School Prospectus 2021

Mount St Mary’s

Catholic High School

Educating The Individual For The Benefit Of All

Prospectus Over 160 years of Catholic Education

Founded in 1853 Section 48 Inspection, 2019

www.mountstmarys.org

Mount St Mary’s - Stronger Together

“...staff deliver learning that helps pupils...This is all

strengthened by the school’s vision to help children become

confident and resilient young adults.” Ofsted Inspection, 2019

Founded in 1853 Note from the Headteacher

www.mountstmarys.org The mission of all at Mount St Mary’s is to ensure
individual progress and achievement, coupled with
significant personal growth. This means li�le unless we
provide extensive opportuni�es for the development of
the whole individual and secure successful progression
routes beyond our gates. The young people moving on
from their experiences here are work-ready and fully
prepared to contribute their skills and knowledge for
the benefit of the wider community.

The school promotes students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development
and students respect and take good care of one another.

Welcome to Blending a long and dis�nguished history with being at the forefront of
educa�onal and technological developments is no mean feat, but one we strive
Mount St Mary’s for at every turn.

Catholic High School Our success depends upon fantas�c teamwork between individual students,
their parents, carers and our staff. We believe that by working in the true
Our Mission spirit of our faith and partnership we are ‘stronger together’, providing every
individual with the best possible educa�on and con�nue to hold this at the core
The community of of all that we do.
Mount St Mary’s is called
to develop the full potential The way in which our staff and students live our school mo�o “Quid Retribuam”
of each person - spiritually, – “How can I repay the Lord for his goodness to me”, through con�nuously giving
academically, socially and of themselves for the benefit of our students, is truly humbling. I am intensely
physically - and to create proud of the work done and this is only be�ered by the sa�sfac�on gained
a safe, happy and caring through engaging with our students. Their enthusiasm, confidence and
school. determina�on to succeed is fantas�c to behold. I look forward to welcoming
new applicants and their families to Mount St Mary’s and trust you will be keen
and able to join and contribute to our vibrant community.

Mark Cooper

“There is a strong sense of Student feedback, 2017
community and both pupils
and staff look a�er and “We were taught to make
respect each other God the centre of our lives;
extremely well.” encouraged to develop to the
full our intellect and gi�s;
Ofsted Inspec�on 2019 urged not to take ourselves
too seriously - but above all
Mount St Mary’s is a Catholic School. to try, one day, to give
something in return”
The words of our School Prayer, shared every day across Maureen Fagan, former
the whole school as part of our Collec�ve Worship, echo student 1947-54
our desire to choose God’s Way, carrying our Cross,
living in faith, and fulfilling our commitment in faith by
taking Christ’s hand and walking with him.

Here I am Lord,
standing at the crossroads of my
life,
The �me has come for me to
choose the road which leads to
you.
I hesitate for fear of what lies
ahead of me,
for I am much afraid of the
unknown.
Take my hand in yours and walk
with me
for the road is long and there are
no shortcuts.
I place myself into your hands.
You know the Way.
You are the Way.
Amen

WE ARE GETTING READY

All students work on their 5 year plan to be READY to
achieve whatever they put their mind to:

- by being RESILIENT - trying again and again.
- by being RESPECTFUL.
- by being RESPONSIBLE and making sure we do our best.
- and taking the opportunity to give something back -

RETRIBUAM!

MOUNT ST MARY’S CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

MSM Aspire - Student Leadership

Head Boy and Head Girl
Overall leaders of students

Prefects

led by Head Boy and Girl
Mentor students in a range of areas
Lead the Young Leaders and quality assure their delivery

Young Leaders

Support Events, break and lunch duƟes
Plan, Deliver & Review sessions with students

All Students

House Captains/ Student Council
Leadership Roles in RegistraƟon, PSHCE, Assemblies and Year Group challenges

Lead Learning in lessons, supporƟng delivery and understanding of students

Our ASPIRE programme runs from Year 7 to Year 11 and is aimed at ge�ng
students ready for life beyond Mount St Mary’s. The intent of this
programme is to develop students who can create, adapt and lead change,
alongside challenging inequality and celebra�ng diversity across society.

The programme includes work students do within PSHCE, registra�on
and assemblies, student leadership at all levels, enrichment and
engagement ac�vi�es and work with a range of external
partners.

ASPIRE is designed to support the culture within
school that engages and enriches students’
lives and their experiences. It should support
them in crea�ng a career pathway from
Year 6 onwards. Allowing them to present
a range of evidence showing what they
can contribute posi�vely to the school
community and society beyond Mount St
Mary’s

“The personal development of pupils
is strong in the school.”

Ofsted Inspec�on 2019

OUR CURRICULUM Awakening the Angel

Our curriculum provides the
highest quality of learning
experiences so that every
student can build on their
founda�ons, develop their
understanding, become
secure in their applica�on
and master the key concepts. We create opportuni�es where
all students can harness their full poten�al both in and out of
the classroom. We ignite the spark so all students have the
opportunity to exceed expecta�ons and become meaningful,
ac�ve and valued ci�zens truely shaping society. We educate
the individual for the benefit of all.

CURRICULUM INTENT Students visit the CERN
Hadron Collider
Our curriculum is ambi�ous in encompassing all aspects of learning,
and is tailored to our individual students’ needs. Our curriculum is
made up of a broad range of appropriate academic and voca�onal
qualifica�ons, extra-curricular programmes, pedagogy, life skills and
character educa�on, allowing our students to have high aspira�ons
and skills for life a�er Mount St Mary’s. We support our curriculum
through our outstanding Catholic life and link all aspects of
development to give our students the resilience, knowledge and
cultural capital they need to succeed in life. Every student has access
to personalised support that allows them frequent opportuni�es to
achieve their true poten�al.

The curriculum gives equality of opportunity to all students. We
build the best possible experience for each student from using
key stage 2 outcomes; CAT scores; pathway success criteria;
student voice and aspira�ons; a�endance data; pass tes�ng;
local employment need; the poli�cal landscape and the
na�onal policy context. At our heart are individual student
choice, parental communica�on and support.

We seek to provide as many opportuni�es as we can for
students to demonstrate the best possible version of
themselves.

“Teachers make sure that pupils know how well they

are doing.” Ofsted Inspec�on, 2019

WELL Results 2021
DONE
CLASS OF We are again extremely proud of our
2021! students receiving exam results this year.
A�er a year of adversity and uncertainty they
GSAL Alumni have adapted and shown determina�on,
resilience and a commitment to their
Mount St Mary’s Mount St Mary’s learning.
Catholic High School Catholic High School
Standards have improved across 5 years,
EDITH MACIEJ where we see an average full grades
BRIGHTWELL FILICHA improvement, meaning that more
students are leaving with a strong
Left Mount St Mary’s in 2019 with 10 GCSEs Left Mount St Mary’s in 2019 with 11 GCSEs pass in most qualifica�ons.
Grade 5 and above 4 of these were grade 8
We recognise and celebrate the
Went to GSAL and left with Went to GSAL and left with individual successes of all our
A - Biology A - Maths students but a par�cular
B - Biology well done to Avital Anoff who
A - Psychology achieved the highest grade 9 in all
- A* - Sociology - C - Chemistry her qualifica�ons. Also
congratula�ons to Saba Medane
Going on to Plymouth University Going on to University of Leeds who made the most progress
to study Clinical Psychology to study Neuroscience during her �me at Mount St
Mary’s, doubling what was
www.mountstmarys.org www.mountstmarys.org expected of her based on her
[email protected] [email protected] prior a�ainment.

Mount St Mary’s Mount St Mary’s “Leaders at all levels want pupils
Catholic High School Catholic High School from all backgrounds to do
really well. They have high
KRISTOPHER MICHAL expecta�ons for them all.”
CORREYA WICIAK
Ofsted Inspec�on, 2019
Left Mount St Mary’s in 2019 with 10 GCSEs Left Mount St Mary’s in 2019 with 11 GCSEs
Grade 5 - 9 5 of these were grade 9 Mount St Mary’s
Catholic High School
Went to GSAL and left with Went to GSAL and left with
A - Economics A* - Economics BENEDICTE
A - Maths A - Maths BOLINGO

- B - Physics - A - Computing Left Mount St Mary’s in 2019 with 10 GCSEs
Grade 4 and above
Going on to York University Going on to University of Leeds
to study Economics to study Computer Science Went to GSAL and left with
A*- English language

A - Government and politics
- B - Sociology

Going on to Manchester University
to study Politics and international relations

www.mountstmarys.org www.mountstmarys.org www.mountstmarys.org
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

House System

Every single student and member of sta is allocated to one of
the four Houses at MSM. Each House is named after one of the
sainted Gospel writers: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The
House system is designed to encourage sta and students to
come together in friendly competition to work on projects that will bene t the
school community, as well as engage our support for other groups beyond our
own front door.
Over the course of the year there are three main
events on the MSM House calendar:
Christmas Smackdown, Academic Smackdown and
Sports Day. In addition, the House system also
supports and fundraises for several charity events
both in and outside of the school. An annual
highlight is supporting the Student Advocate
team in collecting donations to create Christmas
hampers for those in our community in need.

Our Christmas Smackdown is the rst opportunity for our
youngest students to get involved and celebrate in their school
Houses. The event on the nal day of term is a showcase of
entertainment provided by sta and student House captains.
Events such as carol singing, novelty Christmas challenges and
the house Lip Sync Battle combine to see one house awarded the
title of House champions.
The Academic Smackdown takes place later in the year and sees each House
compete in a live action quiz in various subject rounds to crown the Academic
Smackdown champions.

The House system is closely linked to the MSM school motto:
‘Quid Retribuam’ - How can I repay the Lord? The idea being that we all have something to o er

and that we should use our gifts and talents to work together in support of each other.

“MSM is a joyful place and “Every House has a
has an authen�c mission designated chaplaincy team
which is well illustrated by which works to deliver
its mo�o, “Quid Retribuam” charitable events...
such events help students
Section 48 Inspection, 2019 strengthen their faith and
provide opportuni�es for
personal growth”

Section 48 Inspection, 2019

Enrichment

We encourage students to take part in a wide range of
ac�vi�es outside of the classroom. Before school we have
a breakfast club and cyber cafe. The Library is always open
for study and regularly organises special events.
All subject departments support the students in their
learning at key points in the year, over and above their
normal lessons. We want our students to be fit and
healthy. We have a fully equipped sports hall with a dance
studio and gym facili�es. We also have netball and
basketball courts and a playing field on site. Our students
have been chosen to represent Leeds, Yorkshire and
England at rugby league, football, tennis and boxing. MSM
students enjoy many opportuni�es to travel to London and
around Europe to places of cultural and historical interest. Outdoor pursuits, deba�ng compe��ons,
field trips, language days, business enterprise challenges, arts and cra� events and charitable events -
take your pick!

“Pupils really like to a�end Mount St
Mary’s school. They say that they feel
safe and they are safe.”

Ofsted Inspec�on, 2019

Ofsted Inspection, 2017

“Lessons are delivered in an
environment which is bright,
well resourced and conducive to
learning with displays that
support learning.”

Section 48 Inspection, 2019

Extra-Curricular “The best thing about
Opportunities Mount St Mary’s is the
extra curricular ac�vi�es,
Mount St Mary’s offers students the especially the PE
opportunity to experience a variety of department.”
Extra Curricular ac�vi�es. From the
annual school show to the Leeds Catholic Life
School cup final, our students can
access a diverse selec�on of The Catholic Mission is to live out
ac�vi�es at break, lunch �mes the teachings of Christ throughout
and a�er school. our lives in everything we do,
sharing the Gospel teaching in our
thoughts, our words, and our
ac�ons.

Make A Difference Jesus’ final commandment was to
“Love one another. As I have loved
We at Mount St Mary’s believe that our faith is at the core of you, so you must love one another.
everything we think, say or do. St James wrote to the early If you have love for one another,
Chris�ans… then everyone will know that you
are my disciples.”

“My friends, what good is it for one of you to say that you have Student feedback, 2017
faith if your ac�ons do not prove it? Can that faith save you?
Suppose there are brothers or sisters who need clothes and don't
have enough to eat. What good is there in your saying to them,
“God bless you! Keep warm and eat well!”—if you don't give them
the necessi�es of life? So it is with faith: if it is alone and includes
no ac�ons, then it is dead. But someone will say, “One person has
faith, another has ac�ons.” My answer is, “Show me how anyone
can have faith without ac�ons. I will show you my faith by my
ac�ons.”

Our School Mo�o QUID RETRIBUAM translates as “How can I repay the Lord for his goodness to me.”
The en�re school community of Mount St Mary’s believe that we have a duty to “Give Back” every day.
We believe that we can Make a Difference, and are dedicated in demonstra�ng our faith through our
kind thoughts, words and, most importantly, our ac�ons.

We believe that all children
are created in the image
and likeness of God

Our mission is to develop the full poten�al of each and “The school has a caring ethos that
every child in our care, be that spiritually, academically, underpins everything is does, from
socially or physically. Our aim is that students experience safeguarding to pupils’ personal
good or outstanding teaching, which is focussed on their development.”
talents and areas of personal development. No child is
limited or le� behind at Mount St Mary’s, where we strive Ofsted Inspec�on, 2019
always for a fully integrated and inclusive learning
community.

Alongside the work of dedicated and highly skilled teaching
staff, we have a network of Student Advocates who work
with students to get the most out of their learning. This is
all underpinned with a first rate pastoral system, the
founda�on of which is the Form Tutor and Year Leader who
remain with the same form group from Year 7 un�l Year 11.

Where are they now?

Mount St Mary’s Mount St Mary’s Mount St Mary’s Mount St Mary’s
Catholic High School Catholic High School Catholic High School Catholic High School

POPPY FINLAY TYRA SOLOMON
HOWARD FERGUSON LEWIS AKHIGBE

100% Attendance in year 10 and 11 100% Attendance in year 11 100% Attendance in year 10 and 11 100% Attendance in year 10 and 11

Left Mount St Mary’s in 2016 with 12 GCSEs A*-C Left Mount St Mary’s in 2016 with 12 GCSEs A*-C Left Mount St Mary’s in 2016 with 9 GCSEs A*-C Left Mount St Mary’s in 2016 with 10 GCSEs A*-C
6 of those were A*s 3 of those were A*s
Went to Notre Dame to study Geography and
Went to Notre Dame to study Business, Economics, Went to Notre Dame to study History, Went to Notre -Dame to study health and social care -BTEC applied Science.
- Maths and Politics. - Maths and Politics. psychology and sociology
Now Studying Biological Sciences -
Now Studying Economics at Durham University Now Studying British Politics at Hull University Now Studying Nursing at Salford University Neuroscience at Leicester University
Top 10 University in the UK with an option to do a placement in
Westminster

www.mountstmarys.org www.mountstmarys.org www.mountstmarys.org www.mountstmarys.org
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

SAFEGUAR MSM is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its students.
MSM DING We believe all staff, volunteers and visitors have an important role to play in child
protection. The school is committed to fulfilling local and national responsibilities as
outlined in the school’s Child Protection Policy, available on the website.

We are committed to inclusion and believe that all students are entitled to access a
broad, balanced, and relevant curriculum in a safe and healthy environment, whatever
their individual needs. We identify and respond to students’ diverse and individual needs and work in partnership
with outside agencies and other schools. The School’s SEND Policy follows the SEND code of Practice.

Admissions Want to visit?
“How do I apply” Want to know more?

Parents must register their secondary school Give Mrs Campleman
preferences on line with the educa�on a call on 0113 245 5248
authority between 1 August and 31 October and she will be glad to
by going to www.leeds.gov.uk/admissions. help!

Please also complete the Mount St Mary’s
supplementary informa�on form (SIF). If
your child a�ends one of the primary feeder
schools you can either send the SIF to that
school or send it to Mount St Mary’s
Catholic High School, Ellerby Road, Leeds
LS9 8LA by 31 October.

Moving in ... “The Young Leader scheme and
Moving on... Prefect system embedded at
school provide ideal
The transi�on into high school is both exci�ng and, opportuni�es for students to
understandably, daun�ng for both students and parents. In develop leadership skills. Highly
order to make this transi�on as smooth as possible we offer a successful Year 9 interviews as
package of events to students and parents including Year 5 part of this process were
and Year 6 Taster Days, representa�ves from Mount St Mary’s observed. Students are polite,
at Year 6 Parents’ Evenings, Year 6 Transi�on Day in school confident and respec�ul in the
and an evening event in July before they join us in September. way they treat each other and
This all culminates in our Year 7 Welcome Mass during their interact with staff and visitors.
first September with us at Mount St Mary’s. Those spoken to were highly
ar�culate and proud of their
school and their personal
accomplishments”

SeSce�co�non4848InIsnpsepce�co�no,n2, 0210919

“Inspectors agreed with pupils
and staff that their leaders give
good advice and look a�er them”

Ofsted Inspec�on, 2019