STM Whole School Prospectus 2021-22

STTHOMASMORE
CATHOLICSCHOOL
WHOLESCHOOLPROSPECTUS
-2022/2023 -

CONTENTS
C O N T EN T S
OUR ETHOS
StThomasMore-Man&Martyr . 1
AbouttheSchool .
MissionStatementandPrinciples . 3
Messagefrom theHeadTeacher .
Childrenwhofeelvalued . 6
ColectiveWorship .
PartnersinLearning .
SCHOOLINFORMATION
IntheClassroom .
TheSchoolCurriculum . 9
TheSixthForm .
AnEnrichedCurriculum . 11
EssentialInformation .
PERFORMANCE
ExaminationsandAssessment . 16
ExaminationResults2017 .
FROM THEGOVERNORS
Governor‘sPolicyonBehaviouralStandards . 18
Curriculum Complaints .
Governors’ChargingandRemissionsPolicy .
OTHER AVAILABLEDOCUMENTS
GovernorsAdmissionsPolicy .contactus
OFSTED report2013 .contactus
7
20
2
4
7
8
10
12
17
19

ST THOMAS MORE
MAN & MARTYR
“RegisServusDeiPrius”
-“Iam theKing’sgood servant,but
God’sfirst”
Bornin1478thesonofalawyer,ThomasMoreatendedSt
Anthony'sSchoolinLondon.Afterreadinglaw atCanterbury
Colege,Oxford,hequalifiedasalawyerin1501. Hisfirst
mariagetoJaneColtproducedfourchildren.In1510hewas
appointedunder-sherifandMemberofParliamentfortheCityof
London. AfterJane'suntimelydeath,ThomasmariedAlice
Middleton,ayoungwidowwithadaughterofherown.
DisputewiththeKing
STTHOMAS MORE -MAN & MARTYR
BecauseHenryVIandKatherinehadnolivingmaleheir,theKing
appliedtothePopetohavehismariageannuled.ThePopewas
unwilingtograntadivorceandtheproceedingsforannulment
draggedon.BythistimeHenry'snew love,AnneBoleyn,was
alreadyexpectinghischild.Henrytookmatersintohisown
hands,separatedtheEnglishChurchfrom theChurchinRome,
styledhimselfsupremeheadoftheChurchinEngland,instructed
hisArchbishopto grantthedivorceandthenmariedAnne
Boleyn.
SirThomasMore,ashewasbythen,privatelydisagreedstrongly
withHenry'sactions,believingitwasimposiblefortheEnglish
Churchtomakelawswhichwereinconsistentwiththelawsofthe
ChurchinRome.In1532heresignedfrom oficeandrefusedto
atendthecoronationofAnnein1533. In1534theActof
SuccesiondeclaredthatAnne'schildrenratherthanKatherine's,
wouldsucceedHenry.AlMembersofParliamentwererequired
tototakeanoathacceptingtheAct,includingtheclausewhich
asertedthatthePopehadnopowertointerfereintheafairsof
England.NeitherMorenorBishopFishercouldacceptthis,so
theyrefusedto signtheAct.Theywerecondemnedto life
imprisonmentandhadtoforfeittheirgoods.
1

OUR ETHOS
ABOUT THE SCHOOL
StThomasMoreCatholicSchoolisaVoluntaryAidedRomanCatholicComprehensiveSchoolprovidingfortheeducationalneeds
of11-19yearoldstudentsfrom WestGatesheadandNorthumberland.
Numberofstudentsonrol: 1546
NumberofstudentsinYears12and13: 273
TargetnumberofpupilsforYear7in2021-2022 235
KEY STAFF
HEAD TEACHER :M R.J.PARKINSO N
DEPUTY HEAD TEACHERS :M R.N.W O O D
M RS.J.TURNER
2
CHAIR O F GOVERNO RS : M R.D.BRO PHY

MISSION STATEMENT
Ourcatholicschooliscommitedtoachievingexcelenceinalthatitdoes.Thefolowingprinciplesgovernthewaythatweoperate:
TheCatholicFaithisattheheartofwhatwedo.Our
Christianprinciplesprovideawelunderstoodmoralcodeby
whichweoperate.Opportunitiesareprovidedtofurther
thespiritualdevelopmentofthecommunityatwhatever
stageanindividualis.
Ourschoolisacivilisedplace:thereisanatmosphereof
mutualrespect;membersofthecommunityarewelbehaved,
displaygoodmannersandworkforthecommongood.Our
schoolexperienceshouldbeanenjoyableone.Thisrequires
the provision ofthe highestposible quality learning
environment.
Ourpupilshaveaccestoanengaging,flexiblecuriculum
thatisrelevanttotheirneedsandtothoseofthewider
communityinordertoequipthem totaketheirplacesas
productivemembersofsocietythroughtheprovisionofthe
necesaryknowledge,concepts,skilsandatitudes.
Ourschoolhashighexpectationsinalareas,including:
aesthetic,physical,social,moraland;academic.Thereisa
beliefthatalpupilscansucceed,whatevertheirindividual
circumstances.
Ourschoolisaninclusiveplace.Theskilsandexperienceof
thestafarevaluedandutilisedintheatempttoachieve
excelence;nogroupofpupilsisdiscriminatedagainst.Wewil
alwayscarefortheindividualwhilstbeingmindfulofour
responsibilitytothewholeschoolcommunity.
Ourschoolisanorganisationthatreflectsonwhatitdoes
with a view to achieving constant improvement and
development.
Ourstafarecentraltotheschool’ssucces.Thereare
opportunitiesforstaftodeveloptheirskilsthroughout
theircareer,theyaresupportedandvaluedintheirwork.
Teachingandlearningarethecoreactivities.Theprovision
ofthehighestqualityclasroom experienceisofparamount
importance.Asapartofthisexperiencelearnersare
encouraged to takeintelectualrisksto enhancetheir
learning,to develop the skils necesary to become
autonomouslearners,andtotakeresponsibilityfortheir
learning.
Learnersareencouragedtodeveloplivelyenquringminds,
theabilitytoquestionandtheabilitytoarguerationaly,in
ordertocopewiththedemandsofacomplex,fastchanging
modernsociety.
Ourschooliscommitedtothedevelopmentofeducational
practicethroughthedevelopmentofpartnershipswith
othersinthewidercommunity.
Ourschoolacceptsitsresponsibilityasamemberofits
widercommunity.Developinglinkswithparishes,thelocal
community,othereducationalestablishmentsand other
partnersinordertofurtherthewidereducationalaimsof
theregion.
Theparentsofpupilsattheschoolareencouragedtobe
involvedintheirchild’seducationandhavetheopportunity
toacquiretheskilsnecesarytosupporttheirchildat
school.
OUR ETHOS
3

OUR ETHOS
MESSAGE FROM THE
HEADTEACHER
“INVESTING
IN YOUNG
PEOPLE
INVESTING
IN THE
FUTURE”
AfterayearandahalfofCOVID-19driventurbulence,
2021-2022ishopefulygoingtobeamorenormalyear.The
guidancefrom theDepartmentofEducationforopening
schoolsthisSeptembersays:AsCOVID-19becomesavirus
thatwelearntolivewith,thereisnowanimperativetoreduce
thedisruption to children and youngpeople’seducation.
Signalyakeenfocusongetingschoolsbacktorunningasthey
didbeforethepandemic.Wearesetupsothatthingscanflex,
ifrequired,from thenormalschooltotheverydiferent
COVIDschoolweranlastyear.Bythetime2022-2023comes
around,hopefulywewilhavelearnttolivewiththevirusand
wilbe,esentialy,backtonormal.
Therearemanydiferentthingsthatwe,asacommunity,wantfrom ourschool:wewantourchildrentobe
succesfulacademicaly;wewantthem todevelopgoodmoralatitudes;indeed,wewantthem tofulfiltheir
potentialinmanydiferentways.
HereinStThomasMoreCatholicSchool,weaim togiveourpupilsthebestposiblechanceofdoingthis.In
theschool’smostrecentOFSTED inspection,inwhichwewereagaingradedOutstanding,theopening
sentencesread:“StThomasMoreSchoolprovidespupilswithhighqualityeducation,linkingoutstanding
academicachievementtosplendidpersonaldevelopment.AnexceptionalystrongChristianethospervades
theschool”(October2013).
ThissuccesisduefirstandforemosttothestrongChristianethoswhichpervadesourschool,bindingpeople
togetherandencouragingeveryonetogivetheirbest,andtostriveforexcelence,withinanorderedand
disciplinedatmosphere.ItwasparticularlyrewardingtohavethisaspectoftheschoolgradedOutstandingby
theDiocesaninspectors.
4
Wehavealongtraditionofexcelentexaminationresultsgoingbackmanyyears,however,thecancelationof
theexaminationseriesofSummer2020andSummer2021makeayearonyearcomparisonimposible.What
itisfairtosayisthatourpupilsinYears11and13workedincrediblyhardlastsummerandwere,therefore,
awardedexcelentresults.Asaschoolweputinplacesystemsthatwererobustandhadintegritywhich
producedoutcomesthatreflectedtheatitudeandatainmentofthepupils.Ifwewanttogetahandleon
resultsaprosaicbutposiblymorereliablewaytolookatoutcomesistoconsiderwherethepupilsgonext.
InInYear11theoverwhelmingmajoritygointothesixthform orontoanapprenticeship.OurYear13pupilshave
anexcelentrecordofuniversityentrance,withmostachievingtheirfirstchoice,apprenticeshipsandentering
theworldofwork.Oneofourkeyaimsisthatpupilsarereadyforthenextphaseintheirlivesandweare
justifiablyveryproudofourrecordinthis.

OUR ETHOS
Thereisnodoubtthatoneofthemainfactorsbehindthecontinuedexcelentachievementofthisschoolistheveryhighstandardof
thebehaviourofthepupils.OFSTED alsocommentedthat“Behaviourisalmostalwaysimpeccable.Pupilsconductthemselvesinavery
maturemannerinclasandwhenmovingaroundtheschoolatbreaksandlunchtimes.Theyarepoliteandhelpfulandrealyrespect
theirteachers.”
Asaschoolwehavealwaysbeendeterminedtogivepupilsthebestposibleeducationalexperience.Thisisreflectedinthepositive
atitudestowardslesonsthatpupilsshow.ThiswasconfirmedbyOFSTEDwhojudgedthequalityofTeachingandLearningtobe
outstanding.
Weprideourselvesonthelevelofpastoralcaregiventoalpupils.Thereareexcelentrelationshipsandmutualrespectbetweenpupils
andbetweenstafandpupils.Indeed,ourpupilssaythattheyenjoycomingtoschool!Weinvestheavilyinindividualsupportand
guidanceforpupils,weasespupils’progresregularlyandreportthisprogrestoparentsat10weekintervals.
OfcoursethereissomuchmoretoStThomasMoreCatholicSchoolthanexcelentexaminationresults,centralthoughtheseareto
oursucces.Overthepastfewyearstheschoolhasbeenrecognisedinanumberofdiferentways.Wewerethefirstschooltobe
awardedSpecialistSchoolstatusintheNorthEast.Wehavecolectedarangeofspecialismsovertheyears;startingwithTechnology,
LeadingEdge(viaBeaconSchool),TrainingandVocational.InJune2011wewerenamedasoneofthefirsttrancheofTeachingSchools
inthecountry.Asaschoolwearealwayslookingtodevelopstilfurther.InJanuary2014webecamethefoundingmemberoftheSt
ThomasMorePartnershipofSchoolsMulti-AcademyTrustandinMarch2014wewelcomedourfirstprimaryschool,SacredHeart
ByermoortotheTrust.InApril2015wewelcomedStMathewsPrimarySchool,Prudhoe.InApril2020webecamepartoftheBishop
WilkinsonCatholicEducationTrust.
Theschoolenvironmenthasbeendevelopedconsiderablyoverthe;lasttenyearsandwehaverenewedaround90%ofthebuilding.
InSummer2019werenovatedtheoriginal1967building,andinSummer2020weaddedasuiteof3newclasroomsdesigned
specificalyforournewTechnicalLevelcoursesandthisyearwearedevelopingasuiteaimedattheEducationandChildcareTechnical
Levelswhichwilalso,asabyproduct,resultintherefurbishmentofanumberofDesignTechnologyrooms.Itisworthaddingthatwe
areoneofonlyfourschoolsoutofthefiftyfirstproviders,oferingtheseinthecountry.
Theworkoftheclasroom continuestoextendintohighqualityextra-curicularactivities.Alargenumberofpupilsareableto
participateinschoolteamscoveringawiderangeofdiferentsports.Thereisalsoastrongcommitmenttomusicanddramawith
regularconcertsanddramaevenings.Ourcontributiontothelifeofthecommunitythrough,forexample,theSixthForm Programme,
providesasplendidexampleofChristianityinaction.OurpupilsareenthusiasticandprolificfundraisersforthePercyHedley
Foundation,theSalvationArmy,theYouthMinistryTrust,andNorthEastHomeles.
Withfirm guidance,clearpurpose,thevastarayoftalentsofpupilsandstafandcontinuedsupportfrom parents,Iam confidentthat
StThomasMoreCatholicSchoolwilcontinuetomakeamajorcontributiontothelifeofourcommunity.
Jonathan Parkinson
Head Teacher
5

OUR ETHOS
CHILDREN W HO
FEEL VALUED
Inaschoolofover1500students,itisimportantthateachindividualfeelssecure,confidentand
valued.Ourpastoralsystem isdesignedtodojustthat.
“INVESTING
IN YOUNG
PEOPLE
INVESTING
IN THE
FUTURE”
6
Onentrytoourschool,eachstudentis
alocated to one of four houses:St
Bernadete,StCatherineLaboure,StJohn
FisherorStTherese.Workingunderthe
generalcoordinationofaHeadofHouse,
eachtutorhaspastoralresponsibilityfora
groupofaround30students.Througha
planned pastoralprogramme,the tutor
addresesthesocialandemotionalneedsof
studentsandsupporttheirlearningand
development.
Progresinlearningisalsoenhancedbya
system oftargetsetingsupportedbya
team ofPastoralstafwhoensurethateach
individualisprovidedwiththenecesary
helptoachievetheirpotential.
Esentialtothevaluingoftheindividualis
thesystem ofPRAISE,wherebystudentsare
awardedmeritsforacademicandsocial
achievementsetagainstabackgroundof
healthyinter-housecompetition.Students
couldalsoreceivepraisepostcardsora
phone calhome from their teachers
congratulatingthem ontheirhardwork.
Contributionstothelifeofthehouseand
therefore the school,be they physical,
mentalorspiritualare also recognised
throughthePRAISEsystem ensuringthat
theachievementofeachstudentcanbe
acknowledged irespective of academic
ability.
SPECIAL
EDUCATIONAL
NEEDS AND
DISABILITIES
TheSchool’sprovisionforchildrenwithSpecial
EducationalNeedsand Disabilities(SEND)
aimsto:
*CreateanenvironmentwhereSEND
childrenfeelwelcomeandwherespecial
needsarerecognisedandaddresed
*Integratestudentsintothefullifeofthe
schoolandprovideaccestoabroadand
balanced curiculum which meetstheir
needs
*Seektominimise,asfarasposible,the
barierstolearning
*Seektomakethenecesaryprovisionto
maximisetheperformanceofstudentswith
additionalneeds
OurSEN studentsdowel.Themajorityofour
Year11studentsreturnto SixthForm or
secureaplaceatalocalcolege.Wearevery
proud of this achievement and their
commitmenttocontinuingeducation.Acopyof
theSEND policyisavailableontheschool
website.

PARTNERS IN
LEARNING
COLLECTIVE
W ORSHIP
OUR ETHOS
Theinfluencewhichhomeandschooleachhasonthe
developmentofayoungpersoncannotbeoverstated.
Personalvalues,balancedjudgementsandasenseof
proportionalhavetheirrootsintheearlyyears.The
partnershipbetweenparentsandschoolisvitalif
commongoalsaretobeachieved. Ourguidance
system isdesignedtosupplementthatoferedby
caringparents. Wetrustthatvaluesaresharedat
bothhomeandschoolasweseektodoourbestfor
ouryoungpeople.
Weaskforparentalsupportinthefolowing
areas:
*Regularandpunctualatendanceisesentialif
pupilsaretoachievetheirbest
* Ensuring that homework is completed
satisfactorilyandontimehelpsensureefective
deliveryofthecuriculum
*MembershipoftheStThomasMoreAsociation
ofersparentsandteacherstheopportunityto
co-operateinsocialandfundraisingeventsforthe
generalgood ofour school.Alparents are
encouragedto supportourcharitableandfund
raisingefortsasweseektofulfilourChristian
Mision
Approximatelyevery10weeksparentswilreceive
ashortreportoftheirchild’sprogresandtheyare
encouragedtosupporttheirchildinformingfuture
targets.Onceperyearthereisamoreextensive
academicreportfolowedbyaparents’evening.
The spiritual dimension is of fundamental
importancetothelifeofourschool.Inaddition
totimetabledReligiousEducationlesons,each
sesionofeachdaybeginsandendswithanactof
colectiveworship. Thismaytaketheform ofa
SchoolorHouseasemblyorashortactof
worshipconductedundertheguidanceofthe
pastoraltutororclasteacherasappropriate.
Each memberofstafiscommited to the
developmentoftheCatholicethosoftheschool.
TheGovernorsremindparentsoftheirrightto
withdrawtheirchildrenfrom religiouseducation
andworship.Parentsarealsoreminded,however,
that the school exists to provide a
Catholic/Christianeducationforitspupilsand
thereforeparentsareexpectedtobeinsympathy
withitsaimsandobjectives.
SEX EDUCATION
Educationonsexualmaterswilincludeboth
themoralandphysicalaspectsofthistopicand
wilbe covered in ReligiousEducation and
Biologylesonswhereappropriate,inasuitable
contextandwithinthegeneralreligiousand
moralatitude ofthe school. Itprovides
knowledgeabouttheprocesesofreproduction
andthenatureofsexualityandrelationships.It
encouragestheacquisitionofatitudeswhich
alowsstudentstomanagetheirrelationshipsina
responsibleandhealthymanner.Parents
maywithdrawtheirchildrenfrom alor
partofthesexeducationprovided.
7

SCHOOLINFORMATION
IN THE CLASSROOM
8

KEY STAGE 3
Alpupilsstudyabroadrangeofsubjectsincluding:
English
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM
ReligiousEducation
PhysicalEducation
ComputerScience
History
Geography
Art
Music
DesignTechnology
FoodTechnology
TextilesDesign
Drama
French
German
PHSEandCitizenship
SCHOOLINFORMATION
InYear7pupilsaregroupedaccordingtotheirability,althoughthegroupingsarenotconsideredfinalasYear7isgeneralya
diagnosticyear.Alpupilsfolowacommoncuriculum andtheirprogresiscarefulymonitoredsothatteachinggroupscanbe
adjustedatanystage.Pupilswithspecificlearningdificultiesaretaughtinsmalergroups.
InInYears8and9,teachinggroupsarerefinedandorganisedmorespecificalytoperformanceincertainsubjects.Forexample,
pupilswiltypicalybegroupedforMathematicsorScience,basedupontheirabilityandperformanceinthatsubject,whichmay
varytotheteachinggrouptheyareinforexampleforEnglishandHumanities.Theprecisegroupingsofsubjectsmayvaryslightly
from yeartoyear.
KEY STAGE 4
InYears10and11pupilsstudysubjectsatgreaterdepth.Theyfolowacommoncorecuriculum,butalsochoosefrom alistof
optionalsubjects(Year9Options).Parentsarecloselyinvolvedintheoptionproces. Aparents’eveningafordsparentsthe
opportunityofdiscusingchildren’spotentialwithsubjectandcareersstaf.
AlpupilsstudythefolowingGCSEs:
ReligiousEducation
EnglishLiterature
EnglishLanguage
Mathematics
CombinedScienceor
3SeparateSciences
PupilsalsostudyPhysicalEducation,howeverwilnotsitanexam unlestheyalsochoseitasaGCSEoption.
Pupilsthenchooseanadditional3subjects.PupilsinYear9wilreceiveanOptionsGuideintheSpringterm whichwilconfirm
thesubjectsavailable
FolowingKS4mostpupilschoosetoreturntoschooltopursueSixthForm CourseswhichleadtoqualificationsatGCEAdvanced
Level,NationalDiplomasandNationalVocationalQualifications.
9

AprospectusoutliningalSixthForm opportunitiesandcoursedetails,ishandedouttoalYear11pupils.Thisisalso
availableontheschoolwebsite.
ADDITIONALADVANCEDLEVELCOURSES
ExtendedProjectQualification(EPQ)
CoreMaths
VOCATIONALCOURSES-BTEC/CTEC
Busines
ComputerScience
Engineering
Engineering
HealthandSocialCare
Sport
VOCATIONALCOURSES-TLEVELS
DigitalProduction
EducationandChildcare
ADVANCED LEVELCOURSES
ArtandDesign:FineArt
ArtandDesign:TextilesDesign
Biology
BusinesStudies
Chemistry
ComputerScience
ComputerScience
DesignandTechnology:ProductDesign
DramaandTheatreStudies
Engineering:DesignEngineering
EnglishLanguage
EnglishLiterature
French
GermanGeogr
GermanGeography
History
Mathematics
FurtherMathematics
Music
MusicTechnology
PhilosophyandEthics-RE
PhysicalEducation
Physics
Psychology
AtStThomasMoreSixthForm,weprideourselvesonourcommitmenttowardsprovidingthebestopportunitiesposible
forourpupilspost16.Wehavehighexpectationsofalourpupils,regardlesofbackgroundoracademicability,andstrive
toensurethatindividualsreachtheirtruepotential.WethereforeoferacomprehensiverangeofAdvancedLevelcourses,
Vocationalcourses,andsomeAdditionalAdvancedCoursesinadditionotournewTLevelCourseswhichbeganin
September2020.
10
SCHOOLINFORMATION
THE
FORM
TH
6

AN ENRICHED CURRICULUM
Althoughtheesenceofwhatistaughtisfoundinthe
clasroom,wealsooferpupilsacomprehensiverange
ofextracuricularactivitiesdesignedtoenrichlearning.
Opportunitiesaboundtotakepartinawiderangeof
sportingactivities,eitherforthesheerjoyofplayingor
infriendlycompetition. Ourschoolhasanenviable
recordofcountyandnationalsportinghonours.Our
sportsprovision includessoccer,cricket,athletics,
netbalandbadmintonwithastrongemphasisonteam
games.Individualsportsoferedoutsidenormalschool
timeincludefootbal,athletics,rugby,badminton,netbal
andbasketbal.
Wehavearangeofplayingsurfaces,SportsHal,
Gymnasium and Dance/DramaStudio. Specialist
Physical Education staf hold formal coaching
qualificationsinfootbal,cricket,badminton,swimming,
voleybalandnetbal,withindividualqualificationsin
skingandtrampolining.Oursportshalisafulsized
facilitycapableofoferingagreaternumberofindoor
sportingactivitiestoourpupilse.g.shorttennis,table
tennis, cricket, five-a-side footbal, badminton,
basketbal,judo,hurdles,climbingwalandhighjump.
Awideselectionofclubsandsocieties,manyofwhich
areledbyteachingstafatlunchtimesasapersonal
contributiontothewel-beingofstudents,oferthe
chancetodeveloppersonalinterestsaswelasenjoyto
thefulthecommunitylifeoftheschool.Pleasenote
thatclubsnamedmaynotalrunifthereisnot
suficientuptake,orstafavailability
Clubscurentlyonoferincludethefolowing:
AthleticsClub,BasketbalClub,FootbalClub,Netbal
Club,RugbyClub,DramaClub,SeniorandJuniorChoirs,
Orchestra,JazzBand,StringGroup,GuitarClub,Maths
Club,FolkClub,BadmintonClub,andTableTennisClub.
Arecentandexcitingdevelopmentinthepastoralprogramme
encourageseachpupil,undertheguidanceofaco-ordinating
teacher,to takefuladvantageofthemanyopportunities
availablewithinandoutsideschooltoparticipateinarangeof
activitiesdesignedtoenrichthelifeoftheindividual.Through
aregularprocesofrecordingandreview,theseexperiences
contributetotheoveraldevelopmentofourpupils.
Animaginativeprogrammeofeducationalvisitsandexchanges
totheFrenchandGermanspeakingcountriesofEuropeis
specificalydesignedtoenhanceforeignlanguagelearning.
Closertohome,eachpupilisabletoparticipateinourpopular
programmeofoutwardboundweekendswhichoferchalenge,
excitementandagreatdealofpurefun!
Manysocietiesandactivitiesaresupportedfinancialybythe
schoolandwedoencourageparentsandfriendstosupport
ourvariousfund-raisingefortsthroughwhichthesenecesary
fundsareaugmented.
StStThomasMoreSchoolhasagrowingreputationforthe
excelenceofitspublicperformances. Ourperformingarts
productionscombinetheverybestofmusic,dramaanddance
supportedbytechnicalsupportwhichissecondtonone.
SCHOOLINFORMATION
11

SCHOOLINFORMATION
12
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
SCHO O L UNIFO RM
Thewearingofaschooluniform iscompulsory,andweexpectpupilstoweartheiruniform smartlyandwithpride.Otherrequired
equipmentincludesabag,stationary,andawaterbotle.Keybrandeditemscanbepurchasedfrom bothEmblematic(Benton)andSalto
UK(Prudhoe),ourchosensuppliers,furtherdetailsofwhichareavailablefrom theschoolwebsite.
YEARS 7 - 11
Girls
RoyalBlueBlazerwithschoolbadge
BlueKilt
BlueRevereBlouse
HarowGreyTrousers(ifnotkilt)
White/Blacksocksorblack/nude
tights
Sensibleblackshoes
Boys
RoyalBlueBlazerwithschoolbadge
BlueShirt
BlackTrousers
Sensibleblackshoes
AlStudents
OPTIONALITEMS
NavyVNeckjumper
Navy/Black/GreyCoat
Navy/Black/GreyHat
Uniform Guidelines
Make-upandjewelery,withtheexceptionofawatch,arenottobewornin
school
Extremehaircutsandcoloursarenotalowed
Everyitem ofclothingMUSTbemarkedwiththeownersname
Kiltsmustbeworntokneelength
Tightsmustnotbepaternedandshouldbeeitherblackornude
Bootsshouldnotbeworninschool
Neitherthejumpernorthecoatshouldbeworninsteadoftheblazer,only
asanaddition.
Thejumper,coatandhatarenotcompulsoryhowevernootherjumper,
coatorhatmaybeworn.

AlSixthForm Pupils
BlackBlazerwithdiscreteschoolinitials
SchoolTie(Boys)
NavyBlue,BlackorGreyOvercoat.Logos(otherthan
discrete,smallogos)arenotacceptable
Sensibleblackshoes,noboots
SIXTH FO RM :YEARS 12-13
Girls
BlackSkirtorTrousers
Whitefitedblouse
White/BlacksocksorBlack/
Nudetights
MaroonJumper
Boys
BlackTrousers
WhiteShirt
White/BlackSocks
MaroonJumper
SCHOOLINFORMATION
PHYSICAL EDUCATIO N
AlpupilstakepartinPhysicalEducationlesons.Theyareexcused
onlyonmedicalgrounds,writenconfirmationisalwaysrequiredby
theschool.
TheStThomasMoreSchoolSportswearUniform isavailablefrom
bothofourUniform suppliers.Parentsarenotrequiredtopurchase
alsportswearitemsintherangehowevernootherclothingmaybe
wornforPElesons.
Girls
Navy/CycloneAKOApolotop
Navy/CycloneAKOAsectorpanelshorts
Navy/CycloneAKOAsectorpanelskirt
Navy/CycloneAKOAsectorhoodie
Navy/CycloneAKOAmidlayer
Tracksuitbotoms
NavyLeggings
Boys
Navy/CycloneAKOApolotop
Navy/CycloneAKOAsectorpanelshorts
Navy/Sky/WhiteRugbyTop
Navy/CycloneAKOAsectorhoodie
Navy/CycloneAKOAmidlayer
Tracksuitbotoms
NavyFootbalSocks
13

SCHOOLINFORMATION
STATIONERY,ETC
Alpupilsmustprovidetheirownpens,pencils,eraserand
rulers.Parentsareurgedtoprovidetheirchildrenwithan
EnglishDictionary,andalsoprovideaFrenchandGerman
dictionaryasappropriate.Pupilswilrequireanapproved
calculator;thesearesoldinschool.Forsomeaspectsofart
work,craft,design&technology,pupilsmusthaveanapronor
oldshirttoprotectclothing.Alpupilsmusthaveacookery
apapronandabasketorbiscuitboxtocaryingredientsand
dishes.
Thelibraryisopenfrom 8.30am to6.00pm (Mondayto
Thursday),and8.30am to3.40pm (Friday).Alpupilshavethe
privilegeofusingitasalendinglibraryandastudyarea.
SCHOOL SESSIONS
& HOLIDAYS
Theschooldaybeginswithmorningpastoralat8.45am.On
aMonday,Wednesday,ThursdayandFridaypupilsbreakfor
lunchat11.50am.Lesonsresumeat12.50pm.Theschool
dayendsat3.35pm.OnaTuesdaythereisanextended
morningpastoralsesionmeaningpupilsbreakforlunchat
12noon.Lesonsresumeat1.00pm andtheschooldayends
at3.35pm.
JOURNEY TO SCHOOL
Scholars’busesare provided by the LocalEducation
Authorityforalpupilstravelingfrom Dunston,Whickham,
Sunniside,Chopwel,RowlandsGil,Gateshead,Greenside,
CrawcrookandRyton.Ascholars’busisalsoavailablefrom
Northumberland.PleasecontactNexusforfurtherdetails.
14

SCHOOL MEALS
Ourcateringserviceisrunbyourowndedicatedstafandchefmanagerwho
providemealsinaccordancewiththeNationalNutritionalStandardsforlunchesin
secondaryschools.Mealsarecookedonthepremisesandarepaidforbypupilson
adailybasisusingParentPay.Thosepupilswhowishtobringpackedlunchmaydoso.
Breakfastclubwilbeavailablefrom 7.30am everymorninginthedininghal.
InIncasesoffinancialhardship,theLocalAuthoritywilasistparentsbyprovidingfree
meals. Applicationformsareavailablefrom theWelfareBenefitsSectionof
GatesheadCouncil.
SCHOOLINFORMATION
ABSENCE
Anypupilwhoisabsent
from school,evenfor
halfaday,shouldbringa
leterfrom hisorher
parents.
Numberofpupilsofcompulsoryschool
ageonrolforatleastonesesion
Percentageofauthorisedabsences
Percentageofunauthorisedabsences
1237
5.89%*
0.37%
*PleasenotethatthisfigureincludesalCovid
relatedabsencesfor2020-2021.
EXTENDED SCHOOLS
Governmentresearchhasshownincreasinglystrongevidenceforthepositiveimpact
ofextendedservicesonchildren’smotivation,behaviourandengagementwith
learning.AtStThomasMoreschoolwewildeliverextendedschoolservicesina
rangeofwaystosatisfywhatourparentshaverequestedafterdetailedconsultation.
Thereareahugerangeofactivitiesavailabletopupilsaftertheschooldayends;
sportsclubs,drama,choirsandmusic.Wearealsousinganexternalproviderto
deliversesionswhicharenotpartofourschoolcuriculum.Forthesethereisa
smalcharge.
Tosupportourparentstherearealsoanumberofeveningclasesdeliveredbystaf
whereparentswilbegiventheopportunitytolearnhowtohelptheirchildrenina
rangeofsubjects.
15

SCHOOLPERFORMANCE
EXAMINATIONS &
ASSESSMENTS
ItisthepolicyoftheSchoolthatalpupilsareregardedas
candidatesforKeyStage4GSCEorequivalentexaminations.
FinaldecisionsonexaminationentryatKeyStageFourand
SixthForm aremadeontherecommendationoftheHeadof
Departmentinanygivensubject.
KS3
In2014theDepartmentforEducationstatedthat,‘asesment
levelshavenow beenremovedandwilnotbereplaced’.In
placeofNationalCuriculum Levelsschoolsnow havethe
freedom to developtheirownmeansofasesingpupils’
progrestowardsendofkeystageexpectations.
InInlightoftheserecommendationswehavereviewedour
asesmentproceduresacrosKeyStage3anddeveloped
ProgresLaddersforeach subjectarea. These Progres
LaddersarebasedontheKeyStage3NationalCuriculum,
GCSE specification and our local curiculum design.
Furthermorethroughlinkswithourprimaryfeederschoolswe
haveensuredthatthecriteriaandcuriculum contentisfuly
joinedupbetweenKeyStage2andKeyStage3.
ProgresLaddersareanintegralpartofteachingacrosKey
Stage3andareusedattheendofeachmoduletoentera
summativelevelforpupils.Ourmainaim whenusingProgres
Laddersistohelppupilsunderstandwheretheyare,where
theywanttobeandwhattheyneedtodotogetthere.
Asastrategytomonitorprogresanddiferentiatematerials
forpupilsweaskstaftobreakdowntheirasesmentbyusing
ana,borc.Thisindicatesthelevelofdiferentiationor
scafoldingrequiredtoenableapupiltoworkwithinthe
criteriaofthegivenlevel.Webreakthisdowninthefolowing
way:
Asscafoldingisremovedthesub-levelawardedchanges.
Whentheclasmovestoanewtopic,especialyifitisone
thatisunfamiliarto thepupils,thenitwouldnotbe
unexpectedforpupilswhowereautonomousinalevelto
requiresomescafoldingtogetstarted,howeveritwouldbe
expected thatpupilswould return to autonomyvery
quickly.
ThereisanintrinsiclinkbetweendepartmentalProgres
Laddersandtheircuriculum planningensuringthatpupils
aretaughtthepreciseskilstheyneedtomakerapidand
sustainedprogres.
STM10
Asaschoolwetrulybelieveinthepowerofagrowth
mindset.Asastrategytopromotethisandworkwithpupils
wehavedevelopedtheSTM10.Webelievethesearethe
tenkeyatributespupilsneedinordertomakeprogres.
Thesetenatributeslinkdirectlytoourschoolvaluesand
ethosandaresomethingthatalpupilsbecomeawareof
throughouttheirtimeatStThomasMore.
KS4
KeyStage4buildsontheprogrespupilshavemadeinKey
Stage3.PupilsareasesedusingthenewGCSEgrading
systems(1-9)throughoutKS4.Thisisreportedtoparents
togetherwithgradesforworkethicandbehavioureveryten
weeks.ParentscanaccesthisinformationthroughMyChild
atSchool.
ThroughoutKeyStage4parentsareinvitedintoschoolfor
variousinformationeveningsandworkshopstosupport
pupilsintheirlearning.
YEARS12& 13
DuringYears12and13,pupilsarepresentedforan
extensiverangeofexaminationsunderarangements
madewithExaminationBoards.
16
A-thepupilisworkingwithautonomy
B-thepupilrequiresoccasionalscafoldingtoaccesthe
material
C -thepupilrequiressignificantscafoldingtoaccesthe
material
Thefolowingpagesoutlinetheexam resultsfor
theacademicyear2020-2021
GCSEExaminations(KS4)
A&ASLEVELGCE

EXAMINATION RESULTSJULY2021
SCHOOLPERFORMANCE
2021Results
TherewerenoexternalexaminationsheldintheSummerTerm of2021.Teacher
asesedgradeswereawardedforalKeyStage4and5qualifications.Finalgrades
werebasedonaholisticasesmentofpupils'atainmentswhereevidencewas
gathered from acrosthecourseandconsideredagainstthegradedescriptors
providedbyJCQ.
2020Results
TherewerenoexaminationssatintheSummerTerm of2020.Resultswere
formulatedasperthenationalsystem ofcalculatedgrades.Schoolswerenot
requiredtopublishresultsduetotheuniquecircumstancessuroundingthem.
2019Results
AtGCSEjustunderhalfofYear11achievedGrade5oraboveinbothMathematics
andEnglish,andjustunderthreequarterssecuredGrade4inbothsubjects.
OuraverageALevelgradewasB-,with100%pasrate.Wecontinuetodo
exceptionalywelwithAppliedGeneralQualificationswithouraverageata
Distinction*andagain100%pasrate.ThevastmajorityofUCASprogresionwas
succesful,withagoodproportionofpupilsmovingontoRuselGroup
Universities.
17

FROM THE GOVERNORS
18
GOVERNORS’POLICY ON
BEHAVIOURAL STANDARDS
The GovernorsatStThomasMore Schoolwish to
maintainthehigheststandardsofcivilisedbehaviourinthe
school.InachievingthisendtheGovernorsseekthe
supportofparentsandcarersfortheHeadTeacherand
Staf.
TheGovernorswishalparentsandguardianstoknow
thattheyexpecttheHeadTeacherandstaftomaintaina
caringatmosphereintheschoolwherethepupilscanfeel
happyandsecureandworktothebestoftheirability.The
Governorsbelievethatthisatmospherepresentlyexistsin
theschool,whichisfreefrom themisbehaviourmentioned
below.
TheGovernorsbelievethattheschoolisblesedwith
caring parentsand guardiansand wel-behaved,wel
maintainedpupils.Theschoolpolicyistoencouragethis
positivelybyencouragement,praiseandexample.
TheGovernorsbelievethat,inordertoenableefective
teachingandlearningtotakeplace,goodbehaviourinal
aspectsofschoollifeisesential.Itseekstocreatea
caringandlearningenvironmentby:
Promotingexcelentbehaviouranddiscipline
Promotingself-esteem,self-discipline,respect
forauthoritywithrelationshipsbasedon
mutualrespect
Encouragingconsistencyofresponsetoboth
positiveandnegativebehaviour
Provingasafeenvironmentfreefrom
disruption,violenceandbulying
SupportingtheHeadTeacherandStafwhen
facedwithchalengingbehaviour
Encouragingapositiverelationshipwith
parentsandcarerstoensurethattheyplay
theirpartintheimplementationofthe
school’spolicyandprocedures
However,theGovernorswishtoemphasisetoal
parentsandpupilsthatfailuretoconform tothehigh
standards,expected ofalpupils,may resultin
permanentexclusion by the HeadTeacher.For
example,ifapupil:
Swearsintentionalyatamemberofstaf;
Absolutely refuses to conform to reasonable
requestsbyamemberofstaf;
Makesamaliciousalegationagainstamemberofstaf;
Makesanunprovokedphysicalasaultonanother
memberoftheschool;
Takesupaninordinateamountofstaftimedealing
withhisorhermisbehaviour;
MisbehavesinanywaywhileontheHeadTeacher’s
report;
Isinvolvedinthebulyingofanotherpupil;
Isinvolvedwithilegal,non-prescribeddrugs,orthose
substancesreferedtoas“legalhighs”,duringthe
schoolday. This includes being in posesion,
supplyingorusingdrugs;
Bringsanofensiveweapontoschool;
Isin posesion ofpornographicmaterialoris
involvedininappropriatesexualisedbehaviour;
Usessocialnetworkingmediainappropriatelywith
respecttotheschooloritsmembers;
Persistenttruancy.
The list above provides examples for which
permanentexclusionmaybedeemedappropriate,
howeveritisnotposibletoforeseealposibilities
andpermanentexclusionmayresultfrom anysimilar
seriousmisdemeanour.Itisourwishthatparents
understand the importance we place on high
behaviouralstandards and support us in our
determinationtomaintainthem.

Everyschoolhastoprovideparentswiththeopportunity
toraiseconcernsaboutcuriculum relatedmaters. The
schoolhasadoptedthefolowingarangementstoenable
parentstoexercisethisright:
Concernexpresedbyparentscanbediscusedwiththose
directlyinvolved,i.e.Teacher/HeadTeacher.
WritenletertotheHeadTeacher.
STAGE1(INFORMAL)
STAGE1(FORMAL)
CURRICULUM
COMPLAINTS
STAGE3(FORMAL)
Ifyouarestilnotsatisfied,thematerwilbereferedtothe
LEA designatedoficer(exceptinthecaseofReligious
Education)whowilreferthematerfinalytothepanelof
LEAmembers. TheHeadTeacherwilgiveyoudetailson
howtodothis.
STAGE4(FORMAL)
Ifthecomplainantisstildisatisfied,thecomplaintmaybe
referedtotheSecretaryofStatefortheirconsideration.
FROM THE GOVERNORS
IfIfthematerisnotfulyresolved,itmaybereferedtothe
GoverningBodyfortheirconsideration.
You may contact the Governing Body through the
Corespondent,nameandaddresavailablefrom theHead
Teacher. Thiscomplaintmustnow beputformalyin
writingstating:
(i) Thenatureofthecomplaint;
STAGE2(FORMAL)
(i) Thenameofthepupilinvolved;
(i) Theclasorgrouptowhichthe
pupilbelongs.
PUBLIC ACCESS
TO DOCUMENTS
Underthe Education (SchoolCuriculum and Related
Information)Regulations,1989,theHeadTeacherisrequired
tomakeavailableinformationrelatingtothecuriculum
provisionoftheschool.Relevantdocumentsmaybeseen
andacquiredattheschoolonrequesttotheHeadTeacher.
19

FROM THE GOVERNORS
GOVERNORS’CHARGING &
REMISSIONS POLICY
INTRODUCTION
TheGoverningBodyrecognisesthevaluablecontributionthat
thewiderangeofadditionalactivities,includingclubs,tripsand
residentialexperiencescanmaketowardsthepupils’education.
TheGoverningBodyaimsto promoteandprovidesuch
activitiesbothaspartofabroadandbalancedcuriculum for
thepupilsoftheschoolandasadditionalactivities.
CHARGES
TheGoverningBodyRESERVESTHERIGHTtomakeacharge
inthefolowingcircumstancesforactivitiesorganisedbythe
school:
4. ExaminationFees
TheGoverningBodymaymakeachargeforthecost
ofenteringthepupilforexaminationwherethepupil
hasnotbeenpreparedfortheprescribedexamination
by the school,as they may for entries to
non-prescribed examinations whether or not
preparedbytheschool.
IfIfthepupilfails,withoutgoodreason,tocompletethe
examinationrequirementsforanypublicexamination
forwhichtheschoolhaspaid(orisliabletopay)any
fee,thentheGoverningBodymayrecoverthefee
from theparent.
A.EDUCATIO N DURING
SCHO O L HO URS
1.BoardandLodgings
TheBoardandLodgingselementsofresidentialactivities
deemedtotakeplacewithinschoolhours.
2.IndividualInstrumentalTuition
The cost to the pupil for providing individual
instrumentaltuition.
3.CharginginKind
TheGoverningBodymaychargeforingredientsand
materialsforsomesubjects,orrequirethem tobe
provided,iftheparentshaveindicatedinadvancethat
theywishtoownthefinishedproduct.
B. EDUCATIO N O UTSIDE
SCHO O L HO URS
1.BoardandLodgings
TheBoardandLodgingelementsofactivitiesthat
areprovided:
a) Tofulfilanyrequirements
specifiedinthesylabusfora
prescribedpublicexamination,
b) Specificalytofulfilstatutory
dutiesrelatingtotheNational
Curiculum,or
c) Specificalytofulfilstatutory
dutiesrelatingtoreligious
education.
20

B. EDUCATIO N O UTSIDE
SCHO O L HO URS (CO NTINUED)
2.OptionalExtras
Thefulcostofeachpupilforactivitiesdeemedtobe
optionalextrastakingplaceoutsideschoolhours.
C.GENERAL
1.Amendments
TheGoverningBodymayfrom timetotimeamend
thecategoriesofactivityforwhichachargemaybe
made.
2.VoluntaryContributions
Nothingin thispolicy statementprecludesthe
GoverningBodyfrom invitingparentsto make
voluntarycontributiontowardsthecostofproving
educationforpupils.
REMISSIONS
1.IncomeSupportandFamilyCredit
WheretheparentsofapupilareinreceiptofIncome
SupportorFamilyCredit,theGoverningBodywil
remitinfulthecostofboardandlodgingsforany
residentialactivitythatisorganisedforthepupilifthe
activityisdeemedtotakeplaceduringschoolhouse,
orwhereitisprovidedtofulfiltherequirementsofa
prescribed public examination, the National
Curiculum orstatutorydutiesrelatingtoreligious
education.
2.FamilyHardship
Wheretherearecasesoffamilyhardshipwhichmake
itdificultforparentstoprovidespecialistitemsof
uniform andforpupilstotakepartinparticular
activitiesforwhichachargeismade,theGoverning
Bodymayremitalorpartofthischargeatthe
discretionoftheHeadTeacher.
FROM THE GOVERNORS
21

CROFTDALEROAD,BLAYDON,TYNE& WEAR,NE214BQ
TEL:(0191)4990111
WEB:WWW.STTHOMASMORE.ORG.UK
TheBishopWilkinsonCatholicEducationTrustisanexemptcharity.ItisacompanylimitedbyguaranteeandregisteredinEnglandundercompanyregistration
number07890590..Registered Office:CarindalHumeCatholicSchool,Old Durham Road,Gateshead,NE9 6RZ..