St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School

Welcomefrom
Edward Walker
Headteacher

At St Bernadette’s we pride ourselves on being a vibrant faith community and an ambitious learning community, where everyone is valued and has a part to play. Strong, caring relationships, high expectations and making the most of every opportunity are key features of our school.

We are committed to every child achieving their potential and becoming a confident life-long learner. Our students achieve well. In our school students also grow and develop through the love and teachings of Christ, becoming responsible citizens able to make a positive contribution in society.

Our vision therefore is to provide a successful community of faith and learning that is based on Gospel Values, places the child at the centre and prepares all children to achieve academic and personal excellence.

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Faith life

At St Bernadette we are proud to be a community of Faith & Learning. As a Catholic school we acknowledge how important it is for our pupils to recognise God's loving presence in their daily lives. Our faith is at the centre of all our work at St Bernadette; everyday starts with prayers during staff briefing, assemblies and registration for pupils led by the form tutors and pupils. We cherish our Catholic belief and identity and at the same time seek to ensure that all pupils have an understanding of the diverse religious cultures in Britain today.

We are a caring community; we provide strong pastoral support and our lay chaplain is a presence with whom pupils and staff can talk. At St Bernadette we take Jesus' call to love our neighbours seriously and we regard works of charity as an essential part of Catholic education. In response to this we support local, national and international charities.

OurCurriculum

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  Maths

  Maths

  During the Maths GCSE curriculum, we continue to develop the problem solving skills which pupils will have encountered throughout Key Stage 3.

  In addition to continuing to foster links between maths and real life situations; we also emphasise and highlight careers in which the skills learnt in maths would be central. 

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  English

  English

  English is both a knowledge and skills-based subject. This means that pupils continue to improve their skills in production of written and spoken English, their ability to receive what they read or hear and their ability to write with technical accuracy.

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  Science

  Science

  The overarching aim in the pursuit of scientific competency is to prepare students to be active citizens in the wider world in terms of critical engagement with their environment.

  Our intent is for all students to develop a curiosity and a scientific understanding of the world around them and the ability to think critically about information presented to them.

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  Religious Education

  Religious Education

  The aim of the teaching in Religious Education is to encourage all of our pupils to think about different beliefs in God, challenging questions such as the meaning and purpose of life, and to consider issues of right and wrong.

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  History

  History

  In Edexcel GCSE History you will study Weimar and Nazi Germany, Crime and Punishment in Britain, American West and Elizabethan England.

  If you are interested in how the Modern World has been formed and influenced by past events, if you have an inquisitive mind and can connect ideas together, then you will enjoy this course. This course involves looking at a wide variety of sources from photos, videos and written documents and using them to build up a picture of the past.

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  Geography

  Geography

  We want our students to have a strong sense of time and place, to feel they belong to wider world community, to understand how their local actions can have global consequences. We want them to feel empowered to make positive choices in their lives to help protect and enhance God’s creation, in relation to both nature and culture. We want them to be able to make changes within their communities by understanding the mechanisms of democracy, to become positive citizens with viewpoints that are empathic, tolerant and reflective. We want the students to be able to learn from past mistakes and consider independently a positive future for themselves and the global community. 

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  Modern Foreign Languages

  Modern Foreign Languages

  The Key Stage Four Languages curriculum has been planned to ensure that students are well prepared to meet the demands of the GCSE examination and to continue to study languages later in life if they wish to do so.

  There are opportunities to experience the culture of the country first hand through visits abroad, visiting theatre groups, visits to the local sixth form for cultural enrichment days or to local restaurants.

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  Computing

  Computing

  OCR Computer Science equips students with the required practical and theoretical knowledge that would underpin a career in computer science. The skills of logical thinking, decomposition and algorithmic thinking are applicable to everyday life and will enable students to fulfil their wider personal life journeys. The course covers a wide range of computer science knowledge from the ethics of computers to the understanding of how data is transferred around a network.

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  Information & Computer Technology

  Creative iMedia

  Creative iMedia embeds an expectation of excellence across students’ learning by inspiring students in the development of vocational creative media skills, and providing learners with essential knowledge and transferable skills and tools to improve their learning in other subjects.

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  Business

  Business

  The OCR Cambridge National in Enterprise and Marketing equips students with the knowledge and skills to be successful in either further study or work. The range of taught content is applicable to real business and provides a knowledge base for students to continue in to A-Level, undertake apprenticeships or even start their own business.  

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  Physical Eduaction

  Sports Studies

  Sport is a key theme in education. The need for people to lead healthy and active rather than sedentary lifestyles is increasingly prominent, and this is reflected in the schools curriculum, where physical education and sport remains core. This qualifications seek to build upon this provision.

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  Health & Social Care

  Health & Social Care

  Health and Social Care provides students with the opportunity to acquire key knowledge whilst applying their learning to work related contexts, and to gain the skills they need for further study and employment.

  This is achieved through a course structure that allows students to build on and embed their knowledge and to grow in confidence when putting their learning into practice.  

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  Catering

  Hospitality & Catering

  The Vocational Award in Hospitality and Catering has been designed to support pupils in schools who want to learn about this vocational sector and the potential it can offer them for their careers or further study.

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  Art

  Art

  In Art, we acknowledge and celebrate our distinctive place in the curriculum, providing pupils with a creative outlet to express themselves. We are proud to be a practical subject and emphasise the development and mastery of practical skills in our lessons and curriculum. 

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  Product Design

  Product Design

  Design and Technology looks to enable a new generation of pupils that can use creativity and imagination to problem solve for a more sustainable future. Pupils learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world.

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  Textiles

  Textiles

  Design and Technology looks to enable a new generation of pupils that can use creativity and imagination to problem solve for a more sustainable future. Pupils learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world.

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  Music

  Music

  The BTEC Level 2 Music Award has been chosen for the students at St Bernadette Secondary School as it equips them with the knowledge and skills to be successful in either further study or work. The range of taught content is applicable to the Music Industry and provides a knowledge base for students to continue on to A-Level, undertake apprenticeships or a Level 3 qualification. 

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  Drama

  Drama

  Drama at St Bernadette's is a creative and ambitious choice for students. The emphasis is on practical work, especially building confidence in performance. We are also preparing students to complete the AQA GCSE in Drama.

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Enrichment Timetable
The school’s enrichment timetable provides a broad and balanced programme to support students’ academic progress, wellbeing, and personal development.
Opportunities include wellbeing sessions to promote positive mental health, alongside Beekeeping Club, which offers a practical understanding of environmental responsibility. Subject support sessions are also available to help students consolidate their learning.
Opportunities include wellbeing sessions to promote positive mental health, alongside the Beekeeping Club, which offers a practical understanding of environmental responsibility. Subject support sessions are also available to help students consolidate their learning. 2 Likes

St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School

Posted: 3 days ago

Photos from St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School's post St Bernadette’s Students Shine at Speak with Spark Workshops
We took 30 students, 15 girls and 15 boys, to take part in the Speak with Spark workshops. It was a brilliant experience for everyone involved, with students showing real enthusiasm from the start.
During the sessions, they worked on planning and delivering speeches, while also building their confidence in speaking in front of others. It was great to see how much progress they made in such a short time, with many students stepping outside their comfort zones.
All of the students represented the school extremely well. They approached each task with focus and maturity, and their ideas were thoughtful and engaging. Staff were very impressed with the overall standard.
We now have the difficult job of choosing two students to go on and represent St Bernadette’s in the Speak with Spark competition. With so many strong performances, this will not be easy.
We are very proud of all the students who took part. They did the school proud and showed just how much potential they have. 10 Likes

St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School

Posted: Last week

Easter Greetings from St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School
Wishing all our students, staff, and families a joyful and blessed Easter! May this season of resurrection fill your hearts with hope, peace, and the love of Christ. As we celebrate the victory of life over death, let us carry the joy of Easter into all that we do.
Happy Easter! ✝️��
Please join us for our final reflection in this series.
Easter Sunday: The Resurrection of Jesus
Scripture: “He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he
lay.” – Matthew 28:6
Reflection: On Easter Sunday, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, the victory of life over death. The resurrection is the source of our hope, as it reveals that death is not the end, but the beginning of eternal life. Jesus calls us to live with resurrection joy, knowing that we are made new in Him.
Prayer: Risen Lord, we rejoice in Your victory over death! Fill us with the joy of Your
resurrection and help us to live each day with the hope that You have conquered sin and death. Amen.
Reflective Question: How can I live with the joy and hope of the resurrection every day? 7 Likes

St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School

Posted: Last week

Holy Saturday: The Silence of the Tomb
Scripture: “The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said.’” – Matthew 28:5-6
Reflection: Holy Saturday is a day of waiting and reflection. The world is in silence as we await the glorious resurrection of Jesus. We, too, are called to wait in hope, trusting that God’s plan will unfold, even in the darkest moments. This day reminds us to hold onto hope, even in times of uncertainty.
Prayer: Lord, help me to wait in hope and trust in Your promises. May I remain faithful as I await Your resurrection and the joy it brings. Amen.
Reflective Question: How can I trust in God’s plan when I am waiting for answers or
resolution? 5 Likes

St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School

Posted: Last week

St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School

Posted: Last week

ENRICHMENT - A Buzzing Start for Our New Beekeeping Club
There has been plenty of excitement around school this winter as our new beekeeping club has gotten underway. Students have been busy getting everything ready in preparation for the arrival of our very own bees next term.
Over the past few months, members of the club have worked hard making frames for the hives. This hands-on experience has given everyone a real insight into the practical side of beekeeping and the care that goes into creating a suitable home for a colony.
Alongside this, students have been learning about the husbandry of beekeeping. They have explored how to care for bees throughout the year, the importance of maintaining a healthy hive, and the role bees play in supporting our environment. It has been fascinating to see their knowledge grow as they develop a deeper understanding of these important pollinators.
With all this preparation complete, the club is now looking forward to the arrival of the bees next term. Everyone is eager to put their learning into practice and begin caring for the hive.
It is an exciting time for the club, and we look forward to sharing more updates as our beekeeping journey continues. 8 Likes

St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School

Posted: Last week

Good Friday: The Passion and Death of Jesus
Scripture: “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” – Luke 23:46 (Note: Matthew does not have this final prayer, but the passion in Year A ends with Jesus' cry of despair,which we can reflect on instead.)
Reflection: On Good Friday, we remember the intense suffering and death of Jesus. His sacrifice for our sins is the ultimate expression of God’s love for humanity. As we reflect on His passion, we are invited to consider how we, too, are called to sacrifice and live for others.
Prayer: Jesus, by Your sacrifice on the cross, You have shown the depth of Your love for us. Help me to carry my own crosses with faith and trust in Your loving sacrifice. Amen.
Reflective Question: What sacrifices am I willing to make for others, and how can I embrace suffering with faith? 3 Likes

St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School

Posted: Last week

School Newsletter - Issue 8 25/26
https://www.stberns.bristol.sch.uk/News/The-Bernard-Newsletter/

St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School

Posted: Last week

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House Points

• Charity7093
  
• Faith7682
  
• Hope6854
  
• Peace7173
  
• Verity7099