Glossary of terms and abbreviations for parents

Glossary of Key Terms and Abbreviations for Parents and Families

A

Assessment: The process of evaluating a pupil’s understanding, skills, and progress in various subjects.

Assessment for Learning: An approach that uses assessment to inform teaching and improve pupil learning.

B

Bishop: A senior member of the clergy in the Catholic Church, responsible for overseeing a diocese.

C

Catholic Social Teaching: A body of doctrine developed by the Catholic Church on social, economic, and political issues.

CPD (Continuing Professional Development): Ongoing training and education for teachers to improve their skills and knowledge.

Curriculum: The subjects and content taught in a school.

D

Diocese: A district under the pastoral care of a bishop in the Catholic Church.

E

ECT (Early Career Teacher): A teacher who is in the first few years of their teaching career.

EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan): A plan that outlines the educational, health, and social care needs of a pupil with special educational needs and disabilities.

F

Faith Formation: Programmes and activities designed to deepen a pupil's understanding and practice of their Catholic faith.

G

Governors: Individuals who oversee the management and strategic direction of a school.

H

Headteacher: The principal leader of a school, responsible for the overall management and administration.

I

 INSET (In-Service Training): Professional development training for teachers that occurs during school time.

L

Liturgy: The official public worship of the Church, including Mass and other sacraments.

P

Pupil Premium: Additional funding for publicly funded schools in England to raise the attainment of disadvantaged pupils.

RE (Religious Education): A subject that teaches pupils about different religions, with a focus on the Catholic faith in a Catholic school.

SEN (Special Educational Needs): Refers to pupils who have learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn than most pupils.

S

SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural development): Education that promotes pupils' personal development and prepares them for life in modern Britain.

T

TA (Teaching Assistant): A person who supports teachers in the classroom and helps pupils with their learning.

Termly Reports: Reports provided to parents detailing their child’s progress and achievements at the end of each term.

W

Wraparound Care: Childcare services provided before and after school hours.