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Welcome to our school, we are a Christian learning community dedicated to providing an outstanding education for our pupils. Bishop Walsh is a Catholic school at the heart of the Newhall Valley in Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands.
Bishop Walsh Catholic School is a mixed Voluntary Aided 11 – 18 Catholic Comprehensive situated on a single open site in Sutton Coldfield on the north-east fringe of Birmingham Local Education Authority.

The school was opened in 1966 and comprises excellent accommodation adjacent to its own extensive playing fields. Currently there are seven Science laboratories, networked ICT rooms, Sports Hall, Gymnasium, well equipped Library and a host of specialist rooms for Music, Technology and Art. At the front of the building is the Chapel, the focal point of the school. In June 2001 the school was designated as a specialist Arts College, only the second in the whole of Birmingham LEA to be awarded Performing Arts status. In January 2005 the school was granted second specialist status in Maths and Computing.

The annual intake to the school is 150 pupils. The present roll is 1040 with a considerable over-subscription. There is a large Sixth Form of nearly 250 students. In September 2010 150 students joined the Lower Sixth, the majority following ‘A’ level courses and some following BTEC.

CATHOLIC IDENTITY: Bishop Walsh Catholic School is first of all a faith community, the great majority of pupils (99 %+) are baptised Catholics and over a half of the staff are Catholic. There is no requirement to appoint Catholic teachers but all staff are expected to uphold and support the religious ethos of the school. This is a standard question for all applicants at interview.

ETHOS OF THE SCHOOL: My vision for the school is about academic excellence, social awareness and spiritual development. We aim to develop the whole person – academically, morally and physically. A principal aim of the school is the spiritual growth of each pupil not simply growth in their faith but in their awareness of the world as a place where their witness to the Gospel values of Love, Truth, Peace, Justice and Forgiveness is called for. The religious life of the school permeates all aspects of the curriculum and determines staff and pupils’ positive approach to school life. Our school chaplain is Fr. Van Tien, who is also parish priest at St. Nicholas in Boldmere.

Every member of our school community is valued and we endeavour to fulfil the potential of all who attend here. The emphasis on the equal worth of each student stems from the belief that each has individual and unique God-given talents and opportunities must be provided for their growth and development.

Emphasis is put on academic excellence and high standards of pupil behaviour. Certain traditional characteristics underpin our whole approach principally the expectation of good behaviour, regular homework and compulsory school dress. Bishop Walsh continually seeks to enhance its reputation for the highest social and academic standards.

LEVELS OF ACHIEVEMENT: The examination results in recent years have been excellent. Mindful of school policy of entering all pupils for GCSE, irrespective of ability, we experience excellent exam grades. In 2010, we achieved excellent A level results. On average each Year 13 student achieved 3 Grade B’s. In 2010 94% of Year 11 pupils achieved 5 or more grade A* - C at GCSE. 76% of pupils gained 5 A* - C’s including English and Maths and 97% of our Year 11 students gained at least 2 A* - C grades in Science. Our English Baccalaureate score for 2010 was 28%. We prefer to measure our results by value added residuals, which at KS4 and 5 are positive.

ORGANISATION AND PASTORAL CARE: Pupils are placed in House Groups under the care of a House Tutor who, together with the Year Head, is responsible for monitoring the welfare and progress of each pupil. Regular meetings are held to allow parents and teachers to consult and parents are always welcome to visit the school. The school behaviour policy is based on the recognition of positive achievement. Emphasis is put on respect for oneself and others and on the links between school and home. There is a half-termly Newsletter. Pupils are expected to wear school uniform. There is no jewellery or make up allowed and members of staff are expected to be key players in enforcing these rules. Pupils are always better behaved when they understand clear boundaries.

OFSTED INSPECTION: The school had two excellent Ofsted Inspection Reports in January 2009. Ofsted praised the quality of relationships at Bishop Walsh and summed up the success of the school. The report states that ‘The school's Catholic ethos underpins this harmonious community where pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding’.

CURRICULUM: Years 7 and 8: All pupils follow a common curriculum comprising Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, French, German, History, Geography, Design Technology, Music/Performing Arts, Physical Education, Art, ICT and Citizenship. Pupils are taught in two parallel half-year bands with setting by ability in French, German, Mathematics and Science. The Special Needs Department supports the curriculum.

YEARS 9, 10 AND 11: All pupils are encouraged to study a balanced curriculum comprising Religious Studies, English, Mathematics, Science, a Modern Language, Science, History or Geography, a Performing Arts subject and a technology based subject. Optional subjects are also available. All pupils are entered for G.C.S.E. or BTEC courses.

SIXTH FORM COURSES: Sixth Form courses to Advanced Level and BTEC are available in many subjects. A small number are shared with neighbourhood schools. There is new Sixth Form accommodation since November 2008 with a much increased study area and five classrooms.

CAREERS GUIDANCE AND TEACHING: The school works closely with Connexions to assist senior pupils with information and advice. There is a regular programme of careers films, talks and visits, and all Year 10 pupils have the opportunity of Work Experience.

HOMEWORK: Homework is seen as an essential part of every pupil’s study programme. A homework timetable and diary for the year provide the link between parents and school.

RELIGIOUS AND MORAL EDUCATION: The school is a voluntary aided school under the auspices of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Birmingham. There is a School Chapel where Mass is celebrated weekly by the School Chaplain. There are special celebrations at other times in the Church’s year e.g. Gospel values form an integral part of the school ethos.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: The school has a strong tradition of Performing Arts and Sport. Our last two school musicals (Jesus Christ Superstar! and Footloose) won the trophy for the best school musical in Birmingham. We hope to make it a hatrick in 2011 with 'We Will Rock You'. The main sports are swimming, soccer, hockey, cricket, netball, athletics, cross-country and tennis. Squash, badminton and golf are also played. There is a school band and orchestra and pupils are encouraged to learn a musical instrument. Tuition is provided in brass, woodwind, strings and guitar. A major school production is held each year. Other activities include The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Chess Club, Art Club, Gymnastics Club and a Drama Club. Community Service is undertaken by Sixth Form pupils, and several train as Diocesan Youth workers each year. There are trips abroad including skiing visits, performing arts overseas trips and regular visits to the continent.
PARENTAL SUPPORT: The Bishop Walsh Association provides opportunities for parents to meet socially and to support the school in practical ways.

THE CATHOLIC PARTNERSHIP: Bishop Walsh is a member of the Birmingham Catholic Partnership in Birmingham and strongly supports all Partnership activities particularly relating to the professional development of staff. Similarly, it is firmly committed to working collaboratively with colleague schools in the Partnership and also with neighbouring schools in Sutton Coldfield.

J B Farrell,
Headteacher