St Peter’s Head’s Pride After Year Of Disruption

13th August 2021Oliver Whittell

“In my first year as St Peter’s head of school, I have been blown away by the resilience, adaptability and strength of character shown by all St Peter’s pupils, but particularly those in Year 11.

Year 11 is known to be a highly challenging academic year, but none more so than for the Class of 2021. This has been a year of considerable disruption, change and uncertainty, which has been most acute for those in their exam year.

I am extremely proud of the results our pupils have worked so hard for, but also of the personal qualities they have developed.

This year is reminiscent of a passage from Romans (5:3-5) “We also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

Stephanie Garthwaite, head of school


“It’s a great honour to be celebrating these excellent results with our Year 11 pupils. We look forward to seeing the exciting paths the class of 2021 take as they move onwards, knowing they will remain forever a part of the St Peter’s family.”

Michael Burns, executive head

 


Essie Croce, a former pupil of St Margaret Clitherow’s Primary School, has been an outstanding achiever throughout her time at St Peter’s.

She is celebrating grade 9s in English literature, English language and RE, grade 8s in art, history and maths and an 8-7 in combined science. She also achieved the EBacc qualification.

Along with her twin, Tilly, Essie has been a key member of St Peter’s highly successful netball team, playing with key stage 4 pupils from Year 8 and showing tremendous skill and talent. She has represented the school in many ways, most recently as head girl.

Essie now intends to study A-Levels in English literature, psychology and PE before going on to a career in sports psychology 

“I am over the moon with my results and so surprised,” Essie said. “It hasn’t been easy over the last five years, but I have loved every minute of it. Thank you for everything and getting me to where I am today.” 

 

Franklin Jay Northridge joined St Peter’s from St Gabriel’s Catholic Primary School.
Since then he has represented the school football team and has been head boy throughout Year 11.

Franklin’s grades include grade 8s in English literature, English language and RE, grades 8-7 in combined science, grade 7 in maths and history and a Level 2 distinction in BTEC Sport.

He now intends to study A-Levels in biology, history and English literature and would love to become a barrister. 

“I want to thank St Peter’s for everything they have done for me,” he said. “I wish my classmates the best of luck for the future.” 

 

Isabel Willet joined St Peter’s from St Margaret Clitherow’s Catholic Primary and has been an outstanding pupil throughout her time at the school.

She achieved grade 9s in art, geography, RE and English language and grade 8s in biology, chemistry, French, maths and English literature, as well as the EBacc qualification.
Isabel intends to study A-Levels in art, biology and psychology.

“I am really happy with my results,” said Isabel. “I have enjoyed my time at St Peter’s and want to say thank you to the staff for being so helpful.

“Well done to my classmates who have all worked really hard and deserve good results.” 

 

Zainab Zahid has represented the school at netball as well as being a prefect in her final year. She has been an outstanding pupil throughout her time at St Peter’s and this is reflected in her results.

These include grade 9s in RE, biology, chemistry, physics, geography, English language and English literature, grade 8s in maths and French and an Level 2 distinction* in BTEC Sport.

Zainab will go on to study A-Levels in chemistry, biology, physics and maths as she looks towards a career in medicine or dentistry.

“My time at St Peter’s has flown by, but every moment was special and I will never forget it,” she said.

“Hard work is the key to success but without the staff I would only be halfway to where I am now. Thank you and good luck to everyone for the future.” 

Covid-19 Update March 2020

18th March 2020Oliver Whittell

Dear Parents/Carer

We believe that keeping our parents updated of our current school position in these testing times for all is important. The situation is very fluid and we are working closely with the trust to inform our decisions. We are also following the daily updated government guidance in terms of our actions and plans.

Currently the school remains open and in full operation – lessons are going ahead as normal and I am proud to say that most students are dealing very well with the situation. We have introduced additional safety precautions such as cleaning hands before lessons involving using a keyboard, and our intensive cleaning routine is focussing on high touch areas.

What is the current situation?

  • The school remains open at this time – this is the current official guidance we have been given
  • All basic school functions continue to run as normal at this time. However, non-essential excursions, assemblies, travel, concerts and other events such as Parents Evenings, have been postponed.
  • Some additional classes for exam groups are continuing – for example Period 6. We are committed to ensuring our students have the best possible chance in their examinations which we are assuming are still taking place in the summer term at present
  • If you, your child or anyone you live with has the following symptoms you must follow guidance to stay at home:
    – A new, continuous cough and/or
    – A high temperature
  • If your child is unwell or is self-isolating, report this as you would normally by contacting school on 01642 453462. Please leave a clear message and include: your child’s name, Year group and form and the reason for their absence.
  • At this time all external examinations are scheduled to run as normal. We will update you as a matter of urgency if more information comes to light on this matter.

What we are doing to protect and support pupils and staff

  • If a student reports feeling ill whilst on the school premises home will be contacted as a matter of urgency and parents/carers will be asked to collect their child as soon as possible. Whilst waiting to be collected students will be seated in a designated area 2 meters away from other people.
  • Cleaning schedules have been revised. Additional cleaning is now in place for ‘high touch’ areas such as door handles and surfaces.
  • Students are being regularly reminded about the importance of good hand hygiene and the need to regularly wash their hands – especially before they eat.
  • Students are being emotionally supported by staff and our established pastoral system which is skilled in dealing with students who suffer from anxiety.

What we need you to do

  • If you have recently changed your contact details, please inform the school office as soon as possible via telephone on 01642 453462 or by email on [email protected]
  • Talk to your children about the coronavirus. It is important to ensure that children feel supported. BBC Newsround has regular updates for younger children and YoungMinds has practical steps older children can take to help with anxiety
  • Come and collect your child straight away, if we ask you to (we will contact you if they become ill with either a temperature or a new, continuous cough)
  • In the event of St Peter’s Catholic College being asked to close, we will work to ensure that your child’s education continues to the best of our ability. Over the last few days we have been working to ensure that robust systems are in place for this.
  • In order to ensure that remote teaching can take place in the event of a school closure, please check that your child has access to the internet from home, and let us know if there are any issues (so we can make sure we are well prepared for remote learning if the school does need to close at some point)

What happens if the school has to close?

We will only close if we are either officially advised to do so or we do not have enough staff to run the school.
In either case, we will:

  • Update parents via text, school website and school social media accounts
  • Work will be set for students to complete via Google Classrooms and some paper based resources – further information will be given to students and parents in this eventuality

If you have any questions
Please consult the:

  • School office (01642 453462) if you have any questions about our response to this issue
  • NHS, if you want to know more about the symptoms of coronavirus. If you think you or your child may have the symptoms, use NHS 111 online if at all possible before calling 111
  • Department for Education’s coronavirus helpline: 0800 046 8687, if you have any questions about the government’s response to coronavirus in relation to schools
  • Government’s travel advice, if you want to know whether any upcoming trip or holiday you’re taking abroad should go ahead

It is an uncertain time and we know you are worried about the impact this might have on our community. It is important we keep each other safe and talk about these events to help with any anxiety. I am very proud of the care and support students are showing to one another at this time, and our attendance to this point shows that the large majority of students and parents are committed to supporting our work to secure the best education we can for our students.
You and your families are in our thoughts and prayers at this time.

Yours sincerely

Mr N Skerry
Headteacher