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  • Vacancies | St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School

    St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School, Hob Moor Road, Yardley, Birmingham B25 8QL, TEL: 0121 783 7232 Email: applications@stberns.bham.sch.uk Headteacher: Miss Angela Cowings Class Teacher and Maths Subject Leader ​ MPR/UPS + TLR 2 Required for September 2024 The Governors of St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School wish to appoint an experienced teacher to lead Maths across the whole school. The job will involve working closely with the head teacher, senior leadership team, staff, parents, and governors to help strengthen and further develop the teaching, learning and pupil outcomes and engagement in maths across the school. The role is class-based and is expected to start in September 2024 (year group to be negotiated). We are looking for a Maths Leader who is: an excellent primary practitioner, committed to raising achievement for all passionate about teaching and learning of Maths and has a strong subject knowledge able to model and develop high quality teaching able to use assessment effectively to raise standards able to effectively work as part of a team committed to making a difference for our children and our community supportive of the Catholic faith. In return, we can offer: a successful and friendly team of staff dedicated leadership time children who love to learn within a broad and rich curriculum teachers, teaching assistants and governors who are passionate about teaching and learning support with your own professional development opportunities to progress and develop teaching and leadership skills within our school. We would love to invite you to visit our school to meet our happy pupils and dedicated staff. Have a look on our website or Twitter page to see a sample of what St. Bernadette’s has to offer you. www.stberns.co.uk @StBernsPrimary Visits can be arranged by contacting the school office or by emailing the email address listed. Application forms are available from the school office/website or via the eteach website. Please ensure that all applications are completed on the CES application form. The closing date for applications is 9am on 1st May . St Bernadette’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants. Successful applicant(s) will need to provide evidence of their Identity and Right to Work in the UK. An online search will be carried out as part of due diligence on all short-listed candidates. Job description Application Form - Teacher Teacher - Subject leader - Person Specification Recruitment Monitoring Form St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School, Hob Moor Road, Yardley, Birmingham B25 8QL, TEL: 0121 783 7232 Email: applications@stberns.bham.sch.uk Headteacher: Miss Angela Cowings Class Teacher MPR/UPS Required for September 2024 Are you an enthusiastic, inspirational and dedicated teacher? Would you relish the opportunity to work alongside a friendly, supportive and hard-working team in a school recently rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted? If so, St Bernadette’s may be the perfect school for you! This is an excellent opportunity for a flexible, creative and committed individual to join our happy, vibrant and skilful team. We are looking for a teacher who: Is passionate about ensuring all pupils achieve their potential Is able to demonstrate high quality curriculum skills Is an excellent classroom practitioner and is committed to developing their expertise as a teacher Is able to build supportive working relationships with colleagues Is supportive of the Catholic faith. We can offer you: Happy and well-motivated pupils who demonstrate outstanding behaviour A welcoming, friendly school with a commitment to your continuing professional development A happy, hardworking and supportive staff team A helpful and caring Governing Body Your choice of year band to work in A range of excellent teaching resources An inclusive ethos based on mutual respect We would love to invite you to visit our school to meet our happy pupils and dedicated staff. Have a look on our website or Twitter page to see a sample of what St. Bernadette’s has to offer you. www.stberns.co.uk @StBernsPrimary Visits can be arranged by contacting the school office or by emailing the email address listed above. Application forms are available from the school office/website or via the eteach website. Please ensure that all applications are completed on the CES application form. We welcome applications from both ECTs and experienced teachers. The closing date for applications is 9am on 12th April. St Bernadette’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants. Successful applicant(s) will need to provide evidence of their Identity and Right to Work in the UK. An online search will be carried out as part of due diligence on all short-listed candidates. Recruitment Monitoring Form Mainscale Teacher Job Description Person Specification Disclosure Form Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 - Disclosure Form Application Form - Teacher Supplementary Form St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School, Hob Moor Road, Yardley, Birmingham B25 8QL, TEL: 0121 783 7232 Email: applications@stberns.bham.sch.uk Headteacher: Miss Angela Cowings Class Teacher and KS2 Science Leader MPR/UPS + TLR 2 Required for September 2024 The Governors of St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School wish to appoint an experienced teacher to lead Science across Key Stage 2. The job will involve working closely with the head teacher, senior leadership team, staff, parents, and governors to help strengthen and further develop the teaching, learning and pupil outcomes and engagement in science across the school. The role is class-based and is expected to start in September 2024 (year group to be negotiated). We are looking for a Science Leader who is: an excellent primary practitioner, committed to raising achievement for all passionate about teaching and learning of Science and has a strong subject knowledge able to model and develop high quality teaching able to use assessment effectively to raise standards able to effectively work as part of a team committed to making a difference for our children and our community supportive of the Catholic faith. In return, we can offer: a successful and friendly team of staff dedicated leadership time children who love to learn within a broad and rich curriculum teachers, teaching assistants and governors who are passionate about teaching and learning support with your own professional development opportunities to progress and develop teaching and leadership skills within our school. We would love to invite you to visit our school to meet our happy pupils and dedicated staff. Have a look on our website or Twitter page to see a sample of what St. Bernadette’s has to offer you. www.stberns.co.uk @StBernsPrimary Visits can be arranged by contacting the school office or by emailing the email address listed. Application forms are available from the school office/website or via the eteach website. Please ensure that all applications are completed on the CES application form. The closing date for applications is 9am on 1st May. St Bernadette’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants. Successful applicant(s) will need to provide evidence of their Identity and Right to Work in the UK. An online search will be carried out as part of due diligence on all short-listed candidates. Job description Application Form - Teacher Teacher - Subject leader - Person Specification Recruitment Monitoring Form St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School, Hob Moor Road, Yardley, Birmingham B25 8QL, TEL: 0121 783 7232 Email: applications@stberns.bham.sch.uk Headteacher: Miss Angela Cowings Teaching Assistant – Level 3 Required for September 2024 Are you an enthusiastic, inspirational and dedicated Teaching Assistant? Would you relish the opportunity to work alongside a friendly, supportive and hard-working team in a school recently rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted? If so, St Bernadette’s maybe the perfect school for you! This is an excellent opportunity for a flexible, creative and committed individual to join our happy, vibrant and skilful team. We are looking to employ a Teaching Assistant, who is passionate, hardworking and enthusiastic, and flexible in their ability to support learning. We can offer you a happy and welcoming school, friendly staff, a supportive leadership team and the opportunity to undergo professional development. It is essential that you can demonstrate experience of: supporting children to achieve their best across the curriculum experience of working within a school environment engagement with young people to motivate them to learn being professional, adaptable and can show initiative in tailoring learning to meet individual’s needs working with children with SEND We can offer you: Happy and well-motivated pupils who demonstrate outstanding behaviour A welcoming, friendly school with a commitment to your continuing professional development A happy, hardworking and supportive staff team A helpful and caring Governing Body A range of excellent teaching resources An inclusive ethos based on mutual respect We would love to invite you to visit our school to meet our happy pupils and dedicated staff. Have a look on our website or Twitter page to see a sample of what St. Bernadette’s has to offer you. www.stberns.co.uk @StBernsPrimary Visits can be arranged by contacting the school office or by emailing the email address listed above. Application forms are available from the school office/website. Please ensure that all applications are completed on the CES application form. The closing date for applications is 9am on 29 April 2024 St Bernadette’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants. Successful applicant(s) will need to provide evidence of their Identity and Right to Work in the UK. An online search will be carried out as part of due diligence on all short-listed candidates. Teaching Assistant Level 3 Person Specific - Teaching Assistant Application Form - Support Staff

  • RE Curriculum | St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School

    RE Curriculum As a Catholic Primary School, the basic religious ethos is to be found across the whole curriculum and not just within the Religious Education timetable. The whole aim of St Bernadette’s school is the Christian growth of the children, not simply their growth in their faith, but their growing awareness of the world as a maturing Christian. RE is a core subject and covers 10% of the curriculum. The Religious Education programme incorporates the Curriculum Directory for Catholic Schools (Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales). RE Policy 22/23 RE Curriculum: About Us Below are the units of work covered this academic year in the RE curriculum for each Year Band. Nursery Knowledge.pdf Reception Knowledge.pdf Y1 Knowledge.pdf Y2 Knowledge.pdf Y5 Knowledge.pdf Y3 Knowledge.pdf Y6 Knowledge.pdf Y4 Knowledge.pdf RE Curriculum: Text As a Catholic school, the RE curriculum predominantly focuses on Christianity and Catholicism. However, during our annual International Week, each Year Band explores another World Religion. During this time, children have the opportunity to visit different places of worship. Reception – Christianity Year 1 – Hinduism Year 2 – Buddhism Year 3 – Catholicism Year 4 – Sikhism Year 5 – Judaism Year 6 – Islam RE Curriculum: Text Assessment of RE ​ The RE Curriculum covers four strands: Scripture, Sacraments, Liturgical and Living as Christians. Three different units are assessed annually in each year Band, with each academic year focusing on a different strand. in line with Diocesan guidelines. Samples of work are gathered throughout the year and moderated against the diocesan end of phase expectations. RE Curriculum: Our Mission

  • SEND | St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School

    SEND Policy 2023/24 SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND DISABILITY INFORMATION REPORT SEND: Text 2024-2025 Our School “At St Bernadette’s Catholic School, you will find us caring, hardworking and co-operative. We follow the ways of Jesus, using our talents and gifts to make our school special. We show respect to all and welcome you.” At St Bernadette's School, in line with our Catholic ethos, we believe that all our children are individuals and unique. We constantly endeavour to meet the needs of every child in our care. We aim to develop children into confident and resilient learners, to develop a love of learning and to encourage them to explore opportunities to step outside of their comfort zone whilst not neglecting the need to develop wider life skills that they can use to underpin their future development. St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School currently has 625 children on role (January 2024). There are currently 126 children on SEND register with a range of needs. 15 children have an EHCP and 1 child has a SEND Support Provision Plan. We offer three main levels of support – universal, targeted and specialist. All children with SEND get universal support through high-quality teaching and most will get targeted support. Those children and young people with more complex or severe needs will also have specialist support. If your child needs specialist provision, school staff will usually need to get specialist advice. This kind of support is usually given to children and young people with long-term complex needs and/or disabilities, often with an Education Health and care (EHC) plan. Meet our SENDCO The SENDCO is Miss Hulse. If you would like to contact Miss Hulse, please call the school office on 0121 783 7232 or email SENDCO@stberns.bham.sch.uk Special Educational Needs and Disabilities At St Bernadette’s School, we support children with a variety of differing Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, and we pride ourselves on being a highly inclusive school with an ethos which encourages and celebrates diversity and difference. SEND is categorised into the following areas in the SEN code of practise 2014: Cognition and Learning Communication and Interaction Social, Emotional and Mental Health Sensory and Physical Identifying and Assessing Need When pupils have an identified Special Educational Need or Disability before they join our school, we attempt to work closely with the people who already know them from their previous setting and use the information made available to identify what the possible barriers to learning are so that within our school setting we try to plan appropriate support strategies. At St Bernadette’s School, we work closely as a team and if staff have a concern about a child, staff fill in an SENDCO referral form and discuss concerns with parents. After a half-term of observations and monitoring, we will decide if further support is needed. With your consent, your child will be placed on the SEND register, and we begin to follow the Graduated Response approach of ‘Assess, Plan, Do and Review’. Parents can access these targets and further information about the support their child is receiving online: https://edukeyapp.com/parent/login Some children will be monitored using the Birmingham Audit Continuum; this allows the children working below key stage standards to have small step targets set in lessons to enable them to achieve and begin to work independently. Some children may require more support than is ordinarily available, and we may ask outside agencies to support us in ensuring that we offer the best support we can. Staff can access the Ordinarily Available Guidance (January 2024) to help support children’s learning within the classroom. Our approach to teaching children with SEND At St Bernadette’s School, we offer smaller setting groups with a tailored curriculum and a focus on closing gaps in English and Maths skills in most year groups. Teachers adapt their high-quality teaching to cater for their pupils’ needs and plan individual timetables where necessary. When appropriate, staff are deployed to give children additional interventions in small groups outside the classroom, or to provide one-to-one support. We use the EEF guidance ‘Five-a-day’ and embed the key principles into all our lessons. At St Bernadette’s School, we offer smaller setting groups with a tailored curriculum and a focus on closing gaps in English and Maths skills in most year groups. Teachers adapt their high-quality teaching to cater for their pupils’ needs and plan individual timetables where necessary. When appropriate, staff are deployed to give children additional interventions in small groups outside the classroom, or to provide one-to-one support. We use the EEF guidance ‘Five-a-day’ and embed the key principles into all our lessons. Targeted/Specialist support: Interventions for small groups or individual children for additional Maths support by Teaching Assistants. Buddy systems for support during playtimes, lunchtimes, and class. Provision of specific resources and equipment, e.g. Specially designed chairs and grab rails, if advised by the Physical Difficulties Team (PDSS). Attendance and family support officers who with the families of persistent absentees offer support and guidance. Wellcomm Assessment to focus on Speech and Language Development, and subsequent implementation of support & strategies as required. NESSY Program for KS2 pupils (dyslexia traits). Phonics Groups. Small group reading support in class through guided reading, and individual reading support (Jackanory and Lunchtime Supervisors) Precision Teaching. Support for children with EAL status –Quality First Teaching strategies provided to Teachers (English as an Additional Language) Co-ordinator Miss Bowden. Mrs Payne from the Pastoral Team is available to see some pupils who are a high priority for some 1:1 mentoring work. These services are in extremely high demand and there is often a waiting list to be seen, children are placed on the waiting list in order of priority. Third Space Learning (Maths) intervention. Happy Minds Programme implemented across the school. Gross and fine motor skills interventions. Speech and Language interventions. Sensory Circuits. Play Therapy. We use the Ordinarily Available Guidance produced by the Local Authority to complement our teaching (January 2024). Curriculum adaptations We use a range of strategies across our lessons to ensure we offer an inclusive approach to learning and allow all children to access the classroom environment. We also seek advice and equipment from outside agencies as and when the need arises. Parent Consultations At St Bernadette’s School, we work closely with parents and carers and recognise they have much to contribute to our support for children with SEND. We hold coffee mornings throughout the year where parents can meet up and support each other in a safe environment. During these sessions, we gather parent feedback on the SEND provision at St Bernadette’s School, signpost parents to training courses and support groups and offer opportunities to meet up with outside agencies. For children who have an Education, Health and Care Plan or require specialist support (over and above what is ordinarily available), we will invite you in for further meetings in the year. These meetings celebrate your child’s learning, look at the progress they have made against the targets set, create new targets, and discuss the next steps. During the year, a parental questionnaire is sent to gain views on the school and the SEND provision. Child Consultations Pupils’ views are very important; they have a right to be involved in decisions about their education, and they are made aware of the support that surrounds them in school. Children are fully involved, and their views feed directly into all policies, procedures and daily teaching of children with SEND. Evaluating Provision At St Bernadette’s school, progress is reviewed in senior leadership meetings and with class teachers. The next steps are then discussed. Ideas are shared and discussed in staff meetings to ensure up-to-date research and policy is in place. Children’s individual progress towards their goals is reviewed at regular intervals (three times a year). Children are baselined before receiving interventions and the impact of these interventions are reviewed by the SENCO and staff. Children are asked if they feel the adjustment or intervention is helpful and makes a difference. Annual reviews are held for children with Education Health Care Plans. Staff Training At St Bernadette’s primary, we believe in professional development and aim to ensure all our staff have the understanding they need to enable them to support your child. When a new member of staff joins the school, we ensure they understand the systems within the school and they are given information about the children they are working with. The senior leadership team within the school are constantly moderating needs within the school and, where an area of concern is highlighted, whole school training could be organised to ensure all staff understand specific learning difficulties and appropriate teaching or support strategies that could be utilised. If your child needs specialist support from an outside agency, such as the Speech and Language Service (SALT), Educational Psychologist (EP), Occupational Therapist (OT) or school nurse, we will always discuss this with you first. Some of our staff have completed training in the following areas. When staff go on a course, they have an opportunity to give feedback to the rest of the staff during staff meeting sessions. Transition Support Nursery to Reception ​ We hold a parent and carer session in the summer term for our new reception starters, providing parents with the opportunity to meet with the class teacher and SENDCO. We hold ‘taster’ sessions follow in the second half of the summer term in preparation for their September start. Transition to Reception, and then into each successive year-group, is supported by meetings, information leaflets, and taster sessions in each new class. End-of-Year Transition ​ When children move up a year, the new class teachers hold a welcome meeting for parents. We hold 2 transition sessions during the summer term allowing the children to go up to their new classroom and meet their teacher. Some children may require extra transition visits to their new classroom to help reduce their anxiety and ensure that the transition is successful and positive. Class teachers and TAs meet with each other during the summer term to discuss the needs of the children and share support plans. Secondary Transition ​ We liaise very closely with our partner schools to ensure that the transition from primary school to the secondary school is as smooth as possible. Mid-Year new starters ​ When we are aware that pupils joining us from other settings have identified special educational needs, we arrange a meeting with the family to enable us to gain a greater understanding on the support we need to put in place. Outside Agencies We work with the following agencies to provide support for children with SEND: School Health Advisory Service Behaviour Support Service Pupil and School Support (PSS) - D Smart Communication and Autism Team (CAT) - J Clifford Birmingham Educational Psychology Service (EP) - M Walker Physical Difficulties Support Service (PDSS) – A Begum Hearing Support Team (HS) – C Hasler View the Local Offer website to find out more about the above agencies: https://www.localofferbirmingham.co.uk/send-support-and-information/specialist-send-support-services/ Traded Services or NHS Core Services: Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) – R Rose Occupational Therapy – E Hartland We will ask your permission before we arrange for any outside agencies to come in and work with your child. Once the feedback has been received, we will share this information with you and arrange a meeting. Clubs and Trips All our extra-curricular activities and school visits are available to all our children, including our before and after-school clubs. All children are encouraged to go on our day trips and residential. All children are encouraged to take part in sports day, school competitions, school assemblies and performances, workshops, etc. All children are encouraged to apply for roles of responsibility in school e.g. school council, house group leaders, technical team etc. No child is ever excluded from taking part in these activities because of their SEN or disability. Please read the school’s accessibility plan for further information about the steps we have taken to prevent disabled children from being treated less favourably than other children and the arrangements we have made to help children with SEND access our school. Complaint Procedure Your first point of contact is your child’s class teacher and/or phase leader. If you are not satisfied that your concern has been addressed, then you may make an appointment to speak to the Assistant Heads or Deputy Head Teacher. If they cannot solve your issue, then an appointment can be made to speak to the Headteacher. If you are not happy with the response, then you may contact the governors through the school office. Mr Lenihan – Chair of Governors Mr Carroll – SEND Governor Birmingham Local Offer The Birmingham Local Authority Local Offer can be found at https://www.localofferbirmingham.co.uk/home/parents-and-carers/ It includes information about the wide range of services available to support all areas of a child’s life (0-25 years), especially those with a Special Educational Need or Disability (SEND). This includes support with education, physical and mental health, social care, leisure activities and moving towards independence and adulthood. Every local authority in England has a duty to provide children and young people (0-25 years) with support if they have Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities - this is known as the Local Offer. Every local authority has to publish what support is available on a website: this is called the Local Offer Website. This Local Offer website gives information about the support the local authority expects to be available across education, health and social care. The information on the website is clear and easy to find. It says who a particular service is for, how to apply, and how decisions are made about who gets that service. SENAR 0121 303 0829 ​ School Health Advisory Service 0121 465 5457 ​ Forward Thinking Birmingham 0121 250 1560 ​ Child Development Centre 0121 465 1582 ​ Birmingham Children’s Trust 0121 303 1888 ​ SEND Information Advice Support Service 0121 303 5004 Feedback ‘I would like to say thank you for all your support in helping X thrive’ (Y2 Parent, 2023). ‘Thank you to you and X for your time and support, it's really appreciated by us all’ (Y4 Parent, 2023).

  • Sisters of Mercy | St Bernadette's Cath

    Sisters of Mercy The Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy was founded in 1831 in Dublin by Catherine McAuley, now Venerable Catherine. She worked as a carer for a Quaker couple called Mr & Mrs Callaghan. This gave her access to a bible and led to eighteen years of bible reading and this together with the example of her own father gave her a deep compassion for poor families, especially women and children in Dublin City. During her eighteen years as carer to the Callaghans she was free to share some of the household’s food with the poor of the area. ​ On the death of Mr & Mrs Callaghan Catherine received a large legacy which would amount to more than a million pounds now. Now she had the opportunity to do something really special for the poor. She had a huge house built in Baggot Street, Dublin. Some women joined her and the house was used to give shelter to the homeless, food to the hungry, medical care to the sick and education to the children. ​ Catherine was encouraged to become a religious Sister so she went for training and returned to the House of Mercy in Baggot Street on 12th December 1831. So began the Religious Order of the Sisters of Mercy. Due to the great poverty in Ireland Convents sprang up in almost every town across the country because the Sisters were able to fulfil the great needs of the people and to fulfil the Gospel of Jesus -to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, cure the sick and educate the children. ​ The first Convent of Mercy Catherine founded in England was in Bermondsey, London and the second, her last Foundation, was in Handsworth, Birmingham in August 1841. Catherine spent a month in Handsworth helping the Sisters to begin their ministry and Community life there. Not long after returning to Baggot St. Dublin she died at the age of 61. She had been a Sister for only ten years and in that short time had inspired many women to follow her example. ​ The Sisters of Mercy spread across the world because the Mercy and Compassion they shared with people was so needed. They were women of prayer and practical action and so they fulfilled the command of Jesus to Love God and Neighbour. There is still a Community of Sisters in Bermondsey and in Handsworth five Sisters live in Community. Many of St. Bernadette’s Staff have experienced a Retreat Day in St. Mary’s Convent, Handsworth and have learned the history of that beautiful House. In Stechford there is a Community of two Sisters whose mission is the same as Catherine’s was back in Dublin in 1831. Of course we now have hospitals, schools and some support for the homeless. The needs have changed but the poor are still with us and always will be. So many are spiritually poor, poor in spirit. We feel called now to minister to all people through prayer and action, especially in compassion and Mercy. ​ ​ Although the number of Sisters is decreasing, we have a network of Lay Associates, people from our local parishes who love to hear the story of Venerable Catherine. They pray with the Sisters at their regular meetings and carry out the Works of Mercy in their own lives. Some of them have visited the original House in Dublin and have prayed to Mother Catherine at her grave there. Through them Mercy will live on for many years to come. There are over 20 Mercy Associates in the Stechford group and they are always ready to welcome new members.

  • School Development Plan | St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School

    School Development Plan School Development Plan: Student Life School Development Plan 2022-23 SIP Improving Behavior Action Plan SIP SEND Implementation Action Plan School Development Plan 2021-2022 SIP Reading Action Plan Cognitive Load Theory School Development Plan 2020-2021 SIP Action Plan - Writing School Development Plan 2019-2020 SIP Action Plan SIP Action Plan - Writing SIP Action Plan - Reading School Development Plan 2018-2019 School Development Plan 2017-2018 SIP Action Plan - Writing Pupil Premium SIP Action Plan - Reading SIP Action Plan - RE Pupil Premium SIP Action Plan - PSHE SIP Action Plan - Mathematics SIP Action Plan - RE SIP Action Plan - English School Development Plan 2016-2017 Reciprocal Reading Developing Writing & Gender Results Reading Early Years

  • Pupil Absence | St Bernadette's Cath

    Pupil Absence Please complete the form below to report a pupil absence. Name of Child Class Date of Absence Reason for Absence Name of Parent Contact Phone Number Email Address Submit Thanks for submitting!

  • World Religions | St Bernadette's Cath

    World Religions Throughout their time at St Bernadette’s, all pupils learn about the main religions of the World. During normal curriculum lessons, there are many comparisons made with other religions. However, it is during the annual International Week that the pupils get the opportunity to study a world religion in depth. This usually also includes the opportunity to visit the place of worship of the religion that they are studying. ​ ​ The World Religions that are covered during International Week are as follows: ​ Reception - Christianity Year 1 - Hinduism Year 2 - Buddhism Year 3 - Catholicism Year 4 - Sikhism Year 5 - Judaism Year 6 – Islam

  • Our Parish | St Bernadette's Cath

    Parish Holy Family St. Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School is in the parish of Holy Family Church. "Greetings to all parents and parishioners, May the peace of God be with you and your families. You are always welcome to visit our church" Father Fretch Ballesteros (SDV) is our priest at Holy Family Church in Small Heath. The parish was founded in 1901. The church was built in 1928 and extended in 1966 ​ Tuesday - Friday Mass 10:30am. Sunday Morning Mass: 10.30am. ​ ​ Weekend Mass times at Local Parishes ​ Parish Saturday Sunday Holy Family 4 pm 10.30 am and 5.15 pm St Thomas More 5.30 pm 8.30 am and 10.30 am Corpus Christi 6 p m 10.30 am Holy Souls 5pm 8.30 am, 10 am and 12pm (Noon) The Holy Rosary - 9.30 am and 12 pm (Noon) Fr. Fretch Ballesteros History of Holy Family Church A brick building of the 1920s by George Drysdale, built on a Greek cross plan, and significantly enlarged in the 1960s to accommodate a large influx of (mainly Irish) Catholics, attracted by jobs in local industry. The interior is a fine barrel vaulted space. An intended campanile was not built, the result being that the townscape contribution of the church is relatively minor. The mission in Small Heath was founded by the Revd James Wright in 1901 from St Anne’s in Digbeth and Mass was said in a workshop in Green Lane until a school-chapel was built in 1903, then Mass was said in the upper floor of the new school (this was destroyed by enemy action in 1940.) Subsequently, the first Parish Primary School (Holy Family) opened its doors in Holy Family Church on 11 January 1904. The permanent church opened in 1928. The church is orientated roughly north-south, but this description follows conventional liturgical orientation, as if the altar was to the east. The church was built in two phases. The first, in the 1920s, was on a Greek cross plan, and was built of local purple brown bricks, with Green Westmorland slate roofs. The eastern arm of this was demolished and the nave extended to form a Latin cross, using complementary materials, in the 1960s. An intended northwest campanile was not built. So the present church originated as a Greek cross design by George Drysdale, seating 400, and opened in August 1929 (builders William Sapcote & Sons). It was described in The Tablet as ‘a quiet design …unity of character has been sought in the architecture, in the treatment of furniture and fittings, and also in the arrangement of the forecourt’. The 1920s church had open pediments on the north and south faces with moulded brick string courses and a row of arched clerestory windows. The east end was apsidal. The interior was an impressive barrel vaulted space, with a groin vault at the crossing. Although externally expressed, there is no internal separation into ‘nave’ and ‘aisles’, the nave is one wide space, with the barrel vaulting springing from great steel joists spanning east to west. There is a gallery and narthex at the west end, with a mosaic roundel of the Holy Family fixed to the gallery front (figure 2), possibly from the 1929 church and possibly by Pippet. In the narthex are brass panels to Fr Wright, founder of the mission, and Fr J. P. Dowling, benefactor. At the east, arched openings are located at the corners of the Greek cross. The sanctuary is placed in the eastern arm, and is dominated by a large freestanding altar, with a crucifix and tabernacle in the apse. Side chapels were placed at either side. There is a large organ of 1903 by Steele & Keay of Burslem, acquired c.1993 from Pitts Hill Methodist Church, Stoke. The forecourt was developed in the 1960s when, following a large influx of (mainly Irish) Catholics drawn by jobs in local industry: Birmingham Small Arms;the Chrysler Factory; JJ Gallagher the Builder. The local population used to say that they were either coming out the Blues ground or Holy Family Church. And so the priest, Father O'Keefe extended the church in 1966, and that's why it is so big now. The nave was extended to form a Latin cross plan, increasing the seating capacity to approximately 1,000. The architect for the additions was J. T. Lynch of Jennings, Homer & Lynch, and the extended church was blessed on 25 October, 1967. New sacristies, meeting rooms, a cry room and confessionals were also built, but an intended 100ft campanile was never realised. The total cost was for the built additions was about £120,000. In that period a second Parish Primary School was built on Hob Moor Road, (St Bernadette’s) which served the Irish community. Previously, St Benedict's Church of England School had been used for some of the children because of the enormous numbers. The 1960s additions were a modern and simplified version of the original work. The west front had a brick pilaster/piers at the corners and an open pediment framing a large central ‘feature panel’ faced in Portland stone. A crucifix was placed against this. Below this, solid oak entrance doors were placed beneath a flat canopy, with windows on either side. Flanking the entrance, low flat-roofed wings with recessed stone faced bays incorporating windows were presumably built as the baptistery and a side entrance. Above these, a round arched window on either side lit an internal gallery. Beyond this were raised (but not as high as the nave) and plain ‘aisle’ walls, the ‘aisles’ lit by one rectangular window per bay. The present church was consecrated on 10 June 1976.

  • Policies & Admissions | St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School

    Admissions ​ How to Apply. Check that your child meets the Admissions Criteria for St. Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School. Documents which must accompany the application: Birth Certificate Baptismal Certificate The completed application and requested documents should be posted or delivered to the school. St Bernadette’s School Hob Moor Road, Yardley, Birmingham, B25 8QL ​ Late applications for appeals will be heard by At the same time as previously scheduled appeals or within 30 school days of appeal being lodged Decision letters sent to appellant Normally within seven school days ​ In-Year Applications An application can be made for a place for a child at any time outside the admission round and the child will be admitted where there are available places. An application should be made via the local authority by completing the in-year admissions application form which is available from https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/schooladmissions . As a Catholic School, parent will also need to complete a Supplementary Information Form in addition to the standard application form that is submitted to the local authority. Supplementary Information Forms can be obtained from the school’s website at https://www.stberns.co.uk/copy-of-policies-admissions or a hard copy can be provided on request by contacting the school office on Mrs Smallwood, 0121 783 7232 admissions@stberns.bham.sch.uk Supplementary Information Forms must be returned directly to the school at St Bernadette’s Catholic School, Hobmoor Road, Yardley, Birmingham B25 8QL. If a Supplementary Information Form is not submitted directly to the school this may affect the priority given to the application and could affect the likelihood of your child being offered a place. The local authority will forward your application to the school for consideration by the governors. Where there are places available but more applications than places, the published oversubscription criteria, as set out in the admission arrangements for 2023/2024, will be applied. The full admission arrangements can be accessed from https://www.stberns.co.uk/ or by contacting the school office to request a hard copy. Parents are advised to read the admission arrangements carefully before making their application. If there are no places available, the local authority will notify you of this decision on behalf of the governors and the child will be added to the waiting list. Please see the admission arrangements for more details regarding waiting lists. You will be advised of the outcome of your application in writing as soon as possible. Applicants must be informed of the outcome of their application within 15 school days of its receipt, but the aim is to notify applicants of the outcome of their application within 10 school days of its receipt. You have the right to appeal to an independent appeal panel if your application is unsuccessful. If you have any questions in relation to in-year admissions, please contact admissions@stberns.bham.sch.uk . You may also wish to discuss in-year applications with the local authority https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/schooladmissions. Appeal Timetable Admissions 2024-2025 Admissions 2025-2026 In Year Application Form Supplementary Application Form Parish Boundaries for the Archdiocese of Birmingham

  • British Values | St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School

    Promoting British Values The DfE have reinforced the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.” As a Catholic Primary School we believe that everyone is made and loved by God as unique individuals, made in His image. Our Mission Statement and Catholic ethos embeds the foundations of British values: At St. Bernadette's Catholic School you will find us caring, hardworking and co-operative. We follow the ways of Jesus using our talents and gifts to make our school special. We show respect to all and welcome you. British Values & SMSC Policy British Values: About Us Democracy We encourage our children to actively take part in democratic activities, throughout the school. Each class has an annually democratically elected school councillor, who form part of the School Council which meet regularly throughout the school year. In Year 6, pupils vote for their Head Boy and Girl. These opportunities are used as an avenue to promote and teach about the democracy and electoral process. Children in Key Stage 2 are also given the opportunity to visit the council house in Birmingham and a group of children visit Parliament and Downing Street. Our local MP also visits school and brings their role to life through a question and answer session, annually, with Year 5 and 6 pupils. Democracy is also taught in the curriculum (e.g. through historical research of Ancient Greek civilisation and looking at how Historical figures influenced democracy). Pupils’ opinions are highly valued at St. Bernadette’s School and their views and ideas are sought via their school councillor and through the annual Pupil Questionnaires. The Behaviour Policy identifies both rewards and sanctions, both of which the children and parents (through our Parents’ Forum) have contributed to. There is a strong ethos of pupils volunteering in and out of school time. This includes activities such as Nursery Prefects, school prefects, rabbit prefects, buddy partners. adette's Catholic Primary School. We’ve created a safe and accessible environment where students are encouraged to discuss ideas, collaborate on projects, share their work and receive feedback with pride. We give students the foundation to reach their potential and gain confidence both academically and socially. British Values: Student Life Rule of Law The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country are constantly reinforced at St Bernadette’s. We have high expectations of behaviour in school and this is observed throughout the school. Our behaviour policy reflects our expectations and has been influenced by pupils contributing to our school rules, rewards and sanctions. Pupils have created an Anti-Bullying Charter, displayed in our dining hall. Pupils and parents have suggested rewards such as: behaviour badges, behaviour assemblies, Head Teacher, class and year band certificates, stationery rewards, star pupil and star table. Sanctions include missed play time or missed equipment time. Weekly discussions take place in class regarding behaviour and pupils self-evaluate their own and their peers performance and responsibility throughout the week. British Values: Text Individual Liberty At St Bernadette’s, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries from where pupils can make informed choices. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to do these safely, for example through our e-safety and PSHE lessons, Whether it be through choice of challenge, of how they record work, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular activities clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices. Children are taught about personal responsibility, choices, ambition and aspirations. They are encouraged to have broad horizons and the opportunities provided include, theatre visits, theatre performances, musical instrument lessons, a rich breadth of PE in and out of the curriculum and art. ​ Our school values its local environment and pupils are given opportunities to explore and visit the local recreation area, Eco Park and playing fields. During these visits road safety, stranger danger and life skills are reinforced. Children are taught the importance of keeping safe and taking responsibility for their safety on line and in reality. They are given opportunities to explore this through annual Life Bus visits, regular ICT teaching, NSPCC assemblies, emergency service visits, visits to Safeside and visits from our school nurse. British Values: Text Mutual Respect Mutual respect is at the heart of our Mission Statement. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own right and the rights of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect. Pupils are taught to respect their school, adults, peers, other pupils and themselves through our ethos, RE and PSHE curriculum and behaviour policy. Pupils are taught to have morals and will inform staff if they feel there is discrimination evident in school. Our school has strong links with a local school for children with a wide range of learning difficulties, encompassing moderate learning difficulties and increasingly more complex needs including autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs), behavioural issues, sensory impairment and language disorders. We celebrate the breadth of talents and support the needs that our own pupils have and children are encouraged to recognise effort and achievement. British Values: Text Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs Pupils demonstrate an understanding and awareness that people in school and our community have different faiths and beliefs to the individual pupil and to the Catholic faith. They understand that these differences are part of our liberty and should not be the cause of prejudice or discriminatory behaviour. We value our local community links and children annually visit a many places of worship. The children, each year, visit at least one place of worship. This has been timetabled so that children will visit a place of worship for each major religion by the time they leave our school. Our school celebrates and recognises many faith festivals and we encourage children and parents from a range of faith and cultural backgrounds to share experiences and knowledge with our children. We encourage our children to interact with children from other schools, through organised activities and events. There are clear procedures and guidance in school for pupils who demonstrate a lack of respect or racist behaviour. British Values: Portfolio

  • Curriculum | St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School

    Curriculum All learning experiences are planned to offer the broadest educational opportunities to pupils. Everyday offers opportunities to acquire new skills and knowledge. Learning is delivered through assemblies, visits, themed weeks, after school clubs, as well as through timetabled lessons for particular subjects. We employ a combination of setting and mixed ability grouping depending on the subject area. A range of strategies are used to motivate and address the needs of all learners. Whole class teaching, group work, paired work and individual study is used at appropriate times. Pupils are given the opportunity to take the initiative, make decisions, work co-operatively and sometimes independently, supported by the class teacher. Resources are varied and include textbooks, worksheets, audio-visual, ICT and interactive materials, all of which are intended to support learning. Curriculum: Student Life Foundation Stage Curriculum Developing creative, confident learners Children may enter Nursery in the school year in which they will be four years old and may start Reception in the school year in which they will be five years old. The Nursery and Reception Years follow the Foundation Stage of the National Curriculum, which is based on seven areas of learning: Prime Areas Personal, Social & Emotional Development Communication & Language Physical Development Specific Areas 4. Literacy 5. Mathematics 6. Understanding the World 7. Expressive Arts and Design In order for new pupils to settle into school, we ensure that the Nursery and Reception children have their own: Early lunch sitting Outdoor play area Induction day. Curriculum: Academics KS1 & KS2 Children in KS1 (age 5-7, Yr1 and Yr2) and KS2 (age 7-11, Yr3- Yr6) follow the National Curriculum. The National Curriculum Consists of: Religious Education Core Subjects (English, Mathematics & Science) Foundation Subjects (Art & Design, Citizenship, Computing, Design & Technology, French, Geography, History, Music, Physical Education) Delivery of these subjects ranges from discrete lesson time, cross curricular elements through other subjects and in dedicated curriculum days. Curriculum: Text Curriculum: List Intent, Implement, Impact Curriculum Maths Science Topic Computing English PE MFL EYFS

  • Prayer Clubs | St Bernadette's Cath

    Prayer Clubs At our school, our faith journey extends beyond the classroom. Our extra-curricular prayer clubs provide a haven for our pupils to explore and embrace their faith, whilst also promoting a sense of unity. Pupils are encouraged to engage in meaningful discussions and cultivate their religious practices. We understand the importance of nurturing the whole child, and our prayer clubs play a vital role in supporting their emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing. We invite all pupils from EYFS to Year 6, seeking a space for reflection and connection, to participate in these integral extra-curricular prayer clubs. December - Advent During Advent, we have the opportunity to gather as a KS2 family to share ideas about how we can be ready to meet Jesus. This year the children collectively created an Advent Reflection. They reflected on simple steps that they could take in their daily lives and explored how they could carry out our mission. Lent During Lent, we gather together to explore CAFOD’s Lenten calendar to help us journey through Lent. This year our Year 4 pupils reflected on Pope Francis’ Lenten message and began each session by exploring how Jesus speaks to us through the word of God. They explored daily readings and used CAFOD’s online Lent calendar to journey through Lent with their global family. The children created purple prayer cubes and encouraged each other to preform acts of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. May - The Month of Mary Our prayer club in May is dedicated to “Mary”. This year, the children were provided with the opportunity to learn about, explore and pray the mysteries of the Holy Rosary. Each week the children explored and reflected on one of the four mysteries. June - The Sacred Heart During the month of June, children from Reception and KS1 have the opportunity to take part in a Sacred Heart Prayer Club. This year the children gathered together to learn about the devotion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The children were encouraged to be prayerful and attentive during this special time. All children took an active role in the club; setting up the prayer table, writing and reading prayers, singing Hymns and listening to the word God. The children had the opportunity to create Sacred Hearts using a range of different materials, building upon skills they have learnt during their art lessons. They also reflected on the devotion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and shared prayers of love and thanks.

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