ST BERNADETTE'S ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL, WHITEFIELD in Lancashire, Manchester

Education Centre Information: St Bernadette's Roman Catholic Primary School, Whitefield:

Establishment Type:Voluntary Aided School
Phase of Education: Primary
Status: Open
Local Authority: Bury
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: Diocese of Salford
Nursery Provider: No Nursery Classes
Total Pupils: 232
Number of boys: 109
Number of girls: 123
Age Range: 5-11
Gender: Mixed
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Background:

St Bernadette's was opened in January 1968 by the Diocese of Salford to serve the Roman Catholic community in the parish of St Bernadette, Whitefield. It is situated close to the main Bury to Manchester Road and the M60. Numbers have risen steadily and the school is currently over-subscribed. The school buildings are of a 'high standard', and a recent survey commented on the standards both internally and externally. Academically, the school provides a 'broad and balanced' curriculum, and it was placed fourth in the last set of league tables in an 'extremely high achieving' LEA. The school offers a 'wide range' of extra-curricular activities like rugby, football, swimming, gymnastics, cricket, athletics, rounders, netball and cross-country. There is also the opportunity to learn six different musical instruments and a Christmas production, pantomime and musical encourage dramatic performances from the pupils. The school has 'close' links with the local community, which are strengthened through festive performances in the local home for the elderly. The children help to organise a special service for homebound and terminally ill people in the locality. Harvest gifts are collected and distributed in the local area, and every year, money is raised for international and national charities. 'Many different groups and helpers', from parents to religious groups, visit the school on a voluntary basis and this helps to strengthen the school's relationship with families and the parish.