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INFORMATION ON ST JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL FOR STAFF APPLICANTS

GENERAL:

St Joseph’s is a Roman Catholic co-educational 11-18 Specialist Arts School operating within a selective system in Slough.

MISSION STATEMENT:

St Joseph’s Catholic High School endeavours to be a centre of excellence which serves the needs of all its pupils and where the teachings and values of Jesus are reflected in its structures and policies.

You are welcome to visit our School and have a conducted tour and meet with staff at a time convenient to all concerned.

PASTORAL POLICY:

The pastoral policy of St Joseph’s Catholic High School reflects the values and teachings of the Catholic Church and flows from the School’s Mission Statement.

These pastoral values, developed within the tutorial system, should carry over into all areas of school life – every member of staff is a member of the pastoral team.

All pupils, irrespective of race, gender, special needs or socio-economic factors, should be enabled to realise their full potential, and develop the ability to think independently.

The school was inspected by OFSTED in December 2008. The OFSTED report stated that ‘The headteacher, staff and governors are accurate in judging that St Joseph's is a good school. The progress seen at the last inspection has continued, and the school has developed some outstanding features to its work. The school clearly demonstrates a very strong Catholic ethos and displays excellent morals and social values. The Headteacher's goal is to raise standards and include all students in school life. He is very ambitious for the students, and accepts nothing but the best from everyone. The students' outstanding personal skills and good academic development place them in a strong position for success in their future lives. They are a great credit to themselves and to the school, making a very considerable contribution to its happy atmosphere. Their behaviour is excellent and they show great respect for adults and each other.’

A copy of the report can be read on the DfES Website.

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY:

The school is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of the children. A copy of the school’s child protection policy is available on request.

All members of staff will require an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check and this is a condition of employment at the school.

CURRICULUM POLICY STATEMENT:

The curriculum is defined as the total learning experience offered by the school. This includes attitudes and values, as well as concepts, knowledge and skills.

On entry, pupils are placed into pastoral/registration groups and this grouping is the basis for teaching for most subjects in Year 7. In Years 8 & 9 Maths, English, Science, French and Humanities are taught in ability groups. Technology and PE are taught in small mixed ability groups throughout the key stages.

The setting arrangement allows for movement from one set to another should this be thought necessary. A system of continuous assessment enables the progress of each pupil to be monitored closely.

KEY STAGE 3

At KS 3 all pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9 follow the National Curriculum subjects –

Religion, English, Mathematics, French, Science, Design Technology, Art, Drama, Geography, History, Information Technology, Music, Citizenship/ Personal & Social Education, Physical Education and Games.

Religious Education is in accordance with the teaching of the Catholic Church and is timetabled for all pupils......

KEY STAGE 4

In Years 10 and 11 Religious Studies, English, Mathematics, Science, Personal & Social Education (including citizenship and work-related learning), Careers and PE form the compulsory core curriculum. French is studied by most pupils. In addition, pupils study 3 option subjects from a range of subjects including the following:

All pupils take GCSE Examinations in Year 11. The range of subjects offered enables the most able pupils to take up to 10 GCSE exams during Key Stage 4.

Skillforce is also offered to some pupils.

KEY STAGE 5

The core subjects are Religious Studies, P.E., Community, Citizenship and an I.C.T. qualification.

Pupils are then able to choose from a range of subject on offer:

NUMBERS ON ROLL:
The number on roll at St Joseph’s is at present 670

STAFFING:
At present the teaching staffing is – Head plus 55

There are 5 full-time and 3 part-time administrative staff, plus support staff in Science, Technology, ICT, Maths, Library and Special Needs and a School Matron

ACCOMMODATION:
In addition to nineteen “ordinary” classrooms, there are four Science Labs, two Art Rooms, three Design Technology Rooms with ICT facilities, a Food Technology Room, two ICT suites, a Music block, Drama Suite and a Maths block.

There is also a Library/Resource Centre, sixth form common room and study area, a gymnasium, an Assembly Hall with adjacent Dining Room and a Chapel. We also have our own playing fields.