‘Optimis Optimus’

Welcome from mr Poole– Head of Year 9

As the Head of Year 9, I believe in the power of high-quality education to transform lives, and I strive to create a learning environment that is inspiring, supportive, and inclusive.  I also believe that quality-first pastoral care is at the heart of education. By nurturing students’ wellbeing and providing them with a strong sense of safety and belonging, I ensure they are ready and able to learn. Supporting the whole child—academically, emotionally, and socially—lays the foundation for long-term success, ensuring all of the young people in Year 9 know that they are made for greatness.

The Year 9 Tutor Team

9TGN	Mr T Gordon
9LMR	Mr L Miller
9LHN	Mr L Hogan
9AKY	Mr A Kelly
9RDS	Mr R Davies
9ABI	Ms A Bagri / Mrs N Acton (Wed)
9JGD	Mrs J Good
9AHR	Mrs A Heer/Mrs N Acton (Fri)
9MUD	Mr M.Underwood

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Throughout year 9 there are a lot of opportunities for students to partake in extra curricular activities, personal development opportunities, and leadership opportunities. Additionally, Year 9 holds the next big milestone for our young people – choosing their subject options, which will be studied extensively throughout Year 10 and 11, supporting the package of GCSE’s students will leave Cardinal Newman Catholic School with.

This year, Year 9 students will study a well thought out, age relevant PSHE curriculum following the three key themes:

1. Relationships and Sex Education
2. Health and Wellbeing
3. Living in the wider world

Additionally, students have the following careers opportunities, which further support students’ options choices in the spring term:

• Options & Transition
• Pathways, inc. apprenticeships
• Job sectors & LMI
• Types of employment
• World of Work inc. work experience
• Careers & Professions
• Volunteering
• Unifrog

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. Year 9 is a pivotal year group for students. Throughout the year, students will continue to learn and develop in the classroom, securing a strong foundation of learning in preparation for GCSE courses in Year 10. Students will also have opportunities to experience different subjects, in preparation for choosing their options subjects in the spring term of 2026. Students will need to work hard, and carefully think about the options that they may want to select later in the year, as well as ensuring that they are demonstrating high expectations of themselves, their work, and their behaviour in all lessons. Students will also have lots of careers opportunities to support their options choices.

My goal is to empower students not only to achieve academically, but also to grow in confidence, resilience, and a love of learning that will stay with them for life. I am deeply ambitious for every young person to become the very best version of themselves. I will continue to encourage students to set high expectations, embrace challenges, and discover their unique strengths and passions. By fostering resilience, self-belief, and a positive mindset, I aim to equip them not only with academic success but also with the confidence and character to thrive in life beyond the classroom.