NOTRE DAME PROSPECTUS 2008/9

Notre Dame School has a long history and tradition. It is one of the many schools in the country which was founded by the Sisters of Notre Dame. The Sisters came to Southwark in 1855 and opened a school on the present site. The School has developed and thrived over the years and has always been known as a centre of excellence in the local community.

The Congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame has always placed a high priority on the education of women, particularly of those in inner-city areas. It strives to educate women to reach their full potential, to be confident, to be successful and to become mature and responsible Christians. The present headteacher follows a long line of Sisters of Notre Dame who have led the School since its foundation and Notre Dame is now one of the few schools in London, and indeed, in the whole of the country, which has a headteacher who is a religious sister.

Over the years Notre Dame has seen many changes in its character. It has been both a day and boarding school and after the Second World War it became a voluntary aided grammar school. In 1977 it expanded to become an 11-18 comprehensive school and in 1985, in response to wishes of the diocese, it became an 11-16 school with its students being given priority of place, after the age of 16, at the Catholic sixth form college in Clapham, St. Francis Xavier.

In September 1993 Notre Dame School became a grant maintained school and continued to thrive. It used its new resources to provide more teachers for its students and, as a consequence, to reduce class sizes.

In September 1999, following new government legislation, Notre Dame School reverted to being a voluntary-aided 11-16 comprehensive school. In January 2000 it was awarded Beacon status and received several School Achievement Awards.

In September 2003 the School was awarded the specialist status of Language College enabling students to study more languages and to develop even greater global awareness. In September 2004 the School became the Lead School in a Leading Edge Partnership.

In June 2005, HMI Ofsted inspected the School and graded it ‘An Outstanding School’.

In June 2006, the School was given the status of a ‘High Performing Specialist School’.

Notre Dame School is committed to maintaining and improving further its long tradition of excellence in the local community.

NOTRE DAME - A Welcoming Community

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Notre Dame School is renowned for its welcoming, friendly and happy atmosphere and its high standards of behaviour and academic excellence.

Last year 488 applications were received for the places available.

Please see the Admissions section for full details.

NOTRE DAME - A Learning Community

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Notre Dame School is noted for its academic excellence. Every year it is amongst the highest achieving schools in Southwark in the percentage of its students gaining 5 A*s - Cs in the GCSE exams and is one of the leading schools in Central London.

In order to enable students to achieve their full academic potential they are tested after they have been accepted for a place in the School and grouped into two broad bands of ability. In Year 7 they are taught in mixed ability groups within these bands and from Year 8 onwards they are placed within the bands into ability sets for each different subject.

TIMETABLE

Students have 7 lessons of 45 minutes duration each day, some of which may be double lessons. The morning session begins with registration at 8.55am and ends at 12.20pm for Year 7 and 9 students and at 1.05pm for Year 8, 10 and 11 students. The afternoon session begins at 12.55pm for Year 7 and 9 students and at 1.40pm for Year 8, 10 and 11 students. School ends for all at 3.20pm

SUBJECTS

In Years 7, 8 and 9 pupils follow a broad and balanced curriculum. The subjects are:

In Years 10 and 11 all pupils study the following subjects:

In addition they also have the choice of studying two or three of the following subjects to GCSE level:

Extended work-related opportunities are also offered where appropriate. In recent years students in years 10 and 11 may continue their education with a number of colleges and training providers off site. Typically their timetable will allow for them to do this for either one or two days a week. In recent years students have gained NVQ and other qualifications in Hospitality & Catering, Hair & Beauty, Business Studies, Dance, Child Development and Health & Social Care.

Notre Dame is committed to keeping teaching groups as small as possible and in most classes there are approximately 26 students.

OTHER LANGUAGES

As a Language College we offer a greater range of languages including Latin, Japanese and Spanish.

ENRICHMENT

We also, as part of our enrichment programme, offer a wide range of activities, both before and after school. These activities include -

CURRICULUM COMPLAINTS ARRANGEMENTS

If a parent has a serious concern about the school curriculum or related matters the parent should, in the first instance, contact the School to arrange a discussion about their concern.

If the parent is dissatisfied with the outcome of the discussion the parent may then submit a formal complaint to the Headteacher. This must be done in writing, stating that it is a formal complaint, clearly specifying its nature.

A detailed set of procedures to deal with formal complaints is available on request from the School.

NOTRE DAME - A Caring Community

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PASTORAL WELFARE

Notre Dame School is committed to caring for the pastoral as well as the academic needs of the students. Two deputy heads, two assistant heads and a pastoral co-ordinator have overall responsibility for the pastoral care of the students, together with the Headteacher.

The School is divided into five year groups. Each of these groups has a pastoral head who has overall pastoral responsibility for the students in that group.

Each year group is divided into tutor groups with a form tutor who has pastoral responsibility for her / his group. Form tutors meet their students twice each day and are the first point of contact for all pastoral matters.

PERSONAL AND SOCIAL EDUCATION

A programme of personal and social education is taught by form tutors. The programme includes the following topics:

• Citizenship
• Health Education
• Study Skills
• Sex Education
• Relationships
• Careers Guidance
• Work Related Learning and Enterprise Development

CONTACT WITH PARENTS

The School welcomes contact with parents and they are invited to the School on a number of occasions, both formal and informal, during each year. Parents may visit the School at other times by telephoning in advance to make an appointment.

Each student has a personal planner in which homework and other important information is recorded on a daily basis. Teachers sometimes use the planner to write a note to parents and parents can also communicate with teachers in the same way. Parents are asked to sign the personal planner each week to confirm that they have read all the information in it.

REWARDING ACHIEVEMENT

The School seeks to encourage students by celebrating their achievements. Merit marks are awarded in Years 7 and 8 and commendations in Years 9, 10 and 11 for outstanding work, effort, progress and service to the School. Prizes are given to students who receive the greatest number of merit marks or commendations and for effort, progress and service to the School. Students in Years 7 - 11 receive special certificates for their achievements. 100% attendance and punctuality are also rewarded as the School places a great emphasis on regular attendance.

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

The School recognises that each student is unique and therefore endeavours to maintain a flexible system which meets the varying needs of all its students in normal classroom situations. However, it is understood that there will always be some students who have difficulty in fulfilling their potential without extra support.

The special needs department works together with subject teachers, the pastoral team, and the special needs co-ordinator to identify students who require extra help with their work and to decide on ways of meeting these students’ special needs. The School also works closely with outside agencies which offer different kinds of expertise and support when it is needed.

Close links between School and home are fostered so that parents are also involved in making decisions about their daughter’s education.

JUBILEE CENTRE

The Jubilee Centre offers support to students at risk of underachieving. Learning mentors provide a one-to-one support structure and help the students overcome barriers to learning. Students who find it hard to be in the mainstream classes for a variety of reasons can find support in the Jubilee Centre. Learning support mentors work to modify students’ behaviour and give them the confidence to cope in normal classroom situations. The school also has a counsellor to whom individuals can be referred.

LEARNING MENTORS AND LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANTS

Learning Mentors and Learning Support Assistants provide support on an individual or small group basis to students who need extra help and organisation to achieve their potential.

CHAPLAIN

The School is fortunate to have the services of one of the Sisters of Notre Dame as Chaplain. She is able to provide support to students, develop community links and work with the RE department to develop students’ spirituality.

NOTRE DAME - A Worshipping Community

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As a Christian community the School values collective worship. Staff and pupils gather in St. George’s Cathedral on the following occasions throughout the year to worship together:

MASS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

This celebration marks the beginning of the new academic year and is a tradition of all Notre Dame schools throughout the world. During the service pupils in Year 11 who hold posts of responsibility, as well as all the form representatives, are introduced to the whole school.

END OF TERM SERVICES

At the end of each term a service is held in St. George’s Cathedral and many members of the school community are actively involved in it. At Christmas and Easter the services are based on these two great Christian feasts and the service at the end of the year is a celebration of all the events of the past school year.

HOLYDAYS

On holydays which fall on school days, Mass is celebrated at the beginning of the day for the whole school. The liturgy is carefully prepared by the R.E. department and pupils are encouraged to be actively involved in all aspects of the liturgy.

In addition to the services in the Cathedral pupils are invited to pray in the following ways:

ASSEMBLIES

Assemblies are held every week for each year group. These assemblies are led by the Headteacher or one of her deputies, or by the year group’s pastoral head.

DAILY ACT OF WORSHIP

At the beginning of each day form tutors pray with their pupils. Pupils are encouraged to take a turn in leading this act of worship.

LENT AND ADVENT

During Lent and Advent pupils and staff are invited to reflect and pray together before the beginning of the school day. Each daily service is carefully prepared and led by the R.E. department.

RETREATS
Every student has the opportunity to have a day of retreat each year. These days are co-ordinated by the R.E. department.

NOTRE DAME - A Happy Community

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One way of finding out what a school is like is to ask the pupils. Below are some of their comments.

Natasha Nutakor (11L)

“Is Notre Dame a happy community? I should think so. Goodness knows what the years attending the school have done for me – I’ve been transformed into a mature young lady within a space of five years! To think that I’ve come this far, willing to take on board everything being taught by the school. Looking back to my primary school years, I remember praying to God to give me a secondary school that was right for me and my parents. I used to worry myself sick about how I would cope with life in secondary school. I was lucky to attend the school with old primary school friends, so things weren’t so bad. However, Notre Dame offered a very friendly environment, so even if you came to the school on your own, there was nothing to be scared of because the older students were there for their assistance and friendliness. I trudged to Notre Dame School but thought things would be ok.

Five years came within a blink of an eye and look at me now – I’m stronger, better and even have a spring in my step! I’ve experienced the charity the school organises through numerous events, especially during St. Julie’s Day, where the school community come together and do exceptional things to raise money for our sister schools in Nigeria and Peru, who find contentment in the love and support we offer financially and emotionally. I grasped the education that was laid out before me by my teachers, who dedicate themselves to their eager students with ambition and enthusiasm – to them I say thank you. I’ve explored the many ways in which the school helps all students with different kinds of abilities through after school clubs, varying from sports to after school language tuition. Most of all I’ve embraced the happy environment that I enjoy most about Notre Dame School because everyone is treated as equals and with the highest respect that made me want to give something back.

Being Head Girl may seem a daunting task, but with the help of my team, and numerous teachers, I feel that whenever I turn round they are there to help me with bright eyes and warm smiles. I speak for many other students in this school when I say that Notre Dame Girls are living proof of “... Christian women who are confident, can think for themselves, who understand the concepts of equality and justice and can play a full and responsible part in a changing and multicultural society”. This school means so much and more because it has enlightened me to sit straight, concentrate and reach for my dreams.”

Kassia Viggor (10J)

“I can hardly believe that I have been at Notre Dame for three years. When I first came to the school I found it difficult to settle; I missed my primary school friends and the routine there. But I have to say, that the older students and the teachers were so kind and supportive that I began to feel that Notre Dame was the place for me, and it’s not just the staff and the students, pretty much everybody you meet here takes a lot of trouble to make sure everything is OK for you. It’s a small school and everyone is made to feel that they matter. This in one quality I hope I am acquiring. Life is always busy at Notre Dame; our academic timetable is very full. But I like the way there are plenty of occasions to put our faith into practise, like the fundraisers for our sister schools in Nigeria and Peru. Things like this are important to the Notre Dame community. This is a happy school – I like it here and I didn’t even mind coming back after the summer holidays!”

Chiara Bagtas (9J)

“In my opinion Notre Dame School is an outstanding school for girls. It is a place where girls are educated to the fullest, where they find a meaningful perspective of life. The school encourages us to participate in various educational activities in school and after school by different types of teaching methods plus a range of after school clubs. I have enjoyed all of the new opportunities Notre Dame has provided including trips abroad. I have learnt a lot from this school like improving my lack of confidence. I am grateful for this as I have continued to improve my academic excellence. I recommend Notre Dame to other girls who are aspiring to get a better education and I am proud to be a member of this school”.

Bali-Ann Fitzpatrick (8M)

“Notre Dame is a great school which helps pupils to discover their potential and let their talents shine through. It’s a place where they get a chance to recognise their achievements, and to improve and gradually succeed in future targets. When I first started at Notre Dame everything was very fast paced and confusing but thanks to welcoming students and friendly staff, I soon learnt to fit in and to get used to secondary school life. The school has high standards for the pupils here but the teachers will set work for your standards and help you along the way to reach your goals. I have enjoyed my first year at Notre Dame and Year 8 is proving to be even better. The Notre Dame community cares for everyone’s welfare and interests. I am sure that many students who come through Notre Dame enjoy their time here”.

Sophie Ribeiro (11C) Portuguese

“Durante os quarto anos que estive aqui em Notre Dame, aprendi muitas coisas. Notre Dame é um lugar onde encontras amigas e família e onde aprendes a respeitar as pessoas. Os professores têmme ajudado muito na minha educação.

As raparigas têm uma família dentro desta escola. Quando uma aluna entra nesta escola ela recebe o melhor. Quando as alunas saem de Notre Dame, elas saem com respeito, com um grande coração, e com a educação necessária. Além disso, a relação entre alunas e professors é muito positivia. A sua filha será muito feliz nesta escola porque eta aceitar-la-á de mãos abertas”.

Yuly Romero (10F) Spanish

“Notre Dame es un colegio sólo para mujeres entre las edades de doce a dieciseis años. Durante esos años su hija aprenderá la importancia de ser una mujer confidente para llegar a sus sueños y expresarse de un modo espiritual según la religión cristiana.

Con la guía de la escuela y el apoyo de los profesores, Notre Dame asegura que cada estudiante puede progresar a un nivel que le puede ayudar en el futuro en todos los aspectos de la vida.

En general, Notre Dame ayuda a las niñas a lograr sus metas. La escuela anima a las niñas a enforcarse mientras las educan para el éxito”.

NOTRE DAME - An Active Community

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The School believes that its pupils should have the opportunity to experience a wide range of extra-curricular activities. At the end of the school day, pupils are invited to participate in a variety of activities such as:

• Drama
• Music
• Sport
• Homework Club
• Duke of Edinburgh Award
• Revision classes
• IT
• Debating
• Language Classes and Clubs
• (Latin, Spanish, Portuguese, French ,Yoruba, Japanese)
• Dance
• Logic Club
• Craft clubs
• Choir
• Relaxation

The library is open before and after school as well as during the school day.

The school regularly participates in cultural activities such as visits to the theatre, concerts, museums and art galleries.

ACTIVITIES WEEK
Each July the timetable is suspended for one week and students participate in a variety of activities including residential journeys abroad. Here is an account of the experience of some students:

France (NB)

“Our French Language Detective course offered the best of all worlds, combining study, excursions and of course adventure activities. The mornings were spent working on short modules that included directions, food and shopping. We were encouraged to use our French vocabulary to complete these activities in the town. In the afternoons we visited an adventure park, with a massive maze, a butterfly park and went bowling and swimming. All of us on the trip were given a beautiful certificate for successfully completing the language course. We came back with lasting memories. It was fun!”

Angela Parisi 9J

France (ST)

“On 15th July some year 7 pupils travelled to Le Touquet. We stayed at a hotel called Les Sables d’Or which is in Stella Plage, France. The hotel had all the facilities to make it an enjoyable trip.

The first activity we did on Tuesday was to go to Nausicaá Sea Life Centre. This was an interesting activity because we got to see sea life that we might not have been able to see in London.

On Wednesday we went to the boulangerie (bakery). The baker showed us how they made baguettes and croissants; this was enjoyable because the baker gave us free samples. We also went to the swimming pool and went on the water rides.

On Thursday we went to a theme park called Bagatelle which was really exciting as it had so many amazing rides. After that we went to the snail farm which was a very new and weird experience. Seeing so many snails in one place was quite scary but it was interesting because we learnt lots of information about snails. Later in the afternoon we went on a ‘town trail’ of Le Touquet, this was fun because we had to follow directions which was a challenge.

The whole trip was really fun and we all learnt a lot of information. We also got to try out the French we learnt this year.

Kokui Agbenu (8M)

Norfolk

“During activities week in July, a group of year 8 and 9 students went to Kingswood Activity Centre in Norfolk. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I was hoping for activities, activities and more activities – and that is exactly what we got. Every morning we went for an early breakfast and then we headed straight for the fun. There was so much to do, if I told you what I really enjoyed; go-karting, abseiling and climbing, that would mean I would have left out: archery, caving and laser zone. It was exhausting but after dinner we were ready to go again. All the instructors were so nice and we all got on really well; I talked to girls I’d only ever seen in the corridor at school. The teachers that came with us joined in all the fun and it was just such a great time. We only stayed two nights but on the last one the instructors organised a campfire for us and we had cocoa and toasted our own marshmallows. We sang a few songs and some people told ghost stories. It was a great way to end our holiday.

Kasia Viggor (10J)

ST JULIE’S DAY

On the first Friday of each February the timetable is suspended in honour of the foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame, St. Julie Billiart, and students spend the day raising money for charity. Each year a large amount of money is raised and is sent to a Notre Dame charity. Last year, along with the Christmas Gift donations, we raised £5,584 which was divided between Notre Dame projects in Nigeria and Peru.

OTHER FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES

The School takes part in a variety of other fund-raising activities throughout the year. In the autumn term the PTA Autumn Fair and raffle raise approximately £3,000. Money raised is used principally for prizes and support for students, with occasional grants given to departments.

• The Myanmor Cyclone Appeal, Burma £220
• Cardinal Hume Centre £461
• Promoting equality in African Schools £802
  

We are proud of the Notre Dame tradition of caring for others. In the academic year 2007 - 2008 we donated a total of £10,067.

NOTRE DAME - A Sporting Community

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AIMS
Notre Dame School encourages all pupils to take an active part in its sporting life.

The School aims to enable each pupil, regardless of innate ability, to obtain maximum benefit physically, mentally, emotionally and socially by teaching a varied, enjoyable and stimulating programme of Physical Education. The programme provides every pupil with experiences which encourage a lifelong interest in sport and physical recreation. A wide range of activities is taught so that all pupils can develop understanding as well as skills and, above all, a positive attitude towards all aspects of sport.

TIME ALLOCATED TO PHYSICAL EDUCATION
All students in Years 7-11 receive one and a half hours of Physical Education each week. They also have the opportunity to take part in extra curricular activities. These take place at the end of the school day and last for approximately one hour.

SPORTS
All students follow a broad and balanced curriculum which covers the following activities:

FACILITIES
The School’s large gymnasium, hall and fitness suite are used for a variety of sports activities. A brand new sports facility has been provided for school use across St. George’s Road. It has been purpose built with funds from the National Lottery and has floodlit courts for netball, tennis, basketball, football and other sports and activities.

STAFF QUALIFICATIONS
Ms K Cox B. Ed Physical Education / Business Management
Ms M Boehm B. Ed Physical Education / Health Education

COACHES
Qualified coaches from a variety of sports assist in the delivery of some units and after-school clubs.

NOTRE DAME - An Enabling Community

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POSITIONS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Notre Dame School strives to enable its students to become responsible members of society. From the outset they are encouraged to participate in all areas of school life and to hold posts of responsibility.

The School has a head girl, deputy head girls and assistant head girls who are appointed after having applied in writing and then been interviewed by the Headteacher and two deputy heads. They form the Senior Student Leadership Team.

The Senior Student Leadership Team is assisted by a Year 11 team of year captains, deputy year captains, house captains, sports captain and form sponsors whose responsibility it is to support and liaise with pastoral heads, form tutors and students. Year 11 students also act as ‘big sisters’ to small groups of Year 7 students and assist at primary / secondary transfer meetings by taking groups of parents and prospective students around the School.

Each form has its own form representative who in turn becomes a member of the Year Council. She has the responsibility of representing the views of her form at Year Council meetings and of organising various activities.

The Year Council feeds into the School Council which is led by the Head Girl.

The School trains some students as peer mediators and each tutor group has two students who will act as peer mentors to new students.

Portuguese, Spanish and Polish student translators serve the school and the local community.

The school library is open each day for students and some of them are trained as librarians.

In addition, there are several committees e.g. Catering, Charity which allow students to develop their leadership skills.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Year 10 pupils are given the opportunity in the summer term to take part in a two week work experience programme. Preparations start in the autumn term and continue throughout the year. The aim is to give pupils a brief experience of the world of work including applying for jobs, interviews, health & safety issues, working with adults, travel, the longer working day and taking responsibility for themselves. Pupils set themselves skills targets.

Key Skills are also developed through work experience.

Following this are accounts of three pupils’ experiences:

Rosemary Kolawole (11L)

“During my work experience at ASDA, I found it quite an enjoyable experience because there were a lot of things to do, like stacking shelves, labelling food products and arranging items in order. It kept me very busy and made me realise that life in the real world is not easy at all. It also made me realise that I need to work harder to make sure I have a good paid job”.

Comfort Nwabia (11C)

“To begin with, I was very nervous. I didn’t know what to do and I always felt like I was in the way. However, my co-ordinator was very patient and friendly so I soon began to feel less out of place. Everyone was nice to me and helped me if I got stuck. I was encouraged to be more proactive in my approach to the work and was left to plan my day after being told what I could do.

I learnt a lot about the difference between the world of school and the world of work, I also learnt a lot about myself and how important organisational skills are. I can honestly say I will be putting all I learnt to good use.

I was invited to see a production of Pygmalion which I enjoyed. They even offered me a job front of house when I leave school. I really enjoyed it and would go back anytime if they asked me. I almost got to meet Kevin Spacey!”

Pauline Mustafa (11M)

“I was very lucky to have my work experience at Shell UK. I have a Shell Mentor who comes into school to meet with me every two weeks and she arranged my work experience for me.

I spent two weeks in various departments in Shell learning how the business was run and seeing all the different departments and how they all worked together.

I set up a database of Shell Pensioners (people who had worked for Shell and retired) and then invited them all to a function at the Science Museum. I was also invited because of all my hard work.

I learnt a lot of new skills, I am now more organised and can manage my time better so this will help me in my GCSEs”.

NOTRE DAME - An Aspiring Community

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SIXTH FORM

Notre Dame School firmly believes that a Catholic sixth form college provides the best education and opportunities for its students at the age of 16+. It can offer a far wider range of ‘A’ levels and other courses than a school sixth form and a better preparation for university or the world of work.

Students at Notre Dame School automatically transfer to St Francis Xavier Sixth Form College in Clapham if they so wish. The School has a special agreement with the College whereby its students are given priority of place there, and the majority of them transfer to the College each year.

Many of the students from St Francis Xavier College, including many former Notre Dame students, continue their education at university, including Oxford and Cambridge.

Students are also able to transfer to other sixth form colleges of further education if they so wish or to the sixth form of other schools. Christ the King Catholic Sixth Form College in Lewisham is the next most popular to St Francis Xavier’s.

LEAVERS DESTINATIONS - SUMMER 2007

SCHOOL TERM AND HOLIDAY DATES

2007 / 2008

Autumn Term Monday 3rd September 2007 - Friday 21st December 2007

Half-Term Monday 22nd October 2007 - Friday 26th October 2007

Spring Term Monday 7th January 2008 - Friday 4th April 2008

Half-Term Monday 18th February 2008 - Friday 22nd February 2008

Summer Term Monday 21st April 2008 - Wednesday 23rd July 2008

Half-Term Monday 26th May 2008 - Friday 30th May 2008

ATTENDANCE

In accordance with the DfES guidelines the following attendance figures were recorded at Notre Dame for the academic year 2005 – 2006.

Figures below relate to the period
5th September 2006 to 26th May 2007 Reported

Authorised absence figures include school trips, work experience, study leave and sickness.

Unauthorised absence figures rarely indicate truancy. They include unauthorised holidays and days when students have been kept at home to help a parent for no valid reason.

Charging

As a Voluntary-Aided Roman Catholic School, we are required to find 10% of the cost of all capital works in the school. The Government only funds 90% of the cost.

In order to help finance the 10%, the Governing Body of the school ask that a contribution of £25 per year is made by the parents or guardians of each pupil. This is collected at the beginning of the Autumn term.

We have looked at what other similar schools ask as a contribution from parents. All have been greater than £25, with one asking for £200 per year and one requesting £35 per month.

We feel, therefore, that £25 per year is a reasonable request.

NOTRE DAME - A Successful Community

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OFSTED 2008

HMI Ofsted inspected the school in June 2008 and graded it ‘An outstanding school’.

The following excerpts come from the Ofsted report.

“Academic achievement is excellent”.

“Across the school community relationships and attitudes are warm, caring and supportive”.

“Students really enjoy everything that the school has to offer”.

“The systems to care, support and guide students are outstanding”.

“Students feel safe in school”.

“The school is a community that really does have the student’s best interests at heart”.

“The school ensures the exemplary personal development of confident, articulate young women who also achieve academic excellence”.

“Exceptional leadership of the headteacher”.

“Students make outstanding progress during their time at the school”.

“Academic excellence is underpinned by exceptional personal development”.

“There is little bullying because they look out for each other”.

“Students make an outstanding contribution to the school and community”.

“The school provides excellent value for money”.

A Letter from the Head Girl

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Dear Sr. Anne Marie

Year eleven and ultimately the GCSE examinations marked the end of the road on our school journey. Not for one moment did I believe that my time here at Notre Dame would pass by so quickly. It seemed so far off in the more carefree days of year seven, but now looking back on my journey I realize that it was inevitable; all good things must come to an end.

I can recall being in the position where I had to make one of the most important decisions of my life some five years ago, that of choosing my secondary school. I can honestly say, hand on heart, that my choice to come to Notre Dame was arguably one of the best decisions I shall ever make in my life. Upon hearing the inspirational words of your speech at the open session and also from experiencing the unquestionable working environment, I immediately felt that I would belong at Notre Dame.

Receiving my acceptance letter into Notre Dame brought me great happiness. This letter was my passport to a destination called success. Notre Dame has helped its pupils immensely by instilling into us not only working but also moral and spiritual values. Notre Dame has not just been a school operating from nine to five; rather it has been a close-knit family, where everybody has a special part to play. The community of Notre Dame is strengthened and united through being Catholic. The masses, services and various events throughout the year are great opportunities in allowing everybody to collectively worship. I shall always remember the annual St. Julie’s Day (a day in remembrance of the foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame). This day included a range of interesting – and often fun – means of fundraising. One of the greatest honours bestowed upon me during my time at Notre Dame was to become a Eucharistic minister and I would like to thank the school for providing me with such experiences, which I would not otherwise have had.

Words cannot describe the extent to which I have enjoyed my time spent at Notre Dame. I happily woke up each weekday morning with the knowledge that no two days at Notre Dame are ever the same; each day is full of exciting and beneficial experiences. Notre Dame has truly changed my life. Admittedly, there have been both highs and lows throughout my time at Notre Dame, but the highs have heavily outweighed the lows and certain problems which occurred have only helped us to become stronger people. I, along with my fellow year eleven pupils have fulfilled all that the mission statement outlines. For we are confident Christian women, who can think for ourselves and can play a full and responsible part in a changing and multicultural society.

So much knowledge and so many happy memories have been shared by all in the Notre Dame community, never to be forgotten. The class of 2008 will always remain part of Notre Dame’s legacy, which has a global connection. I would like to thank all at Notre Dame, on behalf of the class of 2008, for all their help and support, for without them we would not have been able to achieve such high standards.

The dedication and support of all the teachers has been invaluable and we shall never forget how helpful they have been. From the bottom of my heart, I would like to truly thank you Sister for running an outstanding school, which has and I am sure will always continue to transform young girls of eleven into mature and competent young ladies, who have been exposed to a endless range of opportunities and exciting experiences.

I advise future Notre Dame students to truly become a part of the community by exploiting the wide variety of clubs, trips and activities available to you. As I reminisce over my time at Notre Dame, I treasure every moment which I have spent here and I shall hold these fond memories in my heart for the rest of my life. Whilst I am sad to leave what has become my second home over the past five years, I feel confident to face the challenges which lie ahead of me in life; knowing that Notre Dame has prepared my academically and spiritually for whatever the future may bring.

I am sure that when I open my GCSE results, as I did my acceptance letter into Notre Dame, I shall move another step closer to that destination, known as success. All who leave Notre Dame, whatever direction they wish to move in, will carry with them a wealth of knowledge and experience, both academic and spiritual

Kimberley Allen Philbey Head Girl 2007-2008

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When Kimberley opened her GCSE results, she discovered that she had achieved:

English Language A*
English Literature A*
French A*
History A*
Religious Studies A*
Science Core A*
Science Additional A*
Spanish A*
Mathematics A
Music A
IT short course A

GOVERNORS’ FUND

As a Voluntary-Aided Roman Catholic School, we are required to find 10% of the cost of all capital works in the school. The Government only funds 90% of the cost.

In order to help finance the 10%, the Governing Body of the School ask that a contribution of £25 per year is made by the parents or guardians of each student. This is collected at the beginning of the autumn term.

We have looked at what other similar schools ask as a contribution from parents. All have been greater than £25, with one asking for £200 per year and one requesting £35 per month.

We feel, therefore, that £25 per year is a reasonable request.

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