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Term 5 |
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Message from Mr Humphreys, Headteacher |
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A very short and intense Term 5 this year which remained full of our busy curriculum, many fixtures, events and of course exams for our Year 11 and Year 13 students.
Students and staff have been focused, shaping the learning and revision, offering challenge and support to each other. We do everything we can to help our students prepare, providing a personalised approach to give every student the best chance of success. We ask our young people to do their best and they are certainly giving it everything which is both encouraging and rewarding to see, not to mention the satisfaction of ticking off another exam on their timetables! The half term is a welcome break for these students to relax and prepare for the next phase of exams after the break. We wish them the very best of luck.
A highlight for the entire school community this term was our Culture Day. Our theme of celebrating unity was impossible to resist as we celebrated the full range of our heritage and cultural diversity within our school community. It was truly wonderful to have so many conversations of curiosity and interest across the afternoon as students and staff discovered the true richness within our community and world. The celebration helped reinforce our inclusive mission to build a true sense of belonging within the wider school community. We also celebrated Paul Stephenson’s birthday and legacy in April and took time to remind students of his important message - ‘from adversity come progress’.
Our musicians enjoyed being part of a superb performance at Trinity, playing alongside musicians from Trinity Academy, Bristol Cathedral Choir School and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Since launching the Trailblazers scheme many years ago, over 100 students from St Katherine’s are now progressing with their chosen musical instrument and enjoying some very special whole trust musical events. It was wonderful to hear a parent share their son’s journey with the trombone at the trust concert in March. If you wish to find out more about Trailblazers, please email school@skdrive.org.
Year 9 enjoyed a trip of discovery at Folly Farm as part of our biology curriculum. The visit provided hands-on learning experiences for students with pond dipping and bug hunting amongst the activities. Students managed to catch a Great Crested Newt which had not been seen for seven years along with a conical spider not seen for twenty years.
Please do follow our Facebook page to keep up to date with all the exciting events planned for Term 6.
Finally, a number of kind messages have arrived this week from parents/carers expressing their sincere gratitude to the work of colleagues within the school and the positive impact they have had on their child(ren). Thank you for taking the time to share your gratitude which means so much to colleagues when they read the messages.
Wishing everyone a safe and restful half term break.
Justin Humphreys, Headteacher
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Year 9 head to Folly Farm
In April Year 9 students visited Folly Farm. The purpose of this visit was to complete a GCSE required practical activity on sampling using quadrats and transects in different ecosystems from those available on the school site.
A special mention to Ryan Sleigh who caught an adult Great Crested Newt - these are a rare species and hadn’t been seen at Folly Farm for seven years and Louis Bulmer who caught a conical spider which hadn’t been seen at Folly Farm in the last 20 years.
All students engaged really well with the activities and showed exemplary respect and resilience, well done!
Mrs Holmes, Biology Lead
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Sixth Formers welcomed to Oxford University
30 Year 12 students enjoyed a fantastic day at the University of Oxford on Wednesday. Visiting our partner college, Exeter College, students sampled seminar-style learning, had sessions on university applications, and toured the college, including the spectacular chapel. A wonderful day - we're already looking forward to next year!
Mr Davies, Head of Sixth Form
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A thrilling afternoon at the Bristol Old Vic
Towards the end of term 4 we visited the Bristol Old Vic Theatre and were transported into the world of Romeo and Juliet, with a twist. Students were blown away by Corey Campbells's Romeo and Juliet with rap! The original score created for this piece in connection with Hackney Empire, the Belgrade Theatre and BOV was simply superb. Students from years 9, 10 and 11 all left feeling exhilarated and 'buzzing' in their own words. It was so exciting to get back watching live theatre and seeing the students totally enthralled by the Shakesperean language and modern music was simply wonderful. Very Hamilton-esque! We were lucky enough to meet two of the cast after the show; Romeo himself and Benvolio and both actors spent time talking to our students and having their pictures taken which made them very happy. A memory to treasure!
Mrs Collins, Head of Performing Arts
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Biologists visit Studland Bay
Our Year 13 Biology students went to Studland Bay, Dorset. It is a beautiful landscape to learn about the sand dunes and an enriching experience. Students were fascinated by the biodiversity, in particular the lizards! They found it extremely helpful to see the sand dunes in real life, rather than just the pictures in a textbook.
Mrs Holmes, Biology Lead
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Madrid Football Tour |
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The trip of a lifetime and an unforgettable opportunity - Madrid football tour, April 2025. 40 students from Years 8 and 9 had the unforgettable opportunity to tour Madrid, in an experience made possible by InspireSport in partnership with Real Madrid. The tour included an exciting itinerary:
- Tickets to watch Real Madrid take on Valencia in a thrilling match at the Santiago Bernabéu, where Valencia clinched a 2-1 victory with a dramatic last-minute goal
- A behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
- Competitive fixtures against local team Alcobendas CF
- Three high-level training sessions at Real Madrid’s world-class Valdebebas facility, led by coaches from the Real Madrid Academy
- The chance to explore Madrid’s historic city centre and take in some of the local sights and culture
Students were divided into three squads: Year 8 boys, Year 9 boys, and a Year 8 and 9 girls team. All three teams performed brilliantly, each securing a win in their matches against Alcobendas CF. The atmosphere on the coach home was incredible and that afternoon was a particular highlight of the trip for the students and staff. The training sessions were a stand out of the trip - expertly run, engaging and a unique chance to develop skills under the guidance of professional academy coaches.
The students represented themselves and the school superbly conducting themselves brilliantly throughout the tour. Huge thanks to Mr Dawes, Mrs Price, Mr James and Miss Robinson for their support.
Mr Jones, Teacher of PE
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Stephenson birthday celebrations
On 6th May we celebrated what would have been Paul Stephenson's 88th birthday. The top gate was decorated with balloons, a birthday banner and the Stephenson flag. Members of Stephenson House produced art work and writing for a "Stephenson Showcase" on display in reception. Well done to Cienna, Jarra, Vincent and Maddison who were among the contributors.
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Culture Day - Celebrating unity
On 30th April we enjoyed the sunshine on the top field for our third Culture Day, "Celebrating Unity". Over 200 students took part in the event, representing 35 countries from all over the world.
"I'm still buzzing from our third Culture Day! It was such an honour to bring our community together and celebrate the rich diversity of our cultures. Seeing the joy, pride and enthusiasm on every student's face was magical.
We shared traditions, music, dancing and food that was truly unforgettable. The planning process was a lot of work, but it was worth every moment to see it all come together so beautifully. Huge thanks to everyone who participated, supported and contributed - We are St Katherine's!
It truly was the most amazing experience – it was an incredible day!"
Mrs Gill, Deputy Head of House
"Being a diverse multi-cultural community not only brings us together in unity but strengthens our bonds. Events such as Culture Day make us feel rich in our feeling of belonging and there is nothing as priceless as that. It gives us a sense of purpose.
When I first did Culture Day in Year 7 I felt quite anxious being the only one participating in my tutor group. When Mrs Gill announced "Cyprus" I had an overwhelming feeling of fear but when my song came on and I walked down I felt a huge sense of pride for myself and my community. That feeling of belonging is what made me want to do it again in Year 8. Emmeline Pankhurst herself said "deeds not words", I feel a strong sense of connection to this three word phrase because it's the power of actions over words. Pankhurst was a brave powerful suffragette who wasn't afraid to break barriers."
Chloe Strange, 8P2
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UK Sportshall Athletics Finals
With six athletes in action, our students all enjoyed huge achievements at national level in the UK Sportshall Athletics Finals:
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U13 boys team - team gold medal and UK champions
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U13 girls team - team bronze medal
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U15 girls - team silver medal
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U15 boys - team placed 7th
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Starbound
On Tuesday 11th March, 450 students from schools across Cathedral School Trust gathered together in the Bristol Beacon to perform ‘Starbound’, our annual trust concert in partnership with the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. It was a very special, memorable occasion for all who performed and for all who watched. Highlights included a performance from all students of Labi Siffre’s ‘Something inside so strong’ and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire joining the CST orchestra and all the CST singers to perform Sam Ryder’s ‘Spaceman’. CST even received a special good luck message from one of the writers of ‘Spaceman’ - Amy Wedge who had heard a rehearsal clip and was really impressed!
A huge thank you to all the pupils who shone so brilliantly on the evening and behaved so well. Also to all the staff who supported them in the run up to the event and during the day and evening itself. We are also extremely grateful to the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and the Bristol Beacon and to all our generous sponsors who made this event possible.
We’re already looking forward to next year!
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Careers round up |
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This term may have been short but it has been packed with talks and workshops from a variety of employers. Thanks to Miss Gardiner, Careers Lead, for providing all these fantastic opportunities for our students, taking photos at events and sharing all the details with our wider school community.
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Last week Year 12 enjoyed a talk from Luke Talbot-Ponsonby, a former St Kath's student. Luke completed A levels in Maths, Physics and Product design and went onto study an MSc in Engineering at Manchester University. After graduating in 2023 he was lucky enough to secure a graduate training position with Bristol-based Method Consulting and has been working for them ever since.
Luke explained all about his career pathway and what he does in his job on a daily basis. It was great to hear all about the work of an engineering company and how our students could pursue a future working in the sector.
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Recently Phil Dunn from the Royal Navy gave a virtual assembly to all of Year 7 on what the Royal Navy is, potential career paths and how to apply. Phil did a fantastic introduction to the huge variety of different jobs and showed some really exciting videos about what the Royal Navy does on a day-to-day basis. The presentation was a fascinating opportunity for our students to gain an understanding of what jobs are available when they leave St Katherine's either at the end of Year 11 or the Sixth Form.
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Recently Pete came into a Year 10 enrichment session to explain about careers in the army. It was a great session for students to find out what jobs exist and different entry routes, our students were very engaged and had some really good questions for Pete at the end of the session.
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Year 12 had an amazing careers session with Muz, a student doctor from Southmead Hospital, who came in and discussed the right 'To die or not to die'.
Muz gave a fantastic presentation on euthanisa and its rights and wrongs. The students discussed and debated their own thoughts and views on the subject. Our students really enjoyed hearing from Muz about his career pathway into medicine.
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On Wednesday Equinox came into school to run a STEM workshop with a group of Year 8 students. The aim was to learn about careers in project management, project control, logistic management and sustainability.
The students attended a two hour workshop which consisted of games and activities to help understand careers in these fields. They learned about budgeting, managing different scenarios and how taking risks can have both advantages and disadvantages. Everybody had a really enjoyable morning, thanks to all the volunteers were helpful and engaging.
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Sixth Form Update |
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I’m writing this term’s newsletter from a coach winging its way down the M4 from Oxford to North Somerset. We’re heading home after our now annual, action-packed and hugely enriching day exploring the city and university, thanks to our colleagues at Exeter College. 30 Year 12 students have been lucky enough to attend sessions on university applications and personal statements, been given a taster of seminar-style learning at an elite academic institution (they did us proud), and spent the afternoon absorbing the incredible array of artefacts at the Pitt Rivers and Natural History museums.
Given how short this term has been (23 school days!), it’s hard to believe how much we’ve crammed in. The first week of term was RAG week, with students running a broad range of whole-school events to raise cash for charity and Sixth Form-related causes. Our students leaders did a great job of devising and bringing together events that brought the community together - a huge thank you to them.
The Sixth Form leadership team also played a pivotal role in one of the most exciting days in our school calendar: Culture Days. Sixth Form students took charge on the microphone, captured the event on camera, and proudly took part in the parade, representing the multitiude of cultures which make St Katherine’s the place it is.
With the middle two weeks of the term being dominated by Year 12 mocks, the final two weeks have centered around the culmination of our Year 13 students’ two-year journeys: our final A Level and BTEC Level 3 exams. We have been blown away by the commitment and collaborative spirit this group have shown in the run-up, and throughout this first flurry of exams. The work room has been a picture of focus from first thing in the morning until 5pm most days, and the way the cohort have come together to encourage and support each other is truly inspiring. They now have a week to gather themselves, breathe, get on top of revision, and then it’s the final push in Term 6.
And once it’s all done, we have our Leavers’ Day (June 26th) and Leavers’ Party (June 27th) to look forward to. Tickets on ParentPay now!
Take care everyone - the summer is in sight!
Mr Davies, Head of Sixth Form
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Ahead of the upcoming expedition season, students working towards their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award recently took part in outdoor training to prepare for their final assessed journey.
The first training exercise included a short walk and an overnight camp. Students practised essential navigation skills using a map and compass before setting up camp on the school field. Carrying all the gear they needed, they learned the basics of outdoor cooking and sleeping under the stars—an entirely new experience for many. Despite the challenges, the students did exceptionally well and were up bright and early the next morning to break down their tents.
The second training session took things up a notch with a longer walk designed to give the groups more time navigating as a team. For many, this was their first time walking together, so learning to cooperate and move as a unit was a valuable part of the experience. The beautiful weather made for a great day, and all the teams did brilliantly to complete most of the Gordano route without issue.
Looking ahead to June, students will face their final expedition across the varied and unfamiliar terrain of the Mendip Hills. This assessed journey will be the culmination of months of hard work on their volunteering, physical, and skills sections. For many, it will mark the successful completion of their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Mr Hodgson, Outdoor Education Lead
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Over three exciting trips, 48 adventurous Year 8 students had the opportunity to step into a whole new world—underground! Equipped with helmets, headlamps and plenty of courage, they ventured into the depths of Burrington Combe in the Mendip Hills for an unforgettable caving experience.
Their journey led them to Goatchurch Cavern, a spectacular cave system filled with winding passageways, tight crawls, thrilling climbs and narrow tubes to navigate. Along the way, they encountered fascinating cave wildlife, including spiders and hibernating bats and marveled at stunning natural formations such as stalactites, stalagmites and breathtaking flowstone.
The adventure tested their nerve and agility as they squeezed under boulders and wriggled through tunnels, embracing every challenge with enthusiasm and determination. The students showed remarkable bravery and team spirit, impressing the guides with their positive attitude and adventurous mindset.
A huge thank you to Somerset Adventures for guiding and ensuring the safety of our young explorers. Given the success of these trips, we look forward to organizing more caving adventures in the near future!
Mr Hodgson, Outdoor Education Lead
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Team Morocco  spent a beautiful weekend training and bonding in Ross-on-Wye in Term 4. They showed grit and determination, kindness and compassion. It’s going to be an amazing adventure!
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Headteacher commendations |
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Key Stage 3
Year 7: Melodie Gambrell, Emrys Green, Oliver Hawkins, Arthur Magda-Smith and Carys Weidner
Year 8: Carmen Santo, Dom Mcerlean, Daisy Willshire and Sofia Mueller
Year 9: Lydia Roberts and Lexi Williams
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Key Stage 4
Year 10: Leah Rogers, Ula Murdoch, Shay Melias, Isobel Marlow and Sasha Richards
Year 11: Cerys Voisey, Izzy Healy Hart, Maisie Bobby, Lucas Gainard, Joe Newby, Liam Davies, Thomas Earle, Ella Bartovsky, Ben Anderson, Bea Chapman, Naimah Dolla, Ellie Stallard, Ava Hocking, Lucas Whitfield, Fin Kelly, Beth Niemczyk and Ellie Mcpherson
Sixth Form: Josh Murphy
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News from the Library Resource Centre |
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NEW - Year 7 and 8 reading competition!
By invitation only, some of our students have the opportunity next term to take part in our Summer Barrington Stoke reading challenge. Students (and staff!) are going to be reading their way through as many of the fantastic range of books we have in the Library published by Barrington Stoke as they can. They specialise in providing accessible titles for those students who are dyslexic or who may find reading standard prose pages more of a challenge. Their authors are amongst some of the very best, and we're excited to see who can get through the most and chalk up those AR quiz passes and earn the prizes we have on offer!
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Carnegie Book Award
Our wonderful group of shadowers are all doing a fantastic job of working their way through the eight shortlisted titles, with six students already having read all the titles. We all got together for the annual Carnegie Breakfast event on 20th May and enjoyed some pastries and fruit while talking about each of the books and sharing thoughts.
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Reading millionaires
Congratulations on reaching this milestone to;
- Melodie, 7S1
- Emrys, 7S2
- Oliver, 7T1
- Carmen, 8Y1
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House Championship |
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As Term 5 draws to a close, we reflect on what has been a short and relatively quiet term in school. However, while the calendar may have been brief, it has certainly not been without its highlights.
This term, we took a moment to celebrate Paul Stephenson’s birthday, honouring the legacy of their House namesake and the values of courage and perseverance he represents. A particularly fitting tribute, as Stephenson House also claimed victory in both the Reading Challenge and the Attendance Competition – a fantastic achievement and a testament to the hard work and commitment of its students. Well done to all involved!
We would also like to take this opportunity to send our very best wishes to our Year 11 students as they embark on their GCSE examinations. The determination, maturity and dedication they have shown during this busy period have been remarkable, and we are immensely proud of them.
Looking ahead to Term 6, the final term of the academic year promises to be vibrant and full of activity. The last house competition, focusing on Behaviour, will be taking place, and all four Houses are eager to finish the year strongly. This will lead to the announcement of the overall House Championship results, where we will celebrate the house that has consistently demonstrated excellence, resilience and team spirit throughout the year. We are also looking forward to the Year 11 Prom, a well-earned celebration of our students’ efforts and achievements, and our House Celebration Evenings, where we will recognise and honour outstanding contributions from students across all four houses in academic studies and house communities. In addition, we will be celebrating the birthdays of Pankhurst, Yousafzai, and Turing; offering us the chance to reflect on the inspiring individuals each house is named after. Term 6 will also see a number of exciting trips and enrichment activities, providing valuable experiences beyond the classroom, as well as our much-anticipated Sports Week, which will culminate in a whole school Sports Day – a wonderful celebration of teamwork, healthy competition and house spirit.
Despite this term being short, we are certainly going to make up for it next term and we look forward to sharing it all with you
Mr Murdoch, Head of Pankhurst House, Mr Court, Head of Stephenson House, Mrs Price, Head of Turing House and Miss Robinson, Head of Yousafzai House
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Term 6 dates for your diary |
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- 02 June: Students in school for Term 6
- 05 June: Y7 Future Brunel, WECA activity day
- 12-15 June: Silver D of E Expedition
- 16-20 June: Year 12 Work Experience
- 16 June: Y8 Future Brunel, WECA activity day
- 18 June: Pride
- 20-21 June: Bronze D of E Expedition 1
- 23 June: Y9 Future Brunel, WECA activity day
- 25 June: Exam contingency day
- 26 June: Y11 Leavers day and Prom
- 26 June: Y13 Leavers day
- 27 June: Y13 Leavers evening
- 29-30 22 June: Bronze D of E Expedition 2
- 30 June - 04 July: Paris trip
- 06-07 July: Bronze D of E Expedition 3
- 07 July: Y7 Future Brunel, WECA activity day
- 07-11 July: Gold D of E Expedition
- 12 July: Nepal Trip
- 13 July: Morocco Trip
- 18 July: END OF TERM 6
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