The College

St Francis of Assisi RC School became St Francis of Assisi Catholic Technology College in September 2003.  The aim of Technology Colleges is:

Raising standards in design and technology, science, mathematics and ICT, promoting a culture that is scientific, technological, enterprising and vocational.

We embrace this as fully as possible together with our mission as a Catholic School.  Our initial capital grant was spent on developing our e-Learning Centre which opened its doors in June 2004.  Together with grants from Thomas Telford School, the Wolfson Foundation and contributions form friends, family and the Parish, we were able to develop 4 e-Learning Suites, 2 offices and a Conference Suite.  These are fully utilised by our students to enhance their learning across the curriculum.

We regularly host training courses for Serco Learning (Facility CMIS), Varndean e-Learning and other organisations.  Other aspects of our community outreach include hosting cross-curricular technology events for Year 5 pupils from our local feeder schools, ICT training courses for the local community in the evening, Gifted and Talented events for Year 6 pupils and our membership of the National ICT Register amongst other things.

Technology status has enabled us to equip the Science Department with 20 laptop computers for use within the laboratory, including data logging.  The D&T department will soon be benefitting from upgraded rooms including 3 rooms with ICT facilities.  We now have a school-wide wireless network with connectivity in most existing classrooms (the rest will be completed along with the £4m development - due August 2006.  19 classrooms now have Interactive Whiteboards and together with a carefully planned procurement of interactive software we are engaging students more within lessons.

Welcome to our  website. I am very proud to be the Headteacher of St Francis of Assisi, which was judged  "Outstanding" by both the Diocesan and Ofsted inspectors in November 2006. The school has been recently extended, providing us with excellent facilities.
 
Ours is a close knit community with a strong Catholic ethos. Our school motto encourages every member of our school to achieve their personal best and I trust our website will offer you a reflection of  some of the great work we do here.

Our building has recently undergone considerable expansion. This means that we will are able to offer our students better facilities and create an even more positive learning environment. Our philosophy is “never stand still” and this reflects our commitment to school improvement and getting the best for and from our young people.

Primarily, we are a Catholic school. We build on the firm foundations that are laid by parents in the home and by the primary schools which educate our Year 7 intake. We are concerned with developing the whole person; spiritually, morally, academically and physically. Our mission is "to provide an excellent education within the context of the Catholic faith and the teachings of the Church." Within this Catholic ethos, our children are given daily opportunities to learn more about their faith and to live their faith by showing care for and good example to others.

The school motto "Nil Satis Optimum" reflects our traditional values and emphasis on academic excellence. High standards of work, dress and behaviour are expected from every member of the school community. We believe that each child has individual, God-given talents, and the school strives to nurture and support the development of these talents. Our examination record at GCSE and A-level is among the best in the Authority. We offer a range of vocational qualifications and our vocational students have enjoyed consistent success. Similarly, our pupils with special educational needs are supported and challenged to achieve their personal best. We celebrate all our pupils' achievements and believe our firm discipline, homework policy and compulsory school dress underpin our success.

Should you wish your child to attend St Francis next September, we advise early application. We have been regularly and heavily over-subscribed for the last few years. Please e-mail the school for more information. Feel free to visit us during our September Open Evening. I am sure you will be impressed when you meet our staff and pupils and see them in action.

To Catholic parents, I encourage you to continue to give us your great support not just because we are your Diocesan school, but because we can stand alongside the best schools anywhere in terms of what we have to offer and the commitment of our staff.

Yours Sincerely,
Mrs P Mullins, Headteacher