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St Benedict’s is a Catholic school for boys that provides a holistic, gospel, and values-based education centered on the example of Jesus Christ and based on the four pillars of academics, religion, sport, and the arts. Our boys use their talents to serve the world its people and the kingdom of God. Through the regular application of our core values, we continue to provide value to our boys and parents, and we will consistently meet our goals. We use the beatitudes - the series of blessings declared by Jesus during His Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 - as a framework for our gospel-based approach and strive to develop healthy habits of mind, heart, body, and soul in our boys. In January 1957, the Oblates bought a 26-acre site in Bedfordview, which through later additions would eventually grow to nearly 40-acres today. In February, an application for the registration of a new school was sent to the East Rand School Board and on 11th July, the feast day of St Benedict of Nursia, official approval was received, hence the name “St. Benedict’s”. Fr Hugh Dalton, a CBC Kimberley old boy, was appointed Headmaster. On December 8, 1957, at the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Bishop Boyle (Bishop of Johannesburg) laid the foundation stone of the first building - the building we now call the “Erasme Block”. The initial goal of the Oblates was to grow the school to 400 boys with 2 classes per standard. Today, nearly one thousand four hundred boys study and play on a piece of land in Bedfordview that more than sixty years ago, consisted of smallholdings, the largest of which was used for training and kenneling greyhounds. At that time Bedfordview was semi-agricultural and sparsely populated. It was Fr Philip Erasme, Oblate of Mary Immaculate and Parish Priest of Maryvale who responded to Bishop David O’Leary’s request that a Catholic Boys’ School is established on the near East Rand. He saw Bedfordview as ideal as it would also cater for the boys from St Paul's School, a Parochial Primary School he had established in Maryvale. Our Junior Preparatory experience lays the foundation for developing the fundamental skills that are crucial for academic achievement. This is a vibrant and dynamic part of our school community where boys from Grade R to 3 grow socially and emotionally in a productive and nurturing environment. Our teachers focus on building your son’s positive self-concept through an enthusiastic approach to learning, which will give him every opportunity to thrive. As he progresses, your son will be encouraged to become increasingly independent. Our varied and stimulating program focuses on boys’ specific learning styles and encourages them to actively participate in the learning process. St Benedict’s has a proud academic tradition and consistently produces outstanding results in the IEB matriculation examinations. We have maintained our 100% matric pass rate for close to 45 years and university exemption rates are generally more than 98%. Our top achievers invariably feature on the IEB Outstanding and Commendable Achievers lists. Our academic curricula are based on the National Curriculum and are compatible with the best international approaches to teaching and learning. Our tailor-made active academic approach blends 21st-century critical-thinking skills and positive dispositions with academic rigor so that your son can continue to apply, create and achieve in the years that lie beyond school graduation. We believe that the Catholic School's task is fundamentally a synthesis of culture and faith, and a synthesis of faith and life - the first is reached by integrating all the different aspects of human knowledge through all that is taught in the light of the Gospel the second in the growth of the virtues characteristic of the Christian, in prayer, in worship and relationships with other people. The staff of the College contributes in practical ways, so that all may discover the meaning of sound Christian values, in thought, word and deed. Our goal is that our boys may become a generation of adults who have hope in themselves, hope in Christ, and hope in the promise of fullness of life. At St Benedict’s, we believe in holistic education and highly value academic achievement as well as full participation in sport and cultural activities. The four cornerstones of St Benedict’s education include academics, religion, sport, and culture. Working together, these four cornerstones will mold your son’s mind, sculpt his soul, build his body and hone his heart. He will be encouraged to perform to his full potential in the classroom and on the sports field to make the most of his many talents. St Benedict’s is a school where your son will flourish!

Welcome to the Mesrobian High School. Mesrobian Armenian Catholic High School, along with the technical college, is a Lebanese Armenian and Armenian Catholic Patriarchal school from nursery to Second Baccalaureate class. The school aims at developing the pupils’ personalities holistically and harmoniously allowing them to nurture their potentials for self-realization in an atmosphere of trust and self-confidence. It provides the proper context for acquiring religious, moral, and Lebanese-Armenian cultural values, which will enable the students to become truthful, faithful, and lawful citizens, and active members of the society and the Armenian community. Through its educational program, the Mesrobian School aims to build the personality of children and adolescents in line with the spirit of harmonious cohesion, helping those who develop and implement their autonomy in a cooperative and self-confident atmosphere. Our kindergarten's mission is to provide academic excellence to all students, while the nursery provides child care services to children between the ages of two and three. For this purpose, the teaching curriculum and the informative programs are prepared to provide an experience that stimulates learning in a supportive environment that will satisfy the needs of the children and give individual attention to each of them. The preschool program is prepared to help the children acquire a variety of fundamental knowledge skills and a positive attitude towards learning. Children will also begin to develop their abilities and talents in different domains. The Teachers, the kindergarteners, the community members, and the families work together to provide a constructive and coherent learning experience that increases the child's confidence and encourages him/her to find that learning is both important and wonderful. The preschool program builds a firm intellectual, physical, and social base, vital for the child's future. The religious program that starts in kindergarten uses resources that support the child in all aspects of life. In the Small Section (PS), the child learns to communicate in Armenian and in French through the use of visual media. In addition, Arabic is taught. The curriculum includes the following classes: Christian education, pre-mathematics, rhythm, socialization, handicrafts, and school excursions. In the Middle section (MS), children are comfortable because they are accustomed to the methodology applied in the small section. Children begin to learn the alphabet. They also start to work more independently. They also participate in group work. In addition, the number of Arabic courses has increased. In the large Section (GS), children learn to read and write in three languages (Armenian, French, and Arabic). Their communication skills are improved. Children also master simple numbers and learn how to add. Homework and tests are done regularly to ensure continuous improvement. The primary school is committed to placing each child in the best position to succeed socially, emotionally, and academically. This is accomplished by providing a humane and Christian environment that actively involves parents and the community who support the teachers and concentrate on the students' success. In such a friendly environment, students become competent and independent learners for life. They will grow up to become responsible citizens with positive social skills, good self-esteem, and awareness of their roles in the community. In EB1 class (Grade 1) through activities, group work, and projects, children improve their reading, writing, and oral communication skills in three main languages (Arabic, Armenian and French). It is in the first year that the child starts to attend computer and science courses for the first time. He/she also follows the courses of civic instruction, music, mathematics, and Christian Education. Because of the same applied methodology and because the subjects taught are the same as those of the EB1 class, the children prepare to make a very gradual transition from the class of EB1 to the class of EB2. They learn to work independently and share ideas two by two and in group work. All children participate in school excursions, exhibitions, and activities that push children to learn. The EB3 class is the year where children celebrate their first Holy Communion. Celebrations and various other activities prepare them for this event. Academically, a student of this class must master all the basic concepts in mathematics, learn to think critically in science, and acquire the basic skills in three languages. Like their classmates from the EB1 and EB2 classes, children participate in activities, exhibitions, games, concerts, and school excursions. These activities prepare the child to pass the classes of EB4, EB5, and EB6. In line with the general objectives of the College Mesrobian, the college aims to develop the critical thinking of the students and to facilitate the gradual transition from childhood to adolescence through a balanced school curriculum. At the end of the college years, students are ready to take their first official exam and start thinking about their university studies and future career options. The main objective of the secondary cycle is to help all students become mature young adults in all aspects of their lives: spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual, and academic. The college tries to ensure the success of the students in the official exams and entrance exams at the university, through a qualified faculty and a very dynamic program. Consistent with the national curriculum, the teaching profession uses cooperative and interactive learning methods. Students apply their knowledge through scientific, empiric, deductive processes such as lab experience sessions and presentations. Students learn about the sciences and the humanities and are guided to choose the path that suits them the most. The choice between the sciences and the humanities depends on the talents, potentials, and learning abilities of the students, as well as the requirements of the higher education field that they want to pursue. Students in this class come to a deeper understanding of knowledge, gained through active participation in the high school learning process. Interactive lessons are supported by experimental observation or detailed research. Therefore, students use a deeper level of learning through analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Critical thinking is given priority and various evaluation techniques are used to help all students improve their learning abilities. In addition, students are prepared, through self-evaluation and orientation sessions, to choose the most suitable classes for their last year. This is the year where students finish their studies at the college. Students try to make a name for themselves at school through direct participation in decisions related to daily life at Mesrobian High School. Academically, they are implored to prepare to face two important challenges: first, to continue their studies at the college, and secondly to pass the official exam. The baccalaureate holders of the Mesrobian High School are admitted to the universities known in Lebanon and abroad. At the same time, our students' success rate at the official exam has always been remarkable.

At Archbishop McGrath the education of our young people is an important building block of the society in which we live and an indication of the vision for that society to which we aspire. Our Catholic school is central to the Church’s mission. Unless a school has Christ at the very heart of all that it is and does, it cannot be a Catholic school. The ethos of our school is not something extrinsic to the various aspects of school life. Rather, the catholic ethos – and its concrete expression in liturgical prayer, assemblies, and teaching of religious education is fundamental to our school, giving true and lasting value. Throughout the life of the school, we seek to nurture and celebrate the success of every member of the school community. Both in the structure of the curriculum and the planning of learning activities, the school strives to respond to the learning needs of every person in the school. On September 1st, 1965, Archbishop McGrath Catholic High School opened its doors to the first cohort of students and staff. On that day, there were 12 members of staff and 206 pupils. On September 1st, 2015, the school celebrates its golden jubilee of 50 years of service to the Catholic Church and the people of Bridgend, now with over 800 pupils and 80 members of staff. We are very proud of all we have and we are looking forward to continuing to serve the County, and Catholic and Anglican Deaneries of Bridgend, for many decades to come. Discover what students experience during the first 3 years at Archbishop McGrath Catholic High School. Key Stage 4 covers years 10 and 11 where students prepare and undertake their GCSE examinations. Experience Archbishop McGrath Catholic High School's first-class sixth form. Sixth form students are in their last 2 years of Secondary Education. Most Sixth Form students take 3 or 4 A-levels to study in these final 2 years.

Xavier College Preparatory is a Roman Catholic High School for young women. Centrally located in metropolitan Phoenix on a beautiful 19-acre campus, this vibrant Catholic high School's diverse population includes young women of all ethnic, socio-economic, and religious backgrounds. The current 1200 Xavier students come from more than 150 different elementary and middle schools, public, private, and Catholic. Since opening in 1943, members of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM) have held Xavier's primary leadership roles. They continue their dedication today, working alongside a caring and dedicated faculty and staff. Together, as a community, they challenge, encourage, and support Xavier students in their growth as women of faith, expanding their knowledge, interests, and talents. Xavier College Preparatory is a Catholic community that strives to prepare young women of faith with the knowledge, skills, and integrity to positively and productively meet the challenges of a changing global society. We, the community of Xavier College Preparatory, are committed to a belief in God according to the Catholic faith's tenets enlightened by the Second Vatican Council. In that spirit, we believe in providing opportunities for all to contribute to the community of faith. We fully believe in the ideals of democracy, integrity, tolerance, and respect in harmony with the love of God, of self, and humankind, and we affirm the fundamental roles of parents and families as primary instruments of faith and education. We also believe in conscientiously reviewing and improving our college preparatory curriculum, educational goals, and performance objectives to sustain a learning process that encourages personal growth, faith development, and community involvement for the young women entrusted to our care. Educating the whole person-intellectually, physically, and spiritually- is the guiding premise of a Xavier education. These young women deserve the most competitive morally-grounded education possible. The curriculum is designed with young women in mind. The Xavier administration and faculty make curricular decisions that emphasize women. Female role models in History, other social sciences, literature, fine arts, science, and the Church are regularly brought into the curriculum. Attention to the cognitive and social development of girls maturing into young women is paramount. Xavier is committed to fostering excellence in academics and character in young women. Such attributes will serve them in high School, college, and adult life. The environment is less socially pressured than at co-ed schools. Although there are numerous opportunities for Xavier students to share various activities and classes with boys at Brophy College Preparatory, they generally appreciate the more supportive atmosphere of all-girl classes. Young women who might be timid about expressing themselves intellectually in co-ed classes will often take part in classes with no boys present. At Xavier, attention to the cognitive development of young women is vital. The School is committed to fostering excellence in academics, building character in young women, and nurturing leadership. Xavier offers students numerous opportunities to become involved in their community and share in student activities and peer groups. Ninety-five percent of the student body participates in one of more than 70+ extra-curricular activities. All Xavier students take a core college-prep curriculum in all four years, including English, theology, mathematics, science, social studies, world languages, fine arts, physical education, and computer science. There are honors and Advanced Placement courses in most academic disciplines beginning in the freshwoman year. In the sophomore year and the core subjects and the required computer programming, elective courses are chosen from a wide variety of curriculum areas such as fine arts, digital arts, world languages, social studies, science, theology, and family and consumer resources. Twenty-seven credits are required for graduation. All students participate in an independent yearly summer reading program and a Christian Service program.

Valley Catholic is unique among Catholic schools. We are the only Catholic educational institution in Oregon, serving students from preschool through adulthood on a single campus. Our community is made up of five individual schools, including Valley Catholic Early Learning School (infants through preschool), Valley Catholic Elementary School (kindergarten through grade 5), Valley Catholic Middle School (grades 6-8), Valley Catholic High School (grades 9-12), and Valley Catholic Music School, which provides private music instruction to students and adults from across the region right here on campus. We are proud of our legacy of shaping young hearts and minds into compassionate and thoughtful future leaders of society – a legacy that dates back to 1903. Today, and into the future, Valley Catholic provides a rigorous Catholic, college-preparatory education enlivened by rich music, art, athletic, and service opportunities for our students. Our programs are led by outstanding faculty and staff, and our students are supported by a spirit of kindness, compassion, and hard work. Valley Catholic School, sharing in the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon's mission, fosters a faith-filled community of lifelong learners and compassionate leaders committed to living out Catholic values and following Jesus' example through prayer, service, and love. At Valley Catholic Early Learning School, academic learning is playful and exploratory. Children use their problem-solving skills, contribute their ideas and strategies, and pursue interests of their choosing. Teachers skillfully work on academic goals and objectives as they build on what each child can do while challenging them to try new ideas and activities. The children in every classroom are not left to their own devices throughout the day. Each child is allowed to grow in an environment of love, caring, and learning where their development is closely monitored to assure individual educational success. At Valley Catholic Elementary School, Catholic values guide the curriculum from when a student walks in the door and begins their day with prayer. All students in kindergarten through fifth-grade study religion, language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, health, computer and library media skills, music, physical education, and art. Students also participate in service and social justice projects and are challenged with increasing responsibility levels as they advance through the grades. Valley Catholic's Middle and High Schools offer a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, including 15 AP and Honors courses Valley Catholic High School. Teachers value their subjects as significant personal interests, not just as jobs. The classes are small. Teachers custom-make their classes, choosing their books and drawing on their experience to teach in ways they find useful, interesting, challenging, and humane. The middle and high schools encourage freedom in teaching, not standardization. As a result, they are great places for students to learn and to enjoy learning. Students at Valley Catholic Elementary School have the opportunity to participate in a variety of different educational and formative activities. Many of our students enjoy serving on our Student Council, which builds community within our school and provides service to the school and the Beaverton area. We strongly encourage parents to become involved in our program by participating in classroom activities and attending school functions and fundraisers, including the annual auction to benefit Valley Catholic School serving infants through 12th grade. We plan many special events for parents, families, and children, and we are always happy to welcome parents during our daily activities. Valley Catholic Early Learning School Address: 4450 SW St. Mary's Dr., OR Postal Code: 97078 Phone: +1 503 7186490 Valley Catholic Elementary & Middle School Address: 4420 SW St. Mary's Dr., OR Postal Code: 97078 Phone: +1 503 7186500

Welcome to La Sainte Union, a Roman Catholic 11-18 school for girls – with boys admitted in the Sixth Form – which provides young people with a wealth of opportunities to grow spiritually, personally, and academically in a calm and orderly environment. Our governors, staff, students, and parents together form a thriving and caring learning community, where a strong work ethic is combined with a deep commitment to the Gospel values of compassion, tolerance, and respect. Inspiring teaching is based on a traditional and academic curriculum, and the school offers a broad range of extra-curricular activities and trips. All students at La Sainte Union have high expectations of themselves, and we enable them to develop their talents and realize their potential. Relentless focus on academic progress and character development ensure our students’ excellence. Their outstanding examination results, their sporting triumphs, and their accomplished musical and theatrical performances are proud testimony to this. La Sainte Union Catholic School and its broader community believe that Our Lord Jesus Christ, in His life and teaching, is the exemplar of our work as Christian educators. Our commitment is at three levels: Pupils Teachers Community We strive to provide a caring, secure environment in which each pupil can discover and realize their potential. We wish to develop strength of character and confidence by stressing the pursuit of excellence and concern for others. We seek to educate the whole person, academically, socially, spiritually, and morally through a curriculum based on Christian principles and centered on the needs and aspirations of our pupils. We endeavor to promote the dignity of each individual who is a child of God, endowed with their gifts and talents. We recognize that commitment to service is integral to Catholic education. We share the task of promoting gospel values, thus preparing our pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities, and experiences of adult life. As a Catholic community, we are part of a local, national and universal Church, dedicated to ensuring that our pupils grow to an understanding of their Faith in a Catholic environment, where the caliber of religious teaching and quality of life will be formative in the hearts and minds of young people. Fundamental to successful education is the partnership between governors and staff, pupils and parents, parish, and the wider community.

At Holy Cross Catholic Primary School we take a holistic approach to education which focuses on developing the whole child with Christ at the center of all we do. Every child is welcomed and valued as a unique member of God’s family. We work together to help our children to reach their potential in the wonderful family atmosphere that is special to our school. We ensure your child will be encouraged, motivated, and guided so that they develop their natural gifts and talents whilst becoming confident, independent learners who know how to make informed decisions about the choices they make in life. We offer a broad and balanced curriculum enriched with visitors, visits, events, and activities to inspire in each child a joy for learning. Our Catholic ethos focuses on our expectations that our children are honest and respectful, care for others, and work hard to develop skills that will allow them to achieve success now and in the future. We are committed to the partnership of home, school, and Parish and through all parties working together, our children will be sure of success. Through this joint commitment, we welcome new members to our school to grow and work in the love of Christ as we live out our mission statement -A family living, loving, and learning together through the light of Christ. We will reflect Christ’s love in our lives, enabling our school family to grow in the Christian faith. We will celebrate uniqueness and respect differences. We will witness Christ’s love, sharing his message and mission. We will show forgiveness and kindness to all. Education-Aims: We will encourage a love of lifelong learning by providing a broad and balanced curriculum, setting expectations to achieve high standards. We will deliver high-quality Catholic Education that enables children to explore their own and other traditions. We will provide opportunities that enable each child to reach their full potential and celebrate their achievements. Community-Aims: We will stand beside, support, and love the families within our school community. We will work together creatively and meaningfully with our partners in the local and wider community. We will respect the diversity of cultures within the family of Holy Cross. At Holy Cross Catholic Primary School we follow in the footsteps of Jesus promoting the Gospel values to the school community: Respect - Respect for others, respect for the school building, respect for the values and beliefs of others, respect for ourselves, respect for our Catholic community, respect for other religions, countries, and cultures. Forgiveness - Following Jesus’ teachings by seeking to reconcile our differences, by saying sorry, and by forgiving others and giving opportunities to make things better. Truth - Knowing that telling the truth and being honest is always the right way. Kindness - Trying our best to show kindness to others in all that we say and do, having kind hands and kind words for everyone – even those we find it hard to get on with sometimes. Equality - Every human being is equal and valuable and loved by God. Everyone in our school is equal, unique, and special and we treat everyone fairly. Everyone is equally special regardless of their gender, religion, ethnicity, or cultural background. Our curriculum promotes respect, tolerance, and diversity. Children are encouraged to express themselves through discussions, debates, and consultations. The RE (Religious Education), PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education), Citizenship, and SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural) provision is embedded across the curriculum and underpins the ethos of our school. Children learn about all major faiths and visit places of worship wherever possible. They are also taught about how to stay safe when using the internet. We aim to provide a framework that supports our commitment to valuing diversity, tackling discrimination, promoting equality, and fostering good relationships between different groups of people. It is also intended to help tackle issues of disadvantage and underachievement of different groups. As such, we recognize that the whole school community working together, encouraging strong, positive relationships between pupils, parents help to provide the best education and life experiences for all our pupils.

Holy Family Catholic School is situated to the South of Birmingham City Centre. The school is located next to Holy Family Catholic Church in Oldknow Road which is just off the main Coventry Road (A45) near Heybarnes Island. We are on the 60 bus route and within walking distance of Small Heath Train Station. We are a Catholic school serving the diverse community of Small Heath since 1904. The children who attend our school come from the immediate community and beyond. Gospel values are at the heart of our school but we celebrate diversity with many of our children coming from many different backgrounds and faiths. We are a one form entry school with around 250 pupils on roll. The majority of our children speak English as an additional language but progress well throughout the school. Parents provide wonderful support, working in partnership with the school to create a learning team around each child. We are a happy school blessed with a loyal and dedicated team of staff and governors who nurture and develop in our children the knowledge, skills, and understanding of the diverse world in which they live. We are confident that we provide a secure and happy learning environment and a curriculum which meets the needs of all learners. As God's family, we work together as brothers and sisters in a safe, happy and compassionate environment. We take pride in everything we do to ensure that our children are motivated to achieve and be the very best they can be. Built on the foundation of Christ and through the teaching of Gospel values, we develop the whole child in a setting that has an understanding and appreciation of all faiths. Inspired by Pope Francis we endeavor to 'light a fire in the hearts of our children, empowering them to make a real difference in our diverse, ever-changing society. It's reinforced in the schools we have quite a several Muslim children in the little school of the Holy Family, because demographically that's where the Muslims live and they come along, and again, the children share in the prayers. They get on well. The mission is really to be a presence here a catholic presence to draw people together - it'll be a shrinking presence to some extent because the old community is dying off. But hopefully, the blend of the different peoples will make the community a richer place." Holy Family is truly a special place where we celebrate cultural diversity, children from different faiths and backgrounds come together to 'live, love, and learn together in the light of God.' We are a small community family we take enormous pride in knowing all of our children very well and are fully committed to ensuring that each child is offered the finest start to their education in a warm, caring, and loving environment. Every child is welcomed and valued as a unique member of God's family and values taught through the Gospels are central to what we do in Holy Family. We have extremely high expectations and all our staff is committed to providing stimulating, exciting learning environments in which our children thrive in. We aim to provide a rich, diverse curriculum that develops our children morally, socially as well as academically. Children leave Holy Family as aspirational, responsible young people ready to make positive contributions to the wider communities in which they live. We are proud of the partnership that we have between home, school, and parish to provide the very best education that we can for the children in our care. We have excellent relationships with our current parents and are keen to build on existing links to further benefit the education of the children in our family.

At the heart of our ethos is the desire to stimulate each child as a learner, and fully engage them, developing their natural talents, and allowing them to discover their great potential. Our dedicated staff forges warm relationships with children and parents, and we seek to provide a happy, supportive environment where our Catholic mission is lived each day. Through creative teaching approaches and a broad curriculum, we develop critical thinking across the range of subject areas, challenging children to excellence, whilst at the same time honing positive attitudes and behaviors. We enjoy high standards academically, but we place the greatest value on inculcating the Christian virtues initiated at home and developed through a strong partnership. Building on children’s innate capabilities, we ensure full participation in all aspects of learning, irrespective of capability, and this is nowhere more evident than in the school’s provision for sport. Children – when they enter key stage two, represent the school across a range of sports and participate competitively at borough and national levels. In addition to the teaching of Religious Education, Literacy, Numeracy, and Science, we pride ourselves on the use of drama the school’s musical provision the teaching of Spanish, and the exploration of “Forest Schools”, which is our newest initiative. The children here are encouraged to have a voice and to steer school improvement, especially those directly relating to playtimes. The re-design of the playground is a current project being led by the children. At Holy Ghost School, working in partnership with parents to help fulfill their baptismal promises, we seek to affirm Christ through whom, and for whom all of us were made. Therefore learning will be: A joyful celebration of God’s creation. A lasting source of radiance and wonder. A steadfast quest for truth. This Mission Statement is the foundation for THREE Core Purposes in everything we do: To achieve personal growth by: Fostering the virtues to enable children to realize high aspirations, healthy self-confidence, and self-esteem. Inculcating a steadfast quest for truth which develops an open mind to consider all possibilities and a growing capacity to evaluate wisely and choose the best options based on the highest values and in keeping with the Unicef “rights-respecting schools” agenda. Encouraging a thirst for learning and an appreciation that it is a life-long pursuit guided by the spirit and the presence of Christ, in the service of God and others. To encourage inter-personal relationships which Value the variety of gifts, qualities, and contributions made by each individual. Celebrate the achievements of each and all. Foster mutual respect between all regardless of age, gender, race, capability, or occupation. Appreciate the communities of which each is part: the family, the school, the parish, the local community, and the wider national and international communities. Motivate each to play an active role in these communities To develop and maintain a constant sense of Being created by God for some definite purpose. Wonder in discovery. Fulfillment and reward in learning and achievement. Deep satisfaction in achieving a harmonious balance between dynamic creativity and reflective thought. Our Phonics teaching is based on ‘Letters and Sounds’ some aspects of ‘Jolly Sounds’ are incorporated. Children in Reception and Key Stage 1 participate in a phonics lesson daily. ‘Letters and Sounds’ is divided into 6 phases. Activities are divided into seven aspects, including environmental sounds, instrumental sounds, body sounds, rhythm and rhyme, alliteration, voice sounds, and finally oral blending and segmenting. Learning 19 letters of the alphabet and one sound for each. Blending sounds to make words. Segmenting words into their separate sounds. Beginning to read simple captions. The remaining 7 letters of the alphabet, one sound for each. Graphemes such as ch, oo, th representing the remaining phonemes not covered by single letters. Reading captions, sentences, and questions. On completion of this phase, children will have learned the "simple code", i.e. one grapheme for each phoneme in the English language. Children are regularly assessed in their phonics knowledge and work at the phase that is appropriate for them. Towards the end of Year 1, children are formally assessed through the statutory ‘Phonics Screening Test’. In Key Stage 2, spelling strategies are taught 2-3 times a week, alternating with grammar teaching. Phonics teaching continues into Key Stage2. Throughout the school children are given additional support as necessary to develop their phonic understanding and spelling skills. Spellings taught include homophones, letter patterns, suffixes, prefixes, silent syllables, tricky words, topic words, and children’s own misspelled words.

We are an over-subscribed one-class intake school situated on a lovely site with substantial grounds that include a large playing field, a forest area, and an additional outdoor learning area surrounded by meadow grounds. Holy Cross School is part of the St John Paul II Multi-Academy Company, along with three other equally successful local Catholic schools: St Joseph’s Catholic Primary, St Nicholas’ Catholic Primary, and Bishop Walsh Catholic Secondary School. As part of this partnership, we work together to share good practice staff expertise and to further strengthen the provision and new opportunities for our children. The life of the school is centered upon the mission statement: ‘We share in Christ’s life so He can guide our thoughts, words, and actions.’ As a Catholic school, we pride ourselves on the positive ethos we create each child is recognized and respected, and his/her contribution is valued and rewarded. To support our school aims we have a strong spiritual life celebrated in prayer, liturgy, and through the weekly celebration of Mass. Our children are extremely well behaved and with the support of the close partnership between home and school, achieve high standards. School Aims: Achieve an understanding of who God wants me to be. Caring citizens. High standards in all lessons. Inspire all children to do their best at all times. Engage in a strong and trusting home, school, and parish partnership. Value the power of prayer and develop my Catholic faith. Everyone to grow closer to God and follow the Church's teaching. Respect and understand other cultures and faiths. School is a safe and caring environment. Spiritual, moral, social, vocational, and cultural (SMSVC) is an outstanding feature of life at Holy Cross Catholic Primary school. Children are provided with a wealth of opportunities to develop spiritually through inspiring child-led prayer services, outstanding collective worship, the use of high-quality prayer resources, and thought-provoking lessons. From a moral perspective, the children are encouraged to approach problems and decisions focused on 'What Jesus would do?' Lots of opportunities are provided for pupils to socialize with others from different socioeconomic, ethnic, and other religious groups so that children develop a respect for all people as children of God. Students' vocational development is catered for by dedicated mission weeks as a time to reflect on our call to serve others this encompasses all that we do here at Holy Cross Catholic Primary school. Children's cultural development is enhanced by our topic work in which we study national and international topics engaging with the cultures of people who live there. SMSVC is a central aspect for our school as 'through faith and education we seek to achieve the fullness of life for all members of our community and the world in which we live, as God's people. We are bombarded from an early age with noise, stimulus, and messages to keep busy. Jesus says, ‘Unless you become like a little child, you cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven.’ Through the teaching of Christian Meditation, Holy Cross School aims to provide our children, parents, and staff with space for stillness, and silence, and simplicity.