JOHN F KENNEDY C A T H O L I C S C H O O L

Transcription

1 JOHN F KENNEDY C A T H O L I C S C H O O L

2 Welcome to our School Opened in 1967 under the trusteeship of the Diocese of Westminster, John F Kennedy Catholic School (JFK) has established itself as a very successful school, serving the Catholic communities of Dacorum as well as those in neighbouring counties. It has been recognised as an outstanding school in successive Ofsted inspections and each year achieves examination successes significantly higher than national averages. It was one of the first schools to achieve specialist technology status in 1998 and subsequently acquired a second specialism in languages. At the heart of the school s endeavours is our very understanding of the word education its Latin derivation meaning to draw out. It is our task to draw out the potential in each person to the full. This means maximising the academic achievements as well as the personal and spiritual development of all in our community. Thus, the purpose of our school, is to enable our young people to find their own unique vocation in life: to discern the person whom God has called them to be to know and appreciate their gifts and talents to live life to the full in the service of others We recognise that parents are the first educators of our children and we wish to support them in this most important responsibility. The partnership between school and families is further strengthened by our links with our parish communities. Students have an exemplary attitude to their school. This prospectus is designed to give you a flavour of life at John F Kennedy Catholic School and I hope you will use it in conjunction with a visit to the school, either at Open Evening, Open Morning or at any other time. Please feel free to arrange a visit you will always be welcome. Mr Paul Neves Headteacher

3 Teaching and Learning We are well resourced as a school, with excellent IT facilities available for all curriculum areas and a superb Learning Resources Centre in our newest school building. Teaching and learning is at the heart of the work of our school. Every decision we make is based on the impact it will have on our students learning. At JFK we are blessed with: a well-qualified, committed staff who provide tremendous support for our students; they adapt their teaching styles to suit all abilities and challenge and motivate students to succeed students who are exemplary in their conduct and behaviour and who take a pride in their achievements The result is that there is a real sense of purpose at JFK; the learning environment is calm and orderly and enables excellent learning to take place. Learning at JFK is meaningful, relevant and fun.

4 The Curriculum Our aim at JFK is to provide learning experiences that are relevant to all of our students. The way we achieve this is by continually reviewing our curriculum to maximise choice and provide new opportunities for our students. In Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9) all students experience a wide range of subjects in a compulsory curriculum, which includes a core of religious education, English, mathematics, science and a modern foreign language. In Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11), in addition to these core subjects, students are given the freedom to choose others that interest them and that will support them in their future career paths. In particular we work in partnership with other schools in Dacorum and local colleges to provide vocational options linked to the workplace. In Key Stage 5 (Years 12 and 13) we specialise in AS and A level courses which provide our students with qualifications enabling them to pursue Higher Education courses at university. Again, our strong partnership with other Dacorum schools enables an extremely wide choice of subjects for our students. Throughout the Key Stages the rich and varied curriculum is supported by opportunities for our students to experience their learning outside the classroom with visits, field trips, conferences, theme days and visiting speakers. The curriculum provides for the needs of all students.

5 Catholic Life of the School When Pope Benedict XVI addressed the young people in this country he said, I want you to look in to your heart and ask yourself, what kind of person do I want to be? At JFK we want to help our students to discover what to do with the gift of life given to them by God. The school works in partnership with parents and parishes to help students to know the love God has for them and to respond to God s calling. Religious education is at the heart of our curriculum, enabling students to make sense of their faith, their personal experiences and the challenges of being a Christian in the twenty-first century. A full and varied programme of masses, assemblies and fundraising follows the Church s liturgical year and students and staff come together in prayer, both at times of sadness and of joy. The on-site church promotes close links, both geographically and spiritually, with the local and school communities. The school promotes a growth of faith.

6 Happiness and Well-being Through assemblies and lessons students grow to fully understand their responsibilities in ensuring that everyone can learn and thrive in an atmosphere of respect and dignity. Strong pastoral care is vital to JFK s success, with happiness and well-being as its foundation. We provide a complete structure of support for students at every level of ability and ensure that we meet their needs as individuals. We help them to discover their talents, to learn new life skills and to face the future with optimism. Students enjoy coming to school. The school ethos is tangible and the importance of community and respect for others is at its heart. Personal insight into the needs of others and support for the less fortunate is a hallmark of the school and can be seen in the significant amount of charity fund raising that takes place throughout the year.

7 Health and Fitness JFK students are active, healthy and have energy for life. The PE Department s ethos is based upon a philosophy of inspiring the athlete in all. Expert teaching staff and coaches, along with excellent facilities, enable us to deliver a wide variety of opportunities and activities at all levels; from first team excellence to leadership roles to recreational clubs. JFK has a great record of success within the district, at county and often regional and national competitions within a number of sports, including athletics, dance, netball, basketball, rugby, football and hockey. We deliver a broad and balanced curriculum and an extra-curricular programme that promote a positive attitude towards an active, healthy lifestyle and encourage high participation levels.

8 Service and Responsibilty Sixth Form students participate in the annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, working as red caps, accompanying the sick and disabled. They also visit senior citizens in our local community and help in our local primary schools. Whilst encouraging all of our students to be at the service of others, we look to our Sixth Form students to set important standards for our whole school community; they are wonderful ambassadors and significant role models who inspire the school with their belief and determination to succeed. They are responsible and ambitious young men and women who make confident choices for the next steps in life after school. Our Sixth Form students participate in a huge range of opportunities to be of service to our school community: as peer mentors, helping younger students to achieve their personal best; providing in-class support in departments; in leadership roles within our house system ; assisting staff, running lunchtime clubs; as prefects, helping supervise students on a day to day basis. Live life to the full in the service of others.

9 Extra-Curricular As a Catholic school we are committed to developing the whole person. Academic achievement is not the sole focus of our work. We want to provide opportunities for personal development outside the classroom. Each year the school has a Curriculum Enrichment Week for students in Key Stage 3. This provides opportunities, both at home and abroad, for students to study outside the classroom, visit places of interest, team build, develop skills in a range of subject disciplines and just have fun! JFK students travel the world on: ski trips to North America; geography trips to China and Iceland; creative arts trips to New York and Barcelona. A variety of lunchtime clubs are available to students. One of these culminates in the annual Gym & Dance Display which showcases some of the amazing talents of both girls and boys. Each year many students take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and Community Sports Leader Award. These programmes offer meaningful experiences in leadership, teamwork, motivation and responsibility. Minds are like parachutes; they work best when open. In the Sixth Form there are a range of exciting opportunities including: the Young Enterprise Scheme, allowing the development of business skills; the Engineering Education Scheme, offering a real-life work experience project, set by a major engineering company.

10 Student Voice Engaging Student Voice means encouraging students to be decision makers and actively taking responsibility for aspects of their school life A the important roles of these groups is to nominate a charity and oversee activities relating to t JFK we want to hear what our students have to say about their education and their school. Each Tutor Group has two representatives who join together to form a Year Council. One of fund raising throughout the year. Representatives from the Year Councils make up a School Council which meets every month to share ideas on ways of improving life at JFK. Photography, design and print by MMA Education Ltd We want our students to have a can do attitude.

11 Hollybush Lane Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP1 2PH Telephone Fax