St Augustine's Roman Catholic High School, Billington

53°48′58″N 2°25′37″W / 53.816°N 2.427°W / 53.816; -2.427

  Blue Websitehttp://www.sarchs.com

St Augustine's RC High School is a coeducational Roman Catholic secondary school located in Billington, Lancashire, England.^[1]

History

The school opened in 1963 originally intaking 450 pupils. It is now the largest Roman Catholic high school in its LEA.

St Augustine's won the DfES School Achievement Award for both 2000–2001 and 2001–2002. It was the only high school in Lancashire to be awarded Beacon status in 2002. In 2003 it became one of the first Leading Edge Schools in England and one of Lancashire’s first three Specialist Science Colleges. In 2008, it achieved High Performing Specialist College status and was also awarded Specialist Languages College status.

Previously a voluntary aided school administered by Lancashire County Council,^[2] in December 2022 St Augustine's converted to academy status.^[3] The school is now sponsored by the Romero Catholic Academy Trust,^[4] but continues to be under the jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Salford.

Curriculum

Curriculum at KS3

Subject	Allocated time
RE	8%
English	12%
Mathematics	12%
Science	12%
History	8%
RMFL	10%
PE/games	8%
Art	4%
ICT	4%
Geography	8%
Music	4%
Design technology	6%
Drama	2%
PSHE	2%

Curriculum at KS4

Every student must take maths and English along with either Double Award Science, or separate sciences. These are allocated 3 slots per week. Although St Augustines is a specialist language college, learning a language is not obligatory. Pupils must select more courses in order to fill the time table. Each non-core subject takes up 2 periods per week on the time table.

Lessons

There are many different subjects taught at St Augustine's. In year 9, options are taken for pupils to choose their own subjects. All subjects are taken in years 7-9.

• English - split into English language and English literature in year 10.
• Mathematics
• Science - in year 9 pupils can opt for 'triple science' (biology, chemistry and physics) or 'science' (a grouping of all three)
• Modern foreign languages - split into French and Spanish.
• Art
• Resistant materials
• Electronics
• Textiles
• Food technology
• Graphic design
• Music
• Information computer technology (ICT)
• History - splits into pre 20th century and 20th century at year 9
• Geography
• Drama
• Religious education
• Physical education
• PHSE

At GCSE level, pupils can also have 'study periods', which are free periods to catch up on work.

Also year 8 now take options they choose one subject (music, drama, P.E and technology subjects) and all pupils must take one language (French or Spanish)

Attainment

Year	5 A* - C
2004	80%
2005	85%
2006	86%
2007	87%
2008	89%
2009	90%

Notable former pupils

• David Dunn, footballer^[5]
• Michael Bisping,^[6] professional mixed martial artist
• [Gareth Ainsworth], former professional footballer and QPR manager.

References

External links

• St Augustine's official website