 St. Bede's Catholic College
T: 0117 3772200
E: contact@stbcc.org
W: www.stbedescc.org
Issue 414 2nd October 2026
|
|
|
MESSAGE FROM PRINCIPAL
Open evening is always a wonderful chance for us to showcase all the fantastic things about our college. We welcomed a huge number of visitors on Thursday evening to see and hear more about our vibrant community.
This event always reminds me of the gratitude and responsibility I feel that each family chooses to put the education of their child in our hands.
We are blessed to work with young people and guide them through seven years to become young adults ready to go and shape our world for good.
The new academic year is a time to look forward with hope and excitement about what is to come.
Loving God,
We give thanks for our families and for the love, care and support they provide. Thank You for the families who are part of our college community and for the strength and encouragement they bring to our students and staff.
Bless each family with peace, joy and togetherness, and help us as a college community to care for and support one another.
Amen.
|
|
|
Faith in the Presence of God: A Lasallian Reflection
Every lesson, every day, we hear the familiar call: "Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God."
In the Lasallian tradition, this is more than just a routine start to a lesson. St. John Baptist de La Salle reminded us that God isn't confined to a chapel—God is present in our classrooms, the lunch queue, on the sports field, and in every conversation.
Living this core principle means recognising two simple, powerful truths: you are never alone, and every person you meet carries divine dignity. When we remember this, kindness becomes second nature and our school community becomes a place of genuine respect. Let us pause amid the rush and remember: God is already here, working in and through each of us.
|
|
|
REFLECTION - 9 October – Feast day of St John Henry Newman
The 9 October is the feast day of St John Henry Newman.
Cardinal Newman was born in 1801 and died in 1890. He was an Anglican priest who converted to Catholicism at the age of 44 and became a Cardinal at 46. He spent a great deal of his life living and working with the poor in Birmingham.
Newman spent much of his life pursuing truth with both an open mind and a devoted heart.
He understood that real education isn't just about passing exams or absorbing facts; it is about discovering who God created us to be and learning how to bring light to the world around us. In a world that often feels noisy and fast-paced, Newman reminds us of the quiet, intentional purpose behind each of our lives:
"God has created me to do Him some definite service; He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission—I never may know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next."
Prayer:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Give us grace to seek You with our whole hearts, and lead us along the paths of truth and goodness. Help us to remember, in the spirit of St. John Henry Newman, that You have a purpose and calling for each one of us. When the way ahead seems uncertain, grant us the courage to trust Your guidance, knowing that You walk beside us step by step. May our words bring comfort, our actions speak Your love, and our learning draw us ever closer to Your light.
Amen
|
|
|
YEAR 7 RETREAT DAY 
On Tuesday, our Year 7 students gathered for their annual Retreat Day, focusing on what it truly means to be a Lasallian and our personal responsibility within our school and wider community.
Guided by our core Lasallian Principles—Faith, Service, Community, Quality Education, and Respect for All People—students explored how Saint John Baptist de La Salle called us to enter into the presence of God and serve those around us. Through workshops and team activities, students examined how Catholic Social Teaching aligns directly with our Lasallian vision, challenging themselves to put "faith in action" through concern for the poor, inclusive brotherhood and sisterhood, and daily acts of kindness.
Our day concluded with the celebration of Mass with Canon Michael, who reminded us that as members of a Lasallian community, we are called to be the light of Christ in the world today and as we start our time together at St Bede’s.
|
|
|
ART WORKSHOP
Our Year 11 and Year 13 Art students recently had the fantastic opportunity to take part in a two-day workshop led by visiting artist James Lake. Across the two days, students worked closely with James, learning about his artistic practice, creative process and approach to sculpture.
Students were guided through the process of designing and constructing their own sculptural heads from cardboard, exploring shape, form, structure and layering as their pieces developed. It was brilliant to see the sculptures gradually come to life, with each student creating an individual response and developing their ideas throughout the workshop.
The experience gave students a valuable opportunity to work directly with a professional artist, strengthen their practical and creative skills and gain inspiration that they can take forward into their current Art projects. The finished sculptures were incredibly varied and showcased the creativity, hard work and individuality of our Year 11 and Year 13 students.
|
|
|
|
YEAR 12 STUDENTS HE+ PROGRAMME
St. Bede's Areté Sixth Form (HE+ Bristol Hub Lead School) are pleased to announce that Cambridge HE+ Applications for 2026-2027 are now open.
The HE+ programme is a year-long outreach initiative run by the University of Cambridge and its Colleges in partnership with groups of state schools and sixth forms across the UK.
It’s designed to stretch academically able students, help them explore subjects beyond the school curriculum, and support them to make competitive applications to top universities (including Russell Group institutions).
Who can take part:
- Year 12 students who are interested in making a UCAS application to study at University after their A Level exams.
- Students must be attending one of the Cambridge HE+ partner schools to take part.
- Applications from individual students outside of Cambridge partner schools are not considered.
What the HE+ Programme offers:
The programme is a year-long initiative running from the autumn to summer terms of Year 12. A comprehensive programme of online and in-person support will be available to participants.
For many participants who meet the Widening Participation criteria, Cambridge offers a fully funded visit to Trinity Hall,Cambridge - this allows participants to experience university life and meet students.
Module 1: Preparing For University
Module 2: Learning Beyond The Curriculum
Module 3: HE+ Project
Aims of the programme:
The HE+ programme aims to develop participants':
- knowledge and awareness of the benefits of higher education
- capacity to navigate the university application process
- ability to make informed choices about higher education
- subject knowledge through access to mock seminars and lectures
If you are in Year 12 and are interested in applying or a parent/carer who would like some more information about Cambridge HE+ Programme, please contact Mrs Okpiyalele, Sixth Form Academic Mentor/HE+ Hub Lead at the college.
|
|
|
CELEBRATING THE JOY OF MUSIC TOGETHER
It was wonderful to welcome pupils from a number of our partner primary schools to the College on Tuesday 22nd September for a special evening of music and singing. Our Junior Choir members also took part in the event, and together, the choirs performed a selection of songs with great enthusiasm.
The concert was a fantastic opportunity for our partner schools to come together and celebrate music, while giving pupils the chance to perform in front of an appreciative audience. There was a lovely atmosphere throughout the evening, and it was clear how much the pupils enjoyed being part of the event.
Thank you to all the pupils and families who supported the concert and helped to make it such an enjoyable, memorable and rewarding occasion.
|
|
|
BRISTOL OLD VIC PERFORMANCE AND WORKSHOP
We were delighted to welcome practitioners from Bristol Old Vic Theatre to the College for a fantastic morning of live theatre and creative workshops.
Our students had the opportunity to experience two different performances, with one play presented for our Key Stage 3 students and another for our Key Stage 4 and 5 students. This provided a wonderful opportunity to experience contemporary live theatre and to see professional theatre practitioners in practice.
The visit also included two workshops exploring themes from the performances. These gave our students the opportunity to develop their acting skills, explore ideas creatively and put their own talents into practice.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding experience for everyone involved, and we are grateful to the Bristol Old Vic team for sharing their expertise, creativity and passion for theatre with our students.
|
|
|
TEACHER TRAINING
St. Bede’s Catholic College is a Lead Partner for Bristol University’s (UoB) teacher training program. This partnership also includes St Bernadette’s and St Brendan’s, and as a group of schools, we are known as the Alliance of Bristol Catholic Schools and Colleges.
Being a Lead Partner School for UoB brings numerous benefits to our institution. It places us at the forefront of teacher training, enhancing our reputation and attracting top teaching talent to our school. This partnership will boost our recruitment efforts, allowing us to bring in teaching professionals aligned with our ethos. Additionally, it provides our current staff with unique opportunities for professional development and collaboration with Bristol University and our partner schools.
Prospective teachers are able to apply to complete their PGCE with the Alliance of Bristol Catholic Schools and UoB. We will be able to interview prospective PGCE students who apply through this route, and successful candidates will be placed in two of our alliance schools during their training. Any of our PGCE students who have been recruited through this route will be guaranteed an interview should they apply for a full-time teaching position in one of our alliance of schools.
Opportunities to join this program in September 2027 are now available, and applications can be submitted via the DfE website. If you know anyone who is interested in getting into teaching and would like to train with us, please forward the following link to them:
https://find-teacher-training-courses.service.gov.uk/results?utm_source=home&utm_medium=main_search&subject_name=&subject_code=&location=Bristol+BS11+0SU&provider_name=&provider_code= .
Applications are now open.
|
|
|
YEAR 7 NETBALL
Some of Team Pilgrim's Year 7 girls Netball players had their first opportunity to represent St Bede's.
They played against both Bristol Free School and Orchard. They had a challenging first game, which either school could have won with the lead changing hands frequently. They improved their defence as the game went on and came away with a narrow victory. In the second game, the girls grew in confidence and played together effectively to secure a second win. Well done to the girls for their excellent effort and teamwork.
Pilgrim of the match; our WA: Emily S
|
|
|
YEAR 11 EXAM PREPARATION EVENING
We would like to invite you to our Year 11 Exam Preparation Evening on Thursday, 8th October.
This session is designed to provide both students and parents with practical strategies, key information, and the confidence needed to navigate the coming academic year successfully.
Date: Thursday, 8th October
Time: 6.00pm - 7.00pm
Location: Lecture Theatre
A letter has been sent with further details, including a signing-up form. We understand if you cannot attend; we will be sharing the slides following the event.
|
|
|
SENECA COMPETITION WINNERS
This summer, Seneca Learning ran a Nationwide Key Stage 3 competition where entrants completed a multi-disciplinary course covering KS3 content. Students had one month to complete the course cornering three thematic sections: Our Planet, People & Society and Technology. They then had to submit a short essay answering the Big Question: What does the future look like?
Congratulations to our winners in the Highest Score and Highest Learning Time categories: Michaela, Anvit and Hanna. As a reward for their fantastic efforts, the winners and their teachers have all been awarded a free Seneca Learning account upgrade valid until mid-October 2026.
Leroy Bogle, Computing and Digital Media Dept.
|
|
|
The Speaker's Trust- Speak Out Challenge Workshop
On Tuesday, 33 Year 10 students took part in a public speaking workshop to help develop their confidence and ability to speak in front of others. The students engaged brilliantly with the activities during the day and delivered some excellent speeches- without any notes! A special well done to Zebedee, Emi, Katie D, Tom S, Grace P-C and Christabel for particularly impressing the judges with their speeches. And congratulations to Zofia who received a Highly Commended certificate for improving so much throughout the day!
Some of the students will move on to an assembly final, and the winner will take part at a regional final at the Bristol Old Vic in November.
Well done to all involved!
The English Department
|
|
|
Celebrating Our Science Success on Tassomai!
We are thrilled to highlight the incredible dedication and hard work our students have been showing in Science through Tassomai! Across all year groups, pupil engagement has been fantastic. Whether it is tackling daily goals, building up precision scores, or mastering tricky topics, our students are taking real ownership of their learning—and the results are showing in their confidence in class.
Why Download the Tassomai App?
To make completing daily goals even easier, we strongly encourage all students to download the free Tassomai app onto smartphones or tablets.
-
Learn Anywhere, Anytime: Short, daily practice ("little and often") is the most effective way to lock knowledge into long-term memory. Having the app means students can complete a quick 5-minute session on the bus, during travel, or at home.
-
Instant Notifications: The app helps students keep track of their streaks and reminds them when it’s time to complete their daily targets.
Meet Mai — Your Child's AI Tutor (Now Multilingual!)
You may have heard your child mention Mai, Tassomai’s built-in AI tutor. When a student gets a question wrong, Mai steps in immediately to explain why and guide them through the correct answer in an encouraging, step-by-step way.
Exciting Update: Mai now speaks and understands a variety of languages! This is a wonderful feature for multilingual students or families who speak a language other than English at home, making Science support accessible to everyone.
How Parents Can Support at Home
You don’t need to be a Science expert to help your child succeed! Here are three easy ways to support them:
-
Encourage Daily Routine: Tassomai works best when used for 10–15 minutes every day rather than in long, stressful sessions once a week.
-
Check Their Tree / Targets: Ask your child to show you their Tassomai tree or wheel. Seeing their progress turn green is a great conversation starter and boosts motivation!
-
Set Up Parent Reports: Make sure you are signed up for your weekly Tassomai parent email report. It gives you a quick overview of what your child has mastered and where they might need a little extra encouragement.
Thank you to all our parents and carers for your continued support, and congratulations once again to our brilliant students for their outstanding effort!
|
|
|
Stepping Up – Why Proper Footwear Matters for Your Child
As we are now well into our active term, we want to highlight a crucial yet often overlooked part of your child’s PE kit: supportive trainers.
Between the ages of 11 and 18, students undergo rapid growth spurts where bones frequently outpace the development of supporting muscles and tendons. Without adequate footwear, high-impact running, jumping, and court sports can place immense stress on developing joints—leading to common adolescent complaints like severe heel pain (Sever's disease), shin splints, and ankle strains.
A sturdy pair of athletic trainers with good arch support, responsive cushioning, and lateral stability acts as the first line of defense against these preventable injuries. Investing in proper footwear not only protects your teen’s growing body during these critical formative years, but also helps them move with confidence and comfort every time they step onto the field or court.
What to Look For in a PE Trainer:
-
Firm Arch & Heel Support: Prevents excessive rolling of the ankle (overpronation) during quick changes of direction.
-
Shock Absorption: Protects knees and heels from hard surfaces like gym floors and tarmac.
-
Flexible Forefoot: Allows natural foot movement while maintaining structural integrity through the midfoot.
-
Proper Fit: Leave about a thumb's width of space at the toe to accommodate natural foot swelling during exercise.
A pair of PE trainers also contribute to good hygiene. Having the ability to change back into a fresh pair of school shoes which are dry and not sweaty or muddy is more hygenic, along with a separate pair of socks which helps prevent skin irritations. Outdoor shoes bring in mud and germs, along with sweat so changing back into school shoes is more hygenic for both your child and the school.
School shoes are not appropriate for PE. Nike air forces are also not appropriate due to the lack of support. We are trying to get our students into good habits for their lifelong journey in physical activity.
PE Department
|
|
|
|
ESFA NATIONAL CUP FIXTURE
In an unforgettable, goal-drenched encounter, the U14 girls produced a heroic performance to secure a 7-5 victory away at Wyedean in their first-ever ESFA National Cup fixture.
Basking in glorious sunshine, the team faced an uphill battle early on after falling 1-0 down. However, showing early glimpses of the quality to come, Lena turned the game on its head with two great finishes to put the side 2-1 ahead.
Wyedean fought back strongly before the break, leaving the girls trailing 3-2 at half-time.
The second half was a masterclass in resilience, hard work, and pure determination. Despite an equaliser early in the half, we fell behind again 4-3 but the girls refused to let their heads drop.
What followed was a sensational attacking display:
Lena completed a remarkable four-goal performance, adding two more to her tally by latching onto sublime through-balls and using individual brilliance to finish.
Isla produced two goals-of-the-season contenders—first catching the keeper out with a spectacular 30-yard lob, followed by an unstoppable 20-yard strike straight into the top bins.
Nadia added a crucial goal of her own as the team surged into a commanding 7-4 lead.
Wyedean managed a late consolation, but there was no spoiling the moment as the referee blew for a historic 7-5 win. Every single player showed extraordinary grit to overturn multiple deficits and advance to the next round in style.
Every single player could have been awarded Pilgrim of the Match, but a unanimous decision by the team went to Lena.
Well done all, roll on the next round.
|
|
|
YEAR 8 BOYS FOOTBALL - HEARTBREAK IN NATIONAL CUP OPENER
Team Pilgrim Year 8 boys bowed out at the first hurdle of the National Cup following a hard-fought battle against a sharp, well-organised St. Katharine’s side.
Pilgrim started brightly, settling quickly and creating several promising early chances to take the lead. However, a sustained spell of pressure from St. Katharine’s just before the half-time whistle proved costly, as a late defensive mix-up allowed the opposition to break the deadlock and take a 1–0 lead into the break.
Refusing to back down, Team Pilgrim came out with high intensity in the second half. Their persistence looked to have paid off when a brilliant, weaving dribble from Charlie S. drew a foul in the box to win a penalty. Unfortunately, the resulting spot-kick couldn't find the back of the net.
Throwing everything forward in search of an equaliser, Pilgrim continued to press high up the pitch. St. Katharine’s managed to exploit the open space left at the back, scoring a late second goal to put the game to bed.
Despite the result, the team showed incredible fight and determination throughout the entire 70 minutes.
Pilgrim of the Match: Jack M. — Earned for his extraordinary work rate and endless running from box to box.
|
|
|
YEAR 9 RUGBY TEAM KICK OFF IN STYLE
The Year 9 Rugby season got underway this week with a dominant performance from Team Pilgrim, securing a memorable 61-0 victory against RGS.
Despite the scoreline, RGS showed excellent spirit throughout the entire game and played some quality rugby. However, Team Pilgrim set the tone early with a display of brilliant attacking play, crossing the line for 7 unanswered tries in the first half alone. Thomas M was in sensational form with the boot, successfully converting every single first-half try—a performance that earned him a well-deserved Pilgrim of the Match.
The momentum carried right through to the second half, underpinned by some fierce defensive work and clinical execution wide out. Great tackling from Leon W and Wig kept RGS at bay, while outstanding wing play from Zach J and Albert kept the pressure high and the scoreboard ticking over until the final whistle.
It was a fantastic all-around team effort to start the season—setting a high standard for the fixtures ahead. Congratulations to all the players involved, and a huge thank you to RGS for a hard-fought and sporting match!
|
|
|
RUGBY 7S
The new rugby season kicked off with a bang as our Year 8 and Year 7 squads took to the pitch for an action-packed tournament full of determination, dramatic finishes, and top-tier sportsmanship.
Year 8s Show True Grit
Our Year 8s opened against a well-drilled BGS team, dropping a tough first match 5–2. They bounced back with incredible spirit against Oasis Brislington, rallying from 2–1 down to secure a dramatic 3–2 win on the final play!
In game three, Pilgrim dominated early against Marlwood to hold a 1–1 halftime tie, though late handling errors led to a 4–1 loss. Saving their best for last against Bristol Cathedral, the boys played outstanding rugby to pull off another thrilling 5–4 victory in the dying seconds.
Year 7s Shine in Their Pilgrim Debut
Next up were our Year 7s, stepping onto the pitch for their very first taste of representing Team Pilgrim.
Their debut against BFS was a close-fought battle between two high-quality sides, with BFS narrowly edging the win 3–2. Pilgrim regrouped quickly for another intense match against Ashton Park. Showcasing brilliant tackling and explosive running, tries from Max W, Leonardo A, and Filipo secured a thrilling 5–4 victory.
In their final match, the boys faced a polished Collegiate attack. Team Pilgrim rose to the challenge with heroic defense and superb line-breaking tries. Although Collegiate managed to hold on for a tight 4–3 win, the Year 7s played with immense pride and showed huge potential for the season ahead.
A massive congratulations to all the players who represented the school so brilliantly. The future of Team Pilgrim rugby is exceptionally bright!
|
|
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Thursday 8th October
Year 11 Exam Preparation Evening
6.00pm - 8.00pm
Thursday 15th October
Year 7 Tutor and E-Safety Evening
4.00pm - 6.30pm
Friday 23rd October
INSET DAY
END OF TERM 1
Monday 2nd November
START OF TERM 2
|
|
|
SAFEGUARDING SPOTLIGHT
According to a recent study, 68% of teenagers do not get enough sleep
Here are some top tips from Teen Sleep Hub
Nobody’s sleep needs are exactly the same! Don’t compare your sleep needs to those of your friends. One size doesn’t fit all!
Having a plan that works for you is more important than having one plan fits all approach.
Don’t be afraid of the dark
When it is dark, you produce a hormone called melatonin and this helps you to fall asleep. Dim the lights in the hour before bed to help produce melatonin.
Screen time
Limit screen time in the run up to bedtime. Ideally, avoid using screens in the hour before bed as this can interfere with the body’s natural production of the hormone melatonin, which is important for sleep! Also the activities you do on these devices that keeps you awake and alert at the wrong end of the day.
Wind it down
A bedtime routine is not just for very young children! Having a consistent wind down sleep schedule relaxes you before bed and helps with feelings of sleepiness
Good morning
Keep your internal body clock on track by waking up at the same time every day - including the weekends! This will help to support your circadian rhythm, meaning waking up is easier.
Further information is available here:
https://teensleephub.org.uk/
|
|
|
|
|
|
EXTERNAL AGENCY - Bristol Parent Carer Forum
Please click the link for the upcoming sessions available
https://www.bristolparentcarers.org.uk/
|
|
|
Sponsorship Opportunity: Empower Our Girls' Football Team with Custom Kits!
We are reaching out to our school and local community for a sponsor to support our Girls' Football Team for the upcoming season. As interest in girls' football continues to grow rapidly, we want to ensure our players take to the pitch with the confidence, comfort, and professional representation they deserve.
We are seeking a sponsorship package of £300 to fully fund a brand-new set of match shirts tailored specifically for our squad.
Why Female-Specific Kits Matter
For many years, female athletes were provided unisex or scaled-down men's kits. A proper female-cut match shirt makes a substantial difference in both player comfort and performance:
-
Ergonomic Fit: Tailored chest, waist, and shoulder proportions prevent excess fabric from bunching or restricting natural movement during play.
-
Enhanced Comfort & Mobility: Designed to move naturally with young female athletes, reducing friction and distraction so players can focus entirely on the game.
-
Confidence & Identity: Wearing sportswear specifically designed for them reinforces equal pride, dignity, and belonging in girls' sport.
Sponsorship Benefits & Brand Visibility
In exchange for your generous £300 sponsorship, your business will enjoy prime promotional exposure and high visibility throughout the school year and competitive season.
|
Marketing Channel
|
Promotional Visibility & Exposure
|
|
Front-of-Shirt Branding
|
Your company logo prominently printed across the front of every player's match shirt for all competitive fixtures.
|
|
School Newsletter & Website
|
Featured sponsor spotlight in our school bi-weekly newsletter sent directly to hundreds of local families.
|
Package Details at a Glance:
How to Get Involved
If you or your business would like to partner with us and support local youth sports while building positive brand association in the community, we would love to hear from you!
Please contact the PE Department at wadele@stbcc.org to discuss logo placement and finalize the sponsorship details.
Thank you for supporting our young athletes and helping us foster the next generation of women in sport!
|
|
|
Are you a Young Carer, or is there one in your family?
A young carer is any child or young person under 18 who helps look after a family member. We want to make sure every young carer at St Bede's gets the support, understanding, and flexibility they deserve. If your child helps out with care at home, please let us know so we can support them.
https://www.carersbsg.org.uk/young-carers/information-for-parents-and-carers
|
|
|
https://nipinthebud.org/
Information, advice and guidance for parents relating to Children's mental health and/or neurodivergence.
|
|
