St Thomas More Catholic Academy - Prospectus - All Saints Catholic Collegiate
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St Thomas More Catholic Academy
part of
All Saints Catholic Collegiate
Prospectus
September 2013 (updated May 2014)
Welcome to St Thomas More Catholic Academy
Head Teacher Welcome
Thank you for taking an interest in our school.
St Thomas More Catholic Academy is a Voluntary Aided Catholic 11-18 school of over 1000
pupils in the Archdiocese of Birmingham. We serve the population of the south of Stoke-on-Trent
continuing the tradition of Catholic education in the area that dates back to the mid-19th Century.
Since 2013, we are delighted that our school has joined with 4 local Primary Schools to form All
Saints Catholic Collegiate.
The School values the excellent support it receives from parents and carers and we have a team
of conscientious staff who consistently encourage their students to be the best they can be. We
aim for the highest of standards in all that we do and we can only achieve the success we do with
the co-operation of our pupils and students. Working together in partnership we believe that
anything and everything is possible. We are proud of the fact that we do not select our pupils by
ability or social class rather we uphold our Christian values that all children are welcome in our
community.
As a Catholic Christian community we strive to ensure Gospel values are at the heart of all that
we do as we seek to ensure everyone in our school is known and loved.
We hope that you will take the time to browse through our website. We feel that it captures what
our school is all about. Please look at our photos and videos that try to snapshot our fabulous
pupils and students and their depth of talents and abilities. Our curriculum is outlined in detail
and hopefully illustrates why our pupils do well in public exams. Our photo galleries and
slideshows should show the incredible amount of opportunities that exist for our pupils and
students to take their learning beyond the classroom.
Our aim is to provide our young people with opportunities that will equip them for the rest of their
lives. We are proud to be a Catholic Comprehensive School serving a diverse happy community.
We welcome applications from all who share our vision and values.
Mr A Wootton
Acting Principal
1
Contents
School Mission Statement ................................................................................ 3
Academy Mission Statement............................................................................. 4
Introduction ....................................................................................................... 5
All Saints Catholic Collegiate ............................................................................ 6
Directors ........................................................................................................... 6
St Thomas More Catholic Academy.................................................................. 6
Local Academy Representatives....................................................................... 6
Admissions Policy 2015 .................................................................................... 7
Liaison ............................................................................................................ 13
Senior Staff ..................................................................................................... 14
Religious Life .................................................................................................. 15
Sex Education ................................................................................................. 16
Pastoral Care .................................................................................................. 16
Attendance ...................................................................................................... 17
Extra-Curricular Activities ................................................................................ 17
Absence from School ...................................................................................... 18
Student Passes ............................................................................................... 18
Discipline and School Rules ........................................................................... 19
Home-School Contract .................................................................................... 19
Detention System............................................................................................ 19
School Times .................................................................................................. 20
School Meals .................................................................................................. 20
Anti-Bullying Policy ......................................................................................... 21
Child Protection............................................................................................... 23
Contact with Parents ....................................................................................... 23
School Fund .................................................................................................... 23
Curriculum....................................................................................................... 24
Organisation.................................................................................................... 24
Enhanced Curriculum ..................................................................................... 24
Curriculum in Years 7 & 8 ............................................................................... 25
Curriculum in Years 9, 10 and 11.................................................................... 25
Compulsory (Core) Subjects ........................................................................... 25
Option Subjects............................................................................................... 26
Sixth Form & Trinity School............................................................................. 27
Special Educational Needs ............................................................................. 28
Homework ....................................................................................................... 28
Careers Education .......................................................................................... 29
Charging Policy ............................................................................................... 29
Curriculum Complaints .................................................................................... 30
Out of School Activities ................................................................................... 30
Special School Buses ..................................................................................... 31
Valuables ........................................................................................................ 31
Uniform ........................................................................................................... 32
Uniform Suppliers ........................................................................................... 35
School Year 2014-2015 .................................................................................. 36
Destination of the Sixth Form .......................................................................... 37
Examination Results ....................................................................................... 38
Year 13 A Level Results 2013 ........................................................................................................ 38
Year 11 GCSE Results 2013 – All Pupils ....................................................................................... 39
Year 11 GCSE Results 2013 – Boys .............................................................................................. 41
Year 11 GCSE Results 2010 – Girls ............................................................................................... 42
KS 3 TA Assessment Results (School)........................................................................................... 44
2School Mission Statement
St Thomas More Catholic Academy is:
• A Catholic Christian Community with a mission to promote the truths
and moral values taught by the Catholic Church.
• In fulfilling our mission, we will all do our best to ensure that:
Christ is at the centre of our daily lives through prayer, work and
worship.
• The Gospel values of love, justice, peace and forgiveness are seen in
all that we do.
• Each member of our community is known and loved.
• Everyone in the School has the opportunity to develop their talents to
the full.
• All students achieve their academic potential.
• We carry out our duty of service to others, both within, and outside our
community
3Academy Mission Statement
All Saints Catholic Collegiate Mission Statement
Our Academy ensures that Christ is at the centre of all that we do and that every member of
our community is known, loved and respected.
Through the Gospel Values of love, reconciliation, justice and peace we recognise everyone
as a Child of God.
We work together so that our pupils are supported to serve others and achieve their full
potential in a caring, safe and secure environment.
United in Faith, Love and Learning
Over the last term a group of students and staff from the schools across the academy have
been working very hard on the above Mission Statement for the Multi Academy.
This has been based initially on the Academy Launch INSET day earlier in the year. This
Mission Statement complements the different Mission Statements used by each school
individually.
The Mission Statement has also been complemented by a Motto developed by the working
party.
4Introduction
This booklet is designed to provide information concerning the School to
parents seeking admission for their children.
St Thomas More Catholic Academy is part of the All Saints Catholic Collegiate.
All Saints Catholic Collegiate comprises of the following schools:
St Thomas More Catholic Academy
St Augustine’s Catholic Academy
St Gregory’s Catholic Academy
St Maria Goretti Catholic Academy
Our Lady’s Catholic Academy
It provides comprehensive education for boys and girls between the ages of 11
and 18 in liaison with the Archdiocese of Birmingham.
Students transfer to the School from the following contributory Roman
Catholic Primary Schools:
St Augustine’s Catholic Academy, Meir
St Gregory’s Catholic Academy, Longton
St Maria Goretti Catholic Academy, Bucknall
Our Lady’s Catholic Academy, Fenton
Our Lady & St Benedict’s School, Abbey Hulton
St Teresa’s School, Trent Vale
St Thomas’ School, Stoke
If you wish to transfer your child from a school not listed above then you
should contact the Principal at the below address:
St Thomas More Catholic Academy
Longton Hall Road
Longton
Stoke on Trent
ST3 2NJ
NOTE: information in brochure is correct as at May 2014 (mid-year update).
5All Saints Catholic Collegiate
Directors
Foundation directors appointed by trustees (8)
Fr David Hartley - Chair
Mrs Anne Middleton Hill - Vice Chair
Mrs Julia Bridgewater
Mr Andrew Capper
Mrs Annmarie Comfort
Mrs Carole Knight
Mr Francis Tunney
Vacancy
Staff Directors (2)
Mrs Jenny Doig
Mrs Victoria Brickley
Executive principal - representing all schools
Mrs Margaret Yates
Parent representatives (2)
Mr Kevan Knapper
Mrs Adele Lupton
St Thomas More Catholic Academy
Local Academy Representatives
Foundation LAR’s (6)
Mrs Carole Knight - Chair
Mrs Pam Ball – Vice Chair
Fr David Hartley
Mr Tim Wareham
Deacon Stephen Saum
Mr Mark Downie
Mr Mike McKenna
Parent LAR’s (1)
Ms Jane Johnson
Vacancy
Staff LAR’s (3)
Mr Andrew Wootton
Mrs Jenny Doig
Ms Lucy Naylor
Clerk to the LAR’s: Mrs A Perry
6Admissions Policy 2015
ADMISSIONS OF PUPILS : YEAR 7 – SEPTEMBER 2015 - 2016
St Thomas More Catholic Academy
September 2015 – Please note that the last date for applications is
31st October 2014, including all supporting evidence
The admissions process is part of the Stoke-on-Trent LA co-ordinated Scheme.
The Admission Policy of the Directors of St Thomas More Catholic Academy is as follows:
St Thomas More Catholic Academy is part of the All Saints Catholic Collegiate.
The ethos of this Academy is Catholic. The Academy was founded by the Catholic Church to
provide education for children of Catholic families. The Academy is conducted by its board of
directors as part of the Catholic church in accordance with its Articles of Association and
seeks at all times to be a witness to Jesus Christ. We ask all parents applying for a place
here to respect this ethos and its importance to the Academy community. This does not affect
the right of parents who are not of the faith of this Academy to apply for and be considered
for a place here.
The Academy’s Admission Number of the school 2015 – 2016 is 187.
Directors will consider applications in late November/early December and parents will be
informed on 1st March 2015 if their child has been allocated a place at the Academy.
If the number of applications exceeds the admission number, the Directors will give priority to
applications in accordance with the criteria listed, provided that the Directors are made aware
of that application before decisions on admissions are made (see Note 1 below).
In all categories, priority will be given to those who have a brother or sister (see Note 3
below) attending St Thomas More Catholic Academy at the time of admission.
1 Baptised Catholic children who are in the care of a local authority (looked after children)
or provided with accommodation by them (eg, children with foster parents) (Section 22 of
the Children Act 1989) and children who were previously looked after but ceased to be so
because they were adopted (or became subject to a residence order or special
guardianship order).
2 Baptised Catholic children (see Note 2 below) who currently attend a Catholic feeder
school (See Note 4 below).
3 Baptised Catholic children who live in a feeder school parish area (see Note 4 below)
4 Other Baptised Catholic children.
5 Non-Catholic children who are in the care of a local authority (looked after children) or
provided with accommodation by them (eg children with foster parents) (Section 22 of the
Children Act 1989) and children who were previously looked after but ceased to be so
because they were adopted (or became subject to a residence order or special
guardianship order).
76 Children of staff currently employed at St Thomas More Catholic Academy (see Note 6
below).
7 Non-Catholic children who currently attend a Catholic feeder school.
8 Other Non-Catholic children.
OVER-SUBSCRIPTION
If there is over-subscription within a criterion, the Directors will give priority first to brothers
and sisters and then to children living closest to the Academy determined by shortest
distance. Distances are calculated on the basis of a straight-line measurement between the
front door of the applicant’s home address and the front door of the Academy. The local
authority uses a computerised system, which measures all distances in miles. Ordnance
Survey supplies the co-ordinates that are used to plot an applicant’s home address within this
system (See Note 4).
In a very small number of cases it may not be able to decide between the applicants of those
pupils who are qualifiers for a place, when applying the published admission criteria.
For example, this may occur when children in the same year group live at the same address,
or where there are twins, or if the distance between the home and school is exactly the same,
for example, blocks of flats. If there is no other way of separating the application according to
the admissions criteria and to admit both or all of the children would cause the legal limit to
be exceeded, the local authority on behalf of the Directors will draw lots to randomly select
the child to be offered the final place.
Note 1
Children with a Statement of Special Educational Needs that names the Academy must be
admitted. This will reduce the number of places available to applicants.
Note 2
In all categories, for a child to be considered as a Catholic, evidence of Catholic Baptism or
Reception into the Church will be required. For a definition of Baptised Catholic see the
Appendix. Those who face difficulties in producing written evidence of baptism should contact
their Parish Priest.
Parents making an application for a Catholic child should also complete the school’s
supplementary information form (SIF). Failure to provide evidence of Catholic Baptism may
affect the criterion the child’s name is placed in.
Note 3
The definition of a brother or sister is:
A brother or sister sharing the same parents;
Half-brother or half-sister, where two children share one common parent;
Step-brother or step-sister, where two children are related by a parent’s marriage;
Step-brother or step-sister
Adopted or fostered children.
The children must be living permanently in the same household.
8Note 4
The designated feeder academies, schools and appropriate parishes for St Thomas More
Catholic Academy are:
1 St Augustine’s Academy, Meir
2 St Gregory’s Academy, Longton
3 St Maria Goretti Academy, Bucknall
4 Our Lady’s Academy, Fenton
5 Our Lady & St Benedict Academy, Abbey Hulton (Shared with St Margaret Ward)
6 St Teresa’s School, Trent Vale (Shared with St John Fisher)
7 St Thomas’s School, Stoke (Shared with St John Fisher)
Parishes:
Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent
St Gregory, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent
St Augustine of Carterbury, Meir
St Teresa of the Child Jesus, Trent Vale
Our Lady & St Benedict, Abbey Hulton
St Maria Goretti, Bucknall
Our Lady of the Angels & St Peter in Chains, Stoke-on-Trent
Maps of the parish areas are available to view at the school and parish or by post on request.
Note 5
The home address of a pupil is considered to be the permanent residence of a child. The
address must be the child’s only or main residence. Documentary evidence may be required.
Where care is split equally between mother and father, parents must name which address is
to be used for the purpose of allocating an Academy place.
Note 6
Reference to staff means full-time or part-time employed in the following roles:
Teaching Staff
All other staff employed at the Academy or in contract at the Academy who are not
teachers.
The member of staff must have been employed at St Thomas More Catholic Academy for
two or more years at the time of application for admission, or
The member of staff has been recruited to fill a vacant post for which there is a demonstrable
skill shortage.
APPEALS
Parents who wish to appeal against the decision of the Directors to refuse their child a place
in the college may apply in writing to the Chairman of the Board of Directors, c/o St Thomas
More Catholic Academy, Longton Hall Road, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST3 2NJ. Appeals
will be heard by an independent panel.
9REPEAT APPLICATIONS
Any parent can apply for a place for their child at any time outside the admissions round.
Parents do not have the right to a second appeal in respect of the same school for the same
academic year unless, in exceptional circumstances, the admission authority has accepted a
second application from the appellant because of a significant and material change in the
circumstances of the parent, child or school but still refused admission.
LATE APPLICATIONS
Late applications will be dealt with according to the LA co-ordinated scheme.
APPLICATIONS OTHER THAN THE NORMAL INTAKE TO YEAR 7
Applications should be made to the Board of Directors at the Academy.
WAITING LISTS
Waiting lists for admission will remain open until the end of December 2015 and will then be
discarded. Parents may apply to the Board of Directors for their child’s name to be
reinstated until the end of the academic year when the list will be discarded. The waiting list
will be kept in admission criteria order. A child’s name may move up or down the list.
Inclusion of a child’s name on a waiting list does not mean that a place will eventually
become available. Children who are the subject of a direction by a local authority to admit or
who are allocated to a school in accordance with a Fair Access Protocol take precedence
over those on a waiting list.
IN YEAR FAIR ACCESS POLICY
Refer to the agreed policy with the LA for admission of previously excluded or hard to place
children.
There is no cost related to the admission of a child to St Thomas More Catholic Academy.
10APPENDIX
DEFINITION OF A “BAPTISED CATHOLIC”
(For use in the Criteria of Admission to Catholic Schools in the
Archdiocese of Birmingham)
To establish clarity, consistency and fairness in the application of Criteria of Admission in
Catholic Schools in accordance with the Trust Deed of the Archdiocese of Birmingham, it is
necessary to define the description of a “Baptised Catholic” for the benefit of parents who are
making applications and for Directors who formulate and apply the criteria for admissions.
A “Baptised Catholic” is one who:
Has been baptised into full communion (Cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 837) with
the Catholic Church by the Rites of Baptism of one of the various ritual Churches in the
communion with the See of Rome (ie, Latin Rite, Byzantine Rite, Coptic, Syriac, etc, of Cf.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1203). Written evidence* of this baptism can be
obtained by recourse to the Baptismal Registers of the church in which the baptism took
place (Cf. Code of Canon Law, 877 & 878).
OR
Has been validly baptised in a separated ecclesial community and subsequently received
into full communion with the Catholic Church by the Right of Reception of Baptised
Christians into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church. Written evidence of their
baptism and reception into full communion with the Catholic Church can be obtained by
recourse to the Register of Receptions, or in some cases, a sub-section of the Baptismal
Registers of the church in which the Rite of Reception took place (Cf. Rite of Christian
Initiation, 399).
WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF BAPTISM
The Directors of Catholic Academies will require written evidence in the form of a Certificate
of Baptism or Certificate of Reception before applications for school places can be
considered for categories of “Baptised Catholics”. A Certificate of Baptism or Reception is to
include: the full name, date of birth, date of baptism or reception, and parent(s) name(s). The
certificate must also show that it is copied from the records kept by the place of baptism or
reception.
Those who would have difficulty obtaining written evidence of baptism for a good reason,
may still be considered as baptised Catholics but only after they have been referred to their
parish priest who, after consulting the Vicar General, will decide how the question of baptism
is to be resolved and how written evidence is to be produced in accordance with the law of
the Church.
Those who would be considered to have good reason for not obtaining written evidence
would include those who cannot contact the place of baptism due to persecution or fear, the
destruction of the church and the original records, or where baptism was administered validly
but not in the Parish church where records are kept.
Directors may request extra supporting evidence when the written documents that are
produced do not clarify the fact that a person was baptised or received into the Catholic
Church, (i.e. where the name and address of the Church is not on the certificate or where the
name of the Church does not state whether it is a Catholic Church or not.)
11ST THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC ACADEMY
Longton Hall Road
Longton
Stoke-on-Trent
ST3 2NJ
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION FORM
Child’s Name
Parent/Guardian
Address
Contact Number
Please tick the appropriate box
Is the above named YES NO
child a Baptised Catholic
or been Received into
the Catholic Church?
Is the certificate of YES NO
Catholic
Baptism/Reception
attached?
A certificate of Catholic Baptism/Receptiion should be provided in order for the application to
be considered in a Catholic category. Failure to provide evidence of Catholic
Baptism/Reception may affect the criterion the child’s name is placed in.
NB You must complete a local authority application form. This supplementary
information form is only for school use to enable the Board of Directors to rank
applicants using the published criteria.
Please return the completed supplementary information form to:
Mrs Marion Thompson,
St Thomas More Catholic Academy
Longton Hall Road, Longton
Stoke-on-Trent
ST3 2NJ
Email: mthompson@stmcc.net
12Liaison
Strong links have been forged with our feeder Catholic Primary Schools. The
Headteachers meet regularly to discuss matters of common interest. Our
School staff visit our feeder schools and every effort is made to help students to
adjust to the transfer process. You are most welcome to ring for an
appointment to visit the School at any time. Our staff also teach the primary
children both at their primary schools and here at the School. This helps us
build a sound caring relationship for when they come to the School.
We also make arrangements for students from our feeder schools to make
familiarisation visits during the Spring and Summer Terms. There is an evening
meeting for prospective students and parents held during the Autumn term on
Thursday 26TH September 2013.
There is a coffee morning for Prospective Parents to view the School on a
working day of Thursday 10th October 2013. Towards the end of the academic
year there is a further evening meeting for parents of the new intake on
Wednesday 9th July 2014.
13Senior Staff
Senior Leadership Team
Mr A Wootton BSc(Hons) MA PGCE Acting Principal
NPQH CPhys MinstP
Ms G Hart BEd(Hons) CertEd Acting Deputy Principal,
KS3 Strategy,
Widening Participation
Mr F Waugh BSc(Hons) PGCE Assistant Principal
Mr C Cooke BA(Hons) PGCE NPQH Assistant Principal
Mrs J Stubbs BA(Hons) PGCE Assistant Principal
Mrs D Warren Acting Assistant Principal
Mrs J Doig CSBM IAM School Business Manager
14Religious Life
Residential retreats are arranged for groups of students. Year 8 is given the
opportunity to go to Alton Castle, the Diocesan retreat centre for younger
secondary children. Year 10 visit Soli House, Stratford for a residential
weekend.
Students share in the preparation of the liturgy in School. We celebrate
Mass on feast days and liturgical celebrations take place at various times
throughout the year, including thanksgiving on the last day of the academic year
at St Gregory’s Church, Longton for Year 7 to Year 9.
Our chaplain is Rev Fr John Gilbert, Parish Priest at St Gregory’s Church,
Longton. He is supported by Lay Chaplains – Mrs Mary Bridges and Mr Tom
Shannon.
Religious education is provided for all students throughout the School.
Parents do have the statutory right to withdraw their child from both collective
worship and religious education but the Directors do not expect parents to
exercise this right as they have chosen a Church education for their child.
15Sex Education
We do not teach sex education as a separate subject but we do teach it through
the work done in departments like Biology, PE and Food Technology. Our main
teaching is done by the RE Department and through the Pastoral programme
which teach values of self-respect for others based upon the principles of our
Catholic Faith. In addition Year 8 have a Sex and Relationships Day in
Summer term. We believe that loving God and loving your neighbour is the
basis for all education concerning relationships.
Pastoral Care
Your children are placed into forms when they join us and have a Form Tutor to
look after them. Form Tutors are supported by the Well-being Team, which
has a wider responsibility for the welfare and discipline of all the children in
School.
Well Being Team:
Line Manager (Wellbeing/Pastoral) Mrs J Stubbs - SLT
Well Being Co-ordinator/Pastoral Mrs Staton
Student Support Services Mrs J Martin and Miss K Rowson
Year 7 Phase Co-ordinator Mr Harris assisted by Mrs Bath
Year 8 Phase Co-ordinator Mr Harvey assisted by Mrs Rigby
Year 9 Phase Co-ordinator Mrs Richards assisted by Mrs Belcher
Year 10 Phase Co-ordinator Mrs Powell assisted by Miss Nuttall
Year 11 Phase Co-ordinator Mr Stonier assisted by Mr Bradley Vardy
Child Protection Officer Mrs J Stubbs assisted by Mrs Caroline Milan
Learning Mentor Mrs P Stacey
Student Support Services are your first point of contact if you need to talk
to someone about your child.
16Attendance
Your child is expected to attend School regularly throughout the year. His/her
progress will be hindered by poor attendance. The "odd day off" each week for
not very good reasons is more damaging than a week off for genuine illness. It
is not expected that children will have holidays in School time as it is known to
affect their educational performance adversely. Such absences will be
unauthorised.
You will be told about your child’s attendance in his/her School report. Your
child is expected to be in School at 9.00 am ready to start assembly/registration
at 9.05 am. We will ask for an explanation if late-coming is persistent.
You will be pleased to know that we expect your child to remain on the School
premises for the whole of the lunch break unless they genuinely go home for
lunch. They are not allowed to leave the premises without permission and only
upon written request from a parent.
First Day contact: If your child has not registered by 9.15am please contact the
school to let us know the reason why. This will ensure that the school is aware
that he or she is ‘safe’.
Extra-Curricular Activities
A number of activities take place outside normal School hours. Your child is
expected to inform you of these activities before coming to School. He/she will
normally be expected to make his/her own arrangements for travelling home.
17Absence from School
Permission to be absent cannot be given lightly and we hope that you will make
appointments with doctors, dentists, opticians, etc outside School hours
wherever possible. Your child should not be absent for any other reasons.
We would also ask that parents do not take their child out of school for holidays
in term time. Requests for holidays in term time will not be granted and will be
deemed unauthorised absence.
If your child has to be absent from School then you can help us by leaving a
telephone message or send a note explaining the reason. Please sign and
date any notes you send in. If we do not receive any explanation for your
child’s absence, especially a lengthy one, then it will be investigated by the
Education Welfare Officer (EWO), who will call to see you.
Parents of students with persistent absence will be asked to attend a meeting.
In certain circumstances students with poor attendance may be taken off roll.
You will be informed by letter of any unexpected closures, which may occur
during the term.
Student Passes
If your child needs to visit the doctor or dentist during School time then we will
provide him/her with an authorised pass.
18Discipline and School Rules
We expect all students to behave in a well-mannered and courteous way to
others. Respect for others and their belongings will lead to self-discipline and
reduce the need for lots of School rules. Courtesy towards adults and fellow
students is an essential element in a happy, contented, hard-working School
community. We do have to be strict over Health and Safety rules, particularly
in areas like science laboratories and technology workshops.
We operate a Merit system to reward good behaviour and work. Details of this
policy can be obtained from Ms Hart, Assistant Principal.
Home-School Contract
We have always had an understanding of what School expects of the students
and their parents and equally what the parents and students can expect from
the School. More recently the Government has asked us to formalise this and
both parties need to sign the Home-School Contract. This will be supplied to
you upon admission to the School.
Detention System
There are times when students will need to be kept behind at School because
of misbehaviour or failure to complete homework or classwork. For Years 7 to
11, the detention will take place after School. For issues which occur within
departments, detentions are held Monday to Thursday 3.10-4.10pm. If a child
fails to turn up to detention they will automatically placed in the following
evening. Sometimes children’s behaviour can be quite anti-social and we may
need to exclude them from School for a short period of time. We will always
consult you over this and seek your support for this action. When we do have
to exclude children then parents do have the right to appeal to the Local
Academy Representatives. We are grateful for the strong support we have from
parents in these matters and look forward to strengthening this important
partnership in the future.
19School Times
9.00 a.m. Start of School Day
9.05 a.m. Assembly/Registration
9.20 a.m. Morning lessons begin
11.20 a.m. Morning break
12.35 p.m. - 1.05 p.m. Lunch A (Years 7, 8 & 6th Form)
1.05 p.m. -1.35 p.m. Lunch B (Year 9 & 10)
1.35 p.m. - 2.05 p.m. Lunch C (Year 11)
2.05 p.m. Afternoon Lessons continue
(Including Afternoon Registration)
3.10 p.m. End of School day
School Meals
School meals are provided in the School restaurant. The School has introduced
a “Cashless” system for paying for meals in the restaurant.
We have in School a biometric identification system which will use the finger
and its image to uniquely identity each student. The students then scan their
finger and inputs monies into the cash machines which will then show on their
unique finger identification.
Children on “free” meals are automatically allocated their “free” meal allowance
and can use their finger identification in the same way as other pupils. If you
prefer your child to bring sandwiches they can do so or they can buy them at
School. Unless you have arranged with us for your child to go home for lunch
then he/she will not be allowed to leave School at lunch-time.
If you are entitled to free meals for your child please claim it. It is your right and
will benefit both your child and School because our funding is increased by the
Government for these children. (Telephone 236818 for more information).
20Anti-Bullying Policy
STATEMENT
St Thomas More Catholic Academy believes that its students have the right to
learn in a supportive, caring and safe environment without the fear of being
bullied.
Bullying affects everyone, not just the bullies and the victims. It also affects
those other children who watch, and less aggressive students can be drawn in
by group pressure. Bullying is not an inevitable part of School life or a
necessary part of growing up, and it rarely sorts itself out. It is clear that certain
jokes, insults, intimidating/threatening behaviour, written abuse and violence are
to be found in our society. No one person or group should have to accept this
type of behaviour. Only when all issues of bullying are addressed, will a child
best be able to benefit from the opportunities available at St Thomas More
Catholic Academy.
All institutions, both large and small, contain some numbers of students with the
potential for bullying behaviour. If a School is well disciplined and organised, it
can minimise the occurrence of bullying. St Thomas More Catholic Academy
also has a clear policy on the promotion of good discipline, where it is made
clear that bullying is a form of anti-social behaviour. It is WRONG and will not
be tolerated.
21This requires Staff to: This requires Parents to: This requires pupils to:
Be role models in Watch for signs of Refuse to be involved
words and action at all distress, e.g. in any bullying
times. unwillingness to situation.
Be observant for signs attend school, a To report immediately
of distress or pattern of headaches, any bullying to a
suspected incidents of missing school member of staff to
bullying. equipment, damaged help break down any
Make efforts to clothing or bruising. code of secrecy.
remove occasions for Take an active To help the victim by
bullying by active interest in your child’s talking with them and
patrolling during social life and who if necessary alerting a
supervision duty. their friends are. teacher because the
Arrive at class on time Inform the school if person being bullied
and move promptly bullying is suspected. may not wish to report
between lessons. Do not encourage the incident.
Take steps to help retaliation but
victims and remove encourage your child
sources of distress to take the initiative
without placing the and try to speak to the
victim at further risk. appropriate members
Report suspected of staff.
incidents to the Be willing to attend
appropriate staff the school should
member such as your child be
Form Tutors, Head of suspected of being
Year and Assistant involved in a bullying
Head (Pastoral). incident.
Discuss bullying and Be willing to help the
relationship issues in school to endorse the
pastoral curriculum. anti-bullying policy.
Use the School
referral system to alert
Learning Mentors or
School Nurse.
PEOPLE to Turn To:
Close friends
Teachers
Head of Year
School Counsellor
Parents
22Child Protection
The dignity and sanctity of every human life is God given and this is embedded
in our mission statement. We acknowledge that every child has the right to
love, respect and protection from all of us in our community.
Our staff have regular Child Protection Training and local Safeguarding
procedures are followed, including those regarding safe recruitment.
We work closely with local agents and use local authority referral procedures.
The ‘Designated person for child protection’ is Mrs J Stubbs.
Contact with Parents
Shortly after the start of each School year we will give you a calendar of events
for the coming year. This contains details of all the parents' evenings and
Parent Teacher Association functions, together with the dates when
examinations will occur and when terms will begin and end. We will also send
you a half-termly newsletter – STM News.
You will be sent reports on attendance, academic progress and behaviour twice
a year. We will arrange a Progress Day during the year when you will be able
to meet Form Teachers to discuss your child’s progress.
The School has a very active Parent Teacher Association, which builds links
between School and home. It supports the work of the School in many ways
including arranging fund-raising events, and social functions.
School Fund
There is a School fund to which all parents are invited to contribute. This is
used for the purchase of items which cannot be bought from the School’s
funding from the Government. We invite you to contribute a one-off payment
of, currently, £30 when your child first enters the School. We are grateful to
parents for this important financial support, which benefits all students. In
addition to this the Governors wish to draw to parents attention that, under
Voluntary Aided status, they may need to re-introduce the Governors levy for
non-Catholic children. This will be needed to help the Governors meet the cost
of repairs to the fabric of the building.
23Curriculum
The aim of our 11-16 curriculum is to offer a wide range of opportunities in a
way which encourages your child to achieve his or her full potential. Your child
can build upon these opportunities in our Sixth Form where they will be closely
guided towards Higher Education or employment.
Organisation
During the first term the students are able to settle into their new School and to
demonstrate their abilities in the different areas of the curriculum. Year 7
students take tests in their subjects during November and the results of these
tests, along with the evidence of classwork and homework, may be used to
confirm our placement of the students into two broad ability bands. In the Upper
Band there are four classes which are split into two groups of two. In the Lower
Band there is one further group of three classes.
Upper Band
Group 1 - 2 equal classes
Group 2 - 2 equal classes
Lower Band
Group 3 - 3 equal classes
The Maths department puts the children into sets upon entry to Year 7 so that
they can be taught according to their ability in the subject. In English the lower
band is set upon ability and the upper band is taught in classes. In Year 8 both
Mathematics and English set across the whole year. No matter which band
your child is in he/she will follow the same curriculum, only the pace is different.
Movement of students between bands can and does happen; especially in
Years 7 and 8. In Year 8 the students who have proved to be the most capable
will be put into an accelerated class with an enhanced curriculum. More setting
takes place in Year 8 upwards.
Enhanced Curriculum
At the end of Year 7 the most able students are invited to join an express class
which receives an enhanced curriculum. This takes place after School on one
evening per fortnight across the School year. Each member of the express
class must commit themselves to attend these classes on a full-time basis.
Other children who are not in the express group but are on the A & T register
will be invited to join in the extra classes if they wish. The express class will
continue into Year 9 and invitations will be sent at the end of Year 8.
24Curriculum in Years 7 & 8
There is a full range of subjects offered in the lower School curriculum:
Religious Education
Mathematics
English
MFL
IT/Computing
Physical Education
Music
History
Art
Geography
Science
Design and Technology (Food, Res Materials, Graphics, Textiles)
A combined science course is used in years 7 & 8.
Curriculum in Years 9, 10 and 11
At the end of Year 8 students select option subjects to be taken in addition to
certain CORE subjects. (Under review)
Compulsory (Core) Subjects
Religious Studies
English Language
English Literature
Mathematics
Physical Education
Science
IT/Computing
25Option Subjects
Currently the School offers the following subjects to GCSE/BTEC level and
parents are given full information about option choices during Year 8. (Under
review).
Art and Design
Business Studies
Performing Arts (Inc Dance, Music, Drama)
MFL
Geography
History
Physical Education
Technology (Food, RM/Graphics)
IT/Computing
Horticulture for selected group
Asdan for selected group
26Sixth Form & Trinity School
The School has a Sixth Form of 130 students and this number is expected to
rise over the next few years. There is a set requirement for entry into the Sixth
Form – 7 A* to C including English, Maths at Grade C or above. (more
information is held in the Sixth Form Prospectus)
From September 2012 we are now a member of ‘Trinity School’. Courses are
now available across the four Schools which cover a wide range of interests
and abilities. The Schools are:
St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy – Tunstall
St John Fisher Catholic Academy – Newcastle-under-Lyme
St Thomas More Catholic Academy – Longton
University Academy Kidsgrove – Kidsgrove
GCE 'A' level and A/S subjects currently offered:
1 General Studies 22. Health & Social
2 Philosophy and Ethics 23. Classics
3 History 24. Law
4 English 25. German
5 English Lang/Lit 26. French
6 English Lang 27. Spanish
7 Geography 28. Sociology
8 Pure Maths and Mechanics 29. Psychology
9 Art 30. Media
10 Business Studies 31. Product Design
11 Pure Maths and Statistics
12 Applied Science(vocational)
13 Physics
14 Chemistry
15 Biology
16 Performing Arts
17 Physical Education
18 IT (Double Award)
19 IT single (A level)
20 Further Maths
21 Asdan
Sixth Form students are prepared for University entrance.
Full details of the School’s Sixth Form courses are available from Mr Millington
27Special Educational Needs
St Thomas More Catholic Academy recognises that some of its students will
have special educational needs and we are mindful of our duty to provide a
broad and balanced curriculum relevant to the students’ individual needs.
Some of our students will be more gifted than others and we also recognise that
they too will have special educational needs.
Our School aims to provide opportunities for all its students with special
educational needs to:
follow a broad and balanced curriculum
demonstrate their full potential recognising strengths as well as weaknesses
participate in School activities
meet intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs.
Further details of the School policy on Special Educational Needs is available,
along with all other policies, from the main School office.
Homework
We consider homework to be a very important part of School life. Homework
timetables are drawn up at the start of the academic year and will be sent to you
for information. The length of time spent on homework increases as your child
moves up through the School. Year 10 and 11 students should be prepared to
spend at least two hours each evening, and to increase this time as their public
examinations approach. If you feel that there are problems over the amount or
regularity of homework then please contact us at the School. You will be
provided with a copy of our homework policy.
28Careers Education
Mrs Stubbs, supported by form teachers, is responsible for Careers information
and advice. We work closely with the Longton branch of the Connexions
Advisory Service. This service caters for the needs of all our students, whether
they are interested in seeking a job or wishing to go to University.
A connexions adviser is available to Year 9-11, with the extra support of a
specialist adviser for the Sixth Form. All students have an opportunity to partici-
pate in Work Experience at the end of Year 10, and again in the Sixth Form.
As part of their careers guidance Years 8-10 are involved with the Real Game
and Be Real activities.
The employment record of our 16+ leavers is excellent; 100% of leavers
obtaining employment, training, or Higher Education places.
Charging Policy
Educational activities which are part of the School curriculum and provided
during normal School hours are free to all our pupils. Field trips which require a
residential stay away from home are provided free of charge but parents are
required to pay for the board and lodging cost of the trip. Families who are in
receipt of Income support will be exempted from this charge.
Voluntary contributions will be requested to cover the cost of activities which are
not part of the normal curriculum. There is no obligation for parents to make
such contributions and your child will be treated in the same way as any other
child if you cannot make such a contribution. However, the School reserves the
right not to run the activity if insufficient contributions are made to cover the cost
of the activity.
29Curriculum Complaints
If you wish to register a complaint about an aspect of the School curriculum you
should contact the Headmaster to inform him of your concerns. If you are
dissatisfied with the outcome of your discussions then you may take your
complaint to the Governing Body. If you wish to do this you should write to the
Clerk to the Governors c/o the School outlining the details of your complaint and
requesting a meeting with a representative of the Governors. If you are not
satisfied with the outcome of this meeting then you do have the right to
complain to the Secretary of State and the Clerk to the Governors will provide
you with the address.
Out of School Activities
These are numerous, particularly in connection with our sports and athletics
teams. Music is a very important part of our cultural life in School, with regular
public performances involving both choral and instrumental groups. The study
of Geography, History and Biology all involve field study work. Regular visits
abroad are arranged by the Modern Languages Department. There is an
annual Sixth Form trip to London. Our aim is always to keep the cost to a
minimum so that as many students as possible can participate.
30Special School Buses
Special School buses provided by Wardles serve the School from Abbey
Hulton, Berryhill & Bucknall. This bus deposit and collect the students within
the School grounds. A regular service bus is available from Stoke, Trent Vale,
Hanford and Trentham. Full details are available from the School.
Stoke on Trent Council Travel Policy
Travel assistance will only be provided if your child:
Is resident in the Stoke on Trent City Council area (i.e. your Council Tax is
paid to “Stoke on Trent City Council”; and
Is under 16 years of age on 31st August 2014;and
Is a pupil who lives 3 miles or more from the nearest appropriate school to
their home, calculated by the shortest acceptable walking route (For children
under the age of 8 this qualifying distance is reduced to 2 miles); or
Is a pupil from low income family*and lives more than 2 but less than 6 miles
from one of the three nearest appropriate schools to their home; or
Is a pupil attending a faith school based on religious belief where the school
is the nearest appropriate faith school and is more than 3 but less than 15
miles from their home. Such transport is provided at a cost of £450 per
academic year with at 33% reduction for additional siblings. ( A reduction of
1 month will be applied to all year 11 students); or
Is a pupil from a low income family*and attending a faith school based on
religious belief where the nearest appropriate faith school is more than 2 but
less than 15 miles from their home.
‘Low income’ refers to a family where the child(ren) received free school
meals or the parent/s are in receipt of maximum Working Tax Credit. It is
the responsibility of the parent to provide evidence of maximum Working
Tax Credit with this application form if applicable
For any queries please call the Transport Team on SOT
233232/236868/236885.
Valuables
Whilst every effort is made to safeguard property of students, we cannot accept
responsibility for the loss of any item. It is strongly advised that all personal
property/clothing is marked with the student's name. As we do not take out a
School insurance policy to cover every individual student's belongings. We
encourage you to seek your own cover.
31Uniform
There are no stipulated suppliers, except for the PE kit, the girls’ trousers and
skirts. The tie and badge are made for the School and sold to parents at cost
price. However you may if you wish purchase a blazer already featuring the
School badge embroidered. In order to maintain a high standard of
appearance, no modification is acceptable.
BOYS
Plain white shirt which allows for the top button to be fastened and shirt to be
tucked inside the waistband.
Tie (available from School, direct from factory)
Pullover, if worn, grey V-neck only. No other colour is permitted.
Black blazer:
Option A – Purchase the blazer featuring the School badge embroidered
onto the blazer (available from the National Schoolwear Centre and Trutex).
Option B – Purchase the blazer and badge separately
School badge (available from School, direct from factory)
Dark grey or black plain trousers (no ‘cords’, ‘jeans’, ‘canvas’ or ‘fashion’
trousers)
Black shoes (if lace-ups laces must be black) no boots, trainers or canvas
style footwear (of any colour)
Black or grey socks – NO white socks
PE kit
*Blue rugby top/black reversible band
*Plain black shorts
*Plain white tee shirt
Trainers
*Plain black football socks/short white sports socks
Football boots, advisable
Swimming trunks (not shorts)
*Plain black tracksuit trousers (optional)
*Plain black sweatshirt (optional)
*Outdoor sports jacket for use in PE lessons (optional)
(* Available to purchase from the PE Department, St Thomas More)
GUM SHIELDS / SHIN PADS ADVISABLE
NB Pupils MUST bring their kit to all PE lessons, even when excused
32GIRLS
Plain white traditional shirt which allows for the top button to be fastened and
the shirt to be tucked inside the waistband.
Tie (available from School, direct from factory)
Grey pullover (optional) - V-neck only. No other colour is permitted.
Black blazer:
Option A – Purchase the blazer featuring the School badge embroidered
onto the blazer (available from the National Schoolwear Centre and Trutex).
Option B – Purchase the blazer and badge separately.
School badge (available from School, direct from factory)
Black shoes (if lace-ups laces must be black) low heels, no boots,canvas
style trainers or sling back shoes
Black tights
Black or white ankle socks during summer to October half-term - NOT
‘slouch’ socks
No other type or colour of socks or tights to be worn
SKIRT / TROUSERS
Grey knee length school skirt with STM logo, (polyester/cotton, NOT lycra /
jersey / elastane and NOT fashion/split skirt) or black trousers with STM
logo with dark socks.
The only acceptable trousers and skirts for girls are available from:
1 The National Schoolwear Centre, 99-101 Stafford Street, Hanley.
2 Trutex School Wear, Weston Road, Meir, Stoke-on-Trent
3 Classuniform, Longton Market
PLEASE NOTE: No other style or stockist is acceptable
PE kit PLEASE NOTE: No other style or stockist is acceptable
*Blue rugby top/black reversible band
*Plain black shorts or black PE skirt
*Plain white tee shirt
Trainers
*Black football socks/short white sports socks
Swimming costume
Swimming hat
Football boots, if possible
*Plain black tracksuit trousers (optional)
*Plain black sweatshirt (optional)
*Outdoor sports jacket for use in PE lessons (optional)
(* Available to purchase from the PE Department, St Thomas More)
GUM SHIELDS / SHIN PADS ADVISABLE
NB Pupils MUST bring their kit to all PE lessons, even when excused
33COATS
Outdoor coat/jacket predominantly black/navy/grey. They must be recognised
as an outdoor garment. Tracksuit top/sweatshirt/hoodies are NOT
permissible.
CAPS
Caps are not permitted on site. Sun caps with the St Thomas More logo can be
purchased from school on request.
BAGS
School bags are to be of a suitable type for books and equipment, preferably
dark in colour.
HAIR AND JEWELLERY
Fashion hairstyles are not appropriate for School
Extremely short hair is not allowed
Unnatural hair colouring is not permitted
Dramatic combinations of colours are not permitted
Boys hair must be of moderate length and any girl with long hair must wear it
tied back
Gel/wax must not be worn on hair (poses fire risk in labs)
Boys should remain clean shaven
Boys are not allowed to wear any jewellery with the exception of a watch
Boys may not wear earrings
Girls are not allowed to wear jewellery except for a watch and small earrings
(only one gold or silver coloured earring per earlobe in the traditional
position)
Facial piercing, including nose studs is not permitted
Nail varnish is not permitted
Discreet use of make-up is acceptable only in Year 10 and 11 at the
discretion of the School.
The blazer is compulsory and no other short jackets are allowed to be worn
around school.
WE WELCOME THE SUPORT OF PARENTS IN HELPING US TO MAINTAIN
HIGH STANDARDS
Whilst these guidelines are issued to help
parents, the Headmaster reserves the right
to determine the suitability and
appropriateness of hairstyles and dress for
all pupils.
34Uniform Suppliers
There are no stipulated suppliers, except for the girls’ trousers and rugby top.
Apart from these, items of uniform may be obtained from whichever outfitter you
prefer.
National school Wear, Trutex and Classroom Uniform will be at School on the
new intake evening showing a display of the Uniforms. Also on display will the
the PE kits.
Ties and Badges can be purchased on this night.
35School Year 2014-2015
2014/2015 TEACHERS’ YEAR STUDENTS’ YEAR
AUTUMN TERM 2014
College opens Monday 1 September Tuesday 2 September
(INSET Day) (Year 7 & L6 enrolment)
Wednesday 3 September
(Whole School)
Half-term Monday, 27 October Monday, 27 October
Friday, 31 October (inclusive) Monday, 3 November (inclusive)
Staff INSET Day Monday, 3 November Monday, 3 November
(School closed to
pupils)
College closes Friday 19 December Friday 19 December
SPRING TERM 2015
College opens Monday 5 January Monday 5 January
Staff INSET Day Wednesday, 28 January Wednesday, 28 January
(School closed to
pupils)
Half-term Monday 16 February Monday 16 February to
to Friday 20 February Friday 20 February (inclusive)
(inclusive)
College closes Thursday 2 April Thursday 2 April
SUMMER TERM 2015
College opens Monday 20 April Monday 20 April
May Day Monday 4 May Monday 4 May
Half-term Monday 25 May Monday 25 May
Friday 29 May (inclusive) Friday 29 May (inclusive)
College closes Friday 17 July Friday 17 July
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