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.
TAKE A LOOK AT OUR 360 VIRTUAL TOUR
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
-
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.
Read MoreX -
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.
Read MoreX -
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.
Read MoreX -
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.
Read MoreX -
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.
Read MoreX -
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.
Read MoreX -
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.
Read MoreX -
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.
Read MoreX -
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.
Read MoreX -
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.
Read MoreX -
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.
Read MoreX -
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.
Read MoreX -
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.
Read MoreX -
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.
Read MoreX -
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.
Read MoreX -
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.
Read MoreX -
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.
Read MoreX -
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.
Read MoreX
Our Facebook
Last week we held our much-anticipated School Cake Bake Competition, and what an incredible display of talent it was!
A huge congratulations to our winner, who impressed the judges with their creativity, presentation, and amazing flavours. The standard was exceptionally high, making it a very tough decision.
Well done to everyone who took part — your effort, imagination, and baking skills were fantastic. We’re already looking forward to next year’s competition.
#SchoolCommunity #CakeBake #WellDone #ProudMoment 23 Likes
An outstanding performance from our U14 girls, finishing the tournament undefeated all day.
They completely smashed it from start to finish, showing superb teamwork, determination and quality in every match. A dominant display and thoroughly deserved champions. 19 Likes
Yesterday, we celebrated La Chandeleur and Mardi Gras in our Year 10 French lessons.
The name La Chandeleur comes from the candles, or “chandelles,” which were used to celebrate the presentation of Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem. Pilgrims who travelled there were often given pancakes when they arrived.
We also learned that the colour and round shape of a pancake represent the sun, symbolising renewal and the beginning of spring. 3 Likes
🚀 Employers with vacancies to take you to that next level in your career
🚀 Apprenticeship providers offering the skills to take you where you want to go
🚀 Support organisations who can help you take that first step into work
Don't miss out on the South Bristol Jobs and Apprenticeships Fair!
📍South Bristol Skills Academy, Hengrove, BS14 0DB
🗓 This Thursday: 12 February
🕝2:30pm - 5:30pm
🚌16, 36, 37, 73, 75, 76, 515, and M1 buses
On 6th February, Year 10 FQ students participated in the Future Quest program held at Origin Workspace, an event designed to help students build skills related to wellbeing, resilience and future pathways.
The day began with a session led by Andy Workman, focusing on mental health and resilience. Students explored the cycle of thoughts, feelings, behaviours and responses, learning how each element influences the others. Andy explained how understanding this cycle can help students respond more positively to challenges and improve their overall mental wellbeing.
The session also introduced practical strategies for building resilience, including the “as-if” approach, which encourages students to act as if they already feel confident or resilient. By changing behaviour first, students can positively influence their thinking and emotions.
After enjoying an amazing lunch provided by Origin Workspace, students met four professionals who work for and/or within Origin Workspace. The speakers shared their personal career journeys and explained how they reached their current roles. They highlighted that the skills developed during university and further study go beyond academic learning. Skills such as problem solving, communication, teamwork, time management and project planning were identified as essential in the workplace.
The day concluded with a tour of the building, where students were shown the impressive and innovative workspaces used by different professionals, giving insight into modern working environments. @sbycharity Andy Workman - Mindset Specialist
National Apprenticeship Week 2026 -Sirona Care & Health
https://sirona-cic.org.uk/career-opportunities/?fbclid=IwY2xjawP2zXhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFDQmZxa2REeGdiWGtrVUZsc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhIFRVXpfeDYQQ0Mna76JbmNPFvbIjqJzkBWmvcm8xzyDR9JdtGzfCFlCnKd_aem_QhjbvA4-krqblGU2Tbmxxw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ml3Z7cThDJA
Some of Year 8 stepped into the taste of Spain today, sampling a range of traditional foods including tortilla, olive oil (aceite de oliva), chorizo, Spanish oranges (naranjas), salami and Manchego cheese (queso Manchego). They were happy to give everything a try and embraced the experience with enthusiasm. Activities like this are important as they encourage students to be adventurous with food, explore different cultures, and develop an understanding of global cuisine—building confidence, curiosity and open-mindedness along the way. 12 Likes
Load More









