St. Marks R.C School
Encyclopedia
St Mark's Catholic School is a mixed comprehensive situated in Hounslow
, West London. It is a specialist Technology School.
The Diocesan inspection of the School which took place at the same time also graded the School outstanding in every category. Inspectors stated that “St. Mark’s Catholic School provides an outstanding education.” They observed that “As a Catholic community the school promotes a growth of faith that is founded on a high calibre of prayer, liturgy and religious education."
The School’s examination results rank St. Mark’s among the best comprehensive schools in the country. In summer 2010 82% of students achieved 5+ A*-C GCSE grades including English and Mathematics, the best total in Hounslow Local Authority for the second year running. At ‘A’ Level over 80% of grades were A*-C and over a hundred students gained places at University including Oxbridge and Medical/Dentistry Schools.
Religious education lies at the heart of the school making explicit what is implicit in all areas of the curriculum. Students are prepared to think spiritually, ethically and theologically and develop their awareness of the benefits and challenges of religious commitment in daily life.
The provision of a full time Chaplain, who works closely with all members of the school community and the local parishes, and the existence of a chapel in the main school building, demonstrates the commitment St. Mark’s has to ensuring that all pupils have the opportunity to grow in their faith.
Assemblies are an integral part of school life where the community joins together to pray and celebrate publicly the individual achievements of the pupils. There is Mass at breaktime every Thursday. All students are invited and classes take it in turns to prepare the liturgy. There is also a programme of Retreats, opportunities for prayer and meditation in school and a music liturgy group. The School is outreaching and supports a range of local, national and international charities.
In 1952, two sites were offered, one near Green Lane and the second at 106 Bath Road which included an Orchard. Canon Musgrave died in 1955 and it was under his successor, Canon John Mackenzie, that building work began in 1958.
The School was to be known as Archbishop Myers’ Secondary School and was to accommodate 450 pupils. The first 279 arrived on 10 May 1960 and were welcomed by Headteacher Mr Patrick Boland and 11 staff. The builders remained until April 1961 and the School was officially opened in March 1962.
In 1972 the School became a Comprehensive and changed its name to St. Mark’s. The uniform changed from maroon to navy blue. Originally six forms of entry were planned with a split site – a Senior School located at the other end of Hounslow High Street. These plans were dropped and in 1978 the buildings of the old SS Michael and Martin’s Primary School were included in the enlarged St. Mark’s site. The original Parish Church dating from 1886 became a Sixth Form Common Room.
Patrick Boland retired in 1978 and was replaced by Mr Patrick Topp. St. Mark’s contained 800 pupils and 50 teachers. Mr Topp was succeeded by Mr David Sheath in 1986 and the School’s popularity continued to grow. By the time of Mr. Sheath’s retirement the School was recognised as one of the best in the London area. Current Headteacher Mr. Paul Enright took over in 2001. The School now has over 1,200 students and examination results are excellent.
When pupils start at St. Mark’s they are assigned to mixed ability tutor groups. They remain in the same tutor group until they finish Year 11. St. Mark’s uses a combination of setting and mixed ability teaching to deliver the curriculum. This gives pupils the best chance to achieve their full potential. Classes are set in Mathematics from Year 7, Languages from Year 8 and there is some broad banding in Science from the end of Year 9.
Class sizes are reduced in a number of subjects in Year 7 to aid teaching and learning. This means there are six tutor groups but these are often divided into eight teaching groups.
At Key Stage 3, pupils at St. Mark’s follow a wide curriculum: Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, ICT, Technology, Music, Drama, Art, Physical Education, PSHCE, Modern Foreign Languages and Learning for Learning.
At Key Stage 4 all pupils study Religious Education, English, English Literature, Physical Education (core), Mathematics, Science, whether separate or combined, PSHCE and a Technology based subject. The vast majority continue with a Modern Foreign Language and pupils can choose from ICT, Art, Business Studies, Drama, Geography, History, Physical Education, ASDAN, Child Development and Music.
There are a number of alternative pathways for a limited amount of pupils linked to attendance at college for part of the week. These include construction, hair and beauty, food, sports management and mechanics.
Staff use a variety of teaching methods so that pupils can develop a range of learning styles. Lessons are differentiated and carefully planned to cater for the needs of all pupils. The school is well equipped with the latest ICT facilities including a wireless network, laptops, thirteen computer suites, a recording studio and interactive whiteboards.
The St. Mark’s curriculum produces learners with strong literacy, numeracy and ICT skills. St. Mark’s pupils are creative, resourceful and able to solve problems. They have enquiring minds and think for themselves. Pupils enjoy learning and are motivated to achieve now and in the future. Pupils leave the school with a sense of self worth and with secure values and beliefs. The curriculum creates confident individuals who are open to the excitement and inspiration offered by the world around them.
The School focus on supporting students to become independent, confident learners, skilled to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century. Sixth formers are supported in their learning by a Form Tutor and the sixth form management team of Student Progress Leaders of Year 12 and 13 and Head of Sixth Form. From the first week students, parents and teachers are made aware of the minimum academic targets expected. Through effective teaching and directed support, students are enabled to meet their God-given potential. The School’s success is demonstrated by the academic achievement of students and by the excellent record of university entrance.
St. Mark’s has a dedicated Sixth Form Block. This includes a supervised study room and common room. They also use the Learning Resources Centre and ICT facilities.
Sixth Formers make a significant contribution to the life of the school. All sixth formers act as ambassadors for the community of St. Mark’s. Sixth Form students in Year 12 have the opportunity to support younger students in their learning through paired reading or in-class support, to raise money for Christmas presents for children in care, to organise community events and to support projects in the developing world. Students also participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and a range of educational visits and field trips.
St. Mark’s has high expectations of sixth formers. It insists upon smart appearance, high standards of punctuality and attendance and commitment to their studies and to the community of St. Mark’s. The School is proud of their achievements and contribution to the life of the school and the wider community.
Regular extra-curricular sporting activities include basketball, badminton, football, athletics, cricket, rugby, tennis, hockey and netball.
The choir, orchestra, dance group, and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme group meet weekly after school. The chess club meets at lunchtime. The House System has a variety of competitions which take place each term including debating, talent shows, cake decorating, quiz competition and a variety of sporting events.
The School Production each year provides opportunities for dancing, signing and playing musical instruments.
The School also runs an annual ski trip and there are opportunities for public speaking and business experience. It organises a range of charitable, fund raising events and have a special link with Zethobile School in South Africa.
Homework Club is supervised by teaching staff and provides a friendly working atmosphere.
Mr Paul Enright = Headteacher
Mr Stuart Alexander (DH) = Curriculum
Ms Mary Byrne (DH) = Pastoral
Dr Daniel Callaghan (DH) = Staffing/Catholic Life
Ms Carmel Murphy (DH) = Premises/Assessment
Ms Catherine Crouch (AH) = Sixth Form
Ms Helen Smith (AH) = Teaching and Learning
Year teams are co-ordinated by Pupil Progress Leaders and Departmental teams by Subject Leaders.
– Internationally acclaimed songwriter and musician.
Chris Sykes – Playwright, poet and author.
Denys Baptiste
– Award winning saxophonist.
Tim Don
– World Triathlon Champion and Olympian.
Dean Gaffney
– Actor.
Aidan Kehoe - Internationally acclaimed comedian, writer and actor.
Graham Stack
– Professional footballer (Hibernian).
Michael Mancienne
– Professional footballer (Chelsea/Wolves
).
Coz Kerrigan
- Musician (Larrikin Love
/Marner Brown)
Hounslow
Hounslow is the principal town in the London Borough of Hounslow. It is a suburban development situated 10.6 miles west south-west of Charing Cross. It forms a post town in the TW postcode area.-Etymology:...
, West London. It is a specialist Technology School.
St. Mark's School Vision
The community of St. Mark’s believes that every individual is created by God and is precious to God. Each person is called to serve God and their neighbour and to fulfil their potential.Achievements
In January 2009 Ofsted graded St. Mark’s School as outstanding in every category. Inspectors stated “The school has achieved a near perfect balance of ensuring that pupils make great progress and attain high standards but at the same time develop into well-rounded, independent, caring, courteous and upright citizens.” They commented that “There is a delightful atmosphere in the School. This is a place where the individual is valued, individual strengths are celebrated and where pupils are proud to do well.” The report noted that “Parents themselves are overwhelmingly positive about the School. They comment that their children are happy and that they thoroughly enjoy school… The behaviour of pupils is a strength.”The Diocesan inspection of the School which took place at the same time also graded the School outstanding in every category. Inspectors stated that “St. Mark’s Catholic School provides an outstanding education.” They observed that “As a Catholic community the school promotes a growth of faith that is founded on a high calibre of prayer, liturgy and religious education."
The School’s examination results rank St. Mark’s among the best comprehensive schools in the country. In summer 2010 82% of students achieved 5+ A*-C GCSE grades including English and Mathematics, the best total in Hounslow Local Authority for the second year running. At ‘A’ Level over 80% of grades were A*-C and over a hundred students gained places at University including Oxbridge and Medical/Dentistry Schools.
Catholic Life
St. Mark’s School supports parents in nurturing the faith of their children. It enables students to grow in love of God, to deepen their understanding of creation, to pray and celebrate the sacraments. The School provide opportunities to explore values and beliefs, to recognise the rights of others and respect those who have different beliefs. It encourages questioning, reflection and growth in self awareness.Religious education lies at the heart of the school making explicit what is implicit in all areas of the curriculum. Students are prepared to think spiritually, ethically and theologically and develop their awareness of the benefits and challenges of religious commitment in daily life.
The provision of a full time Chaplain, who works closely with all members of the school community and the local parishes, and the existence of a chapel in the main school building, demonstrates the commitment St. Mark’s has to ensuring that all pupils have the opportunity to grow in their faith.
Assemblies are an integral part of school life where the community joins together to pray and celebrate publicly the individual achievements of the pupils. There is Mass at breaktime every Thursday. All students are invited and classes take it in turns to prepare the liturgy. There is also a programme of Retreats, opportunities for prayer and meditation in school and a music liturgy group. The School is outreaching and supports a range of local, national and international charities.
School History
The original idea for a mixed Catholic secondary school in Hounslow came from Fr. (later Canon) Musgrave in 1936. He was the Parish Priest of SS Michael and Martin’s Church but his plans were delayed by the Second World War.In 1952, two sites were offered, one near Green Lane and the second at 106 Bath Road which included an Orchard. Canon Musgrave died in 1955 and it was under his successor, Canon John Mackenzie, that building work began in 1958.
The School was to be known as Archbishop Myers’ Secondary School and was to accommodate 450 pupils. The first 279 arrived on 10 May 1960 and were welcomed by Headteacher Mr Patrick Boland and 11 staff. The builders remained until April 1961 and the School was officially opened in March 1962.
In 1972 the School became a Comprehensive and changed its name to St. Mark’s. The uniform changed from maroon to navy blue. Originally six forms of entry were planned with a split site – a Senior School located at the other end of Hounslow High Street. These plans were dropped and in 1978 the buildings of the old SS Michael and Martin’s Primary School were included in the enlarged St. Mark’s site. The original Parish Church dating from 1886 became a Sixth Form Common Room.
Patrick Boland retired in 1978 and was replaced by Mr Patrick Topp. St. Mark’s contained 800 pupils and 50 teachers. Mr Topp was succeeded by Mr David Sheath in 1986 and the School’s popularity continued to grow. By the time of Mr. Sheath’s retirement the School was recognised as one of the best in the London area. Current Headteacher Mr. Paul Enright took over in 2001. The School now has over 1,200 students and examination results are excellent.
School Rivalries
The area of Hounslow is known for having scraps between different schools, most frequently in Hounslow High Street. Fights between St. Mark's and Hounslow Manor are most frequent and have had to be split up by Police in recent times. St. Marks advises students to not hang around the High Street after chool as this has been the causation of many rucks in the past. The most recent was on the 12th October 2011, when Hounslow Manor and Lampton school pupils attacked a St Mark's student with weapons which included a hammer. Football youth firm BCW's co-leader was banned from attending games after comments made during a game against Hounslow Manor. While both Hounslow Manor and Lampton have made bad reputations amongst the area for that sort of behaviour, St Mark's has stayed very respected amongst the community.School Curriculum
At St. Mark’s curriculum promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of learners. It prepares learners for the opportunities, responsibilities and experience of adult life.When pupils start at St. Mark’s they are assigned to mixed ability tutor groups. They remain in the same tutor group until they finish Year 11. St. Mark’s uses a combination of setting and mixed ability teaching to deliver the curriculum. This gives pupils the best chance to achieve their full potential. Classes are set in Mathematics from Year 7, Languages from Year 8 and there is some broad banding in Science from the end of Year 9.
Class sizes are reduced in a number of subjects in Year 7 to aid teaching and learning. This means there are six tutor groups but these are often divided into eight teaching groups.
At Key Stage 3, pupils at St. Mark’s follow a wide curriculum: Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, ICT, Technology, Music, Drama, Art, Physical Education, PSHCE, Modern Foreign Languages and Learning for Learning.
At Key Stage 4 all pupils study Religious Education, English, English Literature, Physical Education (core), Mathematics, Science, whether separate or combined, PSHCE and a Technology based subject. The vast majority continue with a Modern Foreign Language and pupils can choose from ICT, Art, Business Studies, Drama, Geography, History, Physical Education, ASDAN, Child Development and Music.
There are a number of alternative pathways for a limited amount of pupils linked to attendance at college for part of the week. These include construction, hair and beauty, food, sports management and mechanics.
Staff use a variety of teaching methods so that pupils can develop a range of learning styles. Lessons are differentiated and carefully planned to cater for the needs of all pupils. The school is well equipped with the latest ICT facilities including a wireless network, laptops, thirteen computer suites, a recording studio and interactive whiteboards.
The St. Mark’s curriculum produces learners with strong literacy, numeracy and ICT skills. St. Mark’s pupils are creative, resourceful and able to solve problems. They have enquiring minds and think for themselves. Pupils enjoy learning and are motivated to achieve now and in the future. Pupils leave the school with a sense of self worth and with secure values and beliefs. The curriculum creates confident individuals who are open to the excitement and inspiration offered by the world around them.
Sixth form
The Sixth Form offers students the opportunity to strive for academic excellence in a supportive and structured environment. Students benefit from the leadership opportunities offered and the expertise of skilled staff. The School offers a wide range of over 25 subjects at AS and A level: Art, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Classical Civilisations, Critical Thinking, Drama, English Literature, Economics, Film Studies, French, German, Government and Politics, Geography, History, ICT, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Media Studies, Music, Physics, Product Design, Psychology, Religious Education, Sociology, Sports Studies, Textiles. In addition the School offers a two year vocational course. Through the Catholic Consortium links with Gumley House School and Gunnersbury School, the School is able to offer students an even wider range of combinations of subjects.The School focus on supporting students to become independent, confident learners, skilled to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century. Sixth formers are supported in their learning by a Form Tutor and the sixth form management team of Student Progress Leaders of Year 12 and 13 and Head of Sixth Form. From the first week students, parents and teachers are made aware of the minimum academic targets expected. Through effective teaching and directed support, students are enabled to meet their God-given potential. The School’s success is demonstrated by the academic achievement of students and by the excellent record of university entrance.
St. Mark’s has a dedicated Sixth Form Block. This includes a supervised study room and common room. They also use the Learning Resources Centre and ICT facilities.
Sixth Formers make a significant contribution to the life of the school. All sixth formers act as ambassadors for the community of St. Mark’s. Sixth Form students in Year 12 have the opportunity to support younger students in their learning through paired reading or in-class support, to raise money for Christmas presents for children in care, to organise community events and to support projects in the developing world. Students also participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and a range of educational visits and field trips.
St. Mark’s has high expectations of sixth formers. It insists upon smart appearance, high standards of punctuality and attendance and commitment to their studies and to the community of St. Mark’s. The School is proud of their achievements and contribution to the life of the school and the wider community.
Extra Curricular Actvities
Students’ education at St. Mark’s is enriched by a wide range of activities occurring both after school and during lunchtime. These change with the time of year and the particular interests of staff and pupils. Field trips, visits abroad, visits to the theatre and museums, and Year Group outings are established parts of the extra-curricular life of the school.Regular extra-curricular sporting activities include basketball, badminton, football, athletics, cricket, rugby, tennis, hockey and netball.
The choir, orchestra, dance group, and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme group meet weekly after school. The chess club meets at lunchtime. The House System has a variety of competitions which take place each term including debating, talent shows, cake decorating, quiz competition and a variety of sporting events.
The School Production each year provides opportunities for dancing, signing and playing musical instruments.
The School also runs an annual ski trip and there are opportunities for public speaking and business experience. It organises a range of charitable, fund raising events and have a special link with Zethobile School in South Africa.
Homework Club is supervised by teaching staff and provides a friendly working atmosphere.
School Leadership
The Senior Leadership Team is comprised as follows:Mr Paul Enright = Headteacher
Mr Stuart Alexander (DH) = Curriculum
Ms Mary Byrne (DH) = Pastoral
Dr Daniel Callaghan (DH) = Staffing/Catholic Life
Ms Carmel Murphy (DH) = Premises/Assessment
Ms Catherine Crouch (AH) = Sixth Form
Ms Helen Smith (AH) = Teaching and Learning
Year teams are co-ordinated by Pupil Progress Leaders and Departmental teams by Subject Leaders.
Alumni
Elvis CostelloElvis Costello
Elvis Costello , born Declan Patrick MacManus, is an English singer-songwriter. He came to prominence as an early participant in London's pub rock scene in the mid-1970s and later became associated with the punk/New Wave genre. Steeped in word play, the vocabulary of Costello's lyrics is broader...
– Internationally acclaimed songwriter and musician.
Chris Sykes – Playwright, poet and author.
Denys Baptiste
Denys Baptiste
Denys Baptiste is a jazz musician from London, England. A graduate of Tomorrow’s Warriors, Baptiste plays tenor and soprano saxophone in addition to composing....
– Award winning saxophonist.
Tim Don
Tim Don
Timothy Philip Don is a triathlete from the United Kingdom.-Career:Don competed at the first Olympic triathlon at the 2000 Summer Olympics. He took tenth place with a total time of 1hr 49min 28.85sec. In the second Olympic triathlon at the 2004 Summer Olympics he was placed eighteenth with a...
– World Triathlon Champion and Olympian.
Dean Gaffney
Dean Gaffney
Dean Martin Gaffney is an English actor most notable for his role as Robbie Jackson on the BBC1 soap opera Eastenders from 1993 to 2003, when his character was axed. He has since made guest appearances in the soap in 2004 and 2010. Gaffney went on to appear in various reality television shows,...
– Actor.
Aidan Kehoe - Internationally acclaimed comedian, writer and actor.
Graham Stack
Graham Stack
Graham Christopher Stack is a football goalkeeper who plays for Scottish Premier League club Hibernian. He started his career with Arsenal, but only played in the League Cup for their first team...
– Professional footballer (Hibernian).
Michael Mancienne
Michael Mancienne
Michael Ian Mancienne is an English footballer who plays for German Bundesliga club Hamburger SV as a defender.Schooled primarily as a centre back, Mancienne can also play as a defensive midfielder as well as both fullback positions as he showed during appearances for Chelsea, and multiple loan...
– Professional footballer (Chelsea/Wolves
Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club that represents the city of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands region. They are members of the Premier League, the highest level of English football. The club was founded in 1877 and since 1889 has played at...
).
Coz Kerrigan
Coz Kerrigan
Cathal Kerrigan, nicknamed Coz, was the drummer of the band Larrikin Love. He is currently a member of the Twickenham-based band Marner BrownCoz has a child called Siercha....
- Musician (Larrikin Love
Larrikin Love
Larrikin Love were an English four piece indie rock band from London.Consisting of Edward Larrikin , Micko Larkin , Alfie Ambrose and Coz Kerrigan , and also occasionally including violinist Rob Skipper from The Holloways or roving violinist Jonnie Fielding, the band were briefly described as...
/Marner Brown)