Hagley Roman Catholic High School
| Hagley Catholic High School | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Address | |
 | |
Brake Lane Hagley, Stourbridge , West Midlands , DY8 2XL England | |
| Information | |
| Type | Public |
| Motto | Semper Fidelis |
| Religious affiliation(s) | Roman Catholic |
| Established | 1959 |
| Local authority | Worcestershire |
| Specialist | Arts College |
| Chair | Elaine Yates (2006) |
| Head teacher | Terence Hammond |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Age | 11 to 18 |
| Enrollment | 1025 (2006) |
| Houses | 6 |
| Colour(s) | |
| Website | http://www.hagleyrc.com |
Hagley Catholic High School is a voluntary aided, mixed 11-18 school in Hagley, Worcestershire. The school holds specialist Arts College status, and was accorded a Grad 2 (Good) in its Ofsted (2006) report.[1]. The school plays host to students studying for Key Stage 3, GCSE, AS and A-level examinations. The chosen Patron Saint is Catholic martyr Saint Nicholas Owen, and the school is divided into houses named after saints: Anselm, Chad, Kenelm, Gregory, Wulstan, and Bede.
The school recently2024 agreed to work in correspondence with Haybridge High School and sixth form, located opposite, to share subject teaching in the less commonly chosen subjects by students. They have shared common ground for sporting events for sometime.
School bus accident
The school became known for an unfortunate M40 minibus crash that occurred on November 18, 1993 in which twelve children and a teacher lost their lives. Several memorials were made for this including a stained glass window in the entrance foyer, and several charities were also formed in the wake of the crash. The press was criticized for its insensitive reporting of the event. One of the consequences of the crash was the launch of a national campaign to improve safety and driving standards for Passenger Carrying Vehicles (PCV).
History
The Roman Catholic community in Worcestershire first began collecting funds to build a secondary school in 1942. Hagley Roman Catholic Secondary School was opened in 1959 (the current name was adopted when the school became comprehensive in 1974). Originally, the school was to be built in Stourport-on-Severn, but land was donated in Hagley.
In 1969, in the building which would later become Lab 5, a full scale replica of a Bristol Scout aeroplane was built by five pupils and their history teacher. The aeroplane could only be removed when the window frames were removed. Though A Levels had been taught in the school since the 1960s - the first A-Level History lesson taking place on the steps outside the staffroom - they became an important part of the curriculum in the 1970s. A Sixth Form common room and adjacent teaching rooms were built in 1976, and pupils began regularly to go on to university.[2]
Uniform
The school uniform for Years 7-11 is based upon navy blue, white & yellow. The sixth form has no particular dress code.
Notable alumni
- Kevin Keelan - Ex Norwich City goalkeeper.
- Lee Sharpe- Ex Manchester United & Torquay United player. Attended the school before pursuing his football career. In 2008 was invited back to open the newly constructed Peter Behan Sports Centre.[3]
- Umberto Giannini, Winner of the in he achieved the ultimate accolade as B 1999 ritish Hairdresser of the Year award - the youngest winner ever. Owner of a chain of UK hair salonswho launched a successful range of hair care products. Born 1967, died 2001.[4]
- Michael A. Hunter - Lead guitar player & vocalist of local group The Chevron Band attended the school, leaving in 1993. [citation needed]
- Sean Kelly & Liz Shields of the pop rock band The Lights also attended.
- Peter Hayden - Author of The Day Trip and The Headmasters Daughter taught English at the school[5]
References
- ^ OFSTED report No.116994
- ^ Hagley RC High School web siteRetrieved 15 June 2009
- ^ Hagley RC High School website Retrieved 12 July 2009
- ^ The Independent: obituaries Retrieved 12 July 2009
- ^ Hayden, Peter The Headmaster's Daughter ISBN 9781871870091 Retrieved 12 July 2009