Employer Number - 21863
Blessed Robert Johnson Catholic College
Whitchurch Road
Wellington
Telford
Shropshire
TF1 3DY
Telephone: 01952 386100
Fax: 01952 417501
About Us
THE COLLEGE
Blessed Robert Johnson Catholic College is unique in that it is the only Catholic comprehensive school in the whole of Shropshire. Known locally as BRJ, the College has established and maintained a highly respected reputation in the area and this has meant that the we have grown over the years. Annually, we are over-subscribed. However, the Governors have resisted the temptation to get any bigger in Years 7 to 11 because we might risk destroying one of the factors that make us special. Any further growth will only be Years 12 & 13 in what we call the Oscar Romero Sixth Form Centre.
While we are proud to be a catholic school, we welcome children and colleagues from all faith backgrounds (and none) who are able to support our ethos. The best way to sample this is to come and see us in action. So if you see a vacancy that you fancy give us a call to chat or arrange a visit.
Lower School
For the first three years our students follow courses in Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science, Art, French, Geography, History, Information & Communication Technology, Music, Physical Education and a variety of Craft and Technical subjects. Other aspects such as Citizenship are delivered in a cross-curricular fashion. In Years 8 and 9 Spanish is also available for some students.
Upper School
In Years 10 and 11 students are prepared for a variety of examinations. The core subjects include Religious Education, English Language and English Literature, Information & Communication Technology, Mathematics, Double Science, one Technology subject and Physical Education. Further courses are chosen (subject to numbers) from Art, Dance, Drama, French, Geography, History, Music, Physical Education and Spanish. As with Key Stage 3, some aspects are delivered in cross-curricular fashion. Students may also opt for a one of a number of vocational courses offered in collaboration with the local FE college.
The Oscar Romero Centre
Members of our Sixth Form appreciate the benefit of pursuing AS and A2 Levels within familiar surroundings: they know the staff and the staff know them. We offer a wide range of courses that usually lead to university entrance and we have a strong track record of helping our students take up places in higher education right across the country including Oxbridge. As well as serving those students who have been at the College a number of years, we also cater for young people who wish to transfer from other secondary schools at 16 .
Student/NQT Information
Newly qualified teachers are well catered for at BRJ. You will be assigned a subject mentor and will have regular feedback and mentoring sessions as part of your professional development. We have a good record for nurturing and developing new and trainee teachers, and seek to develop those teachers who have the capacity to become excellent practitioners or who have leadership potential.
Motto
Our Mission Statement:
Blessed Robert Johnson Catholic College is dedicated to serving its students. We seek to achieve this by creating a community that is characterised by the teachings of Christ, informing, awakening and enriching our young people’s understanding of our faith and by encouraging in all a commitment to learning. Our focus is the development of the whole person, the celebration of the dignity of each individual and the recognition that we have a particular responsibility to the poor and marginalised. We aim to provide our young people with the qualities and qualifications that will enable them to lead fulfilling lives and participate actively in promoting a better world. In all that we do we value openness, seek truth and promote hope. Our ambition is summed up in the words: Contributing to a Christ-centred Community.
Uniform
It is the policy of the Governing Body of Blessed Robert Johnson Catholic College to require students to wear our distinctive uniform neatly and to follow the appearance requirements. Below is a list of the various items. Parents are asked to ensure that all clothing is clearly marked with student’s name.
GENERAL UNIFORM
Girls and Boys
*Gold shirt#
*Dark brown, long sleeved, V necked pullover
*Black blazer with logo (Years 7-10, to be whole College from Sept 08)
*College tie
*Dark brown skirt or black plain tailored trousers (Girls)
*Black plain tailored trousers (Boys)
*White or black socks or black tights
*Black low heeled shoes not boots
*Coat or jacket not denim or leather
*Apron or overall
# Gold as in Trutex shirts
General College uniform, P E Kit and name tapes are available from Baker & Son. New Street, Wellington, on Wellington Market on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
PE KIT
Girls
Compulsory
Yellow Polo Shirt with BRJ Logo
Navy Shorts
Navy Sweatshirt with BRJ Logo
Navy Socks
White Socks
Optional
Jog Trousers
Waterproof Jacket
Boys
Compulsory
Blue Shirt with BRJ Logo
Navy Shorts
Navy Sweatshirt with BRJ
Navy Socks
White Socks
Optional
Waterproof Jacket
Jog Trousers
JEWELLERY
Jewellery should not be worn except for a simple cross and chain. If students have pierced ears a maximum of two small studs are allowed. Nose studs and facial piercing are unacceptable. Recent piercing is not a valid reason for wearing unacceptable jewellery.
HAIRCUTS
We appreciate that fashions in haircuts are constantly changing and schools have to cope with trends. However, students should not have cuts or styles that are extreme or below a No. 2. Long hair should be clean, tidy and be tied back. Extensions are not allowed.
Homework
Homework
We expect all students to complete homework in all their subjects on a regular basis. Each student is given a timetable that indicates when homework will be set and on what day it is due. This timetable is finalised during September and copies are sent home. The students write the details of their homework into their Planners so that they have a record of what they must do and by when.
Extra Curricular Events
There is a wide range of extra-curricular activities open to students.
Many sports clubs operate providing opportunities for students to take part in competitions or simply for enjoyment.
There are several musical groups, with an inceasing number of students taking up extra instrumental tuition.
Dance is a very popular activity, with clubs being run for all ages. There is also an active drama club.
Trips and visits take place on a regular basis, including skiing trips, art gallery and theatre trips, residential and day retreats etc.
Streaming
Each year group is split into two ability bands, with setting occuring within each band in most subjects. Regular banding reviews make sure that students are taught in the most suitable ability group.
Every student receives a brief Effort & Attainment Report (EAR) each term and a written report once per year.
Inspection
The College received a satisfactory inspection report in 2007, which can be accessed via the ofsted website www.ofsted.gov.uk.
The Section 23 inspection can be accessed from the CES website www.cesew.org.uk.
Discipline
Code of Conduct
The College has a well developed Code of Conduct for students. This is contained in a variety of publications but particularly in the Student Planner. The Code shares the high expectations we have of our students in all aspects of College life.
Headteacher and staff
The Senior Management Team
The Senior Management Team consists of the Head, two Deputy Heads and two Assistant Heads who meet daily before staff briefing and weekly on a Monday. Although the Head has overall responsibility for all aspects of leadership and management, each member of the team has specific areas to oversee.
Consultation and Development
Staff, Heads of Department and Year meetings take place on a regular basis, supported by Departmental and Tutor Team meetings. All meetings have an agenda and minutes are taken and circulated. Wherever possible, meetings concentrate on development work rather than the simple passing on of information.
Our Professional Days generally focus on School Development Plan issues although colleagues do have departmental time on a regular basis.
A variety of working parties are set up at different times as required.
Communication
There is a full Staff Briefing daily where information is exchanged. A Staff Bulletin is also published weekly. Assemblies take place every day, although whole College Assemblies are impossible owing to accommodation constraints. The meetings cycle is an important avenue of communication.
The Support Staff
The College is well served by a excellent administration team that includes an Administrations Officer, Pastoral Secretary, Attendance Administrator, Curriculum Secretary and two Receptionists, ICT Development Officer, Finance Manager, Finance Assistant, Reprographics Assistant, a number of Technicians, a Site Manager and two Assistant Site Managers.
Alumni
A surprising number of our students come back here to teach- we must be doing something right!