Summary of 27 April 2018 Section 48:

Classroom religious education is good

• This school offers a creative religious education curriculum based on the Religious Education Curriculum Directory. Pupils are engaged in their learning; art and music enhance curriculum provision.
• The subject leader effectively ensures that there is clear progression of the delivery of religious education across key stages.
• Pupils make good progress, enjoy religious education and are well behaved in lessons.
• Feedback is detailed and helps pupils understand what they need to do next to improve their outcomes.
• Leaders ensure that their judgements are validated by moderating externally as well as internally.
• Teaching is never less than good in this school ensuring pupils are engaged in lessons.
• Good feedback is provided for pupils and pupils use this to identify their next steps in learning.
• School leaders have provided an accurate evaluation of the strengths and areas for development.
• Governors’ involvement and support is a strength of this school. Visits by the parish priest enhance the delivery of the religious education curriculum.

The Catholic life of the school is outstanding

• The commitment of school leadership including the religious education leader ensure that pupils at St. Cross experience a Catholic life that is vibrant, engaging and dynamic.

•  The school ensures that all pupils receive religious education for 10% of the curriculum, as required by the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.
• It is evident to all who enter into this school that Christ is at the centre. 
• Pupils confidently lead prayer and worship, grounded in the knowledge that they are learning from the legacy of the school’s founders, the Sisters of Our Lady.
• Pupils are actively engaged in supporting those in need. They demonstrate an enthusiasm for fundraising as well as an acknowledgement that they are bearing witness to the Word. 
• Pupils respond wholeheartedly to their call to serve and have a deep understanding of the theology underpinning their actions.
•  Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the contribution this school makes to the development of pupils’ faith.
• There are excellent systems in place to support staff and also to induct new staff.
• The head, together with the subject leader and governors relentlessly drive the school in its pursuit of excellence, they do this with an energy enthusiasm that is evident to all who enter the building thereby ensuring that every visitor feels Christ’s presence.