Humanities & Leading Edge
The impact of achieving specialist school status has been to improve the facilities for teaching across the school, especially in English, Religious Education and Citizenship.
In September 2004, the school achieved specialist status as a humanities college under the government's specialist school programme.
The Humanities and Leading Edge Specialisms
St James' is proud of its Humanities and Leading Edge Specialisms, which have evolved from the caring, Catholic ethos of our school.
Our three lead subjects (see the English, RE and Citizenship subject pages) have developed and led upon the use of VAKE and Kagan learning wihtin lessons, whic hhas had real impact upon pupil engagement and results. Attainment in all three subjects is high and staff within these subjects have also led upon improving teaching and learning across the school and within other schools in Stockport and beyond.
Humanities status allows us to offer a wide range of enrichment and extra curricular opportunities to our pupils. English, RE and Citizenship offer the chance to develop debating skills, work with other young people, organise events, take part in fun and engaging trips and retreats, and make a real difference to our local, national and international communities.
Our community links are extremely strong. Humanities status has allowed us to appoint a community coordinator and, as a result, we have powerful partnerships with our feeder primary schools, the Heatons School, St Ann's Hospice, CAFOD and Abbeyfield residential home. Pupils have a huge range of opportunities to raise money, help out or take part on community visits.
As a result of our high performing status, St James' became a Leading Edge school in 2009. We have developed strong links with a number of schools in Stockport, including Stockport Academy and Castle Hill High School (VAKE and Kagan trainiing), Cheadle Hulme High School (Kagan learning and gifted and talented activities) and Kingsway School (Gifted & Talented activities).