MESSAGE FROM PRINCIPAL

REFLECTION  –  6 July – St Maria Goretti

       

This week, we celebrate the feast of St Maria Goretti

On July 6th, the Church honours St. Maria Goretti.

Maria had been born into a Catholic family in 1890. Her family was very poor, but her family’s love for God never wavered. Every day Maria’s mother and brothers and sisters went out into the fields to work. Maria stayed behind and took care of all the household responsibilities including taking care of the youngest child, Teresa.

While she is famously known as the youngest canonized saint, her most powerful legacy for our families is her extraordinary capacity for mercy.

As she lay dying at just eleven years old, after a young man she knew, Alessandro, snuck up on her and began to attack her, Maria’s final words were of complete forgiveness for her attacker, wishing him to be with her in heaven. This profound grace ultimately transformed his life forever.

In the daily rhythm of family life, hurts and misunderstandings are inevitable. St. Maria Goretti reminds us that forgiveness is a powerful choice that heals wounds and restores peace. This week, let us ask her intercession to help us build homes rooted in patience, moral courage, and unconditional love.

On June 24, 1950 Maria Goretti was declared a saint by Pope Pius XII.

Reflection: “He loves, He hopes, He waits. Our Lord prefers to wait Himself for the sinner for years rather than keep us waiting an instant.” Maria Goretti

Prayer: Lord, through the intercession of St. Maria Goretti, grant our families the courage to stand firm in our faith and the grace to forgive one another deeply. Help us build homes rooted in patience, purity, and unconditional love.

Amen.

ST. BEDE'S WAY SPOTLIGHT

Work Hard, Be Kind and Do the Right Thing

The St. Bede’s Way Spotlight identifies children who stand out as exemplifying one of our three St. Bede’s Way principles of “Work Hard. Be Kind. Do the Right Thing.”

This week we are delighted to recognise St Bede’s Dance team, who have achieved outstanding national success, being officially crowned Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 National Dance Champions.

The competition, held in Cheltenham, follows the team’s victory at the South West Secondary Schools Competition in March, where they secured their place at the national finals. Competing against some of the best school dance teams in the country, the students delivered an exceptional performance that showcased their talent, dedication, and teamwork.

Winning a national title is a testament to the countless hours of hard work, commitment, and passion invested by the team throughout the year. Their achievement is a proud moment and an inspiration to younger students aspiring to follow in their footsteps.

Congratulations to all involved on this incredible success and for representing St Bede’s with such excellence on the national stage.

SIXTH FORM TASTER DAY

On Thursday 25th June, we were delighted to welcome 140 prospective Sixth Form students to our annual Sixth Form Taster Day.

Despite the exceptionally warm weather, the event saw a fantastic turnout, with students enthusiastically taking part in a morning of engaging taster sessions across a range of subjects. The sessions gave students the opportunity to experience Sixth Form learning, meet teaching staff, and explore the exciting opportunities available to them from September.

It was wonderful to see such enthusiasm and engagement from everyone who attended, and we look forward to welcoming our new Year 12 students in September.

WORLD AFFAIRS SEMINAR IN CARDIFF 

Chanise A, in Year 13, has recently returned from attending the prestigious World Affairs Seminar in Cardiff. To secure her place on this highly competitive programme, Chanise wrote essays, completed fundraising, and successfully progressed through a number of interviews.

This year’s seminar focused on two of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Goal 2, Quality Education, and Goal 10, Reducing Inequalities. As a delegate, Chanise was placed in a group where they worked together to create a project based on these important global issues.

The week was filled with inspiring lectures from speakers with a wide range of international experience, from working with the United Nations to humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan. Alongside these talks, delegates took part in diplomacy simulations and networking opportunities, gaining valuable insight into global affairs and international relations.

Reflecting on her experience, Chanise described the seminar as “the best week of my life,” highlighting not only the knowledge she gained but also the many friendships she formed throughout the week. She encourages other students to apply in the future for this incredible opportunity.

ST BEDE'S LAW STUDENTS ARE 'GETTING COURT' 

On Tuesday 23rd and Tuesday 30th June, the two A-level Law classes had the
opportunity to visit Bristol Magistrates’ and Bristol Crown Court facilitated by the
‘Getting Court’ Project.

Students had a fascinating morning in the Magistrates’ Court, meeting two Magistrates who explained their role, the types of legal cases they hear and discussed how they decide on sentencing for defendants who are found guilty of a criminal offence.

Students then watched several trials in the Magistrates’ Court relating to theft and assault before heading to the Crown Court in the afternoon. They were lucky enough to speak to a barrister about why they wanted to embark on a legal career and also discuss the challenges of working as a criminal barrister.

After watching a trial in the Crown Court, students reflected on what it must be like to be a juror sitting on a trial and whether they thought the witnesses they heard speaking would be considered reliable by the jury. All the students said it was good to see the law in action and to see how the aspects of Criminal Law they have learnt in the classroom are applied in real life.

Our thanks go to Clare Mellis, who runs ‘Getting Court’ in Bristol, for organising the day.

WIMBLEDON REWARD TRIP - BEING ACTIVE PAYS OFF! 

Eight of our students were rewarded with an unforgettable day at Wimbledon, recognising their outstanding commitment to extra-curricular sport throughout the year.

The students earned their place by consistently attending the highest number of Team Pilgrim extra-curricular clubs. Their enthusiasm, dedication and willingness to get involved truly stood out, proving that hard work and commitment beyond the school day can lead to incredible opportunities.

The group enjoyed a fantastic day soaking up the atmosphere at one of the world’s most iconic sporting events, watching top-class tennis and experiencing Wimbledon firsthand. It was a memorable reward and a chance to inspire our students to continue their sporting journeys.

This trip is another reminder that being active really does pay off. We hope it encourages even more students to get involved in our extra-curricular programme next year—you never know where it might take you!

YEAR 8 PUPILS TAKE ON THE 800M CHALLENGE

Year 8 pupils have been putting their physical, personal, social and thinking MEs into action as they returned to the 800m challenge, aiming to beat the times they set in Year 7.

Using their Thinking ME, pupils worked out predicted finishing times and lap splits to help pace themselves around the track. They supported and encouraged one another throughout, demonstrating excellent Social ME skills, while showing determination, resilience and commitment through their Personal ME.

It was fantastic to see pupils taking ownership of their performances and applying what they have learned over the past year. Many pupils achieved significant improvements on their Year 7 times, highlighting the progress they have made in both their fitness and confidence.

YEAR 11 ENGINEERS GO GLIDING!

Back in February, during an Engineering trip to Airbus, eight of our Year 11 students were hand-picked after demonstrating a natural aptitude on the flight simulator. Recognising their talent, the Cotswold Gliding Club invited them to spend a full day learning how to fly a dual-control glider.

The day began in the clubhouse with a briefing on the basics of aviation and glider mechanics. From there, the teamwork truly began. The students were tasked with manoeuvring two gliders—each sporting an 18-meter wingspan—out of a hangar door just 9 meters wide! Moving a £125,000 aircraft requires incredible precision, and the students handled the challenge with immense care.

Once the gliders were safely out, the group learnt about aerodynamics and the vital importance of pre-flight checks (which included the glamorous task of wiping dead bugs off the wings!). After a quick lesson in driving a golf buggy, they towed the gliders out to the runway.

Because of low morning cloud cover, the team enjoyed an early lunch while waiting for the sun to clear the skies. The afternoon began with a briefing on how to safely eject and parachute in the event of an emergency. At this point, Mrs. Harkin had a mini heart attack, but she was confidently reassured that the parachutes wouldn't be needed!

With the safety briefings complete, it was time to fly. Getting a glider airborne is a massive team effort:

• The Rope Crew: One student was in charge of securely attaching the tow-rope from the glider to the tug plane.
• The Signaller: Another student gave hand signals to the flight tower, who relayed instructions to the pilot.
• The Wingman: A third student held the 18-meter wing tip perfectly horizontal, running alongside the glider until it gained enough speed to lift off.

While the instructor handled the takeoffs and landings, our amazing students took total control once in the air. They successfully rode the thermals, spiralling up to breathtaking heights of 3,000 feet with stunning views over the Cotswolds and the Severn Estuary.

Thankfully, everyone landed safely and Mrs. Harkin was finally able to breathe again! It was an unforgettable experience, and one that might just go down as one of the best school trips ever!

   

LIBRARY NEWS

Free online access to First News over the summer for St Bede’s students!    

Click on the link to get free digital access over the summer holidays.      

There are still books to be returned.  Please could you check with your children and have a good look at home if they haven’t returned their books.  Outstanding books should be returned to the Library FIRST THING ON MONDAY MORNING!!

The Library will still be open after school as usual next week.

Look out for Most Well-Read House, Year and Tutor Group and Individuals’ results in the next newsletter!

 

HELP GIVE CHILDREN A BETTER START IN LIFE

If you have a listening ear and parenting skills to share, Home-Start Bristol & South Gloucestershire would love to hear from you! We’re looking for volunteers to support families with under 5s who are struggling. Our volunteers do home visits or help at parent groups, giving 2 hours a week to make a real difference to families. Volunteers receive training and are supported by an expert staff team. Why not join our free volunteer training course starting on 2nd October? Find out more at homestartbsg.org.uk or call 0117 950 1170 and make a real difference to families in need in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Thank you. 

IMPORTANT CHANGES TO FREE SCHOOL MEALS (FSM) 

From September 2026, all children in households receiving Universal Credit will be eligible for Free School Meals.

From September 2026, there are two types of FSM:

• Targeted FSM – for families on Universal Credit with household earnings of £7,400 or less. This includes free school meals and additional Pupil Premium funding.
• Expanded FSM – for families on Universal Credit with household earnings above £7,400. This provides free school meals only.

Action required

If your child currently receives Free School Meals, or you think they may now be eligible, you must submit a new application using the online form (click   https://apply.cloudforedu.org.uk/ ). The outcome will be shared with you and the school.

Children may also be eligible if you receive certain other qualifying benefits, including Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, the guarantee element of Pension Credit, support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, or meet the criteria for families with no recourse to public funds.

If you need any help with your application, please contact the school office on 0117 377 2200.

CONGRATULATIONS TO YEAR 12 STUDENT CODY 

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the achievements of Year 12 student Cody T, who has been working as part of a Young Curators group at Watershed, helping to co-develop their upcoming gallery exhibition.

The exhibition, SENTIENTS, is a unique collection of groundbreaking video games and virtual reality experiences that invite visitors to see through other eyes. Exploring wild imaginings, animal visions and adventures into strange lands, the exhibition promises to be an exciting and immersive experience for all.

Cody’s involvement in shaping this innovative exhibition is a fantastic achievement and reflects his creativity, dedication and passion for the arts.

SENTIENTS will be open from 18 July to 13 September, and we would encourage everyone to visit and support this inspiring project.

For more information and ticket bookings, visit Watershed.

NEW APP TO SUPPORT ANXIETY MANAGEMENT 

A new app designed to help autistic people better understand and self-manage anxiety is now available. It offers practical tools and guidance to support emotional wellbeing and build confidence in managing anxious feelings.

Find out more and access the app via the link below.

https://www.autistica.org.uk/molehill-mountain

Foundation Governor Vacancy – St Bede’s Catholic College

St Bede’s Catholic College is seeking to appoint a Foundation Governor and would warmly welcome applications from individuals who are passionate about supporting Catholic education.

We are looking for someone with enthusiasm, commitment and a belief in the value of Catholic education, who would like to play a meaningful role in helping St Bede’s continue to flourish.

While applications are welcome from all backgrounds, we would be particularly interested to hear from individuals with personnel expertise.

You do not need to be an education specialist to become a governor. Our governing body benefits from members with a wide range of professional backgrounds and life experiences, and we are keen to further strengthen this diversity. Training and support are provided.

St Bede’s enjoys an excellent reputation locally, within the Diocese and nationally, and has been recognised by the Diocese as an Outstanding Catholic College.

The commitment involves attending Full Governing Body and committee meetings three times a year, which take place during the day.

Further information about the role of a governor in a Catholic school can be found here:
https://schools.cliftondiocese.com/governance

If you are interested in supporting the college by becoming a Foundation Governor, please complete the application form available here:
https://schools.cliftondiocese.com/form-2

 

SCIENCE HOME LEARNING "THE TASSOMAI YEAR?"

Collecting all 22 Tassomai stickers—from the solstices and full moons to Saints' days and Pride—is no small feat! It takes serious dedication, and we want to celebrate our students' hard work.   If your child managed to complete the full set, they could win big. Tassomai are running a massive £500 prize draw for everyone who finished the collection:

• 8 lucky winners will grab a £50 gift voucher!
• 1 grand prize winner will take home a £100 "Best in Show" voucher!

If you think your child has collected all 22, please email Mrs Powers (powersh@stbcc.org).  Closing date for entries is 9 July 2026.

We also want to say a massive thank you to all the parents and carers who have supported their children with Tassomai this year. We have seen a fantastic positive impact on students' confidence, knowledge retention, and overall science learning thanks to your encouragement at home!

Looking ahead: Tassomai will continue to be our science home learning platform next year. We encourage you to help your child hit the ground running this September by establishing consistent daily routines right from the start, helping to strengthen their learning even further.

EXTERNAL AGENCY

Bristol Parent Carers support parents and carers of children with SEND and work with Bristol City Council to ensure they are meeting children's needs.

Please click the link here for the Newsletter: https://midd.me/Wnje

 

SAFEGUARDING SPOTLIGHT