GCSE Results 12th August 2021

Congratulations to everyone on the outstanding results achieved during the challenging times we faced over the past eighteen months. Thank you to all staff for their efforts in ensuring that students achieved the results they deserved.

9-7: 50%       9-4: 94%       

Average Grade: 6

Notable results were achieved by the following students:

Natalie Carr: Ten grade 9s
Toni: Matitu:  Ten grade 9s
Olivia Delahunt:  Nine grade 9s and one grade 8
Samantha Biju Joseph:  Eight grade 9s and two grade 8s
Laurie Fleming: Seven grade 9s and three grade 8s
Eden Shepherd: Eight grade 9s and two grade 7s
Riya Sajan: Five grade 9s and five grade 8s
Arppan Enchackal: Five grade 9s, four grade 8s and one grade 7                                                                    Adorna Jaimon: Six grade 9s and four grade 8s.

 

Garry Maher, Principal, said ‘these results are a testament to dedication and hard work of the students and staff at the college and to the partnership with parents who have supported their children throughout their time at St Bede’s. Congratulations to everyone on their well deserved success and we wish them well as they move on to further study in September’.

Elizabeth White, Chair of Governors, said ‘many congratulations to everyone for another series of outstanding results. This is the culmination of years of hard work and is well deserved in the face of the challenges experienced by students over the past eighteen months. We wish everyone well next year’.

'A' Level Results 10th August 2021

Congratulations to everyone on the outstanding results achieved during the challenging times we faced over the past eighteen months. Thank you to all staff for their efforts in ensuring that students achieved the results they deserved.

A*-A 48%        A*-B 73%       A*-C 91%      A*-E 100%

Average Grade B+

Notable results included the following students:

Joseph Whitfield: Grades A*, A*, A*, A* and will be going to the University of York to read Theoretical Physics
Joss Carr: Grades A*, A*, A*, A* and will be going to the University of Oxford to read Geography
Matthew Wood: Grades A*, A*, A*, A* and will be going to the University of Sheffield to read General Engineering
Lilly Potter: Grades A*, A*, A* and will be going to the University of Bath to read Psychology
Jeffymol Joseph: Grades A*, A*, A* and will be going to Cardiff University to read Medicine
Abishek Aditya: Grades A*, A*, A* and will be going to the University of Bristol to read Aerospace Engineering  Stanley Roberts: Grades A*, A*, A* and will be taking a gap year before pursuing medicine                       Oscar Banim: Grades A*, A*, A* and will be taking a gap year

Garry Maher, Principal said ‘these results are a testament to dedication and hard work of the students and staff at the college and to the partnership with parents who have supported their children throughout their time at St Bede’s. Congratulations to everyone on their well deserved success, and we wish them well as they move on to further study in September’.

Elizabeth White Chair of Governors said ‘many congratulations to everyone for another series of outstanding results. This is the culmination of years of hard work and is well deserved in the face of the challenges experienced by students over the past eighteen months. We wish everyone well as they move on to university, college or work next year’.
 

Update 20th July 2021

Dear Parents and Carers,

Return to college in September

As you may have heard, the government has asked schools to complete on-site lateral flow tests of students on their return to college in September. As we only have the capacity to test approximately 600 students per day, we are going to have to stagger the return to college after the summer break.

Students who will be in Years 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 have already given consent and this will be carried forward unless you advise us otherwise.

On the first day of college students will undertake the lateral flow test and will remain with their tutor group until the results of everyone in the tutor group are known and free movement around the college site can continue.

Monday 6th September

Year 9, 10, 12 and 13 students only

Tuesday 7th September

Year 7, 8 and 11 students only

Wednesday 8th September

All students in attendance

Many thanks for your co-operation,

J. G. Maher,

Principal

 

 

MESSAGE FROM MR MAHER, PRINCIPAL

Update 16^th July 2021

Dear Parents and Carers,

I will leave my final farewell message to the newsletter on Monday but would like to thank everyone for the kind messages and good wishes already received.

Following a number of confirmed Covid-19 cases over the past fortnight, students from every year group have been isolating at some point. I thank everyone for their cooperation in what has been an incredibly frustrating couple of weeks. You will also receive a letter regarding the changes to Track and Trace from Monday 19^th July.

Although restrictions are being eased from Monday, the current guidance from the Department for Education states ‘we expect and recommend people wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces where you come into contact with those you don’t normally meet such as on public transport’. This guidance will be kept under review over August.

Therefore, taking into account the increasing numbers across Bristol and the surrounding authorities, students should continue to wear face covering on school transport for the foreseeable future as well.

When students return to college in September they will be required to take two supervised lateral flow tests three days apart. The consent forms which are already in place will still be valid unless parents inform us otherwise. Students will still have the option to withdraw consent on the day as previously. However, this is designed to keep everyone safe at the start of the new academic year.

With prayers,

J. G. Maher

Principal

Click here to read my Letter to parents regarding contact tracing from 19th July 2021

 

Update 12^th July 2021

Dear Parents and Carers,

Following further confirmed cases of Covid-19 over the weekend, Year 9 have all now been asked to isolate at home and a date for their return will be confirmed via ‘InTouch’ this afternoon.

Unfortunately, we have also had notification of confirmed cases in Year 10 and close contacts were sent home from college this morning and asked to isolate. We will continue to monitor this during the afternoon and overnight and will contact you again via ‘InTouch’ if the remaining Year 10 students have to isolate as well.

There may well be a need to move to on line learning for all students in Years 8, 9, 10 and 12 in the coming days if the number of confirmed cases continues to rise. Students in these year groups would not then return to college until September. I will update parents and carers once a clearer picture emerges.

I would like to thank everyone for their continued support throughout this pandemic. We are not there yet but there is at least some light at the end of the tunnel now.

With prayers and every blessing,

J. G. Maher,

Principal

 

 

9th July 2021

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are looking forward to welcoming Year 7 students back into college following their period of isolation.

Year 8 remain at home and unfortunately I have had to send 98 Year 9 students home to isolate this morning following further confirmed cases today.

Staff are not immune to this either and we currently have thirteen members of staff who have been contacted directly by Track and Trace and instructed to isolate next week.

I will continue to monitor the situation over the weekend and any further updates will be communicated via ‘In Touch’.

Can I also remind everyone that during the period of isolation students should not be mixing outside and should also not be collecting younger brothers or sisters from primary school.

We have seven school days remaining so let us hope that no-one else will be required to isolate going into the summer holidays.

With prayers and every blessing,

J. G. Maher,

Principal

 

 

2nd July 2021

As we approach the end of the academic year, I wanted to say thank you to all students and families for the resilience everyone has demonstrated in what has been another incredibly challenging year.

Covid-19 has certainly tested the resolve of many and it is with regret that I have had to send the entire year 7 group home this morning following six cases reported today. I would emphasise the importance of the twice weekly lateral flow tests being completed.  A further home testing kit will be distributed to your child before the end of term.  I would also urge the remaining year groups to wear face coverings in college although advice from government does not require this at the moment.

Life in college continues with interviews for House Captains and the Head Prefects for next year.  Each year group will be involved in a day of reflection next week facilitated by staff from the Kintbury Retreat Centre.  All new staff who will be joining St Bede’s in the Autumn Term spent the day in college yesterday and are all very much looking forward to being here in September.

Let us all hope that college life will return to ‘normal’ and allow for students to move around college together freely. Students have all indicated that they have missed the ‘busyness’ of school being in their year bubble and it will be good to see the interaction between older and younger students returning and the community coming together as family again.

With prayers and every blessing,

J. G. Maher

Principal

 

IMPORTANT REMINDER

Unfortunately due to the COVID restrictions we have been forced to cancel the Year 6/7 transition day on July 1st.  

However, we are going ahead with the SCHOOLS OUT event from Wednesday 21st to Friday 23rd July 2021. 

Message from Mr Maher, 18th June 2021

It was an anxious start to Term 6 with four confirmed cases of Covid-19 and the frustration for students and their families having to isolate from college again.  Thank you to all families for ensuring that your children continue the twice weekly lateral flow testing – this is making a difference. The government announcement of the postponement of the full easing of restrictions in England has also been incredibly disappointing for everyone and has necessitated further amendments to our plans for year 6 and sixth form transition events at the end of June and beginning of July.

Final arrangements for moderation and checking of teacher assessed grades has been completed prior to the deadline for uploading results to the examination boards on Friday 18th June. Students in years 11 and 13 have demonstrated incredible resilience throughout this year with advice changing continually. The final assessments were undertaken in a diligent manner and the outcome bodes well for the results in August. I would like to thank all teachers for the efforts they have gone to in ensuring a fair and consistent system which will stand up to scrutiny from outside agencies.

Let us all hope that college life will return to ‘normal’ in September and allow for students to move around college together freely and for all the activities for which St Bede’s is known to continue. Students have missed the opportunities for sport, music and drama and are looking forward to the comprehensive range of co-curricular activities to resume as soon as possible. It is part of the rich programme of activities which makes St Bede’s the special place it is.

With prayers and every blessing,

J. G. Maher

Principal

 

SIXTH FORM TASTER DAYS 23rd & 24th June 2021

Dear Parent/Carer,

Re: Updated information for Sixth Form Taster Day

I am pleased to announce that our Arete Sixth Form taster day will continue as planned and you can attend either on Wednesday 23^rd or Thursday 24^th June.  Following the recent government update, we are taking further precautions to ensure the safety of all students and staff. It is vital that all prospective students adhere to the instructions below.

• Please complete the google form that has been sent to you, indicating what day you will be joining us. (if you have not received this link please email sixthform@stbcc.org)
• All students must take a lateral flow Covid test 24 hours prior to attending on Wednesday 23^rd June or Thursday 24^th June.  
• The test must be registered through the NHS and a negative result, which can be presented on students’ phones upon entry.
• Unfortunately, we are unable to allow students on site if they have not registered a negative Covid test and be able to provide evidence of this result. 
• We strongly advise students wear masks throughout the day.      Students are not allowed to travel via school transport.  

All prospective students will be given sole use of our Arete block throughout the day, in order to maintain year group bubbles. 

We ask that all students arrive at 9:30am at the gate where they will be welcomed to our Arete building by staff. The day will end at 1pm. We ask that all students make their own way home swiftly. 

We look forward to welcoming everyone. 

Yours sincerely

Mr Nicholas Sutton 

Acting Director of Sixth Form

PRIZE GIVING 2021

We were delighted this week to present the 25th Annual Prize Giving albeit a little differently again this year.

Almost 250 pupils received awards for high achievement and excellent attitude.  A huge number of children received nominations from staff and a scrupulous effort to be fair, resulted in the final list. We hope that pupils deserving of an award, but who did not receive one this year,  will be recognised at Prize Giving celebrations in future years.

Congratulations to our Special Award winners: Sean McConalogue (Catherine Hughes Award for Community), Kalina Emilian (Sixth Form Areté Award), Isabel Romero (St John Paul II Prize), Tian Shu Shao (Year 13 Award voted by Year 13 pupils), Natalie Carr and Rubin Halder (Science Award) Isobel Patel and Sean Simmons (Sport Award), Aleena Thomas (Year 11 Award voted by Year 11 pupils), Laurie Fleming and Quinn Stables (Vice Principals’ Award) and Benjamin Edmonds and Mia Bradshaw (Principal’s Awards)

Our grateful thanks also to our Guest Speaker Kevin Owen, Journalist and Newsreader who kindly prepared his address to be included in the Prize Giving presentation.  Kevin Owen is a television and radio news anchor, reporter and presenter and has worked in UK regional and network broadcasting for more than thirty years.

Congratulations to all who have been awarded prizes.  A copy of the Prize Giving programme, listing all award winners can be found here: Prize Giving Programme 2021

Update - Monday 24^th May 2021

Dear Parents and Carers

Term 6

As we continue to come out of lockdown it is timely to re-enforce routines and the high standards we expect of all our students here are St Bede’s Catholic College.

Year 11 and 13 students will be leaving on Friday and we wish them all well. Those returning for the sixth form will have work to complete at home prior to the Areté induction days on the 23^rd and 24^th June.

When students in years 7 – 10 return on Monday 7^th June, all students are expected to be in correct uniform including the designated school skirt or trouser for the girls. No straight skirts will be allowed as we have received all orders from the uniform supplier and distributed the correct uniform to all who have requested it. Please contact Mrs Mason in the uniform shop should you need to purchase uniform or have not received your completed order to date.

Blazers should be worn at all times including travelling to and from college. Jewellery is limited to a wristwatch and a single stud earring in each ear. Nose piercings are not permitted in accordance with the uniform policy.

Shoes should be low heeled, black leather style which can be polished. Trainers and basketball shoes are not acceptable.

Mobile telephones should be switched off and carried in bags and should not be out for any reason during the college day – ‘on site – out of sight’.

Year 8 students will move into the Humanities block and Year 9 will move onto the top floor of the A block. This will enable Science practical lessons to resume which students have been looking forward to all year.

Schools were asked to be flexible and more understanding regarding uniform during the periods of lockdown.  However, as we work towards the 21^st June our high expectations have returned and we are grateful to all parents for your support in this matter.

With prayers and all good wishes,

Mr J. G. Maher

Principal

 

 

 

Update - 14th May 2021

Dear Parents and Carers,

Following the government’s announcement earlier this week, face coverings in classrooms and in communal areas of the college will be optional for students and staff from Monday 17th May.

Students travelling on school or public buses will still have to wear a face covering for the duration of their journey.

Please re-enforce road safety with your children, particularly at the peak times of arrival in the morning and at the end of the day when traffic is particularly busy on the Long Cross.

Year 11 and 13 have their final assessments in college and we wish them all the very best next week.

 With prayers,

J. G. Maher

Principal

 

Update – 23^rd April 2021

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope that you all enjoyed the celebrations over Easter and are looking forward with enthusiasm to meeting up with family as restrictions continue to ease coming out of lockdown. There is certainly light at the end of the tunnel with a renewed sense of family coming together.

The government announcement regarding students not having to wear face coverings in classrooms has been delayed and this requirement will not now be lifted until 17^th May at the earliest. Advisors still want schools to be cautious at this time and therefore the recommendation remains in place until then.

Year 11 and 13 students are continuing to work hard and are completing the last assessments which are another opportunity to ‘shine’. Students should remain focussed for the remaining few weeks to ensure that they achieve the best results possible.

Year 11 and 13 students last day in college will be Friday 28^th May.

Year 11 students intending to return to Areté in Year 12 will be provided with online ‘bridging’ work to complete in June prior to their Sixth Form induction in July. Faculty Leaders are currently finalising this work and students will be expected to engage with this after the half term break.

We continue to hope that restrictions will be lifted further from the 21^st June when schools can return to a more familiar routine and students will have more access to all areas of the college.

Let us remember all those who have suffered throughout this pandemic and pray for the swift recovery of all those who remain unwell at this time.

With prayers and all good wishes,

J. G. Maher

Principal

 

Update – 31st March 2021

Dear Parents and Carers,

As the country cautiously begins to unlock following the extended period of lockdown, it is worth remembering that, as Christians, we are known as the ‘Easter People’ – a people of Hope. Mr Loud has put together reflections for us to use during Holy Week and Easter which will enable us to come together and feel part of the wider family of St Bede’s. 

All students who have been involved in the lateral flow testing in school have been issued with two kits for use over the Easter break. Parents are asked to use contact@stbcc.org if their child shows symptoms of Covid-19 and returns a positive test result from Thursday 1st April through to Sunday 4th April. The NHS Track and Trace system should be used by parents from Monday 5th April. 

Let us remember all those who have suffered bereavement or are unwell in hospital. We pray that they will be given strength and comfort at this time. 

With all good wishes and Easter blessings, 

J. G. Maher 
Principal 

Please find our latest Newsletter here  : https://www.stbedescc.org/attachments/download.asp?file=2309&type=pdf

 

 

Update – 26^th March 2021

Dear Parents and Carers,

Mrs Elizabeth White, Chair of Governors is pleased to announce the appointment of the new Principal for St Bede's Catholic College. Following interviews this week,

Mr Robert King will take up the position of Principal in September. A number of students were involved in the interviews as well as Governors. This is a good appointment for the college as Vice Principal Mr King already knows the college well. We wish him well with his new role. 

Students who have consented to being involved in the home lateral flow testing will be issued with two kit boxes next week. The government are requesting that testing continues over the Easter break and therefore six tests will be provided which should give everyone enough up until Sunday 18^th April.

Schools are also being asked to undertake Track and Trace for 48 hours following the students’ last contact in school. Therefore, parents are asked to use contact@stbcc.org if their child shows symptoms of Covid-19 and returns a positive test result from Thursday 1^st April through to Sunday 4^th April. The NHS Track and Trace system should be used by parents from Monday 5^th April.

With prayers and every blessing,

J. G. Maher

Principal

 

Update – 19^th March 2021

Dear Parents and Carers,

We have now conducted over three thousand lateral flow tests in college with only one positive case reported. All students who consented to being involved in the testing have been issued with their home testing kits.

Students should complete their first test on Sunday 21^st March, second on Wednesday 24^th and third on Sunday 28^th. Parents are asked to register the results with the NHS and instructions for doing this are included in the box. The college only needs to be informed of a positive result so that we know that your child is isolating at home.

A further test kit will be issued during the last week of term 4 and students should resume testing on Sunday 18^th April prior to their return to college after the Easter break.

I would like to commend the students for their behaviour and cooperation throughout the testing process which certainly enabled the smooth running of the testing being carried out.

I’m sure that many of you will have seen the article in the Bristol Post this week which highlights that Lawrence Weston has significant numbers of Covid-19 cases. Please discourage your children from visiting the local parade of shops in the morning before college starts and potentially spreading the virus within the college community.

I would also like to thank all parents for your continued support. Let us continue to pray for all those who have suffered illness through this pandemic.

With prayers and every blessing,

J. G. Maher

Principal

 

Update – 12^th March 2021

Dear Parents and Carers,

It has been a privilege to welcome students back to full face to face education this week. The vast majority of students have been excited about seeing their teachers and their friends and experiencing high quality direct teaching and learning in college. It has also been fantastic to hear the ‘hustle and bustle’ of students in college.

Mr Loud has continued to prepare resources for Lent and these additional power points will be shared with students over the next few weeks.

89% of students have given consent to be involved in the lateral flow testing. Years 7, 9, 10, 12 and 13 have all received two tests this week with Years 8 and 11 receiving their second test on Monday. All test results so far have been negative which is excellent news. All ‘in school’ testing will finish on Thursday 18^th March. The students’ behaviour has been impeccable throughout and their cooperation and attentiveness has made the whole process run very smoothly.

All those who have consented to having the lateral flow tests will be issued with their home testing kits next week. Students should complete two tests per week and parents are asked to register the results with the NHS. The instructions on how to do this are provided in the kit boxes. Form tutors will go through the processing of the tests with students during registration next week and a short video has provided on how to do this. Parents will only need to inform the college of a positive result and the need for their child to isolate for ten days as required.

We have been pleased with the positive response shown by students towards the wearing of face masks in college and on both public and college transport. Members of the local community have also written to me this week noting the students wearing face masks and thanking them for their efforts. The correct wearing of masks at all times is an important factor in helping us all to stop the spread of the virus.

Mr King has sent out information to Year 11 and 13 students regarding the grading of examinations in the summer. We are still awaiting some crucial detail from the exam boards but this initial information will hopefully provide some reassurance to both students and parents. Results days have been amended with ‘A’ Level results now being published on Tuesday 10^th August and GCSE results being published on Thursday 12^th August.

The college has issued significant numbers of IT devices to families to support remote learning during the periods of lockdown. We are very grateful to have received generous donations from two organisations, The Edmonds and Coles Charity and the Direct Line Group to support this provision. Families are asked to hold onto equipment issued to aid home learning until formally asked to return it to the college.

Thank you to all families for your continued support and for all your good wishes to staff here at St Bede’s Catholic College.

With prayers and every blessing,

J. G. Maher

Principal

 

 

Update – 5th March 2021

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are all very much looking forward to welcoming students back into college next week. 

Many children will be really happy to come back to the college because they will get to see their friends and it will be a welcome return to a routine for them, but there will be some who feel anxious. Therefore, we have allocated time for the children to celebrate their return to college by taking stock of their experiences and to then swiftly look forward with hope and positivity to their next steps.  The wellness resources that we are planning to use can be accessed here:

 St. Bede's Catholic College Wellness Classroom

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday will be staggered for the students return. School buses will resume from Monday 8th March and will collect students from their pick up points at the usual times. In accordance with government guidelines students will need to wear face coverings when travelling to college. 

Following the advice from government we will now be requiring everyone to wear face coverings in classrooms as well as corridors and communal areas. This is to keep everyone as safe as possible as the community begins to unlock and will avoid a further spike in coronavirus numbers as time progresses.  

Please make sure that your child has a spare mask in their blazer pocket so that should the first one break or be lost then they have a second to utilise during the day. 

Students will remain in their year groups bubbles as before the lockdown in January. They should enter via the main entrance and report to the rooms previously advised in my update on 26th February. 

If your child is unsure of which room is indicated above, then staff will be available in the main entrance to direct them. 

Students in years 8, 9, 11, 12 and 13 who remain at home on Monday 8th and Tuesday 9th will have work set via Show My Homework. However, no live lessons will take place on these two days. 

I would like to thank all parents for your continued support during these challenging times.  

With prayers and every blessing, 

J. G. Maher 
Principal 

 

 

Update – 26th February 2021

Dear Parents and Carers,

Thank you to everyone who has responded to the request for consent forms to be returned and we are now down to the last remaining few. Please complete the form to allow for all administrative tasks to be completed and the efficient testing to take place when students return. 

School buses will resume from Monday 8th March and will collect students from their pick up points at the usual times. In accordance with government guidelines students will need to wear face coverings when travelling to college. 

Students and teachers already wore face coverings in corridors and communal areas and we will now be requiring everyone to wear these in classrooms as well. This is to keep everyone as safe as possible as the community begins to unlock and will avoid a further spike in coronavirus numbers as time progresses.  

Please make sure that your child has a spare face covering in their blazer pocket so that should the first one break or be lost then they have a second to utilise during the day. 

Students will remain in their year groups bubbles as before the lockdown in January. 

Students in years 7 and 10 will return to college on Monday 8th March. When they arrive in college they should enter via the main entrance and report to the following rooms which are their normal teaching rooms and not their Tutor bases:

Year 7	Room		Year 10	Room
7 1A	A8		10/1 Maths	D4
7 2A	A12		10/2 Maths	D17
7 2C	A4		10/3 Maths	D6
7 3A	A7		10/4 Maths	D13
7 1B	A5		10 S1 Science	D11
7 1C	A3		10 S2 Science	D16
7 2C	A6		10S3 Science	D15
7 3B	E5

 

Students in years 9, 12 and 13 will return to college on Tuesday 9th March. When they arrive in college they should enter via the main entrance and report to the following rooms which are their normal teaching rooms and not their Tutor bases:

Year 9	Room		Year 12/13	Room
9 1B	B10		12 C Biology	O3
9 1C	B3		12 C CS	O10
9 2C	B8		12 C Drama	O9
9 3B	B2		12 C Music	O6
9 1A	B1		12 C RF	8A
9 2A	B4		13 D Art	4A
9 2B	B7		13 D Chemistry	O4
9 3A	A10L		13 D English Lit	7A
			13 D Geography	2A
			13 D Physics	O8
			13 D Psychology	6A
			13 D Theo	5A

Students in years 8 and 11 will return to college on Wednesday 10th March. When they arrive in college they should enter via the main entrance and report to the following rooms which are their normal teaching rooms and not their Tutor bases:

Year 8	Room		Year 11	Room
8 1A	A9		11 T1	C14
8 2A	A19		11 T2	C22
8 2B	A18		11 T3	C17
8 3A	A14		11 T4	C18
8 1B	A21		11 T5	D9
8 1C	A20		11/5 Maths	C37
8 2C	A11		11/6 Maths	C34
8 3B	A13		11/7 Maths	C32

If your child is unsure of which room is indicated above, then staff will be available in the main entrance to direct them. 

Students in years 8, 9, 11, 12 and 13 who remain at home on Monday 8th and Tuesday 9th will have work set via Show My Homework. However, no live lessons will take place on these two days. 

The government confirmed that year 11 and 13 students completing their GCSE and ‘A’ Level courses this year will have their grades informed by teacher assessment. This will be assessment completed over time. If additional evidence is required, then students may need to complete sample questions provided by the exam boards. We are awaiting the guidance to be published and have until June 18th to complete the moderation process. 

Results days have already been amended. ‘A’ Level results will be issued on Tuesday 10th August and GCSE results will be published on Thursday 12th August. 

Further information will be provided as soon as we receive it in college. 

With prayers and every blessing, 

J. G. Maher 

Principal 

 

Update – 23^rd February 2021

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are all looking forward to welcoming students back at St Bede’s.

Following the Government’s announcement yesterday all students in secondary schools will need a negative lateral flow test result.  Therefore, if you have not already done so it is now imperative that consent forms are completed here by Friday 26^th February. This will allow for all administrative tasks to be completed next week and then tests can be carried out effectively the following week.

The students return to college will be staggered in order to facilitate a safe and controlled testing environment and the advice received from the Department for Education allows for this to happen during the first week when students return.

Years 7 and 10 will return to college on Monday 8^th March

Years 9, 12 and 13 will return to college on Tuesday 9^th March

Years 8 and 11 will return to college on Wednesday 10^th March

Further detail will be forwarded later in the week but I thought it appropriate to give you this information today to enable you to plan accordingly.

Thank you in advance for your co-operation and by doing this we hope to avoid having to send large groups home to isolate in the future.

With prayers and all good wishes,

J. G. Maher

Principal

 

 

Update – 12^th February 2021

Dear Parents and Carers,

This week there will be ‘surge testing’ in certain postcodes in the Bristol area where a new version of the ‘Kent variant’ has been found and has been described as ‘worrying’. The testing is available to everyone over the age of 16 and is PCR testing which is the most sensitive form of testing available.   If you live in these postcode areas, please do consider getting a test. 

A full information briefing on the postcodes affected and how to get a test is found through the following link:

https://news.bristol.gov.uk/news/additional-community-testing-in-bristol-and-south-gloucestershire

On site and off site education continues well with no new positive cases on site.

Thank you for supporting surge testing if you live in the relevant postcode as it all helps to keep our city safer.

IT Support for Remote Learning

If you require device or data support please contact Mr O’Rourke via email to : contact@stbcc.org

Sharing a device or the home device is faulty?  - We have a number of laptops and chromebooks to loan to families free of charge.

Difficult to get WiFi access?  - We have a number of BT WiFi Hotspot vouchers available to issue to families.  Please check coverage in your area before requesting a voucher. https://www.btwifi.com/find/

IT Security

In order to continue to protect our young people from potential harm from malicious IT activity especially during this period of remote learning, please remind your son or daughter of these three key points:

• Ensure that passwords to all IT systems (e.g. Gmail and Satchel One) are changed regularly, are adequately strong and are never shared.  See here https://bit.ly/3jzA8cU for instructions on changing Gmail passwords

• Accessing or attempting to access someone else's account is strictly prohibited

• Live lessons and other St. Bede's Catholic College resources for remote learning are for access only to our college community

• All logins, login attempts, comments and access to materials are recorded and regularly monitored.  Any breach of the points above and any element of the college IT acceptable use policy will result in disciplinary action, including possible reporting to outside agencies. A copy of the IT Acceptable Use Policy can be found here https://bit.ly/3qaHUwk and on the college website under 'Our College', 'Policies and Procedures'.

Apprenticeships

This week is National Apprenticeship Week but resources can be accessed at any time.  Apprenticeships are emerging as a very attractive and viable option for our young people, so please ensure your child reviews this opportunity and has a look at the resources.  Mrs Bartlett-Cosway can be contacted if any student would like further information :  k.bartlett-cosway@stbcc.org.    Students in years 10 and 11 have been investigating the resources during their tutor time this week. Link to the resources is included below and the code if required is jtcmua2

https://classroom.google.com/c/MjYzODAwNzYxOTU0?cjc=jtcmua2

World Book Day

World Book Day is Thursday 4^th March and is an opportunity to celebrate the rich culture that is available through many different authors. This year will be the lockdown version but organisers are providing vouchers to students and the link to claim your voucher is available here: 

booktoken_SecondaryUK.pdf (worldbookday.com)  

Lent

Ash Wednesday next week will see the start of Lent and is a period when we prepare for the most important season for Christians and the promise of eternal life. Mr Loud has prepared our Ash Wednesday Service and it is an opportunity for us all to come together as the family of St Bede’s. This is available on our website: https://bit.ly/3781VMn 

As part of our Lenten preparations we have a ’40 days – 40 items’ challenge to consider this year and I hope that everyone will get involved with this worthy cause.

All staff gathered online this morning, led by our College Chaplain Mr Loud who stressed the importance of pausing to take stock and how we might prepare for the Lenten season

May I take this opportunity to again thank you for all the hard work and commitment that you have shown in supporting your children with their home learning this term. Have a good half term break and stay safe.

With prayers and all good wishes,

J. G. Maher

Principal

 

 

 

Update – 5th February 2021

Dear Parents and Carers,

The consultation regarding the awarding of grades for both GCSE and ‘A’ Level in the summer is closing and we are expecting a full response from the government in the week beginning 22nd February. Mr King wrote to parents of students in years 11 and 13 earlier this week to outline the key areas being considered which I thought would be useful. 

There is a clear aim from government and OFQUAL to set up a fair system that values the work that students have completed to date, as well as the work still to be done between now and the end of the academic year. We hope this will help students to feel motivated and to fully engage with their learning. Teachers are working hard to maintain excellent quality teaching and high expectations of each student. We also fully appreciate that the lack of clarity is difficult for everyone at this time. 

With the transmission of new variants of Coronavirus, it is essential that children of key workers, vulnerable learners and college staff do not come into college: 

•    if they have symptoms of Coronavirus
•    live in a household with someone who does
•    have tested positive for Covid-19 in the last 10 days 

This will reduce the risk to everyone and further drive down transmission rates both locally and nationally. 

The government are still advising that schools will not re-open to all students until Monday 8th March at the earliest. This may still be a staggered start as was originally suggested for January. Students will still be required to complete two lateral flow tests on their return so if you haven’t already completed your consent form then please do so here in order that all associated administrative tasks may be completed. If you do not consent, then please also advise us of this so that we can update records accordingly. 

The year 11 parents’ consultation evening will go ahead on Wednesday 10th February and the opportunity to book appointments is open for parents now. 

A reminder to all parents that the last day of this term will be Thursday 11th February with Friday being an INSET day. The college will re-open to children of key workers and vulnerable students on Monday 22nd February when remote learning will also resume. Hopefully we will have received more clarity regarding the wider opening of schools by then which I will communicate to you at the earliest opportunity. 

With prayers and all good wishes, 

J. G. Maher 
Principal 

 

 

Update – 29th January 2021

Dear Parents and Carers,

As you will already be aware the government announced that schools will not re-open to students until Monday 8th March at the earliest. This means that remote learning will continue until at least then. All staff at St Bede’s have worked tirelessly to provide an appropriate learning experience for students at all key stages. I acknowledge that this has not been easy for parents especially if you are also working from home and supporting your children. 

The year 8 and year 9 options events were held virtually this year and all materials to support your children in making options choices is available on the college website. 

The year 10 parents’ consultation evening went ahead on Wednesday after the problems experienced by the external provider previously. The online service has been well received by parents so far this year and once all year groups have experienced this opportunity then consideration will be made to adopt this as a way forward in the future. 

Congratulations to Gabriela Mazur who was runner up in the key stage 3 ‘Great Big Dance Off’, a national schools dance competition with over 300 schools taking part in the virtual competition this year. 

Also, well done to the Young Enterprise team who achieved notable successes in this year’s competition winning the trophies for Sustainability and Innovation. Best Managing Director was won by Chris Mathew and best Centre Lead was won by Miss Hancock. 

A reminder to all parents that the last day of this term will be Thursday 11th February with Friday being an INSET day. The college will re-open to children of key workers and vulnerable students on Monday 22nd February when remote learning will also resume. Hopefully we will have received more clarity regarding the wider opening of schools by then which I will communicate to you at the earliest opportunity. 

As the UK exceeded the unfortunate milestone of 100,000 deaths from Coronavirus this week let us remember those who have died and pray that their families and friends be given strength to find comfort and healing. 

With prayers and every blessing, 

J. G. Maher 
Principal 

 

 

Update : Year 10 Parents and Carers Consultation Evening 27/01/21

Dear parents and carers,

We shall be attempting to run this evening as planned but due to a huge increase in the number of schools trying to access similar on-line services, it is possible that we may once again experience disruption.  Our Parent Evening system provider has been working with other providers to attempt to resolve on-going national issues that are related to internet infrastructures nationally rather than anything that is directly under their control.  Therefore, we would like to share our plans as follows with you in advance, should cancellation become necessary; 

Procedures for the possible cancellation of the consultations; 

1. Parents/ Carers and Teachers to log-on and begin the evening as planned at 4.30pm 
2. If disruption is experienced in the first 30mins, to avoid uncertainty and parents/carers waiting around for something to happen, a decision will be taken to cancel the consultation evening at 5pm. You will be notified of any decision to cancel by a message that will be posted on the front page of the college website.   

Your on-going patience and support with this matter is appreciated. 
 

 

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope this update finds you, your extended family and all your loved ones safe and well as we continue to navigate our way through these worrying and challenging times. 

I would like to take this opportunity to provide a reminder about our remote learning arrangements and our remote learning provision is fully compliant with government directives. When timetabled to teach the students working from home, teachers will, where possible, teach using the Google Meet function to ‘broadcast’ the lesson, as well as recording it for any student that cannot access it live. We are also able to utilise excellent resources creating high quality video lessons from SAM Learning, The Oak Academy, You Tube, GCSE Pod and Maths Watch. 

All work will be set on Show My Homework and all subjects will teach as closely as possible to the curriculum which would have be taught in college. However, adaptation will need to be made for practical subjects such as Art, Music, Drama, PE and DT. 

In order to further support our young people, we will be adding a ten-minute tutor time from 1.30 -1.40 each day. The tutor period is an opportunity for tutors to check in with their tutees, to sign post them towards academic studies and wellness activities and to check on any engagement issues. 

The rationale for remote learning is available for your information here 

Extra Resources 
CBBC, BBC2, BBC iPlayer and BBC Red Button also offer different content for students including daily lessons which are also available online.

If you have younger children, then you may be interested in the CBBC offer of a three-hour block of primary school programmes from 9am. This will include programmes from BBC Live lessons as well as BBC Bitesize Daily, our school celebrity supply teacher, Horrible Histories and Operation Ouch. 

BBC2 will run at least two hours of educational programming for secondary students every weekday which will include adaptation of Shakespeare plays as well as Science and History programmes. 

Please keep in touch with your child’s Head of House or Form Tutor if you are experiencing issues with online learning and contact Mr O’Rourke, Vice Principal d.orourke@stbcc.org if you are struggling with technology so that equipment can be lent out to support students’ learning at home.

Other organisations which will be able to offer help and support at this time include: 

Organisation	Helpline
Young Minds	08088025544
Mindfulness	https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mindfulness/
BBC	Educational Programmes GCSE Bitesize
Samaritans	https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contactsamaritan/
NSPCC	0808800500 help@nspcc.org.uk
Child LIne	0800 1111
Online Safety	www.internetmatters.org www.thinkuknow.co.uk

Exams 
I fully appreciate how anxious students in Years 11 and 13 are regarding the awarding of grades in the summer. We continue to do all we can to support students and also ask you to support them in continuing to apply themselves and complete the work being set by their teachers. This will put them in a strong position moving forward, whatever arrangements are made between the Department for Education and Ofqual. I will of course keep you updated regarding the awarding of GCSE and ‘A’ Level grades once we receive more clarity. 

In the meantime, if you would like to contribute to the debate and consultation regarding this then please complete the survey following the link below: 

https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/8BYI4T/

Mass Testing 
Since the announcement of the schools testing programme in December, we have seen the emergence of a new variant of the virus which has become dominant throughout the UK as numbers continue to rise. The variant has been shown to have increased transmissibility and causes higher secondary attack rates. This increases the risk of transmission everywhere, including in school settings.

In light of this changing situation, the government now recommends that the roll out of daily contact testing within schools is paused, other than for schools involved in further evaluation. This will enable the additional detailed evaluation of changing circumstances including, potentially, lower infection rates and modelling work required to understand the benefits of daily contact testing in this new phase of the pandemic.

St Bede’s will continue to test all staff regularly in line with recommendations for other workforces that need to leave the home to work. I would encourage parents to complete the consent form so that administrative tasks can be completed so that should the guidance change and we be required to test students twice upon their return to college then we have everything in place in order to facilitate this. 

Stay Safe 
Whilst we continue to be physically separated at this time, it is a consolation to know that in each of your homes St Bede’s continues to operate with remote learning and virtual contact between teachers and their students. 

As the number of daily Covid-19 cases continues to rise nationally, we pray for the recovery of those who are receiving medical care. We also remember in our thoughts and prayers those who have died and for those who grieve for them that they may be comforted by our loving and merciful Lord. 

These are indeed turbulent times and I would like to thank you for your understanding and your kind words of support and appreciation, especially when so many of you are facing your own challenges at home and at work during this pandemic. 

There is hope of better times as the vaccine roll out continues to gather pace and we look forward with renewed enthusiasm to being able to welcome our students back at college in the near future. 

Please keep safe at this time. 

With prayers and my very best wishes, 

J. G. Maher 
Principal 
 

 

Update – 15th January 2021

Dear Parents and Carers,

St Bede’s has now been set up to complete the Coronavirus testing of students. Children of key workers, vulnerable students and staff have already been tested once we received consent forms. I would encourage everyone to complete the online consent form here so that all associated administrative tasks can be completed prior to the students return later this term. 

Apologies for the inconvenience caused by the postponement of the Year 10 Parent and Carers consultation evening.  The system provider 'School Cloud' experienced a server crash which disrupted services for the whole country.  The consultation evening has been rescheduled for Wednesday 27th January 
4.30-7.30pm.  

All PIN codes already issued are valid for the new date but it will be necessary for parents and carers to re-book appointments with teachers.  The booking system will be open from Monday 18th January and will close on Monday 25th January.   

If a PIN code has been mislaid, please do not hesitate to contact us via email contact@stbcc.org

We were notified this week that our Salix bid was successful and have been awarded approximately £1 million to upgrade our heating system. This will reduce our carbon footprint and allow classrooms to regulate the temperature both in the summer as well as the winter in future. Work on this will begin during the Easter break. 

GCSE and ‘A’ Level students may be required to sit ‘mini exams’ to aid with the grading process this year. Consultation with schools regarding this will begin next week and once a final decision by the Department for Education is made I will inform parents as soon as I can. In the meantime, students in Years 11 and 13 should continue to complete the work set by their teachers. 

A reminder that if you are struggling with technology to email Mr O’Rourke, Vice Principal d.orourke@stbcc.org so that equipment can be lent out to support students’ home learning. 

A polite reminder that parents of vulnerable students and children of key workers wishing to attend college will need to email s.derrick@stbcc.org each Friday during the lockdown with their intentions for the following week to ensure we have appropriate supervision in place. 

In addition to the academic curriculum, students now have access to our new ‘St. Bede’s Catholic College Wellness Page’.  The pastoral resources provide guidance on ways to boost Spiritual, Emotional and Physical Wellness and are a focus for activities outside of the formal lesson timetable.  

This link will enable access : St. Bede's Catholic College Wellness Classroom

The Library Newsletter is available here with links and suggestions to support students’ reading. 

Please keep safe at this difficult time. 

With prayers, 

J. G. Maher 
Principal 
 

 

Update – 8th January 2021

Dear Parents and Carers,

Children of key workers and vulnerable learners who have indicated that they will be coming into college next week should enter and leave via the gate by Galileo. Students in years 7 and 11 should enter the building via the Galileo entrance and students in years 8, 9 and 10 should enter the building via the entrance to Areté. Students have been allocated the following rooms to complete their online learning:

Year 7         6th Form Directed Study Room
Year 8            6th Form Common Room
Year 9            Alpha 2
Year 10        Alpha 7
Year 11        Omega 10

Parents of students wishing to attend will need to email s.derrick@stbcc.org each Friday during the lockdown with their intentions for the following week to ensure we have appropriate supervision in place. 

Staff involved in the lateral flow testing of students have all now successfully completed the appropriate training. These tests will begin for children of key workers, vulnerable learners and staff who are in from next week. Further information including the consent form which needs to be completed is available here. 

As previously advised, the timings of the online teaching of lessons will be amended from Monday 11th January to allow students to complete work set in the morning and for practical activities to take place in the afternoons. Monday will be Week A and the timings of lessons are:

09.00 – 09.40         Period 1 
09.40 – 10.20         Period 2
10.20 – 10.30         Break
10.30 – 11.10         Period 3
11.10 – 11.50         Period 4
11.50 – 12.30         Period 5
12.30 – 1.30           Lunch 
1.30 – 2.10            Period 6 
1.30 – 3.15    Completion of work set in the morning and practical activities for all other year groups

If you are experiencing issues with technology, then please do remember to email 
Mr O’Rourke, Vice Principal d.orourke@stbcc.org so that arrangements can be made to borrow equipment in the same way as during the first lockdown in March. 

Students eligible for free school meals will be provided with vouchers and Mrs Cheshire will contact you once these are available to download next week. 

We await clarification regarding teacher assessment for students sitting GCSE and ‘A’ Level courses in the summer. Once this information is made available then I will inform parents. It is premature at this point to be indicating grades for the results. As I indicated in my previous update there is still work to be completed and I advise all students in years 11 and 13 to continue with online learning and complete the work being set by their teachers.  

The year 10 parents’ consultation evening will go ahead remotely on the 14th January and information regarding booking appointments has already been circulated. The year 9 curriculum options evening scheduled for 21st January will also be held virtually and further information will be provided nearer the time. 

As the numbers of Covid cases continues to rise both nationally and locally let us pray for all those who have lost loved ones. 

Keep safe as always – with prayers and all good wishes. 

J. G. Maher 
Principal 
 

 

Update – 5^th January 2021

Dear Parents and Carers,

Following the announcement from government last night, students will not return to college until February at the earliest. Provision will continue for children of key workers and vulnerable learners who cannot remain at home.

Parents of students wishing to attend will need to email s.derrick@stbcc.org each Friday during the lockdown with their intentions for the following week to ensure we have appropriate supervision in place.

Although transport will be provided for students this week, parents will need to make their own arrangements to bring their child to and from college each day from Monday 11^th January. Direct Debit payments will be amended accordingly.

Online learning will continue although timings of lessons are likely to be amended to allow students to work independently in the afternoons and for practical activities to take place.

I’m sure that many parents were relieved to hear that with the level of disruption experienced by students in years 11 and 13 that examinations will not be going ahead in the summer in the format as initially planned. Early indications are that there will be some form of assessment and once I have more detail regarding this I will update parents accordingly. In the meantime, it is important that students in these year groups continue to complete the work being set by their teachers.

If you are experiencing issues with technology then please email Mr O’Rourke, Vice Principal d.orourke@stbcc.org so that arrangements can be made to borrow equipment in the same way as during the first lockdown.

I am confident that free school meals vouchers will continue and will email those who are eligible once they are available to download.

I appreciate the difficulties that many parents will be experiencing again and repeat my thanks to you for your patience as we navigate another national lockdown. I will continue to provide a weekly update as arrangements evolve over the coming weeks.

Please keep safe as always- with prayers and all good wishes,

J. G. Maher

Principal

 

Update - 2nd January 2021

Dear Parents and Carers 

Further to my previous update, all students will be working remotely from Monday 4th January with the exception of children of key workers and vulnerable students who cannot remain at home. This will be via Google Classrooms, pre-recorded lessons and worksheets provided on Show My Homework in the usual way. It will be Week B. 

Students in Years 11 and 13 will return on Monday 11th January and arrangements for children of key workers and vulnerable learners will remain in place. At the moment all remaining students will return on Monday 18th January but I will confirm this nearer the time. 

School buses will run as normal for those students who need it. The canteen will continue to provide a limited hot meal service at lunchtime for the next two weeks. Provision will be made for those children in receipt of free school meals until the 18th January. 

In order to continue to limit the spread of the virus, it remains extremely important for us all to continue to follow government  advice and adhere to ongoing restrictions both in college and in our wider communities. Face coverings will still be expected to be worn on transport and in communal area, wash hands regularly and maintain a safe distance from others. The expectation also remains that when students return to college they will present in the correct uniform and behave in accordance with the college behaviour policy. 

The government have recommended that all secondary schools should participate in the lateral flow testing of students since this will help us all in having to isolate entire year groups. Further details and consent forms will be circulated next week. 

May I take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy New Year for 2021.

J. G. Maher 
Principal 

 

Update - 31st December 2020

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope you have all managed to enjoy the Christmas break albeit different to the usual celebrations at this time of year. 

Following yesterday’s announcement by the Secretary of State the college will re-open for students in Years 11 and 13 on Monday 11th January and students in Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12 on Monday 18th January. 

Children of key workers and vulnerable students who cannot remain at home may return to college on Monday 4th January and should enter via the main entrance, report to the following rooms on arrival and await instructions from their Head of Year. 

Year 7 - A9
Year 8 - A19
Year 9 - B1
Year 10 - D4
Year 11 - C18

School transport will run as normal on Monday for children of key workers and vulnerable students.

To be clear, the children of key workers and vulnerable students who are in attendance will access their education via Chromebooks, Google Classroom and Show My Homework in the same way as those students who remain at home. No face to face teaching will take place as students will be kept together in their respective year group bubbles. 

I hope to have more information for you regarding the use of lateral flow tests for students and staff next week including the permission slip which needs to be completed and returned on the first day your child returns to college. 

As the new strain of Coronavirus presents us with further challenges, I would like to thank you for your patience as circumstances are likely to change in the days ahead. 

With prayers and all all good wishes, 

J. G. Maher
Principal  
 

 

Update 18th December 2020

Dear Parents and Carers

As you will probably have heard in yesterday’s news the Secretary of State for Education has announced that schools will re-open in January with a staggered start for students. 

Students in Years 11 and 13 should return to College on Monday 4th January as originally planned. 

Students in Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12 should access their learning via Google Classrooms and Show My Homework and will return to College on Monday 11th January. 

The government has also announced that schools will be able to test students for Coronavirus from the beginning of January. However, no testing kits have been received and currently the details of this initiative have not been released to schools. 

As always, these arrangements are subject to change and I will post a further update on the College website the week beginning 28th December for your information.  

I acknowledge that some of the detail here is vague but thought you would wish to know the current thinking as soon as possible. 

With prayers and all good wishes, 

J G Maher 
Principal 
 

Update Thursday 17th December 2020

Message from Mr Maher, Principal,

As we move from Advent into the Christmas season, I am sure that everyone is looking forward to meeting up safely with family members who we have not seen for several months now.

I hope that this will again bring a sense of normality to the Christmas period even though our celebrations may be curtailed and not quite the usual we have enjoyed in previous years.

I am immensely proud of the work of both my colleagues and of the students since we returned in September – time has certainly gone very quickly! Everyone has shown resilience and determination to overcome the challenges we have all been faced with.

I would like to thank all parents and carers for your continued support.

May we all look forward to 2021 with a true sense of hope and a continued spirit of the very special community which is St Bede’s.

On behalf of everyone, may I wish you a safe, happy and Holy Christmas.

 

Covid-19 Reminder

From Friday 18^th December to Wednesday 23^rd December

If your child receives a positive Covid-19 test result you will need to contact the college via contact@stbcc.org so that track and trace can be completed and those affected can be contacted and advised to isolate.

From Thursday 24^th December to Sunday 3^rd January

NHS Track and Trace will complete the contact function. However, you will need to inform the college on Monday 4^th January that your child is isolating and will not be returning until the period of isolation has been completed.

Thank you in advance for your co-operation in this matter.

 

 

Update Monday 14^th December 2020

Dear Parents and Carers

Following the official guidance being received from government over the weekend that the isolation period has been reduced to ten days, students in Years 7 and 8 who were isolating may now return to college.

With prayers and all good wishes

J G Maher

Principal

 

 

Update 11^th December 2020

Dear Parents and Carers,

Following a rigorous assessment process, Investors in People have awarded St Bede’s the ‘we invest in people’ accreditation.

Paul Devoy CEO of Investors in People said ‘we’d like to congratulate St Bede’s Catholic College. Being accredited with ‘we invest in people’ is a remarkable effort for any organisation and places St Bede’s in fine company with a number of organisations that understand the value of people’.

This award is testament to the hard work and commitment of everyone involved with St Bede’s and the support received from the partnership working with parents, students, staff and governors.

Although we will not have the usual end of term celebrations the roast dinner on Wednesday will be turkey with trimmings and a pudding. The cost of this will be £2.45 so your child will need to bring in the correct money should they want the main meal on the day.

I circulated information regarding the end of term to all parents on Wednesday and fully appreciate the difficulties that this may have caused parents in having to make arrangements at short notice.

Sadly, it has also come to my attention that some parents have sent their children into college having had a test for Coronavirus whilst they are awaiting the test result to come through. This is against the expressed advice you will have been given and actually puts other students and teachers at risk. This is regrettable and must not happen again.

If you or any member of your family are awaiting a test result, then you must all isolate as required in accordance with the guidance provided by government. Failure to comply with this could result in a fine.

As you will probably be aware all school pupils in Essex, Kent and London are to receive Covid-19 tests from Monday. This is because the number of cases between 11-18 year olds has risen significantly over recent weeks. This is not the case in Bristol and there are currently no plans to test school pupils here. I will inform you if this situation changes.

Unfortunately, we received a visit from the Lawrence Weston Covid Marshalls on Wednesday following a complaint from a member of the general public regarding the lack of social distancing on public buses at the end of the day. Please reinforce this with your child and remind them of the ‘Hands, Face, Space’ advice.

With prayers and all good wishes,

J G Maher

Principal

 

Update 9th December 2020

Dear Parents and Carers,

I write further to the guidance that was released to schools yesterday afternoon which advises that Friday 18^th December is taken as an INSET day even if this was not previously agreed.

Therefore, the last day of term for all students will be Thursday 17^th December. The day will begin with the pre-recorded Advent Service and students will be permitted to wear their Christmas jumpers throughout the day. Lessons will finish at the normal time of 3.15 on that day.

This will enable myself and other senior colleagues to be ‘on call’ to complete the track and trace we are required to do for the six days after the last day of contact in college.

Should your child received a positive test result for Covid-19 from Friday 18^th December to Wednesday 23^rd December then you should notify the college via contact@stbcc.org

This email will be checked at 9am and 3pm each day and all necessary steps will be taken to inform those affected.

From Thursday 24^th December to Monday 4^th January you should not inform the college but allow the NHS Track and Trace to complete this function.

I apologise for the late notification to you but we only received this information ourselves yesterday.

May I take this opportunity to wish you and your families a very happy and Holy Christmas.

Yours sincerely,

J G Maher

Principal

 

 

Update 4^th December 2020

Dear Parents and Carers

It has been very encouraging to hear that the numbers of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Bristol have fallen significantly over recent days. We are also extremely thankful that we have only had one confirmed case in the past two weeks. It is really good to see the majority of students back in college eager to continue their learning and achieving success in so many different ways.

Ten students in year 13 have interviews for a place at various Oxford and Cambridge colleges next year which is significantly higher than in previous years. Students are well on their way to achieving their dreams and we wish them every success in their interviews next week.

At the AGM with Bishop Lang last week the Diocese acknowledged that St Bede’s ‘is in a very good place’. We have great teachers, fantastic students and supportive families. Applications for places in both year 7 and Areté for September continue to grow and this is a school that parents want for their children. Bishop Declan thanked everyone for their continued hard work and ‘for making St Bede’s a school that the Diocese can be proud of’.

You may well have heard the announcement from Gavin Williamson yesterday which said that GCSE and ‘A’ Level exams will be ‘graded as generously as they were this year’. Although precise details are not being released to schools until January, early indications are that students will be told of certain topics that will be included in the exams in advance and that students will be able to refer to ‘aids’ such as formula sheets while taking exams. Students who miss exams due to self-isolation will also be given a ‘second chance’ with a series of backup exams. I will keep you informed once we receive the details of the proposals in the new year.

The Advent Service has been recorded with music and readings and this will be shared with all families during the last week of term. Although we are unable to have form celebrations at the end of term we will still have our Christmas jumper day on the last day of term in order to look forward to the celebrations with family over the festive period. It will be different this year no doubt but hopefully we will all enjoy this time in our own special way.

The year 8 virtual parents’ evening went well yesterday evening and feedback from parents has been very positive. Year 13 parents’ evening will be conducted using the same system next week and this certainly seems to be the way to go so that students and parents have as ‘normal’ an experience of college activities as possible this year.

Let us continue to be vigilant over the next few weeks and remember ‘hands, face, space’ at all times.

With prayers and all good wishes,

J G Maher

Principal

Update 27^th November 2020

Dear Parents and Carers

As you will already have heard Bristol has been placed in Tier 3 following the relaxation of the second lockdown on the 2^nd December. I have attached a poster with what this means for us and would ask you to read this so that there is no confusion moving forward.

Although we have had a number of confirmed cases over recent weeks both the Local Health Protection Team and Public Health England have acknowledged that St Bede’s is doing everything it can to avoid the spread of Coronavirus. We still need to be vigilant and remember ‘hands, face, space’ at all times.

Could I also ask that if you are collecting your child during the day for a doctor’s or dentist’s appointment that you contact Reception in advance so that they can collect your child in a timely manner.

The Director of Education has contacted all schools with the following update for clarification:

Key messages from Bristol City Council:

• Please travel to/from school with COVID-19 in mind. It’s advised to avoid public transport so please try and walk/cycle to school if you can, keeping your distance from others, and ensure you wear a face covering when required. Where possible, car sharing with people outside your household or support bubble should be avoided.

• Social distancing guidance inside and outside of school is different. Whilst at school, your child can mix with his/her class bubble, as safety measures are in place. This is necessary in order for us to enable children and young people to continue to attend. However, these measures are not in place outside of school, so please make sure you and your child follow the current government guidance when not in the school building

• Social distancing outside school gates is vital to minimise the spread. Please do not gather or mix when dropping off or collecting your child

• If you or your child develops symptoms of the virus, you/they must not go to school. Stay at home, self-isolate and get tested. Symptoms include a new continuous cough, high temperature or loss or change to your sense of taste and smell

• If you or your child is asked to self-isolate, you/they must not leave the house under any circumstances and your friends and family cannot visit during this time. We understand your frustrations in having to adapt to last minute calls or changes requiring you/your child to self-isolate and thank you for your continued cooperation.

Links to share

·        The council’s guidance for parents and carers amid COVID-19 here

·        The council’s videos encouraging compliance during lockdown in different languages here

·        Information on the council’s free We Are Bristol helpline here

Year 11 mock examinations are continuing and students are demonstrating resilience at this difficult time. I would like to reassure parents again that should we be asked to provide Centre Assessed Grades (CAGs) then we take a holistic view of progress over time and do not rely solely on one data entry. No student will therefore be disadvantaged by the results achieved in their mocks.

With prayers and all good wishes,

J G Maher

Principal

 

 

 

 

 

Update 23^rd November 2020

We will have to combine some classes today as a result of the staffing pressures we are experiencing in order to keep as many year groups in college as possible.

Despite booking supply staff in preparation for this week we were informed over the weekend that three are now having to isolate as well.

Work will be set for all students also having to isolate at home. Some live lessons will continue but in faculties where a number of teachers are away, written work only will be set.

The numbers of positive Covid-19 cases are due to peak in Bristol in the next week and if staffing pressures continue then we will have no alternative than to ask certain year groups to remain at home and access their work online.

Thank you in advance for your understanding.

J. G. Maher

Principal

 

Update 20th November 2020

Dear Parents and Carers, 

As you will be aware we have experienced a number of positive cases of Covid-19 in all year groups with the exception of Year 7 since returning to college after the half term break. This very much mirrors the experience of other schools across Bristol as well as Bristol as a whole. 

We are trying to maintain as ‘normal’ a learning experience for students as possible but acknowledge the exceptional difficulties that families are experiencing juggling work and child care. This also presents challenges for teachers delivering lessons to students who are in attendance whilst at the same time delivering to students isolating at home. 

All being well the year 11 mock examinations will begin next week and I want to reassure parents that no student will be disadvantaged as a result of Covid-19. We will not be using one data entry when organising centre assessed grades next year if examinations do not go ahead. We took a holistic view of the progress of students in the summer and this system was considered to be robust and stood up to scrutiny from outside agencies. 

Year 8 and 13 parents’ evenings will continue as planned albeit virtually and individual login details are currently being organised and sent out to parents with instructions on how to book appointments. Appointments are time limited and I would urge you to login in plenty of time. 

Advent services are also being recorded and will be available for students at the end of term and for families to share in December. 

I would like to thank parents for your continued support in what is proving to be a challenging time for us all. 

With prayers and all good wishes, 

J G Maher 
Principal 

 

Update 13th November 2020

Dear Parents and Carers 

We all know how difficult times are for families at the moment and it is a grim statistic that numbers have risen significantly in Bristol over the past few weeks placing Bristol nineteenth across all authorities in England. 

This certainly presents challenges none more so than we experienced here on Wednesday with a confirmed case in year 8, 9 and 10. I realise that this is frustrating for students and parents but parents phoning in swearing and being abusive to reception staff is unacceptable and does not help the situation at all. 

To remind parents again that no child should be attending college if they show signs of coronavirus including a high temperature, a new and continuous cough or a change in taste and or smell. Students should not be in attendance if they are awaiting a test or the results of a test. This is in line with the guidance coming from central government and applies to all settings across England. 

The HPV vaccinations for year 9 and 10 had been postponed until December and we were informed yesterday that these have now been cancelled with the imminent roll out of the covid-19 vaccine as NHS workers prepare for this. The HPV vaccinations will be re-scheduled but as yet no date has been given. 

The parents’ consultation evenings for year 8 on the 3rd December and year 13 on the 10th December will be going ahead. These will be held virtually with parents able to book a five-minute slot with teachers. Further detailed information will be sent out in due course but in the meantime please update your contact details via the Parent App should you need to. 

I would like to thank parents for their continued support. 

With prayers and all good wishes 

J G Maher 
Principal 
 

Update November 6th 2020

As we begin a second national lockdown, I am encouraged that schools have, for the moment, remained open. We know from the number of positive cases within our own community here at St Bede’s that numbers are increasing both nationally and in the south west.

It is important that we remain vigilant at all times and that when students are requested to self-isolate at home that they also include all activities outside of school as well. It is crucial that we are informed of any confirmed cases as soon as possible and I would like to thank all parents and carers for their continued support, even when some of the communication is sent out late in the evening. I also hope you understand the need for this to be communicated as soon as possible on occasions.

Recent government advice has included the wearing of face coverings on school transport to and from college which we have been doing since September. Also just yesterday the government advised that all students from year 7 upwards wore face coverings in corridors and communal areas of the school. Thankfully we had already adopted this strategy earlier in term 1 although it did not prevent every case from occurring.

I would urge you to purchase the cotton face coverings as they are both washable and more cost effective. The disposable covering often break leaving students vulnerable to the infection.

This term will inevitably provide further challenges – however, we will overcome this by working together for the benefit of all.

With prayers and all good wishes,

J. G. Maher,

Principal

 

Update October 23rd 2020

Lord, we pray for all people across the world affected by Coronavirus. We pray for those who have died and those recovering in hospital and at home. We pray especially for those in our own community that they may be given strength and comfort. Keep everyone safe at this time. Amen 

It has certainly been a busy first term at St Bede’s. Students are coping well with routines and Year 7 have settled well. We have completed the virtual open evening for Year 6 students and yesterday the virtual open evening was live for those wishing to study in Areté next year. 

Last week we held our e-safety evening which included on line appointments for parents in Year 7 to speak with their child’s form tutor. This will be the system we will be using for upcoming Year 8 and Year 13 parents’ consultation evenings in term 2 to ensure that the work of the College continues in as ‘normal’ a way as possible. 

I wish you all a restful break and thank you for your continued support through these difficult times. 

With prayers and all good wishes, 

J. G. Maher, 
Principal 
 

Update October 19th 2020

Dear Parents/Carers

We were informed this morning of another confirmed case of Covid-19. The student was asymptomatic. We are following the guidance from the Department for Education and the students have been told to isolate.

It is timely to remind everyone that students should not be mixing with students outside their year group ‘bubble’. As we approach half term, students should follow the guidance for social distancing and should not be attending parties in other households.

This is a challenging time for everyone involved with St Bede’s and I appreciate your support and cooperation as we continue to navigate this pandemic.

With prayers

J G Maher

Principal

 

 

Year 7 Tutor and Information Evening

The following information videos to accompany the event can be viewed Here. 

We hope you enjoy the presentations.

 

Updated October 15^th 2020

We welcomed back students in Areté yesterday who have been working hard while accessing their learning on line during their period of isolation.

Unfortunately, we were informed by Public Health England of a confirmed case of Covid-19 this morning, this time in Year 10.

The students who have been in close contact with the individual who tested positive have received a letter informing them that their child must stay at home for fourteen days. The students were collected from College by their parents this morning.

As the numbers are increasing both national and across Bristol, it is a timely reminder to us all to follow the government advice of ‘Hands, Face, Space’.

With prayers and all good wishes,

J. G. Maher,

Principal

 

Updated 9th October 2020

Time has moved on very quickly already and we now only have two weeks remaining before the October half term break. We welcomed back the year 9 students who had been isolating on Monday and look forward to welcoming the sixth form back next week.

Legislation has changed regarding sex and relationships education. All schools were required to review their policy, and what was being taught at each key stage had to be age appropriate. I am also expected to consult with parents regarding the new policy which is available here and the topics being covered. I would like to reassure parents that what is taught at St Bede’s is supported by the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church. However, it is incumbent on all of us to ensure that our children know and understand the consequences of their behaviour. They must also know the facts concerning what is available to them and how to protect themselves and others, as well as the moral implications of the decisions they take. A brief summary of the topics being covered is available for you to read here and I would ask that if you have any comments on either the policy or the scheme of work that you write to me by the close of the consultation period no later than noon on Friday 23rd October.

As the weather is becoming colder we will be reviewing our practice regarding appropriate ventilation in classrooms during Covid-19 and following the updated guidance coming from central government. In the meantime, please ensure that your child understands that the uniform is a blazer and if they are cold then the school jumper may be worn underneath to provide an additional layer of warmth. Hoodies, non-uniform jumpers and brightly coloured tops are not uniform and consequently unacceptable. Students need to fully understand the Governors’ expectations of them and take pride in the uniform they wear.

A reminder that we have an Inset day on 23rd October therefore the last day of Term 1 for students will be Thursday 22nd October.

With prayers and every blessing,

J. G. Maher

Principal

 

Updated 1st October 2020

We are looking forward to welcoming the 75 students in year 9 back to College on Monday following their period of isolation.

We were informed late yesterday evening of a further positive case of Covid-19.  This time a student in our sixth form. The student concerned was asymptomatic and as a result, students in Areté will be continuing their lessons at home via the digital platform while they are in isolation.

It was important to get the message to parents and students in a timely manner last night which necessitated the use of the electronic system.

We continue to work closely with the Department for Education and the Health Protection Team (Public Health England) who have provided support to the college.

It is clear that Covid-19 is affecting many schools and it is therefore incumbent on us all to take every precaution possible to limit the spread of the virus further.  Please remember the government’s advice – ‘Hands, Face, Space’.  If you are coming in to the College for an appointment, please remember to wear a face covering.

We are living in unprecedented times and must all be vigilant in the fight against this pandemic as this virus is not going away any time soon. We are confident that the family of St Bede’s will continue to make every effort to follow government advice to avoid the spread of this horrible virus.

VIRTUAL OPEN EVENING