head of year 9

‘Optimis Optimus’

Welcome from miss Oakman– Head of Year 9

Welcome to Year 9 at St John Henry Newman Catholic School, a truly exciting and pivotal year in every student's journey. As Head of Year, I am delighted to welcome both students and families to a year filled with opportunities, growth, and important decisions as our young people begin the next stage of their journey towards GCSE study.

Year 9 are supported by a strong and dedicated pastoral team; Year 9 students are encouraged to make the most of every opportunity available to them.

Our pastoral team is committed to nurturing positive and supportive relationships with every student. By working closely with families, teaching staff and we help students develop the habits, resilience and self-discipline needed to achieve excellent attendance, exemplary behaviour and strong academic progress. We believe that when students feel valued, supported and challenged, they are empowered to thrive both in and beyond the classroom. At the heart of our pastoral programme is the school's mission. Through daily Sacred Time, Year Group Masses, chaplaincy leadership opportunities, community outreach projects, charitable activities and our carefully planned pastoral programme, students are encouraged to live out Gospel values in their everyday lives. We strive to ensure that every student understands that they are Made for Greatness because they are a child of God.

Alongside their academic studies, students are encouraged to take advantage of the many opportunities available beyond the classroom. Whether through sports teams, performing arts, chaplaincy and charity initiatives, student leadership roles, enrichment clubs, educational visits, fundraising activities and wider personal development opportunities, students are supported in developing confidence, resilience, teamwork and independence.

Our pastoral programme also explores key themes such as relationships, health and wellbeing, and living in the wider world, helping students to grow personally, socially, emotionally and spiritually. Students are encouraged to reflect regularly on their attendance, behaviour, personal development and contribution to school life as they prepare for the challenges and opportunities of Key Stage 4

We are incredibly proud of our Year 9 students and their outstanding achievements over the past year, both on and off the sports field. Their dedication, commitment, and enthusiasm have resulted in success across many areas of school life.

Within sport, the netball team enjoyed a fantastic season, winning the league and securing an impressive third-place finish in the Coventry Schools Tournament. The girls' football team also achieved remarkable success, finishing as runners-up in the West Midlands competition and proudly winning the Coventry Cup. The boys demonstrated exceptional determination and teamwork by winning the Coventry Schools Rugby Tournament and performing extremely well in the Coventry Football Cup.

Beyond sport, our Year 9 students have shown incredible dedication to the wider life of the school. Many took leading roles in the school production, showcasing their talent, confidence, and commitment to drama. They have also demonstrated exceptional leadership, supporting primary school netball competitions, contributing to chaplaincy events, helping to lead whole-school Masses, and playing an active role within the Student Council.

These achievements are a testament to the hard work, resilience, talent, and leadership shown by our Year 9 students. They have been outstanding role models and ambassadors for the school, and we look forward to seeing all they accomplish in the future.

The pastoral programme at St John Henry Newman Catholic School enables all students to develop Personally, Socially, Emotionally and Spiritually. During our tutor time each morning, all students will access their PSHE curriculum, participate in discussion based activities through out ‘Talking Points’, engage in continual reflection regarding their attendance and behaviour and have access to high quality careers information, advice and guidance.

At St John Henry Newman Catholic School, we are passionate about developing the whole child and ensuring that they are aware of the wider world around them. Our pastoral programme is designed in a manner that deepens our students understanding of how to keep themselves safe not only emotionally and physically but also virtually.

Our students complete work in their pastoral books, which allows them to keep a record of all the important topics they cover and also refer back to it when they complete their PSHE assessments.

Our mission within Year 9 is to support every student in making informed option choices, demonstrating positive behaviour, and maintaining excellent attendance. We strive to create an environment where all students are encouraged to work hard, develop confidence, and embrace new opportunities. Through this support, we aim to help every young person achieve their goals, fulfil their potential, and prepare successfully for the next stage of their educational journey.

Year 9 marks the beginning of the GCSE journey, with students preparing to select their GCSE option subjects during the spring term. Throughout the year, our weekly pastoral programme is centred around supporting students through this important milestone. Through assemblies, tutor time, PSHE, careers education, subject information and personalised guidance, students are equipped to make informed and aspirational choices about their future studies. Students will explore future pathways, careers, apprenticeships and the world of work, helping them understand how their choices today can support their ambitions for tomorrow.

As Head of Year 9 my ambition for all students within my year group is to ensure that every student is known, valued and supported as they begin their GCSE journey. Through our Catholic mission and strong pastoral programme, we will promote excellent attendance, positive behaviour and aspirational GCSE option choices. We are committed to developing confident, resilient and ambitious young people who embrace opportunities for leadership, service and personal development and understand that they are Made for Greatness because they are a child of God and loved by Him.