The history, culture and ethos of our school is embedded in the fabric of our community. The Sisters of the Holy Cross established the school in 1931 with the clear aim of creating:

‘…a happy family environment in which all may grow: In faith, hope and love for God, in love and respect for one another and the world around us, in learning and wisdom so they may live life to the full and joyfully share this life with others, especially those that are in any way disadvantaged.’

School Mission Statement

Our mission today is built upon this distinctive ethos and is delivered through a curriculum (the curriculum is the ‘lived daily experience of young people in and out of the classroom’ Dylan William (2014) which is:

• Ambitious for all students
• Balanced in the breadth of subjects taught
• Rigorous in the disciplines taught
• Coherent within and across subjects
• Vertically integrated to promote progress over time
• Appropriate for the stage of students’ learning
• Focused in its choice of content

‘For we are God’s handiwork created in Christ Jesus to do good work.’

Ephesians 2:10

The curriculum will be delivered in an engaging, inspiring and supportive manner which will enable each individual student regardless of background or prior attainment to achieve their full potential. This requires the curriculum to meet and adapt to the needs of the 21st century and be refined to engage each individual student.

The curriculum will provide strong foundations of knowledge, skills and a depth of cultural capital which will enable each student to navigate the complexities of the 21century and flourish in both their professional and personal development. Technology will be utilised to support learning and provide the expertise and skills required in an ever-changing employment landscape.

The opportunities provided through the curriculum will enable each student to develop their sense of self worth whilst being aware of the needs of others. The cultural ethos of the school will pervade all aspects of the curriculum to ensure that each student has the opportunity to develop their own moral compass based on the foundations of our Catholic ethos.

‘You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put in under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way let your light shine before others…’

Matthew 5:14-16

Implementation

The school will implement its curriculum intent through:

Staffing

• Recruiting and retaining the highest calibre of teaching and non-teaching staff.
• Ensuring a culture of continuous professional development personalised to each member of staff so that Holy Cross is a stimulating, challenging, supportive working environment where staff members are valued for the variety of talents they bring and share with the whole learning community.
• Staff will have significant professional autonomy to ensure the rate of student progress is exceptional and their work life balance is creative and sustainable.

Environment

• The school will have the highest aspirations for each student regardless of background or prior attainment.
• These aspirations will not only be for academic attainment, but for engagement and involvement in the school and wider community.
• Expectations for the highest level of self-disciplined behaviour will pervade all aspects of the school, ensuring a climate of calm purposeful learning is available across all curriculum areas within the school.
• The physical environment will support a creative learning culture.

Curriculum

• The curriculum will be broad, balanced and economically viable, providing secure foundations for each individual student to develop and thrive and have the skill to acquire high quality, meaningful long term employment.

‘I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.’

John 10:10

• This will be achieved through a carefully planned, sequenced curriculum which is meaningful and relevant, enabling students to remember content in the long term and integrate new knowledge into larger concepts.
• Careers advice and pastoral guidance will support students in their curriculum decision making.
• Appropriate technology will be utilised to engage and inspire, providing relevant skills to support students to be inquisitive lifelong learners.
• Feedback in all its various forms will ensure students are clear about how to improve and create a secure personalised framework for rapid progress.

Curriculum Impact

‘Each of you should use whatever gifts you have received to serve others.’

Peter 4:10-11

A Holy Cross student will be curious about the world around her and be inspired to be a lifelong learner. Her experiences at Holy Cross will have instilled a love of learning and a confidence to extend her horizons. She will have developed the knowledge, skills and resilience to navigate a changing employment landscape and be confident to work as an individual, team member or leader. Her skills and qualifications will ensure she has the potential and resolve to contribute to the local/national and international community. She will have a strong moral compass based on our Christian values which will provide a pathway for her talents to be utilised to create a fairer and more egalitarian society.