Holy Family Catholic High School

All pupils follow a broad, balanced curriculum for the first three years. Pupils are taught in mixed ability classes in Year 7.

Year 7 Courses studied: Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science, French, History, Geography, Technology, Art, Physical Education, ICT, Music and PHSCE.

From year 8, classes are set in subjects where it is considered appropriate. Heads of Department and subject teachers review these sets termly and pupils may be moved from one set to another. This causes few problems, as generally pupil sets follow the same curriculum. Pupils who need special support, because of learning difficulties, are catered for under a policy of special provision which ranges across the whole curriculum. Gifted children are taught in normal classes.

Pupils in Years 8 and 9 with an aptitude for languages study German as well as French.

The Upper School Curriculum is detailed in a booklet made available to all pupils and their parents during year 9 of their secondary education. This booklet includes details of further education routes and careers.

Towards the end of year 9, with teacher guidance and counselling and in consultation with parents, pupils make a choice of subjects which they will take in years 10 and 11. They will then be entered for the General Certificate of Secondary Education, where the differential assessment factor caters for almost the whole ability range.

Public Examinations : Examinations in the General Certificate of Secondary Education are administered by the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA) and continuous and careful assessment throughout KS4 ensures that pupils are entered at the appropriate tier in each examination. It is our aim that pupils have the opportunity for a broad and balanced examination entry.

The following subjects are available in GCSE: - English Language, English Literature, Art, Religious Education, Child Development, Mathematics, Design Technology, French, German, Physical Education, Resistant Materials, History, Graphic Products, Music, Food Technology, Co-ordinated Science (Dual Award), ICT and Geography.

A wide range of extra curricular activities is offered at the Holy Family and all pupils are encouraged to participate. Activities are on offer at lunchtimes, after school and at a weekend. These include sport, music, drama, technology, revision classes, use of the Library and ICT suite to name just a few! Pupils are encouraged to share their talents with others by playing for the school in its many teams.

A number of school visits, both at home and abroad, take place regularly. In the academic year 2003/2004 a group of pupils travelled to France for a holiday and a group of Year 10 pupils joined the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Each year there is a year 7 residential trip to East Barnby and a year 8 residential trip to Osmotherley. In Year 8 pupils are offered the opportunity to follow a short programme of outdoor activities designed to develop teamwork and thinking and communication skills. Pupils are invited to join The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and work towards their Bronze Award.

We expect the best of our pupils. They are encouraged to take responsibility for their own behaviour.

Our Code of Conduct is sensible and clear and states that

“everyone will act with courtesy and consideration to others at all times”.

This means that:

· In class, we make it as easy as possible for everyone to learn and the teacher to teach.

· We always speak politely and appropriately to everyone.

· We always try to listen and understand other people’s point of view.

· We move sensibly and quietly about the school, keeping to the left.

· We respect our environment.

In order to make it as easy as possible for everyone to learn and the teacher to teach, all teachers will expect pupils to follow certain classroom rules. The rules may vary according to which classroom pupils are in and laboratories and workshop areas have additional rules to ensure Health and Safety, but they will be expected to follow these rules in ALL classrooms:

· Follow directions first time given.

· Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself.

· No swearing, teasing, name-calling or put-downs.

· Don’t interrupt when someone else is speaking.

The motto of the school is...

“To Increase in Wisdom and Grace”

...and this is the ideal which is placed before each pupil.

Mission Statement

"The Holy Family is a Catholic School which welcomes people of other faiths.  We strive for excellence in all aspects of our community.  We nurture, motivate and raise the aspirations of individuals so that they can fill their potential by using their God given talents."

YEARS 7 – 11 Boys

School navy blue blazer with badge, school tie, grey pullover/cardigan, white shirt or blouse (no Polo shirts), black/dark grey trousers (no denim, leather, jeans, corduroy or chinos are allowed), black/grey skirt, or culottes, of a sensible length – neither too long nor too short, sensible brown/black shoes.

YEARS 7 – 11 Girls

School navy blue blazer with badge, school tie, grey pullover/cardigan, white blouse (no Polo shirts), black/dark grey trousers (no denim, leather, jeans, corduroy or chinos are allowed) or black/grey skirt, or culottes, of a sensible length – neither too long nor too short, sensible brown/black shoes.

Trainers or boots must not be worn in school

YEAR 11

A black sweater with school badge may be worn as an alternative to the school blazer but a blazer must be worn if a pupil chooses not to wear a school jumper.

OUTDOOR CLOTHING

Coats and jackets should be practical, inexpensive and large enough to wear over the blazer.

No leather or denim allowed. Expensive/designer jackets should not be brought to school. Outdoor clothing which does not conform to the school dress code and which is worn in school must be handed in to the office.