General Info
The Birth of Saint Monica's Roman Catholic Specialist Language CollegeA bit of historyThe college officially opened its doors in September 2003 as a Specialist Language College . This was its fourth incarnation, having been a boys' grammar school, a mixed high school (both called St. Peter's), an amalgamated mixed high school (changing names to St. Monica's) and finally its present status. All these establishments were and are based on the present site in Prestwich opposite Heaton Park with lovely views of the Pennines to the east. Modern Foreign LanguagesThe department had a track record of excellent results and initiatives but was suffering from poor accommodation (mentioned by OFSTED). The extra funds allowed us to build 2 new multimedia rooms with 31 computers, DVD and projectors. Eventually the other 5 rooms in the complex were upgraded with projectors, a staff computer and DVD/VCR, all linked wirelessly to the school network. On the ground floor we added a technician's office, a room for the language assistants and an office for the Language College Director which doubles as a Resources Area. New InitiativesThe extra funds were used not just for material improvements but also to fulfil our targets in theLanguage College bid.Forty per cent of our grant has to be used to help the community at large so we now teach French at KS2 in our 5 feeder primaries, welcome handicapped and autistic children for time-tabled lessons, helping looked-after children with their language studies and providing extra MFL lessons after school for pupils, parents and other adults. We were also able to set up links with China , France and Spain , with the Specialist Grant helping to pay for travel. The Way AheadAt the end of the 2005 Summer Term we are half way through our first designation period of four years and we have to re-apply for a second and subsequent redesignations. We feel confident that we will succeed! |