Description
St Leonard's RC School is a State Secondary school for kids aged 11 to 18 (Gender - Mixed )
St Leonard's Catholic School is a coeducational Roman Catholic secondary school and sixth form. It is located in Durham, County Durham, England. The school was founded in 1936 as the St Leonard's Catholic Central School in the former Springwell Hall, a coalmine owner's house acquired in 1935 by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle.During the era of the tripartite system, the school became a secondary modern and turned comprehensive in 1970 when the system was abolished by the LEA. The sixth form was opened that same year. During the last full Ofsted Inspection in 2007 the school was given an overall rating of good
Facilities
Years 7-9
All pupils are encouraged to stretch themselves academically at key stage 3 with a broad and balanced curriculum in Years 7 to 9 providing the foundation for two possible pathways in Years 10 and 11.Programmes of study in English, Maths, Science, Computing, Modern Foreign Languages and the Humanities cover the National Curriculum with an emphasis on the depth necessary to provide firm foundations for further study at GCSE and beyond.Music and Art provide artistic and creative elements in Years 7 to 9 with courses available for continuation at GCSE and A level. Similarly core PE leads to options at Key Stage 4 and in Sixth Form. These subjects provide considerable “extra-curricular” opportunities for pupils throughout the school.The history of the school as a Technology College reflects the importance attached to providing pupils with practical and technical skills and knowledge. A varied experience of Food, Textiles, Product Design and Systems & Control throughout key stage 3, leads to several options at GCSE and A level. We recognise both the creative value of these subjects and their role in equipping pupils for life.
Years 10-11
A high proportion of pupils aspire to university education at competitive institutions on competitive courses. With this in mind they offer two languages at in key stage 3 and at GCSE level provide for a significant proportion to take the subjects now categorised within the English Baccalaureate. This has long been the case in the school and is a recognition of the needs of the pupils rather than a response to government educational policy. All pupils are expected to study both English and English Literature, Triple Science has a considerable take-up, and pupils are able to study two languages.About one fifth of pupils in Years 10 and 11 follow a curriculum which combines core academic subjects with some vocational or applied courses; the balance of these reflecting the needs and aspirations of the pupils. These courses currently include Digital Media, Travel & Tourism, ICT and Health & Social Care. Provision is also made for a small number to receive additional teaching in the basics while studying a slightly reduced number of examined courses.
The Sixth Form
Students in Years 12 and 13 may choose from 23 A Level courses and 3 vocational courses with the possibility of combining academic and vocational courses. The large majority go on to university courses so attention is paid to preparation for this through the Sixth Form pastoral programme. A significant number also go on to work or apprenticeships, guided and supported by school staff. Careers advice and guidance are readily available for all students through the pastoral staff and designated Careers staff, along with the substantial resources in the Sixth Form Library.
Features
Things to note
Educational Visits
St Leonard’s Catholic School is proud of the variety of trips and activities which are offered to all pupils. School wants to provide this wide-ranging variety of experiences as fairly as possible while at the same time recognising limitations. Sometimes the demand for places on such trips may exceed the number of places available.The school is committed to Equality of Opportunity for all school trips. This means that initially priority would be given to pupils who have not been on a previous school visit. After this consideration would be given to pupils who would not necessarily have the chance for such a visit outside of school. After this, pupils would be chosen randomly to allocate places. They keep in close contact with parents when difficult decisions need to be made.
Music & The Arts
In a Catholic comprehensive school that encourages excellence for all and in all, Music and the Arts are essential to the pupils’ academic, spiritual and emotional development. There is a very strong musical tradition at St Leonard’s and the department is housed in a purpose built area with a recording studio and practice rooms. There are numerous ensembles and choirs in which pupils are encouraged to participate. Every pupil is also encouraged to perform in the regular formal and informal concerts that are held during the year.
Sport & Enrichment
St Leonard’s is committed to the formation of the whole person. The school offers opportunities for the students to participate in a wider range of sport and other activities but it is perhaps best known for its strength on the water in rowing.All levels of ability are catered for and everyone is encouraged to participate. All clubs and societies help to enrich the activities on offer, while opportunities such as the Duke of Edinburgh help to form lasting friendships and develop life-long skills.
Extra Curricular
Please check the school website link for details.
0.07 miles
