The Provider:

All Hallows Catholic College, Cheshire

• All Hallows Catholic College is an 11-18 all ability, co-educational 'Faith school specialising in Business and Enterprise with Ethics'.
• The College was opened in 1962 by the Catholic community to educate its' children. At present 64% of students are of Catholic Christian heritage. Following expansion to seven form entry, the college is pleased to educate students from other faith traditions and those who support its aims and values.
• Students are drawn from wide geographical area and there is a good mix of students from a variety of social backgrounds.
• There are strong links with partner schools, town high schools and local parishes.
• Students are 'articulate and perceptive' (OFSTED) and parents are supportive.
• Achievement has risen dramatically at KS4 [74% 5A*-C]
• At KS5, the average point score of 910 and proportion of A-B grades places our college within the top 50 state comprehensive schools.

Summary:

• Principled and collegial leadership has successfully enabled our Catholic college to make more tangible, its core aims and values.
• Unique emphasis on expressing faith and belief through social enterprise in ongoing projects called 'Pay It Forward' and 'Livesimply'.
• Framework provided where random and planned 'acts of kindness' are encouraged for the 'common good' of everyone.
• Business and Enterprise College specialism developed 'with Ethics' to encourage students and staff to reflect on sustainability, the social impact of business, and understand how we can all 'Make a Difference'.
• Taken together these leading practices have raised the profile of the well being agenda, transformed the culture of our college, and improved learning outcomes for students.

The Aim:

• Opportunity to reflect on our practice, mark our achievements, and evaluate the impact of social enterprise projects thus far.
• Recognition of what staff and students are doing is a key to sustaining and further developing this project.
• Provide mandate to staff and students to respond to requests to share our strategies for improving learning culture.

What do you see in the school?

• Activities addressing the social and emotional aspects of individual and community wellbeing.
• All staff having Performance Management targets to support development of college ethos.
• BEC specialism "with ethics" source of great interest in the community.
• High visibility of Business and Enterprise College Statements and activities.
• Business and Enterprise College specialism developed "with ethics"
• College and Subject Improvement Plans written to 5 ECM outcomes ensuring that the Christian and social enterprise themes have equal status with traditional elements of improvement planning
• College and Departmental Self Review process within the context of ethos and mission.
• College asked to share its practice on 'Pay It Forward' with other local schools through an ecumenical Christian project called Hope 08.
• Regular communication from Students to Leadership using email outlining activities.
• Distinctive profile of faith school strengthened in local community.
• Enterprising Subjects Status given to subjects enabling learning about the ethical aspects of business and enterprise.
• Expectation that all staff support the ethos of the college meaning all staff are seen to be involved by students.
• Headteacher leading the spiritual life of the school by example.
• Headteacher surgeries.
• Headteacher led workshops at a national SSAT conference on raising attainment through learning and teaching.
• Improved learning culture leading to improved learning outcomes.
• Key Policies referencing College values.
• Local press reports about 'Pay It Forward' themes and practices have encouraged other schools to contact for information.
• Make Your Money Grow Money social enterprise project supported by external business. (The Big Storage Company).
• Pay It Forward initiatives and Catholic Fund for Oversees Development, 'Live Simply' Activities.
• Provision of a vibrant faith based education as only Church school serving East Cheshire.
• Sharing with local schools via website information about Pay It Forward.
• Staff Handbook - contains a creed for Teachers reflecting core values.
• Student voice: College/Year/Eco Councils, Catholic Action Group / Anti-Bullying Committee
• Target setting process supporting development of whole child, including behaviour levels.

What difference does it make?

• Improved learning culture leading to improved learning outcomes
• Addressing the social and emotional aspects of individual and community wellbeing
• Distinctive profile of faith school strengthened in local community
• Business & Enterprise College specialism developed "with ethics"

From where is evidence collected to prove the Leading Aspect?

• College/Subject Improvement Plans seen
• Content of presentation
• Discipline Policy including rewards
• Evaluation/Scrutiny reports
• Handbook
• Interview with Head of BITE
• Interview with Head of Catholic Social Enterprise
• Interview with Headteacher
• Interview with Director of College Specialism.
• Interview with individual teachers
• Interview with a Specialist Status sponsor
• Interviews with staff, students and Headteacher
• Verifier's written opinion in the verification statements regarding the ethos of the school.
• Powerpoints and Assembly materials
• Presentation about school culture and achievement
• Primary liaison evidence.
• New Staff Induction Programme from 31 August 2007
• College Self Evaluation Policy and reports.
• Staff/student feedback emails
• Written witness statements, including statement from the School Improvement Partner.

The Verifiers Comment

• All Hallows has a particular view of Social Enterprise and Citizenship, underpinned by the ethical principles of "Pay It Forward" and "Live Simply" which gives all staff and students a framework to practice Christian values through everyday actions.
• The approach has enriched both the formal and informal curriculum leading to a positive learning culture and enhanced wellbeing.
• The approach influenced the nature of the school's bid for specialist status, enabling the school to successfully incorporate ethics into their Business and Enterprise activities and specialism.