Headteacher's Welcome

 

Dear Parents,

 "Striving for Excellence"

 

We opened in 1976 as a purpose built middle school and quickly established a reputation as a happy, friendly and caring Catholic school which provided quality education. Today we are proud to maintain this reputation, catering for children of all abilities. In  September 2008 we were designated as a Specialist Arts College in music, art and drama which has enabled us to build on the many strengths which already existed in our arts provision.

 

We are situated in a very pleasant part of Hexham and have extensive playing fields which are used for a variety of sporting activities including: soccer, hockey, rounders, rugby and athletics. We also have two playgrounds which are also used for sporting activities.

 

The main building has been extended in recent years and we also have two mobile classrooms.  Specialist areas within the school include: a computer room with 30 PCs and an interactive whiteboard; a newly refurbished and fully equipped science laboratory which incorporates an ICT suite with 6 PCs; a design technology room with 10 PCs; a newly refurbished food technology room; a music room with 16 keyboards; a newly refurbished art room and a multi-purpose hall.  We also have a very well stocked library. Over the past two years we have been able to install an extra 30 PCs and 12 interactive whiteboards in the classrooms.  As a result our ICT provision is one of the best in the county.

 

We have three classes per year group with an average class size of 27 children and we have a very dedicated and hard working staff who embrace fully the aims of the school. Where possible the children are taught by specialists, particularly in the core subjects of maths, science and English.  For those children who are identified as having special educational needs we have specialist staff who can give them some individual attention, thus helping them cope with the demands of the National Curriculum.

 

 In addition we have a whole school policy for gifted and talented children.  These children are identified as part of the close liaison with our feeder first schools and by teacher assessment.  Like all the children they are given work appropriate for their ability.

 

We are extremely proud of our reputation as a centre of sporting excellence.   We have school teams competing in a whole range of sports with several children going on to represent the school at area level.  Extra-curricular sporting activities include dance, soccer, rugby, netball, hockey, rounders, cricket, cross-country, tennis and basketball.

 

Music is a very important aspect of our school life and we have an orchestra, choir and Ceilidh band.  The school orchestra started the year with about 25 members, but with about half of the school learning to play an instrument we expect the orchestra to increase in size by the end of the year. The orchestra, choir and Ceilidh band perform in school productions as well as in community events like the Tynedale Music Festival. Several of our children play in the county ensembles.

 

There are regular trips and educational visits organised for the children.  They include: a ski trip to the French Alps, a trip to Northern France, a trip to Amsterdam and to an outdoor centre in Northumberland.

 

We take our environmental responsibilities very seriously and in 2007 we gained the Eco Schools Silver Award for recycling and energy efficiency.  We recycle as much paper as possible in the classrooms and we have set a target this year, of a 10% reduction in our electricity costs.

 

We always encourage our children to do their best, whatever their ability and we expect the highest standards in all aspects of school life.  This expectation is supported by a very active and effective home-school partnership.

 

Visitors and parents comment upon the unique, friendly atmosphere that exists at St. Joseph's so please feel free to contact the school if you wish to make a visit and experience the school at work and see that we are at the cutting edge of tradition.

 

Over the past few years we have gained several prestigious national awards as we strive for excellence in all aspects of school life. 

They are:

 

DfES Achievement Award 2000

Investor in People 2002; renewed 2005; renewed 2008

Healthy Schools Award 2004; renewed 2007

British Council International School Award 2004; renewed 2007

Leading Aspect Award 2006

Eco Schools Bronze Award 2007

Eco Schools Silver Award 2007

Artsmark Silver Award 2008

Specialist Arts College 2008

Sportsmark 2008

 

 

"Striving for excellence"