Press Release - March 2013
Saint Paul’s Catholic High School in Wythenshawe recently extended their breakfast club provision for their pupils. The club is part of the Saint Paul’s healthy eating initiative, which aims to emphasise the importance of healthy eating and regular exercise to its pupils.
The school believes that the Breakfast club meets a variety of important needs: it meets children’s health needs by providing a balanced meal at the beginning of the day, it meets educational needs in terms of ensuring children start the school day on time, feeling well-nourished and settled and at the same time it meets the needs of children and their families through the provision of a safe, supervised environment before school starts.
“Research has shown that a successful breakfast club can have a positive impact on attendance and improve concentration levels,” explained Mrs Joanne Walters, Head of Food Technology at Saint Paul’s. “They can see at the club how healthy foods can be used to make enjoyable meals and snacks.”
Mrs Walters added “The Breakfast Club also helps to develop healthy eating habits in childhood which, it is now widely accepted, positively influence adult eating patterns. A good healthy breakfast provides the best possible start to the day!”
“The club is proving popular with our pupils,” commented Head Teacher, Mr Wiktor Daron. “Such provision helps busy parents juggle their roles and provides a safe, secure and stable environment for their children. We are delighted with the enthusiasm which our pupils have shown.”
“It also has a positive impact on the children’s manners, social skills, attendance, concentration, motivation and classroom performance,” added Mr Daron.
Notes for Editors
1.At the last Ofsted inspection of the school in March 2010 the following comments were made by the inspectors: “Good teaching enables students to make good progress and achieve well. Relationships between teachers and students are strong. They result in good behaviour.”
The report stated that the school is “enabling students to learn effectively and make good progress. Attainment is rising rapidly as a result. Achievement for all students, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those with English as an additional language, is good.”
2.The Ofsted report is reinforced by the preceding inspection of the school by the Diocese of Shrewsbury under the guidance of the Bishop of Shrewsbury. The Diocese report stated “Saint Paul’s is a good Catholic school. The Head and Senior Leadership Team have a clear vision ….. an outstanding feature of the school is the pastoral care of students and the support of staff.”
3.The 2012 GCSE results for Saint Paul’s Catholic High School were its best ever with 90% of pupils achieving 5 A* - Cs. 59% of pupils gained 5 A*-C plus English and Maths. This is the eighth year in succession that the school has improved its GCSE pass rate.
4.Saint Paul’s is the first school in Manchester to be awarded Engineering College status.
5.The work of Saint Paul’s drama teacher, Ms Ellie Brookes, was recognised with her winning the much coveted North West Teacher of the Year Award 2009. Also Head of Humanities at Saint Paul’s, Ms Ursula Gallagher, gained third place in the Outstanding New Teacher of the Year category of the Northern Area Teacher of the Year 2010.
6.Lively approaches to teaching maintain vigour and ensure that firm foundations are established for higher level work. The school has a modern approach to learning supported by a programme of constant refurbishment and development of its facilities and resources. Saint Paul’s is currently undergoing a total rebuild with the new school buildings due to open in November.
7.The aims of the school are to:
•Teach and foster a Christian perspective in all that it does
•Provide teaching of the highest calibre
•Promote excellence in all areas
•Develop the ability, talents and character of each pupil, enabling them to make their own unique contribution to school life
•Encourage boys to play their part in helping the community run smoothly and effectively, by taking on responsibility and leadership
More information about Saint Paul’s Catholic High School can be found at www.st-paulshigh.net or contact Jane McAuliffe-Hall (Marketing and Publicity Manager) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or on 0161 437 5841.