child may be excluded because of inability to pay but the school is entitled to cancel the trip if the level of contributions does not meet its budgetary requirements. Trips which take place mainly out of school hours are chargeable. Board, lodging and travel costs will be charged on residential trips, subject to statutory exceptions. The cost of examination entries for subjects taught within the school will normally be met by the school.
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School Uniform We expect our pupils' dress to maintain the good reputation of Mount St Mary's Catholic High School.  We aim for a neat uniform which must be worn every day. All pupils: plain dark blue or black outdoor coat or jacket plain white traditional shirt school tie regulation school sweater with school crest (compulsory) black shoes For girls: navy blue or black skirt or navy regulation school trousers, obtained only from school or Rawckuffes, plain tights. For boys: navy blue, black or dark grey trousers. Please note: Training shoes or pumps are only allowed in PE lessons. Denim or leather materials (even in school colours) must not be worn. Jewellery (except signet rings, medals or crosses and chains) should not be brought to school.  Girls and boys who have pierced ears may wear one small earring in each ear.  Other jewellery is not permitted.  It may be confiscated and returned at the end of term.   Physical Education Uniform Girls' PE Uniform: One navy blue PE skirt (initialled in front in white); one shirt in house colour (initialled in front in white); navy blue or white socks for PE; trainers (non-marking soles); navy blue or black swimming costume; swimming cap in house colour.   Boys' PE Uniform: One royal blue football shirt; royal blue football shorts; pumps (not dark soles); royal blue stockings; navy blue or black swimming trunks, swimming cap (house colour);   We trust that parents will co-operate with us in maintaining the high standards for which the school is known.  The school will give confidential help to parents who have financial difficulty in providing uniform.   The School Day
The School day starts at 8.40 every morning when the hooter is sounded. Before this time, pupils are able to use the schools "Day Long Diner" facilities for refreshments. The Early Bird club is also open in room 22 from 8 am onwards. Registration 8.45- 9.00 am Period 1 9.00 - 10.00 am Period 2 10.00 - 11.00 am Break 11.00 - 11.20 am Period 3 11.20 - 12.20 am Years 8 - 11                                  Year 7 Lunch 12.20 - 1.00pm                    Period 4a 12.20 - 12.50 pm Period 4 1.00 - 2.00pm                   Lunch 12.50 - 1.30 pm                                                      Period 4b 1.30 - 2.00 pm Period 5 2.00 - 3.00 pm Registration during 1.30 - 1.45 (period 4b) School ands at 3.00pm, after which there is the opportunity to take part in a wide range of extra curricular activities. The Governors' Admission Policy The Admission Arrangements for 2004 The Governing Body will make admission to the school.  The Governors will admit 180 pupils at 11+.  Priority will be given to baptised Catholic children.  All applicants are required to declare positive support for the aims and the ethos of the school. In each category preference will be given to children in public care at the time of the application. The Governing body reserves the right to admit children with proven and exceptional needs where admission to the school might best help satisfy those needs. Admissions to the school will be made in accordance with stated parental preference subject to the following set of admission criteria forming a priority order when there are more applications for admission than the school has available. 1. Baptised Catholics who are resident in one of the following Leeds Catholic parishes: St Anthony's, St Francis (Holbeck), St Patrick's, St Peter's, St Philip's and St Joseph's (Hunslet) and tranferring from a Catholic Primary School serving one of the above parishes. and have a brother or sister attending Mount St Mary's Catholic High School at the time of transfer. 2. Baptised Catholics who are resident in the catchment areas of the above named Leeds Catholic parishes and tranferring from a Catholic Primary School serving one of the above parishes. 3. Baptised Catholics who have had a brother or sister attending Mount St Mary's High School at the time of transfer. 4. Baptised Catholics transferring from one of the Catholic primary schools serving the above named parishes. 5. Baptised Catholics who are resident in one of the above named Leeds Catholic parishes. 6. Other Baptised Catholics 7. Non-Catholic children whose parents wish them to receive a Catholic Secondary Education and who are resident in one of the above named Leeds Catholic parishes and transferring from the Catholic Primary School serving one of the above parishes and have a brother or sister attending Mount St Mary's High School at the time of transfer. 8. Non-Catholic children whose parents wish them to receive a Catholic Secondary Education and who are resident in one of he above named Leeds catholic parishes and transferring from the Catholic Primary School serving one of the above parishes 9. Non-Catholic children whose parents wish them to receive a Catholic Secondary Education and who have a brother or sister attending Mount St Mary's Catholic High School at the time of transfer. 10. Non-Catholic children transferring from a Catholic primary school and whose parents wish them to receive a Catholic Secondary Education.   11. Non-Catholic children who are baptised or full members of another Christian denomination or other faith and whose parents wish them to receive a Catholic Secondary Education. 12. Non-Catholic children resident in the above named parishes whose parents wish them to receive a Catholic Secondary Education. 13. Other Non-Catholics whose parents wish them to receive a Catholic Secondary Education. Footnotes Baptised Catholics are those who have been Baptised according to the rites of the Catholic Church or who have formally been received into the Catholic Church. If any of the categories is over subscribed, places will be allocated on a nearest school basis by shortest walking distance. For admission purposes, the home address is deemed to be where a child is habitually and normally resident with his/her parent(s) or guardian(s). The address of a carer/childminder or relative who does not have parental rights under the provisions of the Children Act must not be given. The governors reserve the right to investigate the question of residency and to amend school offers accordingly. Where the school is over-subscribed a waiting list will operate until September 30th. Right of Appeal If an application for admission is refused by the Governing Body parents have the right of appeal to an independent panel. Any such appeal must be received within 21 days of the refusal and be addressed to: The Clerk to the Appeals Panel, Committee Services, 4th Floor West, Civic Hall, Leeds LS1 1UR.
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