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St. Bede's Catholic College

ST Bede's

Catholic College

    GCSE results 12th August 2021 and A level results 10th August 2021.

    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 16th 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 19th 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 12th 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 23rd or Thursday 24th 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 23rd June or Thursday 24th 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 24th 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 23rd and 24th June.

    When students in years 7 – 10 return on Monday 7th 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 21st 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 – 23rd 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 17th 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 28th 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 21st 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 – 26th 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 18th 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 1st April through to Sunday 4th April. The NHS Track and Trace system should be used by parents from Monday 5th April.

    With prayers and every blessing,

    J. G. Maher

    Principal

     

    Update – 19th 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 21st March, second on Wednesday 24th and third on Sunday 28th. 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 18th 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 – 12th 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 18th 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 10th August and GCSE results being published on Thursday 12th 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 – 23rd 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 26th 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 8th March

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

    Years 8 and 11 will return to college on Wednesday 10th 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 – 12th 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 4th 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 – 5th 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 11th 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 18th December to Wednesday 23rd 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 24th December to Sunday 3rd January

    NHS Track and Trace will complete the contact function. However, you will need to inform the college on Monday 4th 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 14th 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 11th 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 18th 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 17th 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 18th December to Wednesday 23rd 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 24th December to Monday 4th 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 4th 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 27th 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 2nd 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 23rd 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 15th 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 

    We are pleased to invite year 5 and 6 parents and prospective pupils to visit our Youtube Channel to view our Virtual Open Evening September 2020.

    To view the full playlist please visit:

    Virtual Open Evening - Full Playlist

    Individual Faculty Presentations can be found here: 

    Chaplaincy

    Religious Formation

    English

    Mathematics

    Science

    SEND

    Creative Arts

    Design Technology and Food

    Humanities

    ICT and Computer Science

    Modern Languages

    Physical Education

    Dance

    Updated 25th September 2020

    Students in all year groups have been responding to the new routines and expectations well. We are all learning to live with the restrictions being placed on us and acknowledge that this is not always easy. As I walk around the corridors students are engaged in learning and there is a calmness in classrooms which is encouraging to see. Students clearly want to learn and make the most of the opportunities they are being given.

    All staff at St Bede’s are working hard and are committed to ensuring students catch up on missed learning. We are extremely keen to remain open for all our young people and are constantly reviewing our systems and procedures to make sure we are doing all we can to avoid any future disruption to learning. It was therefore disappointing to have to send the letter home to parents yesterday with everything that had been put in place.

    All students are now expected to wear face coverings at all times other than when they are in lessons or eating in the dining hall. Students were reminded of the new expectations as they arrived in College this morning and this will be reinforced next week. Cloth masks are easily washed and are better for the environment. Whilst being more cost effective we also find that students take more care of them rather than the disposable version.

    I understand that this is a very anxious time for everyone involved with St Bede’s and wanted to reassure you that I am following the advice from the Department for Education and will always endeavour to keep you well informed in a timely manner.

    May I also thank you for your continued support at this difficult time.

    With prayers and all good wishes,

    J.G Maher

    Principal

     

    VIRTUAL OPEN EVENT

    Due to a technical issue, the college virtual open event will now be published on Friday 25th September instead of Thursday 24th September. We look forward to showing you all that St. Bede's has to offer tomorrow!

     

    Updated 11th September 2020

    It was a pleasure to welcome the students back to St. Bede’s last week after the enforced period away. Students were eager to return to College and I have been extremely impressed by how well they have coped with the new routines and the amount of information they have been given. Students have demonstrated resilience and have taken to the new timings with relative ease which is encouraging for the future.

    Students are in year group bubbles in different buildings over the College and movement between lessons is very limited in key stage 3 and kept to the minimum at key stages 4 and 5. Teachers are moving between lessons to facilitate this new procedure and routines are becoming well established. 

    Staff and students are encouraged to wear face coverings around the College in communal areas although this has not been mandated at the current time. We will continue to monitor this situation closely over the coming days as the number of cases continues to rise across Bristol and in other parts of England. Students should keep their face covering in a re-sealable plastic bag during the day and if they are disposing of their face covering on entry to the College, they should do so in the bins provided.

    The attached video clip is helpful and explains how to safely put on and remove a face covering. I would ask you to reinforce this message with your child over the weekend:

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-53877292

    Students travelling on school transport or public transport should all be wearing a face covering as per government requirements.

    Hand sanitiser is provided at each entry point to the College and students are encouraged to wash their hands at break and lunchtimes. Break and lunchtime arrangements are working well with each year group separated from each other at their designated time. The canteen continues to provide hot food for students who wish to purchase this.

    The cleaning routine throughout the College has increased in line with government guidance and the site staff have worked extremely hard over the summer to prepare the College for the safe return of students.

    It has been a positive start to the term and we will continue to be vigilant over the coming weeks to ensure that any issues are addressed and communicated to you directly using the usual platforms.

    With prayers and all good wishes,

    J. G. Maher

    Principal

     

    Update 4th September 2020

    Dear Parents and Carers

    I thought it appropriate to update you that the students’ return to College has gone well. It was clear from the first day that students were keen to get back into a routine and I have been particularly impressed by their resilience over the past months.

    Students have embraced the new routines and expectations and certainly understand the need for the procedures that have been put in place. It has been a pleasure to talk with students and to see them working diligently in their lessons as I walk around the College.

    From Monday, students in years 9, 10 and in the Sixth Form should access the College site via the Galileo gate and make their way directly to their form bases via their year group entry point having first used the hand sanitiser provided. This is the entry point they use at the end of break and lunch.

    As Covid-19 particularly affects those with a respiratory problem can I please ask that parents of children with asthma to download the medical consent form from the website Medical Consent Form and return it along with their action plan to the College as soon as possible.

    With prayers and all good wishes,

    J G Maher

    Principal

     

    Update 1st September 2020

    Dear Parents and Carers

    Much work has been completed over recent months to ensure that the College is as safe as it can be for the students’ to return on Thursday.

    From discussions with colleagues this morning it is worth noting that the water fountains are turned off at the moment to comply with the Covid-19 requirements. Therefore, I would urge you to send your child in with enough water to sustain them through the day.

    Although I have not made the wearing of face coverings mandatory at this stage, students will be encouraged to wear them should they wish to. Staff will also be encouraged to wear them whilst on duty in communal areas.

    As year groups will be in designated ‘bubbles’ it will not be possible for students to use their lockers for the foreseeable future. This is to maintain the integrity of the ‘bubble’. Students will have the opportunity to clear their lockers on Thursday.

    I also need to remind all parents that we have a student joining us in September who has a severe airborne nut allergy and therefore as a result all nuts are now banned from the college site in order to provide a safe environment for this child to learn.

    I and all the staff at St Bede’s look forward to welcoming the students back on Thursday.

    With prayers and all good wishes

    J G Maher

    Principal

     

    Update 27th August 2020

    Dear Parents and Carers,

    Following the most recent government update regarding the use of face masks or visors, any parent wishing their child to wear a protective face mask during the school day may do so. Teaching staff also have the same discretion in addition to the 2 metre red line indicated in classrooms. If there is a local lockdown in the future then this will become compulsory in communal areas in line with the current guidelines.

    Students travelling on public transport and on school buses are required to wear face masks and this was communicated to you earlier.  Hand sanitising points are available at each entry point and students will be reminded regarding hand hygiene regularly.  Much work has been undertaken to make the College as safe a place as possible for students to return next week - we all now need to play our part to ensure the integrity of the year group bubbles are maintained.

    I and all the staff look forward to welcoming all the students back to College next week.

    With prayers and all good wishes,

    J. G. Maher,
    Principal

     

     

    Logistical plans for full opening of St Bede’s Catholic College from September 2020

    We are looking forward to the full opening of St Bede’s in September and the opportunity to see students and staff after an enforced period of time away from each other. The logistical plans below have been devised to allow this return to be as safe as possible for students and staff, as well as to give excellent learning opportunities for all students. We know that the situation is different for every student, both academically and emotionally, and support plans are being formulated in anticipation of their return.

    Travel to college

    • The preference will be for students to travel to college on foot, by bicycle or by car.

    • Where the use of college buses is necessary, students will be required to clean their hands using the provided hand sanitiser when they board and wear a face covering for the entire journey. The face covering must be the students’ own and a link to government advice on suitable face coverings can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-wear-and-make-a-cloth-face-covering/how-to-wear-and-make-a-cloth-face-covering

    • Please ensure that children arrive in time for the transport to college in the mornings so that the services can keep to schedule as much as possible. If for any reason the transport does not arrive on time, please instruct your child to wait at the stop. If a vehicle has a breakdown, a replacement will arrive in due course. The updated routes including times and stops can be found on the college website, along with further information about travelling during COVID-19 restrictions - Key Information - Transport.

    • Students will be required to sit in year group order, with Post 16 students at the back, working forward to Year 7s at the front. Buses will disembark one at a time to avoid students congregating outside of the college.

    • Students using public transport must follow the government guidance for using these services: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers#public-transport

    • Sixth Form students must arrive at college by 8.45am for the daily tutorial period. They must stay on the college site until the end of their timetabled lessons. Students must stay on site until at least the end of period 3 (12.20pm). From 12.20pm onwards students may leave the college site at the end of their timetabled lessons, i.e. 12.20pm if they have no period 4,5 or 6 lesson, 2.20pm if they have no period 5 or 6 lesson, 3.15pm if they have no period 6 lesson and at 4.15pm if they have a period 6 lesson. Trips to the local shops are not permitted. Students must stay on the college site until the end of their timetabled lessons. There will be no re-admittance to the college site if students leave part-way through the day.

    Entering college

    • There will be no access to the college site for students until 8.30am.

    • From 8.30am, the only student access to college will be through the main entrance. Students will queue up along the crosses marked on the main driveway, where they will sanitise their hands before entering the college and moving immediately to their designated tutor room.

    • The current government advice is that face coverings are not required to be worn in schools during the day.

    • Students with disposable face coverings should put them in the bin provided by the entrance in the blue area. Students with multi use face coverings should remove them by the ear straps and put them in a plastic bag for use again later. Students should not remove face coverings by touching their mouth.

    • Parents should not attend college without a prior appointment.

    Health and safety

    • The full college Risk Assessment has been updated and will be available to view on the college website.

    • Please ensure that you have updated your contact details on the SIMS Parent so that we can contact you in an emergency.

    Lesson rooming

    In accordance with government guidance for students to stay in year group bubbles, each year group will be allocated a section of the college as below and will therefore remain only with students from their own year group throughout the school day:

    Year 7 - Lower A block

    Year 8 - Upper A block

    Year 9 - Science block

    Year 10 - Humanities and RF block

    Year 11 - Creative block

    Year 12 and 13 - Areté and Galileo

    In addition, teachers will move to the students’ bubble to teach instead of the usual movement of students to teachers’ rooms. There will be opportunities for all students to access practical/creative rooms on a rota basis.

    Lessons

    • Students will be in normal size classes, with all desks facing forward. Teachers will maintain a 2 metre distance from all students wherever possible.

    • Students will have their own exercise books provided and will need to bring their own stationery. Teachers will be limiting the use of individual or shared resources.

    Break and lunch times

    • The timings of the school day have been adjusted as per the attached document. Break and lunchtimes will be staggered, with year groups taking it in turns to have their break/lunch in a designated part of the college in order to remain in year group bubbles. There will be an increased staff presence to make sure that these run as smoothly as possible.

    • The canteen will run as usual, including the provision of free school meals for eligible students

    • The tables in the main hall will be cleaned between sittings

    Behaviour

    • Good behaviour, and particularly following instructions from staff, will be even more important than normal to keep everyone in college safe, allow teachers to teach and allow students to learn. Expectations will be very high in this area and we will expect all students to meet them all of the time.

    • The updated uniform will be in place for September, details of which are on the college website: Key Information, Uniform. Students must ensure they wear the full uniform every day.

    • Social distancing will only work with the full co-operation of all students. Failure to comply with instructions will put students and others at risk and will be dealt with accordingly. The behaviour policy has been amended to reflect Covid-19 and any unacceptable or risky behaviour may result in a fixed tern exclusion from college

    Leaving college

    Both college exits will be used, with years 13, 12, 11, 10 and 9 leaving by the gate by Galileo and years 8 and 7 leaving via the main entrance.

    Students will be dismissed at staggered times as below:

    15.08 – Post 16

    15.10 – Year 11

    15.12 – Year 10

    15.14 – Year 9

    15.16 – Year 8

    15.18 – Year 7

    It is important that when students are dismissed they move swiftly to leave college and do not congregate.  Those students using a school bus should get straight onto the bus to enable others to take their seats in the correct year group order.

    • Students travelling home from college by public transport, walking, bicycle or by car should leave the college vicinity immediately. If parents are picking up students by car, please do not park on Lawrence Weston Road

    We at St Bede’s know that the return to college is likely to be an anxious time for some students, parents and staff. It is important that all involved feel confident about the measures in place, and so we hope this document helps in that respect.

     

    Update 20th August 2020

    Phenomenal success for GCSE students

    Staff and Governors celebrate excellent achievements again this year. Students at all levels were awarded grades matching their highest expectations and in many cases, exceeding their targets. Results of the most talented students were exceptionally strong with some outstanding performances at Grades 9 - 7 including 79% of students achieving Grade 7+ in French and 65% of students achieving Grade 7+ in Music.

    Headline Figures include:

    • 89% achieved Grade 4+ in both English and Mathematics
    • 10% of all grades were Grade 9
    • 24% of all grades were at 8+
    • 39% of all grades were at 7+
    • 60% of all grades were at 6+
    • 81% of all grades were at 5+
    • 94% of all grades were at 4+

    Best average grade in College this year is awarded jointly to Jessica Ball and Isobel Clothier who both achieved ten Grade 9s and one Grade 8 at an average of 8.91.

    Olivia Morgan also achieved nine Grade 9s and two Grade 8s, Leo John achieved eight Grade 9s, a Distinction + and two Grade 8s, and Amy Koikkara achieved nine Grade 9s, one Grade 8 and a Merit.

    23 other students achieved ten or more and a further 104 students between them shared 347 grades at 7+.

    The increased challenge that recent months have brought has not diminished the work of Year 11 students. It is important to remember that students have been with us for five years and today sees the culmination of all the hard work and steely determination that has been achieved. Staff and Governors share the joy of our young people, their parents and their families as there is much to celebrate. We look forward to welcoming many of them back as they continue their studies in Areté, our Sixth Form, next year.

    Elizabeth White, Chair of Governors said ‘the students and teachers have to be commended for the exceptional results again this year particularly in light of the additional pressures that the Coronavirus has brought’.

    Garry Maher, Principal, said ‘I am delighted for the students. Their hard work over many years, great teaching and the overwhelming support from parents have resulted in the College continuing to go from strength to strength. The challenges that everyone has faced over recent months does not take away from the excellent achievements and is a testament to the strength and resilience of everyone’. There is much to celebrate in 2020.

    Uniform Update 19th August 2020

    Many students have received their uniform fully or in part for the start of term in September.

    Unfortunately, we have now been informed by Trutex that the next delivery of skirts and trousers will not happen until the end of September.

    This is regrettable but I hope that everyone understands the impact that Covid-19 has had on the supply chains for a number of different businesses.

    Therefore, in September if your child has not received the new uniform, they will be allowed to wear their existing uniform from last year. Students in Year 7 will be supplied with uniform from the old stock where possible as a temporary measure.  

    Once all orders have been delivered and distributed to students, everyone will be expected to be in the correct uniform. The precise date of this will be advised once we can confirm that all uniform orders have been fulfilled.

    Thank you for your patience and understanding.

    With prayers,

    J. G. Maher

    Principal

     

    Students celebrate excellent A Level Results

    18th August 2020

    ‘A’ Level provision in Areté is well established and St Bede’s continues to be amongst the best in the city.

    89 students completed their study with us and they are now celebrating the following successes.

    A* - C                                     87%                             A* - E                                      100%  

    A* - B                                      59%                             2 A* - E                                   100%                          

    A* - A                                     33%                             1 A* - B                                   78%                            

    Average Grade                    B

    Following the political fallout over the weekend, I am pleased that common sense has prevailed and that the Education Department and Ofqual have followed the lead set by Scotland in awarding grades based on teacher assessment. Although the results issued by the algorithm last week had improved on the previous year, they were still not quite as high as achievement in 2018.

    The U-turn by the government yesterday has meant that the grades now awarded are an improvement on both 2018 and 2019 giving us an excellent outcome for our students. This is also a more accurate reflection of the progress that students have made building on their outstanding ‘examined’ results at GCSE. We are delighted that this now reflects the 3-year upward trend accurately.

    Garry Maher, Principal, said “We always want what is best for the students at Areté and the challenges of recent months cannot be ignored. Since Results Day and over the weekend we have been lobbying hard to achieve the outcome that was announced yesterday. Students deserve the grades awarded them by those who know them best. It is extremely regrettable that others took so long to realise this causing undue stress and anxiety for students and their families!”.

    Elizabeth White, Chair of Governors said: “Results day is challenging for young people and their families and particularly so this year. The events over the weekend have added to the anxiety felt by everyone. I am delighted to note that following the announcement yesterday that the results now demonstrate the fantastic achievement of the students more accurately. Well done to everyone!”.

    We wish each and every one success in their further studies.

         

    Updated 17th July 2020

    Dear Parents and Carers

    I hope that you and your families remain safe and well.

    When I look back over the academic year I'm sure we would all agree that this has been challenging for us all. I pay tribute to all the hard work you have completed over recent months and acknowledge that some of you have not always found this easy.

    The beating heart of a school is its students supported by a committed and conscientious team of adults. We want our students to stand out from the crowd in their future lives as interesting well-rounded individuals who will possess skills and values to make the most of a fast-paced future world, and above all who will make a positive difference in the world and to the lives of others.

    I wish all students in Years 11 and 13 every success as they move on to pastures new and very much look forward to welcoming everyone else back in September. Life and routines will be different from what we have experienced in the past but we can be confident that the lessons learned will enable us all to move forward positively and with a renewed vigour to ensure that we make the most of every opportunity that comes our way.

    Enjoy your summer, stay safe. I and all the staff at St Bede's look forward to seeing you again very soon.

    With prayers and every blessing,

    J. G. Maher

    Principal

     

     

    Logistical plans for full opening of St Bede’s Catholic College from September 2020

    We are looking forward to the full opening of St Bede’s in September and the opportunity to see students and staff after an enforced period of time away from each other. The logistical plans below have been devised to allow this return to be as safe as possible for students and staff, as well as to give excellent learning opportunities for all students. We know that the situation is different for every student, both academically and emotionally, and support plans are being formulated in anticipation of their return.

    Travel to college

    • The preference will be for students to travel to college on foot, by bicycle or by car.
    • Where the use of college buses is necessary, students will be required to clean their hands using the provided hand sanitiser when they board and wear a face covering for the entire journey. The face covering must be the students’ own and a link to government advice on suitable face coverings can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-wear-and-make-a-cloth-face-covering/how-to-wear-and-make-a-cloth-face-covering
    • Please ensure that children arrive in time for the transport to college in the mornings so that the services can keep to schedule as much as possible. If for any reason the transport does not arrive on time, please instruct your child to wait at the stop. If a vehicle has a breakdown, a replacement will arrive in due course. The updated routes including times and stops can be found on the college website, along with further information about travelling during COVID-19 restrictions - Key Information - Transport. 
    • Students will be required to sit in year group order, with Post 16 students at the back, working forward to Year 7s at the front. Buses will disembark one at a time to avoid students congregating outside of the college.
    • Students using public transport must follow the government guidance for using these services: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers#public-transport
    • Sixth Form students must arrive at college by 8.45am for the daily tutorial period.  They must stay on the college site until the end of their timetabled lessons.  Students must stay on site until at least the end of period 3 (12.20pm).  From 12.20pm onwards students may leave the college site at the end of their timetabled lessons, i.e. 12.20pm if they have no period 4,5 or 6 lesson, 2.20pm if they have no period 5 or 6 lesson, 3.15pm if they have no period 6 lesson and at 4.15pm if they have a period 6 lesson.  Trips to the local shops are not permitted.  Students must stay on the college site until the end of their timetabled lessons.  There will be no re-admittance to the college site if students leave part-way through the day.

    Entering college

    • There will be no access to the college site for students until 8.30am.
    • From 8.30am, the only student access to college will be through the main entrance. Students will queue up along the crosses marked on the main driveway, where they will sanitise their hands before entering the college and moving immediately to their designated tutor room.
    • The current government advice is that face coverings are not required to be worn in schools during the day.
    • Students with disposable face coverings should put them in the bin provided by the entrance in the blue area. Students with multi use face coverings should remove them by the ear straps and put them in a plastic bag for use again later. Students should not remove face coverings by touching their mouth.
    • Parents should not attend college without a prior appointment.

    Health and safety

    • The full college Risk Assessment has been updated and will be available to view on the college website.
    • Please ensure that you have updated your contact details on the SIMS Parent App so that we can contact you in an emergency.

    Lesson rooming

    In accordance with government guidance for students to stay in year group bubbles, each year group will be allocated a section of the college as below and will therefore remain only with students from their own year group throughout the school day:

    Year 7 - Lower A block

    Year 8 - Upper A block

    Year 9 - Science block

    Year 10 - Humanities and RF block

    Year 11 - Creative block

    Year 12 and 13 - Areté and Galileo

    In addition, teachers will move to the students’ bubble to teach instead of the usual movement of students to teachers’ rooms. There will be opportunities for all students to access practical/creative rooms on a rota basis.

    Lessons

    • Students will be in normal size classes, with all desks facing forward. Teachers will maintain a 2 metre distance from all students wherever possible.
    • Students will have their own exercise books provided and will need to bring their own stationery. Teachers will be limiting the use of individual or shared resources.

    Break and lunch times

    • The timings of the school day have been adjusted. Break and lunchtimes will be staggered, with year groups taking it in turns to have their break/lunch in a designated part of the college in order to remain in year group bubbles. There will be an increased staff presence to make sure that these run as smoothly as possible.
    • The canteen will run as usual, including the provision of free school meals for eligible students
    • The tables in the main hall will be cleaned between sittings

    Behaviour

    • Good behaviour, and particularly following instructions from staff, will be even more important than normal to keep everyone in college safe, allow teachers to teach and allow students to learn. Expectations will be very high in this area and we will expect all students to meet them all of the time.
    • The updated uniform will be in place for September, details of which are on the college website: Key Information, Uniform. Students must ensure they wear the full uniform every day.
    • Social distancing will only work with the full co-operation of all students. Failure to comply with instructions will put students and others at risk and will be dealt with accordingly. The behaviour policy has been amended to reflect Covid-19 and any unacceptable or risky behaviour may result in a fixed term exclusion from college

    Leaving college

    Both college exits will be used, with years 13, 12, 11, 10 and 9 leaving by the gate by Galileo and years 8 and 7 leaving via the main entrance.

    Students will be dismissed at staggered times as below:

    15.08 – Post 16

    15.10 – Year 11

    15.12 – Year 10

    15.14 – Year 9

    15.16 – Year 8

    15.18 – Year 7

    It is important that when students are dismissed they move swiftly to leave college and do not congregate.  Those students using a school bus should get straight onto the bus to enable others to take their seats in the correct year group order.

    • Students travelling home from college by public transport, walking, bicycle or by car should leave the college vicinity immediately. If parents are picking up students by car, please do not park on Lawrence Weston Road
    • Students will be required to sit in year group order, with Post 16 students at the back, working forward to Year 7s at the front.

    We at St Bede’s know that the return to college is likely to be an anxious time for some students, parents and staff. It is important that all involved feel confident about the measures in place, and so we hope this document helps in that respect.

    Updated 10th July 2020

    Dear Parents and Carers

    I hope that you and your families remain safe and well.

    As we approach the end of the academic year, I wanted to express my gratitude for all the hard work you have been doing to support your children with their home learning. We were not able to celebrate Prize Giving in College together this year but we have put together a virtual award ceremony which will be available to view from next week.

    Life has certainly been challenging for us all and although plans are being finalised for the return of all year groups in September, life will not be fully back to normal as we knew it. Year groups will be in their ‘bubbles’ and break and lunchtimes will be staggered in order to maintain the integrity of these bubbles.

    Students will remain in their designated areas for the majority of their lessons and will be expected to observe the new operating procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all at St Bede’s. The detailed plans will be included in my update next week and also in the Newsletter published next Friday.

    Curriculum and assessment will need to be adapted to avoid unnecessary movement around the building and teaching approaches will also need to change to avoid the sharing of equipment and to limit contact as much as possible. Examination boards have indicated that GCSE and ’A’ Level exams will go ahead next year although they will be later in the term than in previous years.

    Colleagues will continue to provide support for all students when they return to College. Additional on line resources are continuing to be developed should there be a further national or local lockdown in the Autumn Term. We are also investigating the use of virtual parents’ evenings so that parents are kept fully informed regarding their child’s progress but will not necessitate parents having to come in to attend College.

    Please continue to check the website next week for further updates and for the plans to return in September.

    With prayers and every blessing,

    J. G. Maher

    Principal

     

    Updated 3rd July 2020

    Dear Parents and Carers

    I hope that you and your families remain safe and well.

    As you will have heard in yesterday’s government briefing, schools are to prepare for the return of all students in September in year bubbles. There is much to consider in the guidelines to ensure the safety of everyone at St Bede’s and also that we comply with the recommendations being proposed. I will be updating the risk assessment with September in mind and will endeavour to share this along with the plans for the reopening before the end of this term.

    The ‘Return to learning and wellbeing’ survey has been sent out to all families so that we can learn from the experiences of recent months. This will ensure that if there is a local lockdown in the future we are able to provide virtual lessons for all year groups along with what is provided via ‘Show My Homework’.

    The virtual taster sessions are available on our website for students in Year 11 to make their final option choices for Areté should they be staying with us next year. We very much look forward to welcoming students as they begin their next phase of study.

    Today would have been the Year 13 Leavers’ Assembly followed this evening by their Prom. Although it is unlikely that we will be able to celebrate with students in the near future, I wanted to remind them that are not forgotten and are in all our thoughts every day.

    With prayers and every blessing,

    J. G. Maher

    Principal

     

     

    Updated 26th June 2020

    Dear Parents and Carers

    I hope that you and your families remain safe and well.

    The engineer completed the commissioning of the new ICT unit last night which hopefully will enable students in years 10 and 12 who are unable to come into College to access their learning successfully from home. Arrangements have also been made for tutors to meet with their tutor groups via Google Meets and these should be taking place successfully from next Monday as well.

    Although the language coming from government suggests that all students will be back in September the latest guidance is not being released until the end of next week when we will need to ensure that we are complying with the recommendations being put forward. We will of course, update you as soon as possible once arrangements have been made. 

    The past few months have certainly developed resilience in each one of us and no one can say that they have not been affected by coronavirus in some way. In thinking about the students we are all conscious that some have settled into a routine with their home learning and are managing the work they have been set, while others are finding it increasingly difficult to remain motivated and keep up with the work. It is important that students share their anxieties with you as parents and with their teachers via Google Meets.

    Today would have been the Year 11 Leavers’ Assembly followed this evening by their Prom. We are still hoping to celebrate with students at some point in the future but I wanted to remind them that are not forgotten and are in all our thoughts every day.

    Finally, let us all remember to take one step at a time and do our best one day at a time. Abraham Maslow said ‘you will step forward into growth, or you will retreat backward into safety’. The decisions we take every day will always demonstrate the person that we are and the integrity that we have.

    With prayers and every blessing,

    J. G. Maher

    Principal

     

    Updated 19th June 2020

    Dear Parents and Carers

    I hope that you and your families remain safe and well.

    There has been much speculation over recent weeks regarding the wider opening of schools and what this will look like in reality. This week saw churches, shops and some outdoor attractions begin to reopen their doors which is a welcome sight for many.

    We invited students in years 10 and 12 who could get in safely to attend in their ‘bubbles’ from Monday and it was heartening to see students return and to hear the general ‘buzz’ of a school return. Everyone is expected to maintain social distancing and high standards of hygiene throughout the morning. The Risk Assessment has been made available on the College website to support the measures that have been put in place.

    Some students have continued to work from home and I would like to thank everyone for their patience this week with the technology issues that we have been experiencing. This will hopefully be resolved fully soon as we wish to develop the home learning being provided further to establish regular face to face contact with tutors for all students across the College.

    We continue to await information regarding September and will share plans with you as soon as information becomes available. It is our continued hope that all students will return, if at all possible, come the new academic year.

    With prayers,

    J. G. Maher

    Principal

     

    Updated 19th June 2020 - 9.30am 

    Dear Year 10 and 12 students, Parents and Carers

    We are, unfortunately, still experiencing some issues with the internet in school and it has disrupted some of the lessons taking place this morning.

    For the remainder of lessons today teachers will still attempt to deliver the lesson via Google Meet at the scheduled time and students should participate as planned.

    If the internet problems prove to be too disruptive teachers may make the decision to end the online lesson early and will instead share the resources by other means.  We ask students to please check emails regularly.

    Thank you for your patience while we try to resolve this.

     

    Updated 15th June 2020

    Dear Parents and Carers,

    The IT problems we informed you of on Friday have, unfortunately, continued over the weekend.

    Every effort is being made to resolve this and we are now expecting online lessons and college communications to return to normal on Thursday, 18th June.

    Arrangements for Year 10 and 12 students attending the college from today remains unchanged.

    Teachers will contact those students hoping to attend lessons remotely by email to inform of any new arrangements if this becomes necessary.

    All Year 10 and 12 students have been emailed with this and other lesson related information today and it is vitally important that they check their email regularly.

    Thank you for your continued support.

     

    Updated 12th June 2020 - 1.30pm

    Dear Parents and Carers,

    The college is currently experiencing difficulty with its computer network and internet access due to a hardware fault that has occurred today.

    Every effort is being made to resolve this, our 3rd party partners are supporting as best they can and work will continue over the weekend.

    Arrangements for Year 10 and 12 students attending the college on Monday remain unchanged.

    Teachers will contact those students hoping to attend lessons remotely by email to inform of any new arrangements if this becomes necessary.

    Thank you for your continued support.

     

    Dear Parents and Carers

    Due to the need for social distancing, students will need to behave differently when they return to college, with expectations even higher than before:

    1. students must tell an adult if they are experiencing symptoms of coronavirus
    2. students must follow the college instructions on hygiene, such as handwashing and sanitising
    3. the college will be operating ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ expectations in relation to sneezing, coughing, tissues and disposal and encouraging everyone to avoid touching their mouths, noses and eyes as much as possible
    4. students must follow the designated routines for arrival or departure and observe the markings that have been put in place on the paths leading to the specified entrance
    5. students will be working in one classroom with a member of staff and up to 11 other students. No cross-group contact will be allowed in Year 10
    6. students will stay in their seats at all times, except when given permission to move by a member of staff
    7. students must move around the college as per specific instructions (students should queue sensibly at the beginning of the day and follow the new one-way system and observe the red markings in corridors, classrooms and on the stairwells)
    8. students must use toilets sensibly and wash their hands after use – staff will manage the numbers of students using the facilities at any one time 
    9. equipment, water bottles and snacks must not be shared
    10. a small break will take place in the classroom as the teacher changes to avoid students coming into contact with each other
    11. as always, students must not cough or spit at, or towards any other person. If they put themselves, other students or their teachers at risk through such behaviour then this may lead to fixed term exclusion in the current pandemic
    12. students should not wear their house tie nor college blazer and if they are cold then they should wear their college jumper in addition to their shirt, trousers and skirts
    13. when students are dismissed at the end of the morning they should leave the building in an orderly manner observing all social distancing markings in place

    Parents should not send their child into college if they are showing symptoms of Coronavirus

    If a student shows signs of the virus, they will be removed from their teaching bubble and parents will be asked to collect them from the college and organise for them to be tested via the NHS App

    If the test results are positive, then parents will inform the college immediately so that the student bubble can be locked down and other parents informed to isolate their children

    By sending your child into college you acknowledge that staff have put procedures in place to mitigate against the spread of the virus although cannot guarantee that children will not succumb to Covid-19.  Please see here for Safe Operating Procedures.

    With prayers and all good wishes

    J. G. Maher

    Principal

     

    Updated 8th June 2020

    Year 10
    Students will receive an email on Monday 8th or Tuesday 9th June informing them of which day they should attend and what room will be their base as the College begins to reopen from 15th June.


    On the day allocated for students to be in College, they should attend wearing their College shirt and trousers or blouse and skirt. They should not wear their House tie, blazer nor a hoodie or sweatshirt. If they are cold, then the College jumper may be worn.


    The Behaviour Policy has been amended in line with the requirements for Covid-19 and I must stress that any student who is unable to meet the new standards to maintain the safety of both themselves, other students and their teachers then they may be excluded from College for a fixed period and will not be invited to return until September at the earliest.


    Students should bring the four exercise books need for their lessons, a pen, pencil, ruler and a calculator. They may also bring a water bottle, a snack and hand sanitiser. However, they should carry all equipment for the day in a plastic carrier bag and should not bring their school bag under any circumstances.


    Students should enter via the main gate between 8.30 and 9 am and should observe the social distancing markings between the main gate and the main door.


    Students will be met by the Principal who will provide hand sanitiser before students make their way directly to their allocated room. If their room is on the first or second floor, then they should observe the one way stairs up from the blue area and the one way stairs down via the middle staircase.


    Students will sit at a desk as indicated and should sit in the same seat position each week they are in.


    Students will observe the social distancing markings in class and will avoid close contact with other students. They will also observe the red line at the front of the classroom to avoid getting too close to the teacher. Teachers will not go beyond the red line in order to protect students as well.


    At 9 am students will spend twenty minutes with a Head of House/Year who will take the register, check equipment and discuss wellbeing with students before formal lessons begin at 9.20. They will have four forty minute lessons in the Core Subjects.


    There will be no 'formal' breaks other than the natural break between lessons.


    Students will only be permitted to leave the lesson to visit the toilet and only one student at a time. They should access the toilets on the floor their teaching room is on and should not be wandering corridors and potentially spreading the virus to others. Students on the ground floor will access the toilets on the first floor only.


    Students will be dismissed at 12 noon and will leave the classroom one row at a time following the social distancing markings in the corridor. Make their way down the central staircase and out is the main entrance in the blue area.


    Students eligible for a free school meal will take a 'grab and go' bag from the table by the main entrance before exiting the building.


    Students should again observe the social distancing markings until they are collected by the person picking them up.


    Those students who are not attending the College will access their learning in their identified 'bubble' on the allocated day via Google Meets. Students will be invited to attend by the teacher delivering the session.


    Please contact Mr Britton this week if you need a password reset c.britton@stbcc.org
     

    The Option subjects will be delivered on Fridays using Google Meets and students will again be invited to join the lesson by the teacher delivering the session. Option A will be 9 – 10 am, Option B will be 10.15-11.15 and Option C will be 11.30- 12.30 each Friday.


    Students working from home in this way will be able to ask questions by typing their question using the contact box. This will then appear on the teacher's computer screen and they will respond accordingly.

    Year 12
     

    Students will receive an email on Monday 8th or Tuesday 9th June informing them of which days the lessons will be on and what room they will be taught in as the College begins to reopen from 15th June.


    On the day allocated for students to be in College, they should attend wearing smart shirt and trousers or skirt. They should not wear a jacket, hoodie or sweatshirt. If they are cold, then a jumper may be worn.


    The Behaviour Policy has been amended in line with the requirements for Covid-19 and I must stress that any student who is unable to meet the new standards to maintain the safety of both themselves, other students and their teachers then they may be excluded from College for a fixed period and will not be invited to return until September at the earliest.


    Students should bring the folder they need for their lesson, a pen, pencil, ruler and a calculator for those studying Mathematics. They may also bring a water bottle, a snack and hand sanitiser. However, they should carry all equipment for the day in a plastic carrier bag and not bring their school bag under any circumstances.


    Students should enter via the gate by Galileo between 8.45 and 9.15 am and should observe the social distancing markings between the main gate and the main door of Areté.


    Students should use the hand sanitiser provided before making their way directly to their allocated room.


    Students will sit at a desk as indicated and should sit in the same seat position each week they are in.


    Students will observe the social distancing markings in class and will avoid close contact with other students. They will also observe the red line at the front of the classroom to avoid getting too close to the teacher. Teachers will not go beyond the red line in order to protect students as well.


    At 9.15 am students will spend fifteen minutes with the Head/Deputy Head of Sixth Form who will take the register, check equipment and discuss wellbeing with students before the formal lesson begin at 9.30.


    There will be no 'formal' breaks although teachers have been advised to build in a mini break during the course of the lesson although students will not be permitted to leave the classroom to socialise.


    Students will be permitted to leave the lesson to visit the toilet and only one student at a time. They should access the toilets nearest to the teaching room they are in.


    Students will be dismissed at 11.45 noon and will leave the classroom one row at a time following the social distancing markings in the corridor and make their way to the nearest available exit.

     

    Students eligible for a free school meal will take a 'grab and go' bag from the table by the main entrance in Areté before exiting the building.


    Students should again observe the social distancing markings until they are collected by the person picking them up.


    Those students who are not attending the College will access their learning in their identified 'bubble' on the allocated day via Google Meets. Students will be invited to attend by the teacher delivering the session.


    Please contact Mr Britton this week if you need a password reset c.britton@stbcc.org

    Students working from home in this way will be able to ask questions by typing their question using the contact box. This will then appear on the teacher's computer screen and they will respond accordingly.

    With prayers,

    J. G. Maher

    Principal

     

     

    Updated 5th June 2020

    Dear Parents/Carers

    Preparations for the partial reopening of the College are nearly complete. Governors and professional associations met last week to approve the risk assessment that has been completed and this is available via the College website should you wish to see it. I met with all staff in their faculties over the last week to ensure that everyone is reassured by the measures that have been put in place.


    Students in Year 10 and 12 will return in their allocated ‘bubbles’ on the scheduled days for a limited period each week from Monday 15th June. Further details will be sent next week indicating which day students should attend and reminding them of the need to maintain social distancing.


    Teachers will continue to set work for students in Years 7, 8 and 9 and as teachers will be in College more, arrangements are being made for face to face contact with their tutees via Google Meets.


    Students have worked extremely hard and have been well supported by parents and carers. I acknowledge that this has not been easy but wish to express my sincere gratitude for all the hard work that you have been doing.


    Let us hope that this is the start of a return to life as it was before the coronavirus.

    With prayers and every blessing,

    J. G. Maher,

    Principal

     

     

    Updated 1st June 2020

    Dear Parents and Carers

    You will have heard from the latest government announcements that secondary schools should plan to welcome students in Year 10 and 12 back for some face to face contact with teachers to enhance the on line learning already taking place. The government have also been quite clear that only 25% of the year group should attend at any one time therefore limiting the numbers in Year 10 to 45 students and in Year 12 to 25 students each day.

    I met with Governors on Friday morning to discuss the Risk Assessment that every school has to put in place prior to any planned reopening and ensure that all of the government’s latest recommendations are followed. I then met with professional associations in the afternoon to go through procedures that had been put in place.

    There are elements of the Risk Assessment which indicate that activities should cease immediately and one of these is school transport. I am also obliged to advise against the use of public transport at peak times to reduce any unnecessary risk that students may encounter. In order that no student is disadvantaged as a result of the lack of transport, the lessons will be available for students to access from home via Google Meets so if they are not in attendance then the teachers will be able to invite them to join the lesson via their school email address.

    Students will be placed in their ‘Bubble’ and will be invited to attend on a certain day of the week. I acknowledge that some parents will also be reluctant to send their child in to College and want to reassure you that you will not face any action from either the College or the Local Authority if you chose to keep your child at home at this time.

    The initial plans for each year group are outlined below and further specific detail will be provided later in the week for you to consider. As you can see there are separate entrance and exits for the different year groups and specific rooms where they will remain throughout their time with us each day.

    In order that we can complete the final planning and gauge the numbers who will be attending I would ask you to email Mrs Derrick at s.derrick@stbcc.org to inform her of your intentions. Once we have these numbers we will be able to populate the Bubbles and inform you of which day your child should attend.

    Year 10

    Year 10 should arrive in College through the main entrance between 8.30 and 9am on the mornings that they are due to be in and will observe the 2 metre social distancing markings laid out. They will also leave via the same door and their dismissal time will be 12 noon. Students eligible for free school meals will be provided with a ‘grab and go’ bag from a table by the main door when they leave.

    Rooms set out for use in the A Block are:

    Middle Floor

    A6

    A12

    Top Floor

    A13

    A20

    The schedule for Year 10 is outlined below:

     

     

    9 - 9.20

     

    9.20 – 10

    10 – 10.40

    10.40 –11.20

    11.20 – 12

    Monday

    Bubble 1

    a,b,c,d

    Emotional Support

    English

    RF

    RF

    English

    Maths

    Science

    Science

    Maths

    Tuesday

    Bubble 2

    a,b,c,d

    Emotional Support

    English

    RF

    RF

    English

    Maths

    Science

    Science

    Maths

    Wednesday

    Bubble 3

    a,b,c,d

    Emotional Support

    English

    RF

    RF

    English

    Maths

    Science

    Science

    Maths

    Thursday

    Bubble 4

    a,b,c,d

    Emotional Support

    English

    RF

    RF

    English

    Maths

    Science

    Science

    Maths

     

     

    9 -10

     

    10.15 – 11.15

    11.30 – 12.30

    Friday

     

    Option

     

    A

    B

    C

    All Option lessons will be delivered via Google Meets and no students will be in College on Friday. This will avoid any mixing of the ‘Bubble’ should a potential outbreak occur.

                     

    Year 12

    Year 12 should arrive in College through the gate by Galileo between 8.45 and 9.15am on the mornings that they are due to be in and will observe the 2 metre social distancing markings laid out. They will also leave via the same gate. Their dismissal time will be 11.45am each day. Students eligible for free school meals will be provided with a ‘grab and go’ bag from a table by the exit to Areté when they leave.

    Rooms set out for use in Areté and Galileo are:

    Areté

    Α6

    A7

     

    Galileo

    Ω3

    Ω4

    Ω8

    Ω9

    The schedule for Year 12 is outlined below:

     

    9.15 – 9.30

    9.30 – 11.45

    Monday

    Emotional Support

    Option A

    Tuesday

    Emotional Support

    Option B

    Wednesday

    Emotional Support

    Option C

    Thursday

    Emotional Support

    Option D

    Friday

    Emotional Support

    Option E

    Children of Keyworkers and those eligible to attend College

    Children of keyworkers and those eligible to attend College should arrive through the main entrance between 8.30 and 9am on the mornings and proceed directly through the blue area to go to the C Block. They will leave the College at the end of the day via the exit gate by Galileo. As anticipated numbers grow they will have a staggered break and lunchtime to avoid unnecessary contact. They will come down to the dining hall at 12.30pm in the usual way to eat the lunch provided by the canteen staff or their packed lunch.

    Rooms set out for use in the C Block are are:

    Ground Floor

    C18

    C 19

    Further detail will be provided later in the week once parents have indicated whether they will be sending their child in to College.

    With prayers and every blessing

    J. G. Maher

    Principal

     

     

    Updated 22nd May 2020

    Stay Alert, Control the virus, Save Lives

    Dear Parents and Carers

    Monday 25th May is the Feast Day of St Bede – an English Benedictine monk who was known as England’s first great historian. He was acknowledged for his personal holiness and intellectual brilliance and his words, which are quoted in the main reception, are testament to the vocation I believe we all have here at the College:

    ‘It has ever been my delight to read, to study and to teach’

    It’s what makes St Bede’s Catholic College the special place it is. Thank you to all parents for your continued support.

    I would like to express my appreciation to Mr Loud for preparing the Mass for St Bede and to Father Eugene for celebrating with us today. Even though social distancing keeps us apart at this time, by coming together through the Eucharist we are reminded of the bonds that we all share as the family that we are here.

    There is much speculation in the media at the moment regarding the reopening of schools to more students. The guidance for secondary schools is that students in years 10 and 12 have ‘some face to face support to supplement their remote education’. This raises a number of significant implications for us and although we are all committed to extending our current offer, this will only be done when it is safe to do so.

    Much work has been undertaken to complete as detailed and thorough a risk assessment as possible to fully assess our situation and our accommodation. Governors and professional associations will be meeting next week to review the risk assessment. This document is designed to protect everyone at St Bede’s as far as possible and therefore we need to get it right. Consequently, we have not committed to a specific date to return at this point. I very much hope to be able to share the plans with you in due course.

    Today is the last day of term 5 and I have asked teachers not to set work for this week so that everyone may enjoy a break. That said, the College will remain open for the children of key workers from Tuesday 26th May.

    Look after yourselves and those around you. Stay safe!

    With prayers,

    J. G. Maher,

    Principal

     

    Ascension Reflection

    This Thursday, we celebrate the feast of the Ascension.  It is a Holy Day of Obligation and usually, we would hold a Mass in school.  We are thankful for our Lay Chaplain Kevin Loud, who has put together a Liturgy and Reflection for our St. Bede's community which can be accessed here.
     

    Updated 15th May 2020

    Stay Alert, Control the virus, Save Lives

    Dear Parent and Carers

    When the Prime Minister announced his road plan for the easing of some restrictions on Sunday, he also made reference to the gradual return of pupils to school. In the guidance we received on Monday it states 'This will not be a return to full timetables or pupils back in school or college full time, rather some support to supplement pupils' remote education'. It also goes on to say 'In line with implementing protective measures and reducing contacts, schools and colleges should limit the attendance of the year 10 and 12 cohort in the setting at any one time and to keep students in small groups’.

    I also acknowledge that a number of parents will not wish to send their children into college at this time. Whilst we all look forward to welcoming students back as soon as possible, I and all my colleagues are looking at what we can provide to supplement the online learning to ensure the safety of every member of the community.

    I hope that everyone associated with St Bede's will understand the need for caution and support what will be proposed in the weeks to come. However, I must emphasise that there is no perfect solution to the situation we all find ourselves in at the moment. The Families in Focus Bulletin here has some useful information and support for families, parents, carers and young people during Coronavirus.

    Look after yourselves and those around you. Stay safe!

    With prayers,

    J. G. Maher,

    Principal

     
     
    Updated 11th May 2020
     

    Stay Alert, Control the virus, Save Lives

    Dear Parents and Carers,

    I hope you all managed to enjoy the weekend and celebrate the VE day commemorations too. Covid-19 has been described as living in a war zone but as one veteran said recently ‘we rebuilt after the war, we can do it again’. Prophetic wisdom!

    Last Wednesday, the College community came together as ‘one body’ to celebrate Mass even though we are separated by the requirement for social distancing. The readings and music were excellent as always and I hope you were able to participate as well. It is an important reminder that we are all one family here at St Bede’s and never more so than when we come together in the Eucharist.

    The Government reviewed the current restrictions and made their recommendations including the five Covid-19 Alert Levels and the re-opening of schools last night. The implications are that students in Years 7, 8 and 9 will not return to College before September and that if the ‘R’ number does not exceed 1 then students studying for exams next year will have some time with their teachers before the summer break,

    Please be assured that I and all my colleagues are fully committed to doing all we can to ensure a safe and appropriate return for all members of our College community and we are currently looking at how we can best achieve this. We are investigating staggered starts and breaks to reduce students mixing with each other and therefore potentially spreading the virus to you at home. We are also looking at reduced class sizes and timetable arrangements to accommodate this. As soon as we receive more guidance we will ensure that parents and carers are kept up to date.

    Thank you for all you are doing to support your children in their learning and I appreciate that it is not always easy. Please also remember that if you need support in any way then please get in touch with us so that we can get through this together.

    With prayers,

    J. G. Maher

    Principal 

     

    Updated 1st May 2020

    Dear Parents,

    One of the most significant and impactful stories in the newspapers over recent weeks has been that of the Ventilator Challenge led by Dick Elsy, Chief Executive of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult. He reflects on the point that the ‘disjointed thinking’ among politicians is ‘just noise’. He and a group of engineers threw away the distracting noise of what he called ‘ponderous nonsense’ to focus on the collaborative problem-solving brain power of engineers, freed up to focus on a common goal of making a volume of ventilators. People who had never met before pulled together, focused, and are currently a success story.

    The messages here are clear. We too have one goal. To know what we want to achieve in educating our children, and never take our eye off that goal, despite any white noise. What is more evident is that when we collaborate, we maximise our collective intelligence. We are powerful together and I strongly believe that the community we have at St Bede’s truly demonstrates just this.

    The spread of the coronavirus across the world makes us realise how connected we all are. Perhaps more importantly is the impact the virus has and the restrictions placed on our daily lives make us realise how dependent we are on one another. As human beings we need each other and our community. Our individual well-being depends on people doing a range of jobs and providing a variety of different services. We come together each Thursday in a gesture of friendship and to acknowledge the phenomenal work being undertaken on our behalf.

    Let us also come together in prayer as we hope that everyone affected by the pandemic will be comforted and given the strength they need to face what lies ahead.

    With prayers,

    J. G. Maher

    Principal

     

    Berlin Trip

    We have received notification from the travel company that payments for the Berlin trip are to be refunded. Please inform Mrs Cheshire via e-mail m.cheshire@stbcc.org or letter if you would like the refund to be paid directly into your account or by cheque. If you would like the payment to be made directly then you will also need to provide your bank details.

    Year 11 Prom

    ‘We The Curious’ have cancelled the booking for the Year 11 Prom and are not allowing any future bookings in the short term until the pandemic has been brought under control. They will be refunding the payments made for the Prom and as above please inform Mrs Cheshire via e-mail m.cheshire@stbcc.org or letter if you would like the refund to be paid directly into your account or by cheque. If you would like the payment to be made directly then you will also need to provide your bank details.

    Rome Trip

    We have this week received notification that the Rome trip has also been cancelled and are awaiting details of refunds. We will update you once further details have been received.

    Barcelona and Year 7 Trip to France

    Neither of these trips have as yet been cancelled as travel companies are working approximately 3-4 weeks in advance of any departure date. Once we have received clarification or notification that the trips have been cancelled by the travel companies then we will update you.

     
    Updated 24th April 2020

    Mulling over the frenetic pace of change during these last four weeks, it is safe to say that it feels like time has in some way been distorted. Time certainly plays tricks on us all, particularly during periods of compressed emotion. It is also clear that the situation we currently find ourselves in is not a sprint. No-one knows how long this is likely to last nor what the new sense of ‘normality’ will be. What is really important is that we all continue to look after each other and provide support and encouragement for all those around us.

    We all share the upset and disappointment caused by the unprecedented decision not to hold public examinations this summer. However, I and all of my colleagues continue to be very proud of the achievements and significant contribution that all students in years 11 and 13 have made to the College throughout their time with us here at St Bede’s. 

    Ofqual have confirmed that ‘A’ Level and EPQ results will be released to students on Thursday 13th August and GCSE results will be released on Thursday 20th August as originally planned. Our intention, at this stage, is to hold results days as normal to allow students an opportunity to celebrate. More detailed arrangements will be provided nearer the time and assuming that it is safe to do so by then.

    I do, however, need to remind everyone that Ofqual require us to keep the grade and students’ rank order confidential. Ofqual are very clear that students and parents should not ask for information because we are forbidden from sharing this information with you.

    Parents may also already be aware that Bristol Local Authority recently underwent an inspection under the new Ofsted framework. The written statement of action regarding SEND is available here.

    Please do contact us if you need any support at all in the coming days contact@stbcc.org

     We will endeavour to do the very best we can to help and support every member of the College community. The school nurses team are also available with any health queries you may have on 03001245816.

    With prayers,

    J. G. Maher,

    Principal

     
    Updated 21st April 2020 

    Following the announcement by the Secretary of State for Education on Sunday 19th April, laptops and tablets will be made available to help the most disadvantaged young people access online learning and social care services. Young people and families eligible for devices must not already have access to one, and must be in one of the following groups:

    • Children with a social worker
    • Care leavers
    • Disadvantaged children in Year 10, ahead of sitting their GCSEs next year

    If you fall into one of these categories and wish to access this support, then please let the College know by telephoning 01173772200 by 2pm on Monday 27th April so that arrangements can be made.

    Updated 20th April 2020

    I hope that you and your families continue to keep safe and well.

    Today marks what should have been the start of the summer term, but as you will already know, at the moment the current lockdown has been extended for a further three weeks. In these unprecedented times, I have received no formal notification of any expected date for schools to re-open nor indeed how this is to be achieved. We have contingency plans in place so that once it is safe to do so, we can return to a relative ‘normality’ as swiftly and effectively as possible.

    In the meantime, however, I would encourage all students to get back into the routine of home learning as quickly as possible. We understand that home learning can present a number of different challenges and as many of you have already acknowledged there is nothing quite like the input and expertise from a teacher. We have taken on board the feedback we have received and will continue to provide appropriate work for your children to undertake whilst at home.

    The College remains open, as it did over the Easter break, for children of key workers and those who are considered to be vulnerable. Should you have any concerns at all regarding your child’s wellbeing then please do get in touch via contact@stbcc.org and a member of the counselling team will make contact as soon as possible.

    The Government have again changed their advice regarding free school meals and have confirmed the funding to cover the Easter period. Therefore, new vouchers will be issued from this week and we will keep you updated with any information once we receive it. For any families struggling at this time, please do contact us so that we can put in support wherever possible.

    In the midst of these difficult times we continue to pray, meditate, have faith and let our worries and concerns spur us into kindness and action that brings hope and renewal of care and support for one another.

    Lord Jesus Christ,

    By your suffering you redeemed the world.

    Redeem us now from the global spread of the coronavirus.

    Shine your light of peace and love at this time of uncertainty

    and come to our aid in the midst of our fears.

    As we entrust ourselves and all people into your loving care,

    we pray for comfort, healing, protection and hope.

    Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.      Amen

    With all good wishes,

    J. G. Maher

    Principal

     
    Updated 6th April 2020

    I hope that you and your families continue to keep safe and well.

    The past weeks have been very different for all of us. Students, parents and staff have had to get used to different ways of working and we will be reflecting on home working and looking at how we can improve this further. I know from the many messages that I have received from parents, that teachers have been setting work to keep their children occupied. Everyone has been particularly impressed by the excellent work being produced and the commitment shown by all at this uncertain time.

    We have received an update regarding free school meals from the Local Authority following the most recent Government advice. Please see here for the letter. I know that this may cause hardship for a number of families at this time and if this is the case then please be sure to contact us if you need any support at all. We will endeavour, as always, to do the best we can to help every member of the College community.     

    Although we are unable to come together in the usual way, Mr Loud has put together Holy Week and Easter reflections for us all to use (see below). Please also remember that Holy Week and Easter services will be available online from many churches, including Clifton Cathedral which will strengthen us as the wider church family at this most Holy of seasons.

    Please remember to help everyone by staying at home and keeping safe.

    With all good wishes and Easter Blessings,

    J. G. Maher

    Principal

     
    Updated 3rd April 2020

    I hope that you are all keeping well and managing to take good care of yourselves and your loved ones during this incredibly challenging time. I also wanted to express my heartfelt appreciation for your continued patience, understanding and support as we navigate our way through this uncertain and unsettling period.

    The College has remained open for the students of key workers in line with government advice. We cannot afford to overlook young people’s wellbeing and positive mental health, and we will therefore continue to do all we can to support them over the coming weeks.

    We have also this morning received information from Ofqual outlining how grades will be awarded for GCSE, ‘A’ Level and Extended Project Qualifications this summer. Please see here for the information and also for the letter to students from Sally Collier, Chief Regulator, Ofqual. Please be assured that we will do everything that we can to ensure that the grades awarded are a true reflection of the students’ time at St Bede’s.

    We must all remember that the family of St Bede’s is about so much more than occupying the buildings on the site. We have an identity, faith and a spiritual bond which extends far beyond the bricks and mortar. We must trust that there will come a time when we are able to come back together, rebuild our lives and welcome our fantastic students back to their College.

    In the meantime, please be sure to contact us if you need any support at all. We will endeavour, as always, to do the best we can to help every member of the family which is St Bede’s Catholic College.

    Yours in Christ,

    J. G. Maher

    Principal

    Holy Week 
    As we approach Holy Week, we are thankful to our Lay Chaplain Kevin Loud who has put together a series of short liturgies and reflections to help guide us through this period.  These can be accessed here
     
    Please find below a link to a variety of information which you may find useful at this time:
     
    Updated 27th March 2020
     

    Dear Parents and Carers,

    I hope that you and your families are keeping well in these extraordinary times and that the first week of students working from home has gone smoothly.

    I know that there is good work going on from the many messages that I have received. Work is being completed and I want to thank you for establishing routines with your children and for keeping them motivated. Thank you also to the staff who are setting and responding to work. A truly team effort.

    In the coming weeks, there will be a number of competitions to participate in  – the Diocese are running a 500 word writing competition for students with the title ‘Hope’. Any student wishing to take part should e-mail their entry to the College to be sent on.

    It is important that students continue to feel that they are part of the community here at St Bede’s and therefore items for inclusion in the Newsletter should also be e-mailed in. It is a way of keeping in touch and supporting each other.

    ‘Every child who can be safely cared for at home should be, to limit the chance of the virus spreading’

    The government has asked parents to keep their children at home, wherever possible, and asked schools to remain open only for those children of key workers who absolutely need to attend. The government guidance is that ‘if children can stay safely at home, they should, to limit the chance of the virus spreading’.

    Although we will always try to be flexible regarding this, I am also mindful of the need to keep all students and staff safe and well throughout the coming weeks. I appreciate your on-going support in this.

    Pray with Pope Francis

    The Holy Father announced today that he will preside over a moment of prayer at the top of the steps of St Peter’s Basilica. Pope Francis said ‘I invite everyone to participate spiritually through the means of communication.' The live broadcast can be watched on the Vatican News You Tube Channel:

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7E-LYc1wivk33iyt5bR5zQ

    Free School Meals

    Bristol will now be e-mailing vouchers to parents of children entitled to free school meals. The first vouchers should arrive on Tuesday/Wednesday of next week and will cover next week and the Easter holidays. You will therefore not need to come in to College on Tuesday as previously advised to collect the weekly food box. Students living in North Somerset should report to their nearest hub as this week and if this arrangement changes over the weekend then I will let you know.

    I hope you all find comfort in the love and support of others around you. Please try to enjoy your weekend as best as you can.

    Yours in Christ,

    J G Maher

    Principal

    Updated 26th March 2020

     

    We have been advised that there is a scam e-mail being sent to parents allegedly from the Department for Education saying 'as schools will be closing, if you're entitled to free school meals, please send your bank details and we'll make sure you're supported'. 

    This has not come from the Department for Education and is a scam so please do not open it or respond in any way and delete it immediately. It is sad to think that at this time there are people who wish to exploit the situation. 

     
    Updated 25th March 2020
     

    And people stayed home
    and read books and listened
    and rested and exercised
    and made art and played
    and learned new ways of being
    and stopped
    and listened deeper
    someone meditated
    someone prayed
    someone danced
    someone met their shadow
    and people began to think differently
    and people healed
    and in the absence of people who lived in ignorant ways,
    dangerous, meaningless and heartless,
    even the earth began to heal
    and when the danger ended
    and people found each other
    grieved for the dead people
    and they made new choices
    and dreamed of new visions
    and created new ways of life
    and healed the earth completely
    just as they were healed themselves.

    Kitty O’Meara

    Events have moved very quickly since last week so I thought I would keep you updated regarding the situation at College at the moment. 

    We have received some initial suggestions regarding the awarding of grades for GCSE and A Level in the summer and have been told that detailed guidance will be coming out from central Government shortly. In these uncertain times I wanted to try and reassure both parents and students that once this has been outlined then I will keep you informed. I have included information on the website previously for your information. 

    It is unsettling for everyone and I know that it is causing some anxiety for students wishing to register for the Sixth Form and again I want to reassure everyone that information will be provided in a timely manner so that this can be a fair process and be completed in plenty of time so that students know what they will be doing once this is all over. 

    I have been very humbled by the kind wishes of many parents over recent days and your sentiments are very much appreciated. I have also been asked for some 'tips' on how to support your children in establishing routines at home and will put something out for you tomorrow to hopefully help you over the coming days. 

    The thoughts and prayers of everyone at St Bede's are with you all - stay safe and keep well. 

    J G Maher 

    Principal 

    Updated 24th March 2020

    We have been asked by the Diocese to say prayers as a Catholic community each day at noon. 

    Lord we believe that you are with us and that you hear our prayers

    • for all our friends and family especially those we cannot be with, hold them in your love                                                                                                    

    Lord in your mercy

    • For all who are sick throughout the world, bring them hope. If people are on their own and feel afraid help them to know that you are with them and we are praying for them                                                                       

    Lord in your mercy

    • For all those working to help others, give them hope and strength  

    Lord in your mercy

    • Guide our leaders, help them make right choices and to do their best for everyone                                                                                                              

      Lord in your mercy

    • For ourselves when are frightened or feel alone help us to know that you are with us and will always be there  no matter what happens. Help us not to be selfish and to do our best to help others.  Lord in your mercy

    We ask Mary our mother to pray with us as we say   Hail Mary……….

     
    Updated 23rd March 2020
    Message for Year 11 and Year 13 students
     
    I hope you are coping with all that has happened in the last few days.  Last week's cancellation of GCSE and A Level examinations in May and June 2020 has understandably led to anxiety for you all.
     
    The government has said that Ofqual, the independent qualifications regulator, will develop a fair and robust process that takes into account a broad range of evidence, including teacher assessment and prior attainment.  The government has assured schools that students will get the grades their work deserves, but students who do not feel their calculated grade reflects their performance will have the opportunity to sit exams, as soon as is reasonably possible, after schools and colleges open again.  A fuller response from the government can be found in the link below: 
     
    Please do not contact the college, or teachers directly.  When Ofqual provide the final guidance, the teachers at St Bede’s must follow it to ensure fairness across the system.   
     
    Your teachers will continue to set work that enables you to complete course content in case you choose to sit the examinations when schools and colleges reopen.  They will also be available to offer feedback and mark work you complete via Google docs or college email.  Please use your college email address when emailing your teachers.
     
    You should complete all outstanding NEA work and email it to your teachers, as this will enable you to take your examinations if you wish and will help teachers to formulate their predicted grade for you.
     
    UCAS have said that they wish to reassure students that there is no reason the usual admissions cycle will be disrupted and that universities will be flexible, doing all they can to support students to progress to higher education.  Please see their statement: https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/after-you-apply/coronavirus-covid-19-latest-updates
     
    Please stay safe and take care
     
    J G Maher
     

    Update 20th March 2020  12 noon

    As you will be fully aware, all schools will close to most children at the end of the day today.

    As advised by the government, we will do all that we can to stay open for the children of key workers. However, I need to remind everyone of the advice which says “If it is possible for children to be at home then they should be”.

    Currently, we do not know how long schools will remain closed.

    Thank you to parents who have confirmed they will need to send their children into college next week.

    Students should arrive in school uniform and report to Areté, where teachers will be present to receive them.

    Following the DfE advice, I want to stress that the college will not be following the national curriculum at this time.

    During the period of college closure, we want all our students to engage in regular, daily learning.

    Please check ‘Show My Homework’, GCSE pod and Google Classroom where work will be regularly updated by teachers.

    If your child is in receipt of a free school meal, then arrangements have been made to collect a weekly lunch box.

    Please see the letter from Chartwells advising you of nearest collection point, which can be found here . The letter also contains contact details should you need them.

    Parents who currently have standing orders for buses and/or music lessons should cancel these from the end of March. Any refunds due will be organised in April and any outstanding debt will be collected in August.

    Once this pandemic begins to resolve and schools reopen, we will make arrangements for Years 11 and 13 to celebrate their time at St Bede’s properly. Once we have information about GCSE and A level grades, we will pass this on as well.

    I will continue to provide you with regular emails and updates in the days ahead. Please do check the website regularly.

    Thank you for your continued support. We pray for everyone throughout the weeks ahead.

    With every blessing

    J G Maher  

    Updated 20th March 2020

    We have today received updated information regarding ‘key workers’.

    It asks that parents and schools follow these key principles:

    1. If it is at all possible for children to be at home, then they should be.

    2. If a child needs specialist support, is vulnerable or has a parent who is a critical worker, then educational provision will be available for them.
    3. Parents should not rely for childcare upon those who are advised to be in the stringent social distancing category such as grandparents, friends, or family members with underlying conditions.
    4. Parents should also do everything they can to ensure children are not mixing socially in a way which can continue to spread the virus. They should observe the same social distancing principles as adults.
    5. Residential special schools, boarding schools and special settings continue to care for children wherever possible.

    If your work is critical to the COVID-19 response, or you work in one of the critical sectors listed below, and you cannot keep your child safe at home then your children will be prioritised for education provision:

    Health and social care

    This includes but is not limited to doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers, care workers, and other frontline health and social care staff including volunteers; the support and specialist staff required to maintain the UK’s health and social care sector; those working as part of the health and social care supply chain, including producers and distributers of medicines and medical and personal protective equipment.

    Education and childcare

    This includes nursery and teaching staff, social workers and those specialist education professionals who must remain active during the COVID-19 response to deliver this approach.

    Key public services

    This includes those essential to the running of the justice system, religious staff, charities and workers delivering key frontline services, those responsible for the management of the deceased, and journalists and broadcasters who are providing public service broadcasting.

    Local and national government

    This only includes those administrative occupations essential to the effective delivery of the COVID-19 response or delivering essential public services such as the payment of benefits, including in government agencies and arms length bodies.

    Food and other necessary goods

    This includes those involved in food production, processing, distribution, sale and delivery as well as those essential to the provision of other key goods (for example hygienic and veterinary medicines).

    Public safety and national security

    This includes police and support staff, Ministry of Defence civilians, contractor and armed forces personnel (those critical to the delivery of key defence and national security outputs and essential to the response to the COVID-19 pandemic), fire and rescue service employees (including support staff), National Crime Agency staff, those maintaining border security, prison and probation staff and other national security roles, including those overseas.

    Transport

    This includes those who will keep the air, water, road and rail passenger and freight transport modes operating during the COVID-19 response, including those working on transport systems through which supply chains pass.

    Utilities, communication and financial services

    This includes staff needed for essential financial services provision (including but not limited to workers in banks, building societies and financial market infrastructure), the oil, gas, electricity and water sectors (including sewerage), information technology and data infrastructure sector and primary industry supplies to continue during the COVID-19 response, as well as key staff working in the civil nuclear, chemicals, telecommunications (including but not limited to network operations, field engineering, call centre staff, IT and data infrastructure, 999 and 111 critical services), postal services and delivery, payments providers and waste disposal sectors.

    If you fall into one of these categories, and will be sending your children to college next week, please ensure that you telephone the college by midday today so that we can provide appropriate staff cover and also prepare for the school meals service to provide food from Monday onwards.

    Full guidance to parents can be found here:

    https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers

    Updated 19th March 2020 – 12 noon

    KEY WORKERS

    According to www.gov.uk examples of key workers include NHS staff, police and supermarket delivery drivers who need to be able to go to work to support the country’s fight to tackle coronavirus. Vulnerable children include those who have a social worker and those with Education, Health and Care Plans – a legal document that describes a child’s special educational needs and the support they require. 

    If you fall into one of these categories, and will be sending your children to college next week, please ensure that you telephone the college by midday on Friday so that we can provide appropriate staff cover and also prepare for the school meals service to provide food from Monday onwards.

    This information will be updated when a more definitive list is provided.

     

    Updated 19th March 2020

    Following yesterday’s announcement that all schools in the UK are to close from Friday 20th March for the foreseeable future, I thought it appropriate to update you with what information I have currently.

    Later this morning the Government will publish their list of key workers and I would ask that if you fall into one of these categories, and will be sending your children to college next week, that you telephone the college by midday on Friday so that I can provide appropriate staff cover and also prepare for the school meals service to provide food from Monday onwards.

    The Government are hoping to give more details tomorrow regarding the examinations in the summer.  I share the anxiety of all our students and you as parents regarding the lack of clarity, and once I have more details I will be passing this on to you all.  Although they have stated that students will not be sitting exams in May and June there is no specific guidance regarding August and September at this time.

    Please continue to follow the Government updates which can be accessed via the link on the college website.

    During this unprecedented time, I am sure you can appreciate that the volume of correspondence to the college has increased, therefore, we may not be able to respond to parents about individual cases.  As stated previously always follow Government guidance.

    I will, of course, update you as soon as information is available.  I appreciate that this is a challenging and difficult time for us all.  Please be assured that we are doing all that we can to keep your child’s education as productive as possible.

    With prayers and every blessing.

    J.G Maher

    Principal

     
    Updated 18th March 2020 - 2.00pm
     

    Dear Parent/Carer

    Coronavirus

    As you are aware, school staff must follow the guidelines set by the government during this current pandemic.

    Due to an increasing number of staff unable to attend college, it has become necessary to restrict the numbers of pupils in college.

    With effect from Thursday 19th March 2020, only Years 7, 11, 12 and 13 and children of NHS staff should attend school and buses will run as normal.

    Those who attend college will not have all their teachers present but we have managed to arrange staff so that where a regular teacher is not available children will be supervised, safe and engaged in productive work.

    Years 8, 9 and 10 pupils should work from home and work will be set for those year groups which can be accessed via Show My Homework where extensive resources are also available.

    In addition, Year 8 pupils can spend time revising for their imminent examinations.

    The attendance record for children required to work at home will not be affected as a consequence of this enforced absence and will read “working off site”.

    It is regrettable that this partial closure, which I can assure you is unavoidable, will be an inconvenience to a number of parents. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

    Clearly these are challenging times for us all but I would like to commend all our students for their conduct and attitude around the college in what is becoming an increasingly difficult scenario for us all.

    Let us keep all those who are and will be affected by this pandemic in our prayers throughout the days  ahead.

    Yours sincerely

    Mr J G Maher

    Principal

    Updated 18th March 2020

    St. Bede’s Catholic College has been working to develop a comprehensive and supportive range of solutions to facilitate the best possible contingency in the event of disruption to the college. 

    We are considering the needs of all members of the college community, with a focus on ensuring all remain calm, safe and supported, which will enable students to continue learning in the most effective way possible.

    Please click the link below for updated advice for households with symptoms:

    https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

    Thank you for your continued support in these unprecedented times.  We will keep you updated with any changes as they occur.

    Let us keep all those who are and will be affected by this pandemic in our prayers throughout the challenges ahead.

    Updated 17th March 2020

    Following the announcement from Central Government yesterday advising that schools should remain open.  This will be the case for St. Bede’s Catholic College unless further advice is issued and as long as there is appropriate staff cover.  Parents will be informed of any updates as soon as we have them.

    In the meantime, the following advice is being discussed in college and I would encourage you to do the same at home.

    COVID -19 - Explaining to children

    Children and young people look to adults in their lives to guide them on how to react to worrying and stressful events. They need reassurance on how to stay safe:

    • reassure them that health care professionals are working hard to ensure that people throughout the country stay healthy
    • explain that at the present moment very few people in this country are sick with the virus
    • tell them that not everyone will get the full symptoms of the virus and the vast majority who do get the virus recover fully
    • provide direct Government advice, with regular updates as they become available.  Having such knowledge can help them feel a sense of control

    If the adults in their lives seem overly worried, their own anxiety may rise:

    • if they are anxious, let them talk about their feelings and guide them in re-framing their thoughts and concerns to a more helpful way of thinking
    • continue to provide opportunities for children to talk about their concerns, fears, and questions.
    • Avoid giving/providing personal opinions, try and stick to the Government guidance.  It is OK to say “We don’t know the answer to that just yet”.

      We remember to keep the vulnerable in our prayers at this time.

    Updated 16th March 2020
    The latest information coming from Central Government is that schools should remain open.  This will be the case for St. Bede's Catholic College.  In these uncertain times however, should this position change then parents will be informed.  If you are self-isolating your children please click the following link for guidance:
     
     
    All planned day trips and parents' evenings have been postponed and we will update you as time progresses.
     

    Updated 13th March 2020

    We will continue to monitor the situation regarding Coronavirus (COVID -19) and update Parents and Carers with advice and guidance from the Department for Education and Public Health England. 

    We currently have no students or staff who have tested positive for the Coronavirus.  We are reminding students daily about the importance of regular hand washing and have provided tissues, antibacterial wipes and hand sanitiser.

    Although younger people are unlikely to become seriously ill, we do have some members of the school community who have relevant conditions that make them more vulnerable and we want to do all that we can to make school as safe a place as possible.

    If your child has been in contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus it is important we know.  Should any child be self-isolating following the advice and guidance from Public Health England, they will be coded as ‘Y’ and therefore their college attendance record will not be penalised.

    If your child has a raised temperature and/or a new cough, please do keep them off school and let us know.

    If you have any queries about the impact of coronavirus on schools there is a helpline for questions relating to this which parents can access:

    Phone: 0800 046 8687

    Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk

    Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday)

    Given the ongoing and changing picture both in the UK and across the world, it is becoming increasingly likely that St. Bede’s will be subject to a full or part closure in the upcoming days or weeks.  We will provide work for students to access primarily through Show My Homework and other online platforms.

    Please contact Mr King at the college if internet access is likely to be an issue for your child and we will look to provide paper resources for them.

    Clearly international trips are the subject of a Government ban and trip leaders at St Bede’s are in contact with the holiday companies.  Once more detailed information is available we will send the information to you.  However, the Ski and Berlin trips will not be going ahead at this time.

    Please do pray for all the NHS teams responding to this outbreak and for the government and for a careful scientifically led public response.  

    Mr J.G Maher

    Principal

    In college, we are acting on the advice here   
    For further information and guidance please follow the Public Health England link here 

     

     

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