Sixty-five pupils from Catholic primary schools in Harrogate, Knaresborough, Wetherby, Bishop Thornton and Tadcaster are taking part in a new Young Gifted and Talented scheme at St John Fisher Catholic High School in Harrogate. The initiative was launched in January specifically to support the academic needs of Year 5 and 6 children identified as gifted and talented by Head Teachers of the primaries. The 10-week, after-school courses are tutored by St John Fisher’s heads of departments and subject specialists.

The primary school children have been enjoying a series of workshops include English, Maths, Science and Art. With workshops full across the board, St John Fisher is already planning a summer programme that includes additional subjects such as French, web design, PE, dance, singing, brass and music composition. Courses cost around £4/child per session.

Courses for all primaries in the summer
Darren Roberts, who is coordinating the courses, says. “The scheme has been so popular, we have extended the number of subjects in the summer programme, so that more ‘more able’ primary year 5 and 6 pupils for more schools can benefit. We are working closely with school G&T Coordinators to identify those most suitable and some of the summer workshops are already full!”

St John Fisher Headteacher Paul Jackson, a maths specialist who is tutoring one of the mathematics groups, explains, “Providing specialist tuition to support our colleagues in associated primaries ensures that the primary curriculum meets the needs of all learners. Children who have been identified as gifted and talented often enjoy being stretched academically, but primary schools are not always able to provide resources in specialist subjects.  We piloted the scheme with our associated primaries, but are now pleased to be able to offer it to primary school children from all local schools.”

For more details, please contact Darren Roberts on 01423 818451 or droberts@sjfchs.org.uk

One thousand, four hundred St John Fisher Catholic High School students will take to the roads around Harrogate on 29^th March to raise money for the school’s brand new fitness suite. The purpose-built facility, which is expected to cost in the region of £150K, will include a dedicated GCSE and A level PE and Sports Science classroom and a fully equipped fitness suite that can be used by all students.

All St John Fisher students* aged from 11-18 will take part in the ten mile sponsored walk, which will take place during school hours. The route will be confirmed shortly. Although the walk will be marshalled by volunteers and supported by the police, organisers Liz Crichton and Sarah Nightingale are urging motorists to take extra care along the roads between 9am and 4pm.

“The aim of the day is to have a great community experience, but also to raise money to enhance our sports offering,” say Mrs Crichton and Mrs Nightingale. “The mezzanine floor in the sports hall, which is currently being used only for table tennis and storage, will be transformed into a top class sports facility that everyone can enjoy.”

“St John Fisher has a tremendous reputation for success in sports, with football, gymnastic, athletic, cricket and racket sports teams consistently achieving high levels in regional and national competitions. Building a fitness suite reflects our commitment to providing a holistic and stimulating education; empowering students with the opportunity to progress academically, physically and spiritually.”

The school will cover the £120K building costs using a combination of its capital grant and a development fund that is supported by parental donations. The cost of the fitness equipment will be met by the school budget, the St John Fisher Association and fundraising. It is hoped that the sponsored walk will raise half the revenue required for the equipment, and some of the money raised will support charities.

The school is hoping for additional sponsorship from local companies and sports equipment manufacturers. Anyone who can help out should contact Mrs Crichton or Mrs Nightingale on 01423 881056 or office@sjfchs.org.uk.

A letter requesting parental consent has been sent home with each student. Additional forms can be downloaded here.

• subject to parental approval

The proposed fitness suite, which will be on the mezzanine floor of the sports hall

Y8 table tennis champs!

Four Year 8 students from St John Fisher have won the North of England Finals of the English Schools Table Tennis Championship, placing them in the semi-finals of the national competition in May.

Winning the Northern Finals positions the St John Fisher team within the top 16 school table tennis teams in the country. “It’s a great achievement to get this far, and we are very excited to be through the next level,” said the boys.

“We are very proud of the boys, and wish them the best of luck in the next heat,” says Aidan Pass, Head of PE. “Table tennis is just one of the sports in which students excel at St John Fisher. The school is committed to providing opportunities in all types of sport and many of our teams are renowned for their success at regional and national level. Table tennis is a great team sport and under the direction of Mr Mills, the boys have been practising hard to get up the required level. The whole school is taking part on a sponsored walk on 29^th March to raise money for a brand new fitness suite, which will further enhance our physical training facilities. We are all looking forward to it.”

Pictured: L-R: Sebastian Hodkinson, George Gibson, Tom Bouchard, Hugo Holland

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The whole school will be taking part in a sponsored walk on Thursday 29th March 2012.

Further details will be sent out to parents over the coming weeks.

 Click here to view the initial letter and parental consent form that was given to pupils on Friday 20th January.