SAINT BERNADETTE CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL in Hertfordshire, St Albans

Education Centre Information: Saint Bernadette Catholic Primary School:

Establishment Type:Voluntary Aided School
Phase of Education: Primary
Status: Open
Local Authority: Hertfordshire
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Does not have a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Urban > 10k - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: Roman Catholic
Diocese: Archdiocese of Westminster
Nursery Provider: No Nursery Classes
Total Pupils: 229
Number of boys: 126
Number of girls: 103
Age Range: 4-11
Gender: Mixed
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Background:

St Bernadette's RC Primary opened in a single-storey building in 1971. The 'spacious' grounds feature two tarmac playgrounds, two adventure play areas, a field, wildlife area and pond. In addition to eight classrooms, the school has a hall, dining room, computer room, library and music room. As an ethnically diverse school, St Bernadette's notes the importance of a 'strong focus on language' to provide pupils with equal access to the curriculum. The school emphasises its commitment to the arts and celebrates the success of its pupils in ceramics, sculpture, textiles, design, collage, painting and drawing. An art exhibition is held every two years and in 1999 pupils designed and created a Jubilee 2000/millennium collage. Extra-curricular music provision includes a weekly choir practice and the opportunity to learn the oboe, keyboard, guitar, recorder, flute and clarinet. The children have participated in a local concert in aid of Barnardo's, give concerts and musicals in school and the parish church and took part in the Millennium Concert at the Albert Hall. Sport is encouraged through the curriculum, clubs and competitions. Clubs cater for football, kwik cricket, netball, tennis, short tennis and athletics. In 1999, the school won the football league and the girls came first in the athletics competition. St Bernadette's invites pupils from other schools to use its after school club and joins with them for shared activities and celebrations. The school is oversibscribed with 1.5 applications per available place.