St. Mary's Catholic High School, Menston
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| Motto | Sub tuo praesidio (Latin for Under your protection) |
|---|---|
| Established | 1964 |
| Type | Voluntary aided school |
| Religion | Catholic |
| Headteacher | R Pritchard (Mr)[1] |
| Chair of Governors | R Lavery (Mr) |
| Specialism | Sports College |
| Location | Bradford Road Menston West Yorkshire LS29 6AE England |
| Local authority | Education Leeds |
| DfE number | 383/4601 |
| DfE URN | 108094 |
| Ofsted | Reports |
| Staff | 150 |
| Students | 1200[2] |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Ages | 11–18 |
| Colours | Purple Yellow Grey |
| Website | stmarysmenston.com |
Coordinates: 53°52′40″N 1°43′33″W / 53.87773°N 1.72578°W
St. Mary's Catholic High School, Menston on Bradford Road (A65) in Menston, West Yorkshire, England, is a Roman Catholic school for young people of secondary school age, which serves the parishes of SS Peter & Paul Yeadon, St. Joseph’s Pudsey, English Martyrs Addingham, Our Lady & All Saints Otley, SS John Fisher & Thomas More Burley-in-Wharfedale, Our Lady of Kirkstall Horsforth and Sacred Heart of Jesus Ilkley.
The school's headteacher, Robert Pritchard was appointed in April 2011, taking over from Catherine McMahon.[3] 1,200 pupils are educated in three main teaching blocks: Morse, Clitherow and Hume.
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[edit] Admissions
St Mary's is a comprehensive school.[4] Although Menston is in the City of Bradford metropolitan district the school is in the Guiseley and Rawdon ward of the City of Leeds metropolitan district, and is within the remit of Education Leeds.[5]
[edit] History
[edit] Early years: 1964–1972
The Reverend Canon C. Murray, Governor, negotiated with the West Riding County Council and Department of Education and Science for forward planning of the school and had by 1960 secured a site.[6] In October 1960 it was announced that a school would be built in the 1962-3 building programme, and the governors invited Weightman & Bullen, to prepare plans for a three-form entry secondary school. At that time no more than 75 boys and girls per year were expected so the plans were for a building for 360 pupils in the initial contract, with provision for extension to 450. West Riding County Council acquired 13 acres of land from the Regional Hospital Board and work started on the site in July 1962.
The original buildings, to which pupils were admitted in November 1964, were officially blessed and opened by the Rt. Rev. Mgr. George Patrick Dwyer, Bishop of Leeds on 3rd July 1965. The first chairman of governors, who presided was the Rt. Rev. Mgr. E. Malone. The Morse building makes an impact as the school is approached from the main road. The three units comprised the hall, small hall, chapel, and gymnasium, a three storey academic and administrative block and practical areas. The total cost was £185,000 of which the Local Authority contributed £39,000. The chapel, financed without grant aid, cost a further £9,000.
Throughout the 1960's the Diocesan Schools Commission and the West Riding County Council recognised that the only sound future for the school would be as part of a comprehensive system, and to provide a sufficient range of facilities it would have to grow.
[edit] Expansion: 1973–1979
The school is well placed for transport and the catchment area was enlarged and the school became five-form entry with an age range of 11 to 18 years, and the first all-ability intake started in 1973.[6]
This required further buildings and a contract was signed in January 1972 for a further 674 sq. m. two-storey block which was completed for the increased intake. This cost £60,000 of which the LEA contributed £6,000. Further plans were made to accommodate the annual build·up of pupils. An increase in specialist teaching rooms was required, and as the original building had only one or two for each subject it was impossible to create integrated departments without remodelling many older rooms for a changed use. This created innumerable problems for the builders and the school, as teaching had to continue throughout the construction.
In October 1973, work on a new contract costing £442,000 began and continued until October 1975. The LEA's contribution was £132,000. It included extensions to the library, staff and administrative rooms, added a further 1,905 sq. m. and accommodated more than 350 extra pupils. The 1962 site was now too small and more land was acquired. The playing fields covered 16 acres in addition to land occupied by buildings and paved areas.
Construction on the sixth form centre, the Clitherow Building started in May 1978 and provided another 676 sq. m. at a cost of £117,000. It provided classrooms, seminar rooms, a common room and two laboratories. The school was fully comprehensive from September 1979, with a five/six form entry, varying from 150 to 180 per year and 950 pupils on roll. There were about 50 members of staff. 14 subjects were offered to the sixth form. The Clitherow Building was blessed by the Right Reverend William Gordon Wheeler in November 1979.
[edit] Hume Building: 1980-2001
St. Mary's became a Sports College specialist school in 2000. As a specialist sports college, St. Mary's has a team of coaches who give their services to 54 other schools in a sports partnership with St. Mary's.[7][8]The opening of the Hume building by Bishop David Konstant took place in February 2001.[9]
[edit] Recent Years: 2002-Present
In 2003, the school was awarded £792,000 to extend its inter-school sports partnership.[10]St. Mary's achieved Artsmark Silver in 2004. The school marked its 40th anniversary in October 2004 with a whole school photograph of pupils and staff. February 2005 saw a week long visit by 8 Chinese students and two staff from ShiXi High School in Shanghai.[11]A new entrance for pupils opened in September 2008. In 2009 St. Mary's received the International School Award presented by BBC newsreader George Alagiah. March 2011 saw the opening of a floodlit artificial turf pitch. It was blessed by Father Tom O'Connor and opened by Sir Trevor Brooking, the Football Association's director of football development. The pitch was part of a £750,000 investment in sport at the school which will also see all remaining grass pitches drained to a high standard. The project was part funded by a £325,000 grant from the Football Foundation.[12]
The school received the ICT Mark in June 2011.[13]
[edit] School site
The school site comprises 17 acres. The site is bordered by streams and pasture. The former High Royds Hospital (now a housing development) is opposite the school.
[edit] Curriculum
The school works for the spiritual, moral, intellectual, aesthetic and physical development of each pupil, putting Christ at the centre of every activity, worship, learning and service to others. The pupils work with over 85 teachers supported by learning assistants, administrative, technical and maintenance staff and a school chaplain. As prescribed by the National Curriculum, St. Mary’s students follow two Key Stages up to the age of 16.
[edit] Academic performance
In both 2010[14] and 2011[15], the school achieved the highest GCSE and A-level results in Leeds. In 2011 the A-level results were in the top 200 nationally.[16] In 2009 the school received the highest A-level results in the Leeds LEA and the second highest in West Yorkshire.
[edit] International links
St. Mary's has links with schools worldwide. The most notable of these is the Bambisanani Partnership, which refers to the partnership between St. Mary's and Mnyakanya High School in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (Bambisanani being the Zulu word for “working hand in hand”).[17][18]The Bambisanani Partnership has a key focus of using sport as a catalyst to promote education, leadership, health and global understanding.[19]2011 marked the 25th anniversary of the link between St. Mary's and Franziskus-Gymnasium in Germany, with 1,420 students having taken part over the years.[20]St. Mary's also takes part in the Comenius programme.
Schools St. Mary's currently work with include:
| Country | Details |
|---|---|
 Belgium |
Vrij Institiit voor Secundar Onderwijs - Ghent |
 France |
Lycée Murat - Issoire[21] |
| France |
Lycée Paul Painlevé - Oyannx |
 Germany |
Franziskus Gymansium - Vossenach[22] |
| Germany |
Gemeinschaftshauptschule Hucklehoven - Ratheim |
 Ghana |
Sefwi Wiawso Senior High - Western Ghana |
 Italy |
Instituto Istruzione Sup. V Scuderei Ramacca |
| Northern Ireland | St Colman's High School - Ballynahinch |
 Poland |
Zespol Szkol nr 5 - Lublin |
| Italy |
Instuto Paritario Maria Australiatrice - Caltagirone, Sicily[23] |
 South Africa |
Mnyakanya High School - Kwa Zulu Natal[24] |
 Spain |
IES Ramon Turro y Dardar - Malgrat de Mar |
 Switzerland |
Collège La Planta - Sion[25] |
 Turkey |
Besiktas Arnavutköy Korkmaz Yigit Anadolu Liesel - Istanbul |
[edit] Notable former pupils
[edit] Notable staff
- Robert Pritchard - Headteacher (2011-present)[1][66]
- David Geldart - Member of Sport England[67][68][69][70]Assistant Headteacher[71]
- Catherine McMahon - Acting Headteacher (2010-2011)[7]
- Michael Pyle - Headteacher (1999-2009)[72]
[edit] References
- ^ a b Patton, Graeme (7 December 2011). "Exam boards: how system became international money-spinner". Daily Telegraph. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/secondaryeducation/8940802/Exam-boards-how-system-became-international-money-spinner.html. Retrieved 15 January 2012.
- ^ Direct.gov.uk Schoolsfinder overview - St.Mary's Catholic Comprehensive School, Menston
- ^ Wharfedale Observer - New St Mary's head delighted with role
- ^ Edubase - St. Mary's Catholic Comprehensive School, Menston
- ^ Education Leeds record for St Mary's
- ^ a b "Blessing and Official Opening of Clitherow Building November 1979" (PDF). St. Mary's Catholic High School, Menston. http://www.stmarysmenston.com/documents/BlessingandOfficialOpeningofClitherowBuildingNovember1979.pdf. Retrieved 15 January 2012.
- ^ a b Patton, Graeme (16 September 2010). "St Mary's Menston: Lessons for 2010... in a 1964 building". Yorkshire Evening Post. http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/latest-news/central-leeds/st_mary_s_menston_lessons_for_2010_in_a_1964_building_1_2252729/. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
- ^ "St Mary's grasping the sporting nettle". Wharfedale Obsevrer. 23 March 2006. http://www.wharfedaleobserver.co.uk/archive/2006/03/23/Bradford+District+Archive/8088239.St_Mary_s_grasping_the_sporting_nettle/. Retrieved 12 February 2012.
- ^ "Bishop unveils school's new building and looks ahead to new sports court". Wharfedale Observer. 8 February 2001. http://www.wharfedaleobserver.co.uk/archive/2001/02/08/Bradford+District+Archive/8045956.Bishop_unveils_school_s_new_building_and_looks_ahead_to_new_sports_court/. Retrieved 03 February 2012.
- ^ "St Mary's strikes gold with sports partnership". Wharfedale Observer. 19 September 2003. http://www.wharfedaleobserver.co.uk/archive/2003/09/19/Bradford+District+Archive/8009595.St_Mary_s_strikes_gold_with_sports_partnership/. Retrieved 12 February 2012.
- ^ Yorkshire Evening Post - A visit of Eastern promise
- ^ Diocese of Leeds - ‘State of the Art' Sports Facility opened by Sir Trevor Brooking
- ^ NAACE ICT Mark record for St. Mary's Menston
- ^ "Ilkley Gazette - St Marys is best in Leeds"
- ^ "BBC - School League Tables 2011 Leeds"
- ^ "Record A-level results shoot Bradford up schools league table". Telegraph & Argus. 26 January 2012. http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/local/localbrad/9494461.Record_A_level_results_shoot_Bradford_up_schools_league_table/. Retrieved 26 January 2012.
- ^ "Diana honour for St Mary's devotion to African work". Ilkley Gazette. 17 February 2011. http://www.ilkleygazette.co.uk/features/8859540.Diana_honour_for_St_Mary_s_devotion_to_African_work/. Retrieved 2 February 2012.
- ^ "South African education bosses in Wharfedale". Ilkley Gazette. 17 March 2011. http://www.ilkleygazette.co.uk/features/featuresschools/8915723.South_African_education_bosses_in_Wharfedale/. Retrieved 2 February 2012.
- ^ "Students serve poor in Zululand". Catholic Herlad. 14 September 2011. http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/catholiclife/2011/09/14/students-serve-poor-in-zululand/. Retrieved 2 February 2012.
- ^ "St Mary's School exchange links mark 25 years". Bradford Telegraph & Argus. 5 May 2011. http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/archive/2011/05/05/News+(school_news)/9009900.St_Mary_s_School_exchange_links_mark_25_years/. Retrieved 2 February 2012.
- ^ "ECHANGES AVEC LA GRANDE BRETAGNE" (in french). http://www.lyc-murat.ac-clermont.fr/echanges_angleterre.htm. Retrieved 2 February 2012.
- ^ "St Mary's School exchange links mark 25 years". Bradford Telegraph & Argus. 5 May 2011. http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/archive/2011/05/05/News+(school_news)/9009900.St_Mary_s_School_exchange_links_mark_25_years/. Retrieved 2 February 2012.
- ^ "Students sample the delights of Italian island". Catholic Herald. 25 November 2011. http://archive.catholicherald.co.uk/article/25th-november-2011/11/students-sample-the-delights-of-italian-island. Retrieved 2 February 2012.
- ^ Bradford Telegrah & Argus - Cape wins prestigious St Mary's School award
- ^ Wharfedale Observer - Swiss students help to break language barrier in Guiseley and Menston
- ^ Wharfedale Observer - Harry Potter star goes back to school l
- ^ Yorkshire Evening Post - Welcome to Yorkshire: Harry Potter star to fly flag for tourism l
- ^ Kaiser Chiefs visit St. Mary's
- ^ Diocese of Leeds- Lads from St. Mary's Menston Clear The Board
- ^ BBC Leeds - Musical Map of Leeds
- ^ Ilkley Gazette - Christian Cooke stars in prime time ITV show
- ^ Wharfedale Observer - Menston film star Christian in charity cycle ride
- ^ Keighley News - Chelsea have their eye on St Mary's soccer star
- ^ Telegraph.co.uk - Premier League tribunal seen as massive test case
- ^ Cricinfo profile
- ^ Sky Atlantic HD to bring the very best in entertainment and drama exclusively to Sky customers from 1st February 2011
- ^ "This Life: Sky high in telly land". Yorkshire Evening Post. 19 January 2011. http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/latest-news/central-leeds/this_life_sky_high_in_telly_land_1_3018092. Retrieved 15 January 2012.
- ^ Huddersfield Examiner - Famous fathers of new Huddersfield Town academy players
- ^ Huddersfield Town Academy - Jordan Sinnott
- ^ Clifford, Sally (20 July 2010). "A lesson in success". Telegraph & Argus. http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/news_real/lifestylefamily/8281100.A_lesson_in_success/. Retrieved 21 January 2012.
- ^ Yorkshire Evening Post - Leeds's own Billy Elliott prepares for homecoming
- ^ Ilkley Gazette - Aidan White presents trophy he once won
- ^ a b c Telgraph & Argus - Dunwell Brothers head home after completing debut album
- ^ a b c Wharefdale Observer - Dunwells counting down to debut album release
- ^ Telegraph & Argus - Hendrie joins international brigade at St Mary's
- ^ Academic and sporting excellence for former St Mary’s students at Oxford
- ^ Art Link at Sotheyby's International - Kate McCrickard
- ^ David Krut Publishing - Kate McCrickard, Director of David Krut Pojects New York, visits JHB
- ^ Tate Publishing - Essential Artists: William Kentridge by Kate McCrickard
- ^ Ilkley Gazette - Star pupils to pitch in at launch of Menston school's sports ground
- ^ Wharfedale Observer - Boy band star goes back to school in Menston
- ^ Yorkshire Evening Post - The West End Girl: Meet Leeds’ own Verity Rushworth INTERVIEW
- ^ Wharfedale Observer - Rawdon's Verity comes home in musical classic
- ^ a b c "Menston pupils are a class act on TV". Telegraph & Argus. 31 January 1998. http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/archive/1998/01/31/Bradford+District+Archive/8080073.Menston_pupils_are_a_class_act_on_TV/. Retrieved 15 January 2012.
- ^ Victoria Quarter - Magic Moments with Matthew Lewis Exclusive Interview
- ^ BBC The Speaker - Thomas
- ^ "Wharfedale 'Oscars' presented". Wharfedale Observer. 15 July 2010. http://www.wharfedaleobserver.co.uk/leisure/8274210.Theatre_stars_bask_in_Wharfedale_awards_spotlight/. Retrieved 15 January 2012.
- ^ Manchester United Website - Luke Hendrie
- ^ The FA - England Players (Luke Hendrie)
- ^ Ilkley Gazette -Menston boy Hendrie in line for England cap
- ^ a b Charity Commission website
- ^ a b Ilkley Gazette - Former Menston schoolmates raise £2,000 for Kenyan charity
- ^ Wharfedale Observer -St Mary's students build up funds to repair African school
- ^ Wharfedale Observer - Boy band star goes back to school in Menston
- ^ "BBC - Radio 1 - Chart Show - The UK Top 40 Singles". http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/chart/singles.shtml. Retrieved 22 June 2008.
- ^ Parliament.UK - Education committee takes evidence on the adminstration of examinations for 15-19 year olds
- ^ Sport England 2005 minutes
- ^ Keighley News - Menston teacher re-appointed as Sports England member
- ^ Wharfedale Observer - Menston St Mary's celebrate Sport England Gold Award
- ^ Wharfedale Observer - Teacher's fears for PE lessons
- ^ Barnett, Ben (09 May 2009). "David Geldart honoured in London". Bradford Telegraph & Argus. http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/4355985.Top_award_for_PE_teacher/. Retrieved 26 February 2012.
- ^ "Transfer money to play with the stars". Telegraph & Argus. 27 September 1999. http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/archive/1999/09/27/Bradford+District+Archive/8063265.Transfer_money_to_play_with_the_stars/. Retrieved 16 January 2012.
