Ex nihilo nihil fit’

Welcome from Miss Oakman– Head of Year 8

As the pastoral team supporting Year 8, we work closely with students, staff, and families to ensure that every child feels safe, supported, and able to thrive during this important stage of their education. Year 8 is a time when students begin to take greater responsibility for their learning and personal development, and we are here to guide them through that journey.

We monitor academic progress, promote positive behaviour, and encourage students to engage fully with school life. Our aim is to maintain a consistent and inclusive environment where all students are treated with respect and given the opportunity to succeed.

This page provides key information about Year 8, including curriculum guidance, pastoral support, and updates throughout the academic year. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school office.

The Year 8 Tutor Team

8HSE	Mrs H Stowe
8SNL	Miss S Neville—Howell
8EWB	Mr E Webb
7LNN	Mrs L Norman (Take on 7KJB)
8CRN	Mr C Rampton
8FBH	Miss F Boakye-Gyabaah Take (7NWH)
7JMH	Mr J McGrath (take 7MHY)
8EMY	Mr E Murphy/Mrs E Clarke Wed
8SDS	Mr S Davis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are fortunate to have a fantastic and experienced team of tutors working with our Year 8 students. Each tutor plays a vital role in supporting the day-to-day wellbeing and development of their tutor group. They are the first point of contact for students each morning and help to foster a positive and respectful atmosphere across the year group.

Our tutors are committed to building strong relationships with students and families, and they work closely with the pastoral team to ensure that every child receives the support they need.

Together, we aim to create a safe, structured, and encouraging environment where students can grow both academically and personally.

In Year 8, students are encouraged to take part in a wide range of extra-curricular and personal development opportunities that support growth beyond academic learning. These include sports such as football, netball, badminton, volleyball, and access to the fitness suite, as well as clubs including chess, STEM, arts and crafts, film, drama, and music lessons. Alongside these activities, students engage in a structured pastoral programme which includes PSHE, Talking Points, Catholic Life, and Reading Aloud. This programme is designed to support students’ wellbeing, moral development, and communication skills. Personal development is further supported through opportunities to become student council representatives, take on tutor group leadership roles, act as subject mentors, or serve as student runners. Students also have the chance to apply for Head Boy and Head Girl roles, which recognise leadership and responsibility within the school. We actively encourage all students to have their say in shaping the school community, and we value their contributions through structured leadership roles and regular opportunities to share feedback. These experiences help students to build confidence, develop key life skills, and contribute positively to the wider school environment.

Last year marked an important milestone for our students as they completed their first full year at CNCS. Throughout the year, they showed great enthusiasm, resilience, and a strong commitment to both their academic studies and wider school life.

Students took part in a range of exciting trips, including Bushcraft, the Harry Potter Studios, our Big Day Out, and theatre trips. These experiences provided valuable opportunities for learning beyond the classroom and helped to strengthen friendships and teamwork.

We were proud to host a fantastic Christmas Carol Concert, which showcased the musical talents and collaborative spirit of our students. Engagement in inter-tutor competitions was another highlight, with pupils actively participating in events such as table tennis tournaments, spelling bees, and writing challenges.

The achievements and involvement of our students last year reflect the vibrant ethos of Year 8,  we look forward to building on this success in the year ahead.

The pastoral programme at Cardinal Newman Catholic School enables all students to develop Personally, Socially, Emotionally and Spiritually. During our tutor time each morning, all students will access their PSHE curriculum, participate in discussion based activities through out ‘Talking Points’, engage in continual reflection regarding their attendance and behaviour and have access to high quality careers information, advice and guidance.

At Cardinal Newman Catholic School, we are passionate about developing the whole child and ensuring that they are aware of the wider world around them. Our pastoral programme is designed in a manner that deepens our students understanding of how to keep themselves safe not only emotionally and physically but also virtually.

Our students complete work in their pastoral books, which allows them to keep a record of all the important topics they cover and also refer back to it when they complete their PSHE assessments.

As students move from Year 7 into Year 8, the focus shifts towards building on the strong foundations already established. This transition marks an important step in their journey at CNCS, where they begin to take greater ownership of their learning and personal development.

Throughout the year, we continue to support students in strengthening their academic abilities across all subjects, while also placing a strong emphasis on developing their moral compass. Through our pastoral programme, enrichment activities, and leadership opportunities, students are encouraged to reflect on their values, make responsible choices, and contribute positively to the school community.

Year 8 is a time for growth, challenge, and increasing independence. With the support of our dedicated staff and tutor team, we aim to guide each student through a successful and rewarding year ahead.

As Head of Year 8, my ambition for all students within my year group is to support them in becoming confident, respectful, and responsible individuals. I aim to ensure that every student continues to build their academic abilities, treats others with respect and grows into kind and considerate citizens who understand who they are and recognise their full potential. Through consistent guidance, meaningful opportunities, a strong pastoral framework, we strive to foster the skills needed for successful adulthood and positive contributions to the wider community