Bury Catholic Preparatory School BCPS is a happy and caring school community. We follow Jesus example to respect, value and nurture every unique individual to develop their God given talents and potential. We are a school where faith and future flourish. Headteacher Recruitment Pack 2017 Arden House Manchester Road Bury BL9 9BH Tel: 0161 764 2346 admin@burycatholicprepschool.co.uk www.burycatholicprepschool.co.uk 1
WELCOME TO BURY CATHOLIC PREPARATORY SCHOOL In the pack you will find information about our school, the post and application process. We hope that this will tell you everything you need to know, but if you do have any questions, or would like to arrange an informal visit, please make arrangements through Mrs Penketh, our Leadership Secretary, Tel. 0161 764 2346 Email. admin@burycatholicprepschool.co.uk. The closing date for applications is 31 st January 2018 WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU! 2
ABOUT OUR SCHOOL School Introduction Bury Catholic Preparatory School is an independent, fee-paying, co-educational day school for children aged between three and eleven years. It was founded by a religious order in 1943 as a Preparatory School for Girls. In 1972 it became private limited company and a registered charity, set up by parents. The limited company is named Bury Catholic Preparatory School and stills administers the school through a Board of Directors, also referred to as the governing body. We are very proud that, for over 70 years, we have maintained our reputation as a friendly and nurturing school with an outstanding academic record. Children thrive in our secure family atmosphere where their achievements are positively acknowledged. We like to think of our school as a friendly and happy place, buzzing with activity and positive energy. Our aim is to stimulate curiosity, interest and excitement in learning. Children are encouraged to take responsibility for their own progress with perseverance and resilience being recognised and much valued. We aim to give our children the best start in life. You only realises what a lovely, warm and caring school Bury Catholic Preparatory is when your child moves on to Senior School. Y6 Parent Questionnaire 2017 We are committed to working together to provide a high quality education based upon the following Christian values: ambition, cooperation, courage, faith, generosity, patience, pride and respect. These values underpin all our work in school. Our school is a safe, caring and stimulating environment where the effort and achievement of every single child is celebrated and valued. We aim to provide a happy, cooperative Christian environment which encourages learning through an interesting, relevant, yet challenging curriculum. Through mutual respect, we wish to develop children s understanding of the diversity of 3
lives and beliefs within their own and other communities. Our intention is that children leave BCPS as confident, well balanced individuals who can make a useful contribution to the society of modern Britain. Children are prepared for entry into a wide range of grammar schools thus giving parents full choice for their child at the age of 11. Children achieve places at selective independent or maintained schools, a number with scholarships. They transfer to Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, the Bury Grammar Schools, the Bolton Grammar Schools, Manchester Grammar and other local high schools. We truly value our children as individuals and have high expectations. We look for the potential in each and every one of them. Our pupils make exceptional progress compared to those of similar ability and by the time they leave Year 6, their level of attainment is exceptional. Standards are well above average in reading, writing and mathematics by the end of KS2. Consistently good teaching means that children achieve well whatever their starting points. This was confirmed during our last inspection Nov 2016. A team of inspectors said Pupils of all abilities achieve highly and make rapid progress. Pupils demonstrate excellent knowledge and understanding in all areas of learning. Pupils attitudes to learning are exemplary and their enthusiasm is infectious, extending to all areas of the curriculum and nurtured in the high quality teaching that underpins their success. Pupils have exceptional enthusiastic attitudes towards learning, demonstrating initiative and independence. They are most successful when working collaboratively. ISI Nov 2016 The school also makes an outstanding contribution to pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Pupils have a deep spiritual understanding underpinned by the Schools Catholic foundation. ISI Nov 2016. At our school children come first and we try to ensure that they will make a positive contribution within both the local and global community. Although we are very proud of our achievements, what is most important to us 4
is that we are driven by our values of love, honesty, kindness, respect and equality which underpin all that we do. We try to ensure that all our children make a valuable contribution to the life of our local community. Positive behaviour strategies support excellent behaviour throughout the school. At present there are 109 pupils on roll, divided into classes according to age. Teachers work closely together to plan a broad and balanced curriculum for the year groups. In order to reach their full potential, children are taught in their class and grouped according to ability. Our children are proud of their school; they are welcome ambassadors, always welcoming and informative. Children demonstrate a real commitment to all aspects of school life and are often the initiators of new projects and improvements. We are proud of our Catholic origins and enter children fully into preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and the Eucharist; we welcome children of all religious denominations and we actively develop in all our children, a deep respect and understanding of other faiths and beliefs. 5
Creative Curriculum At Bury Catholic Preparatory School we deliver a Creative Curriculum. This is organised through a topic based approach, incorporating the requirements as set out in the National Curriculum and the Early Years Foundation Stage. Through the Creative Curriculum we: Provide a broad and balanced curriculum. Build up children s confidence and motivation to learn through the use of a range of learning and teaching styles. Embed key skills in order to prepare children for reallife and everyday situations. Provide opportunities to apply knowledge and learning in practical ways Provide a creative approach to planning and delivery that incorporates and embeds key aspects of the National Curriculum especially Literacy and ICT. Provide enrichment opportunities where learning and teaching can take place beyond the classroom. We explore a range of topics e.g. The Ruthless Romans, Awesome Egyptians, Terrible Tudors and Mighty Mountains and Volcanoes. We believe a rich curriculum also promotes healthy life choices as well as developing a passion for learning. Pupil Groups Children are at the heart of our school and we actively seek, and value, their thoughts, ideas and opinions. The School Council has been running since 2003, strengthening the sense of community and ensuring that everyone has a voice. Made up of pupil representatives, two children are elected annually by each class. They meet termly and engage in a number of community and charitable 6
fundraising events. E.g. NSPCC Christmas Sweater appeal. We also have a number of other pupil groups, playing vital roles in our school life: Eco Warriors have participated in some groundwork with Life for a Life, planting poppy seeds at a memorial garden and we are proud to be involved with the National Eco Schools standards, caring for our environment is an important part of our school life. Wet Play Leaders (children in Y6 help the younger children to play games during wet play) Lunchtime Monitors and Wet Play leaders (selected individuals from Y6 are given responsibility to look after the younger children. Choir; winning a number of prestigious local awards, they are regularly invited to take part in local events and charity concerts. Many past members continue their learning with us in order to participate in competitions. Extra-Curricular Activities Bury Catholic Preparatory School offers a range of extra-curricular activities. There are many sports clubs and other activities run by staff, parents and outside agencies. Strong links have been made with the Fusilier Museum to support our PSHEE curriculum, trips are arranged to visit local parks, museums, theatre productions and historical settings in the surrounding areas. We also invite many speakers, authors and drama groups to work with the children. 7
Residential trips take place in upper Key Stage 2, recently we visited London and slept on the Golden Hinde. During Year 6 children visit Robinwood where they have the opportunity to take part in activities aimed at developing problem solving and teamwork skills. School Management Structure The Headteacher and the Deputy Headteacher work collaboratively with the governing body. The class teachers have specific responsibility for subject areas (SENCO, School Improvement Planning, English, Maths, Science, PSHEE, Creative Curriculum, RE, Music, ICT and The Arts. 8
OUR NEW HEADTEACHER The Selection Process The governors are looking to recruit an inspirational new Headteacher with the right combination of personal and professional skills to lead our school from the Summer Term 2018, or earlier. They want to appoint an inspirational leader to build upon our many exciting strengths, and drive forward our school to deliver a truly exceptional education. In our most recent inspection report, ISI Nov 2016, we were excellent in every category. Working closely with the governors and other members of the senior leadership team you will be expected to set out a dynamic, modern and forward looking agenda that will inspire, encourage and motivate out talented and committed staff to deliver the best possible outcomes for our children. You will also be expected to play a wider role in helping shape the future marketing of our school. If you think you have what it takes, then we want to hear from you. We would also encourage all perspective candidates to come and visit our school and meet us before submitting an application. This is an equivalent Group 1 school with an indicative reference range of Level 10 to Level 15 on the Leadership Pay Spine. Scope for appointing outside this range would be dependent upon extraordinary level of experience and/or existing salary levels. The key dates for the selection and recruitment process are: Closing date for applications is 31 st January 2018 @ 4pm Long listing Friday 2 nd February, selected candidates contacted initially by telephone today. Assessment Day 13 th February 2018- end of day shortlisting for Day 2 Formal Interview day 14 th February 2018 Decision and offer following full governing body ratification, 14 th February 2018 9
Please submit your application using the enclosed form and a supporting letter. Your supporting letter, of no more than 1000 words, should tell us how you satisfy the person specification, and how you would help us to achieve, maintain and enhance our vision at Bury Catholic Preparatory School. Applicants will be informed as soon as possible whether or not they have been invited to the first stage of interviews and this will be followed with a formal letter. The first interview will be held at Bury Catholic Preparatory School, with refreshments to welcome candidates. Candidates will be informed of times and given a schedule nearer the time. The interview will include a presentation, plus a range of tasks appropriate to the role as well as an interview with School Council to make informed assessments of candidates against the Person Specification. There will be opportunities for the candidates to meet and mix with existing staff and ask as many questions as they wish and a discussion with pupils. A shortlist of final candidates will be drawn up and those selected will be invited for a formal interview by the selection panel the following day, interviews will again take place at the school. Feedback will be offered to all candidates at an agreed time. The Governing Body will meet on the evening of Wednesday 14 th February to make a decision. The Chair of the Governing Body expects to inform each candidate by telephone that same evening whether or not an offer is being made to them. What are we looking for? The governing body seek to appoint an inspirational and forward thinking leader who has the vision and commitment to further enhance this thriving and successful school. A commitment to support and develop the Catholic ethos of the school is required. We can 10
offer you a dedicated staff with enthusiastic children who endeavour to always do their best, supportive parents and governing body. The successful candidate will have: A proven track record of successful leadership and management A drive to pursue the highest standards in teaching and learning High expectations of pupils in their achievements and behaviour A commitment to develop leaders at all levels A desire to maintain the good links between staff, parents and governors Excellent teaching skills, as you may be required to teach classes across the school when required Promote and market the school and take us to the next level of success Job Description This job description is based on the National Standards for Headteachers. All Headteachers are required to carry out their professional duties in accordance with the School s Teachers Pay and Conditions Policy. The Headteacher is accountable to the Governors for the organisation, management and control of the school. This job description will be subject to Annual review as part of the performance management cycle. Further helpful information can be found on our school website www.burycatholicprepschool.co.uk Bury Catholic Preparatory School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to satisfactory: Pre-employment checks in accordance with dfe guidelines enhanced DBS Disclosure proof of identity 11
proof of qualifications medical report references 12