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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Our Facebook

Exciting Opportunity for Aspiring Musicians!
We are delighted to offer instrumental and vocal lessons at St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School, delivered by our fantastic team of visiting music professionals.
Whether your child is interested in learning the guitar, piano, drums, violin, singing, or another instrument, we have options to inspire and develop their musical talents!
Students can borrow brass, woodwind, or string instruments from school, and we can also help families access discounted instruments if needed.
Learning an instrument requires commitment and regular practice. We encourage students to take lessons for the full year to get the most from the experience.
If you have any questions, please contact Mr James

St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School

Posted: 3 days ago

Due to the predicted warm weather pupils will be allowed to wear the school PE kit for the rest of this week. Please remember that PE kit consists of a white t shirt and black shorts or jogging bottoms. Leggings, cycling shorts or any other kit is not permitted as an alternative. Please can pupils ensure that they bring in a water bottle and wear sun cream. Pupils should also bring a hat to wear for sports day tomorrow. 4 Likes

St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School

Posted: 5 days ago

Photos from St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School's post Year 10 Take on the Forest of Dean!
Year 10 recently enjoyed their much-anticipated annual trip to the Forest of Dean, led by the ever-enthusiastic Mr Ford. Surrounded by ancient woodland, fresh air, and questionable map-reading skills, students threw themselves into outdoor adventures with energy and laughter.
A highlight of the trip, as always, was the legendary Grand FOD Vegetable Throwing Games – a fiercely contested event where aim, style, and sheer power are put to the test. This year's champions – earning eternal glory and possibly a muddy carrot – were Amelia, Saviour , Liam , and Neveah. Congratulations to them for their impressive performances!
Despite keen eyes and hopeful hearts, no Gruffalos were spotted during this year’s visit – most likely due to the lack of rain and owls, according to local legend (and Mr Ford’s expert Gruffalo-tracking theory).
As always, the trip was a fantastic opportunity for bonding, exploration, and a good dose of the great outdoors. A big thank you to Mr Ford and the staff for organising another unforgettable experience! 7 Likes

St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School

Posted: 5 days ago

This morning, we were delighted to welcome Year 5 students and families to explore our school and see everything we have to offer.
A huge thank you to our brilliant Year 9 students who acted as tour guides—you did a fantastic job representing the school! 7 Likes

St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School

Posted: 5 days ago

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St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School

Posted: 6 days ago

Photos from St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School's post As part of our ongoing commitment to living out the Gospel values, our chaplaincy team continues to dedicate their time and talents in service to the local community.
This morning, several members of our Year 9 chaplaincy team had the wonderful opportunity to support the St Bernadette’s Parish toddler group. They assisted warmly with refreshments, helped with setting up and tidying away resources, and engaged with the children during art and craft activities.
The feedback from parents was overwhelmingly positive, with many commenting on how polite, friendly, and respectful our pupils were throughout the morning.
Next week, we look forward to our Year 8 chaplaincy team contributing to the end-of-term Stay and Play party. They will be on hand to offer practical help, engage with story and music time with the babies and toddlers, and continue to be a witness to our faith in action.
Through these small but meaningful acts of service, our pupils truly embody the call to love our neighbour and be the hands and feet of Christ in the world. 6 Likes

St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School

Posted: 6 days ago

Year 7 - Bristol Schools Rounders
The Year 7 girls competed in the Bristol Schools Rounders Finals against Trinity Academy.
It was a tense first innings, with both teams scoring 6.5 rounders. Heading into the second innings, the girls pulled together brilliantly as a team to secure the win. A fantastic performance from Team St Berns, who are now proud to be crowned Bristol Schools Champions!
Amazing achievement! Miss Liddle & Miss Preece

St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School

Posted: 6 days ago

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St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School

Posted: 6 days ago

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