Westminster Diocese Education Service

Bulletin 7/97

10 December, 1997.

To Chairman of Governing Bodies and Headteachers of Roman Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Westminster.

NB Items marked * do not apply to independent schools.

Dear Colleague,

A Guide to New RE Resources: Living Witness.

Living Witness is a one hour video which tells the stories of seven young priests working in some of the most challenging pastoral situations in Britain today.

The seven sacraments, which lie at the heart of the Catholic faith are explained within the lives of these priests.

Designed specifically for schools and RE departments (mainly Key Stages 3 and 4, but also appropriate for the end of Key Stage 2) this documentary style video is divided into 7 x 8 minute sections.

The teacher's resource pack features the following:
seven, eight minute video modules
14 hour-long lesson plans (2 Hours per module)
photocopy worksheets
Information guide providing invaluable background material
Detailed teachers' glossary.

A leaflet is enclosed with this bulletin. (Further enquiries to Fr. Jim Curry, Promoter of Vocations, tel 0171 798 9033)

Deputy Primary Heads Conference

The theme of the conference this year is Developing our Celebrating Community. It starts at 9.30am on Tuesday 3th February 1998 and ends at 3.30 on Wednesday 4th February 1998. An envelope addressed to the Deputy Primary Head is enclosed in this mailing (to primary schools) which encloses an application form, a draft timetable and a covering letter. The deadline for applications is Monday 26th January 1998. (For further details contact Anthony Clark on 0171 798 9006.)

Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS) Study Day

The next study day for the CCRS is on The Sacraments on Saturday 17th January 1998 at Vaughan House. The day begins at 10am, ending 4pm. The subsequent module is on Morality on Saturday 9th May 1998. It costs £15.00 for a module but £6.50 for the day only. Registration is possible on the day but booking in advance is preferable. (Contact Moira Wilson on 0171 798 9006 for further details and booking form.)

General Directory for Catechesis

The new General Directory for Catechesis from the Congregation for the Clergy was published by the CTS on Thursday 21st November. The document is important in both the parish and school context. The Education Service will develop different ways to approach and use it in the various contexts. A first comment is that its acronym is GDC whereas for the 1971 General Catechetical Directory it was GCD. (It costs £10.99 and is available from the CTS 0171 834 4392.

Catholic Central Library

In August this year the Library, now under new management, moved to new premises in Lancing Street, near Euston Station. Its collection of books is both Catholic and ecumenical, and a great resource for adults taking degree/diploma courses in theology, religious studies and spirituality, sixth-formers taking 'A' Level theology, and a source of information and inspiration in many areas of Catholic life. For the moment the Library is benefiting by receiving help from trust funds, but its long-term future depends upon securing a steady income from subscribers:- individuals, parishes, religious houses and schools. (For further information phone 0171 383 4333.)

Education Sunday

The date of Education Sunday next year is Sunday 8th February 1998. Its theme is 'Timeless Stories - Parable and Proverbs - Myths or Memories". Everyday stories for all people.' It would be good if parishes and schools put a note in their diary to plan something in the week starting Monday 2nd February 1998 in preparation for it. The CES will be sending out material to all schools in preparation for it.

The agreed 'ecumenical' paragraphs describing next year's theme are:-

Stories are a powerful influence on culture and society. Favourite stories are retold and enjoyed by people of all ages and faiths; they are remembered, and used, throughout a life-time.

The Bible is packed with dramatic stories which address all the major issues of human life and experience. From the stories of Adam and Eve to the Revelation of St John, the Bible offers timeless wisdom to the people of today's world.

Successful teachers have always recognised the value of a well-told story. Jesus was the supreme story-teller, using stories to press home his life-giving message of hope and love. The life-story of Jesus is central to the Christian faith; it inspires and informs the life-story of every Christian.

(For further details contact Anthony Clark on 0171 798 9006.)

SPEC Mission Team

The Mission Tam provided by the youth services at SPEC Centre consists of young volunteers, trained in peer ministry and education. They are experienced in devising tailor-made programmes utilising the resources within the community. A leaflet is enclosed. (For futher details contact Sheila Martinez on 01727 829210.)

Deputy Primary Heads Conference

The theme of the conference this year is Developing our Celebrating Community. It starts at 9.30am on Tuesday 3 February 1998 and ends at 3.30 on Wednesday 4 February 1998. An envelope addressed to the Deputy Primary Head is enclosed with this bulletin (to primary schools) which encloses an application form, a draft timetable and a covering letter. The deadline for applications is Monday 26 January 1998. (For further details contact Anthony Clark on 0171 798 9006.)

Teacher Capability Procedures (Revised 1998) *

Early this year, the Government invited the National Employers' Organisation for School Teachers, (NEOST), to establish a working group consisting of LEA representatives, the teacher unions, a governors association and representatives of the two principal Churches whose remit was to produce an outline capability procedure for all teachers and headteachers. Under the chairmanship of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) the working group produced such an outline by the ministerial deadline of 7 October, 1997 and the recommendations of the working group were deemed broadly acceptable to the Government.

In the case of Catholic schools, the Government acknowledges that most such schools invariably adopt the CES model procedures. They now require revision, and the deadlines for adoption of the revised model are as follows:

(a) Revised model to be sent to schools by no later than the end of January 1998;

(b) Governing bodies to adopt revised procedures by no later than the end of the Summer Term, 1998;

(c) The revised procedures to be in place by the commencement of the Autumn Term, 1998

(d) The Working Group to monitor application of the revised procedures with a view to reporting back to the Minister of State in November 1998.

The revised model contains two new specific features. Firstly, a teacher having been formally identified as having capability problems is to be given no longer than two terms to correct any perceived problems. Secondly, in extreme cases, of which it is not anticipated there will be more than a handful in any one year and where the education of pupils is jeopardised, the time limit will be one of four weeks.

Although the press coverage of the publication of the working group report drew some dire and misleading headlines and comment, all members of the working group were anxious to stress that support and professional assistance for those deemed in capability difficulties was of paramount importance.

Finally, although the Minister of State has indicated an unwillingness to place the new requirements in law at this time, there can be little doubt that if LEAs and governing bodies do not apply the revised procedures within the time-frame indicated then ministerial direction will certainly follow. (Further enquiries contact Tony Mackersie - 0171 798 9005.)

School Admissions: Certification of Catholicity. *

In September, 1996, the Education Board issued a model pro-forma priest's reference for use in connection with admission to schools. Its purpose was to encourage a more objective method of establishing whether an applicant would be classified as 'Catholic' for the purpose of admissions, alongside other over-subscription criteria, where necessary. Additionally, it sought to discourage the practice of drawing up an 'order of merit' and offering places to the 'best Catholics' a process considered to be 'pastorally unhelpful and often flawed.'

The Board has requested a review of the first year of operation of the procedure. To assist with this process, each school is requested to complete the brief questionnaire enclosed with this bulletin (for chairmen only), adding further comment where necessary. It should be returned to the Schools Administration Department as soon as possible in the new year, but no later than the beginning of the February half-term. (Further enquiries contact Tony Mackersie on 0171 798 9005)

Governors' Support and Training : Spring Term 1997

The WDES continues to offer bespoke sessions at the request of individual, or clusters of schools. To negotiate a session please contact Joan Leith with several possible dates that would be convenient for the governing body. A session can be a two hour evening , or half or whole day Saturday according to preference. There is no charge to the governing body for sessions so provided. If, however, the school has unspent GEST money for governors' support, an invitation to this office to send the school an invoice for professional services is always welcome.

Enclosed with this bulletin is a copy of the sessions provided by the London Diocesan Board for Schools, together with an application form. Our colleagues in the Church of England continue to welcome governors from Catholic schools at their sessions. Please note the new arrangements for attendance, which require the return of the enclosed application form and session fee to the LDBS not later than 10 days before the session. (Further enquiries, contact Joan Leith on 0171 798 9005)

Diocesan Conference for Secondary Deputy Headteachers, 3-4 March, 1998.

Letters were sent to all secondary headteachers and their deputies regarding the 1998 conference. A response to Joan Leith as early as possible and not later than 9 January will be much appreciated. (Further enquiries to Joan Leith on 0171 798 9005)

Child Protection.

As a general response to an increasing number of recent enquiries, schools are reminded that they are under a duty to take immediate, independent action where there is any concern about a pupil's safety or welfare. If there is any doubt, the presumption must be that there is a risk. A designated teacher in each school must be properly trained and be familiar in detail with the procedures prescribed by the local Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC). Each and every case of suspected abuse must be reported to the local authority in accordance with these procedures. Schools cannot devise their own procedures; they must be those provided by the ACPC. (Further enquiries, contact Ian Beck on 0171 798 9005)

School Policies: Legally Required and Recommended. * Information Requirements for School Prospectuses and Governors' Annual Reports. *

Please find enclosed two extracts from School Inspection: A Guide to the Law (OFSTED, November, 1997) which you may find useful to have to hand. (Further enquities to Ian Beck on 0171 798 9005)

School Standards and Framework Bill (Published 4 December.

A briefing for governors and anyone else interested will be presented at Vaughan House on the evening of Monday, 12 January, at 6.30 pm. It could be repeated at other venues, subject to demand, perhaps during the day. (Contact Ian Beck on 0171 798, 9005 to book for 12 January or negotiate other times/venues.)

WDES Bulletins. This bulletin appears on pink paper in response to comments that blue is not readily photocopiable.

More generally, few comments, critical or otherwise, have been received. It would be helpful to know whether this bulletin is perceived by schools and colleges as being helpful or adequately circulated. If you have any comments or suggestions, please contact any member of the Schools Administration Department.

In this time of Advent as we prepare for the celebration of the Nativity of Our Lord, we wish each of you all the blessings of the Christmas season. Some of the blessings we especially wish you include the peace that comes from knowing God entered our real world, with all its tensions, problems and difficulties; and the hope that comes from hearing yet again the good news that we share with pupils, parents and staff.

Happy Christmas.

Yours sincerely,

Anthony Clark (Director, RE & Catechesis Dept.)
Tony Mackersie (Director, Schools Administration Department.)