Can't see images? View the web version.  
 
email-header-logo-left.png
 
  Term 6 - July 2025  
  Message from Mr Humphreys, Headteacher  
 

St Katherine’s End of Year Reflection – July 2025

As we draw this academic year to a close, it is a moment to pause and reflect on the rewarding journey we have taken together as a community in 2024/25. This year has been marked by powerful moments of pride, progress and purpose – all underpinned by the values that shape life at St Katherine’s.

Our House system has gone from strength to strength, with House Birthdays and Celebration Evenings standing out as real highlights. These events have powerfully showcased the house and school values that define our school. Our House Leaders have led with confidence and creativity, capturing the stories, achievements and shared memories of the year. They have celebrated every corner of their communities and it has been inspiring to see and reflect on how our students continue to live and breathe our school values every day.

Our Trailblazers music programme has continued to thrive, recruiting and inspiring the next generation of musicians. The progress made across the year was beautifully captured in a truly uplifting concert at the Bristol Beacon – a real testament to talent, commitment and the joy of music-making.

Culture Day was our biggest and best yet – a joyful, vibrant celebration of the diversity and heritage that makes St Katherine’s such a special place. We are deeply proud of our inclusive community and this year’s celebration was a true reflection of the strength we draw from our shared and individual identities.

Students have performed strongly across the curriculum, in and beyond the classroom, helping us move ever closer to our mission of achieving a 5.5 average GCSE grade and a B grade at A Level. We look forward to celebrating in August. Well done to Year 12 and 10 on their mocks in Terms 5 and 6 and results suggest we are firmly on track to edge even closer next year. Year 10 and Year 12 students have also gained invaluable insight into working life through their work experience placements – helping shape aspirations and inspire future pathways.

Reading remains at the heart of our work and this year we’ve hosted online workshops for families and, most recently, a brilliant free Book Bonanza, ensuring students head into the summer with new titles to inspire, excite and challenge them. At St Katherine’s, we know that reading changes lives and will continue to prioritise this - see out great books lists.

Our students have travelled far and wide – from the historic streets of Madrid and Paris to trekking in Nepal and Morocco – seizing opportunities to grow culturally and personally, along with winning all football games against the Spanish giants! Over 100 students completed the Duke of Edinburgh Award this year, with many now moving on to Silver and even Gold. These experiences continue to shape character, build resilience and create lifelong memories.

As we close the chapter on 2024/25, we also say goodbye and thank you to two valued colleagues, Mrs Weatherson and Mr Darlinson, as they relocate to Chichester and Jakarta respectively. We are grateful for their contribution to our community and wish them every success in their next adventures.

To our students, staff, families and friends – thank you for your continued support, energy and commitment. We wish everyone a restful and joyful summer break and we look forward to welcoming all students back in September – including a very warm welcome to our new Year 7 cohort.

Here’s to an even more rewarding 2025/26 as we build on the lessons and successes of this year.

Warmest wishes,

Justin Humphreys, Headteacher

 
 
Jess Stanley.png

We were thrilled to welcome back former Head Student Jessica Stanley, who spoke to our current Year 12 cohort last week about her adventures since leaving St Katherine's Sixth Form in 2023. Jess told us about her studies at the London College of Fashion, as well as her work as a luxury client advisor at Selfridges, imparting some superb advice about aiming high and achieving your goals. She left the students feeling inspired - and a little bit in awe!

Mr Davies, Head of Sixth Form

IMG_8386.JPG

We were joined by another alumna of St Katherine's Sixth Form at the beginning of July, when the brilliant Natalie Stringer came in to deliver a session on studying abroad. Fresh from a year spent in Florida as part of her Geography degree at Plymouth University, Natalie shared her experiences about the differences between the UK and US academic systems, the complications of VISA applications and - most excitingly - her weekend trips along the length and breadth of America, from Miami to Boston to Chicago. Thank you so much for coming in, Natalie!

Mr Davies, Head of Sixth Form

Dance workshop.png

We were delighted to welcome former student Erin Pearce back to St Katherine's in June to teach a piece of musical theatre to our amazing year 7 students.

Erin left us back in 2016 and has since qualified from Chichester University in musical theatre with a First, she has been teaching and leading professional workshops ever since. She is currently overseas leading and choreographing performances and will return in September.

The year 7 students were fabulous! Working together to create a piece from Wicked 'What Is This Feeling'. Thank you to Erin for sharing her passion for the arts with our students -they have already asked if she will be back next year to do another workshop!

Mrs Collins, Head of Drama and Performing Arts

 
 
 
Solomon Mollie Young Award.png
 

Mollie Young Exam Resilience Award

Mollie Young worked as an invigilator at St Katherine's for over 17 years; she was passionate about supporting our students through the exam periods, encouraging them to keep going and show resilience. Two years ago we decided to introduce the Mollie Young Exam Resilience Award to honour her work within our community.

This year's invigilation team nominated a short list of students who had shown resilience and Mrs Bean, our Exams Officer, selected Solomon from Year 11 to be the recipient of the award. Mrs Bean presented the award to Solomon at the Year 11 Leaver's Assembly on Thursday, accompanied by a loud cheer from the rest of the students - a popular choice! Mrs Bean explained why he had been selected by the exams team:

"Solomon was resilient and hard working throughout the entire series, the invigilators felt he really deserved the award. Through three sets of mocks and the real exams this summer he remained focused, polite and we are so proud of his achievements."

Congratulations Solomon!

 
 
Head students.png
 

We have new head students!

This term we were thrilled to appoint our new Head Students, from an extremely strong field of applicants. These two students had clear and ambitious visions for how they will contribute to St Katherine’s and create a lasting and meaningful legacy. 

Theeban Maheesan: "I'm excited to help our school by creating an active student council that makes it easier for students and staff to talk and work together, and that listens to what students in our community need and want.

I am a champion for Men’s Mental Health and Dyslexia Education within school. I am looking forward to using my platform to promote these really important issues."  

Morgan Marsh: "I am really excited to begin my role: my main goal is to create more inclusive opportunities for all age groups across the school to become involved in planning events. If you have any questions for me or would like to speak to me about any concerns you have then please feel free to come and find me before tutor time or during break or lunchtime."

 
 
Oscar Pearson DEEP 1.jpeg
  Students impress in Work Experience placements  
 

As the new Work Experience Coordinator, starting only a few months ago, I have been absolutely blown away by the brilliance of the year 10 and 12 students at St Katherine's. They have been resilient and confident in securing placements and have ended up working with some amazing employers including Bristol Zoo Project, GKN Aerospace, Empire Fighting Chance, DEEP Manufacturing Ltd and Aardman Animations. We've had students travel to distant lands, reaching as far as Dorset, the Yorkshire Dales and even Ireland. We have had a huge variety of business categories covered; such as Engineering, Dentistry, Graphic Design, Veterinary Care, Construction, Education and Architecture. 

As students finished up their work experience week we had floods of overwhelmingly positive feedback from employers; highlighting students 'can do' attitudes, determination, willingness to learn, respect and communication, just to name a few.  

We had so much incredible employer feedback, some of the highlights:

Phoebe Dunn, SB Sport Horses: "Phoebe has been brilliant. She works really well within the team and is learning skills each day. She has been a credit to herself and the school." 

Alyssa Clemmings, Victoria Park Primary: "Victoria has been amazing this week. She's been early every day, proactive and always looking for things to be done and interacting with the children. She even led our Base Camp children in a relay activity. Everything's been done with a smile on her face. I can't praise her enough." 

Isobel Marlow, Bauhaus Hair Design: "Isobel is a diligent worker who is keen and conscientious. She has fitted into the Bauhaus team perfectly and I am hoping that she will join us, in the future, in a more permanent way." 

Freddie Franklin, Gresham House Ltd: "I am incredibly impressed by Freddie's engagement during the work experience placement. He has a very mature way of thinking when it comes to running a business and making money. He is showing early signs of having a real knack for asset management and law (in particular, problem solving) and it would be an absolute travesty if he doesn't seriously consider pursuing asset management or law as a career in the future." 

Oliver Hecker, University of the West of England: "Oliver worked well as part of a team and was keen to share and communicate his approach to problem solving with other members of the group. He also took a keen interest in others' problems and asked insightful questions at the staff meetings. Oliver has thrived in an environment where he can work organically on open problems."

Grace Baker, Crockerne C of E Primary: "We loved having Grace with us in the EYFS team. She listened carefully, followed instructions and began to use her own initiative. Her confidence grew as the week went on and she is very welcome to volunteer again."

Joel Martineau, Harrison Construction & Carpentry Ltd: "Joel helped out on various sites for the week. Cleaning up, moving materials and helping out with general jobs. He was super-enthusiastic and kept us going in the heat. He has a great attitude and will go far."

Joe Clifford, Axcis Education: "Joe demonstrated a strong level of independence throughout his work experience. While I provided initial guidance, there were occasions where he encountered unfamiliar tasks or terms. At first he sought clarification but he quickly became more self-reliant - proactively researching and problem-solving on his own. Over the course of the placement, Joe showed noticeable improvement in his confidence and ability to work independently. He became more proactive in tackling tasks and developed a better understanding of when to seek help versus when to problem-solve on his own."

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the students on their fantastic efforts, they have done themselves and St Katherine's proud. 

Mrs Fey, Work Experience Coordinator

 
 
 
DofEBronze.png
 

Bronze D of E’s expedition to the Mendips

This summer, over 100 Year 9 students took part in their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition, journeying through the striking and varied landscapes of the Mendip Hills. Over two days and one night, they walked, camped, cooked, supported one another, and discovered a lot, not just about the outdoors, but about themselves and what they’re capable of.

The expedition began in Burrington Combe, a dramatic limestone valley that gave students their first taste of navigating with maps and teamwork. From there, they made their way to Black Rock and up to the pinnacles, where they paused to take in panoramic views that rewarded the steep climb. After a full day of walking, they arrived in Priddy, where they camped together in a quiet, beautiful setting.

Students cooked their own meals on Trangias, set up tents, and learned how to look after themselves and their kit and each other in a real outdoor setting. On the second day, they walked through the winding greenery of Velvet Bottom, before ending their expedition with a final climb up to Beacon Batch, where clear skies offered a fantastic view of the countryside and a satisfying end to their journey.

Although the weather was at times very hot, all groups showed grit, adaptability and mutual support. There were moments of physical challenge with heavy bags, sore feet, steep hills and the odd blister; but also laughter, games, shared snacks and a strong sense of community. Many students reflected that they discovered more resilience than they thought they had. Others spoke about learning to trust their teammates, enjoy time away from technology, or appreciate the peacefulness of walking in nature. For some, it was the first time cooking outdoors or putting up a tent, while others learned the value of pacing themselves, staying optimistic, or simply not giving up when things got hard.

Across all groups, students demonstrated the core values of the DofE programme: independence, perseverance, teamwork, and self-belief. It was clear from both their reflections and their actions that they had grown in confidence and maturity over the two days.

We would like to say a huge thank you to all the teachers and staff who generously gave up their time to supervise, support and encourage students throughout the expedition. These experiences would not be possible without their commitment and care.

And finally, congratulations to all the students who took part. You should be extremely proud of what you achieved. Your effort, attitude and determination were outstanding.

Mr Hodgson, Outdoor Education Lead

 
 
DofE Gold.png
 

Gold D of E’s practice in the Brecon Beacons

A group of dedicated students successfully completed their Gold DofE practice expedition in the wild and rugged landscape of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), putting their navigation, campcraft, resilience and teamwork to the test over four challenging and rewarding days.

The expedition began with an immediate ascent into the high mountains, crossing the dramatic Pen y Fan massif on day one. This iconic ridge, with its sweeping views and exposed terrain, gave participants a powerful introduction to the scale and seriousness of Gold-level expeditions. Despite the demanding start, students quickly settled into their stride, supporting one another and making excellent use of their navigation skills.

Day two saw the groups traverse the less-travelled but equally scenic Fan Llia, with moorland paths and expansive upland valleys. The weather was mixed, with periods of intense heat and occasional strong wind, requiring careful attention to hydration, sun protection and route planning. Students worked well together, adapting to the conditions and showing increased awareness of group pacing and well-being.

On day three, the route moved through the more industrial yet hauntingly beautiful landscape around Penwyllt, with its old quarries, disused tramroads and glimpses into the area’s mining heritage. This shift in scenery brought new navigation challenges and offered opportunities to reflect on how humans have shaped the mountainside over time. Teams managed the varied terrain well, maintained high spirits and demonstrated growing independence in campcraft and decision-making.

The final day was perhaps the most visually striking, with a long, steady climb leading to the dramatic ridge of Fan Brycheiniog. The route finished in sight of the stunning Llyn y Fan Fach, a glacial lake steeped in local legend and nestled beneath steep cliffs.

A huge thank you goes to the staff and assessors who gave their time, expertise and encouragement to make this expedition possible. Their guidance ensured a safe, enriching and enjoyable experience for all involved.

Mr Hodgson, Outdoor Education Lead

 
 
DofESilver.png
  Silver DofE students triumph on Exmoor  
 

Students from Year 10 completed their Silver DofE qualifying expedition in the wild and beautiful landscape of Exmoor National Park. The route took them through a stunning variety of terrain, from high moorland to ancient wooded valleys, combining physical challenge with moments of reflection and deep appreciation for the outdoors.

The expedition began in Porlock, with teams heading steeply up onto the moor. Early challenges included navigating through open land, managing steep gradients and adjusting to the weight of their packs. Spirits remained high as groups took in wide views of the coast and moorland before descending into the enchanting and remote Doone Valley, finishing the day at Cloud Farm campsite. That night brought a dramatic weather shift, with heavy rain and a downpour that tested waterproofing, tent skills and morale. However students showed great perseverance and teamwork throughout.

Day two offered more settled weather, with groups navigating their way across the moor and joining the Macmillan Way West. The route provided excellent opportunities to refine compass skills and group pacing. With less defined tracks and open moorland, the students had to rely on careful map reading and communication. The walk took them into the rolling valleys around Exford, passing farmland, rivers and varied terrain which was a real contrast to the day before and a reminder of Exmoor’s ever-changing landscape.

The final day of the expedition was a fitting climax. Climbing steadily out of the valleys, students made their way across the high moor once more before reaching Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on Exmoor. The sense of achievement was palpable and the groups were rewarded with sweeping views over the countryside and towards the coast, a perfect finish to three days of hard work, collaboration and resilience.

Throughout the expedition, students developed a wide range of skills. They practised route-finding and pacing, managed challenging conditions, worked through physical discomfort and grew in confidence and independence. Many reflected on the importance of teamwork, from sharing the load, to encouraging one another through tougher sections. Others spoke about finding joy in simple moments: laughter at camp, eating together under the stars, or just walking in silence through ancient landscapes.

The weather, as is often the case on Exmoor, brought its own tests with sunshine, wind and heavy rain all making appearances but the students rose to every challenge with determination and good humour. Their ability to adapt and keep going was a real credit to their maturity and preparation.

A heartfelt thank you to the staff and volunteers who gave up their time and energy to support the students throughout the expedition. Their guidance, encouragement and care ensured the expedition was not only safe but also genuinely enriching for all involved.

Well done to all participants. This was a memorable expedition and a true achievement. You should be proud of your efforts. 

Mr Hodgson, Outdoor Education Lead

 
 
494736641_1287415603389957_460414844469777761_n.jpg

St Kath's Pride 2025

St Katherine's Pride was filled with joy, colour and 300 custom-made flags. We enjoyed beautiful readings from Shay, Sophia and Erin and a fabulous rendition of Cabaret from Charlie. Mrs Price, Head of Turing House, then lead the whole school on a parade around the school site to the soundtrack of Kylie and Cher.

Huge congratulations to all participants and thanks to Ms Jefferson, Mr Sugden and all of Team Pride for organising the event.

 

IMG_5550.JPG

Year 11 celebrate in style

Year 11 enjoyed a fantastic Leavers' day and prom at the end of June. There was a final assembly, shirt signing, a bouncy castle, sumo suits, fluffy cowboy hats, a teletubby costume, an end-of-the-evening heart-felt Adele singalong and even a fire engine!

Have a wonderful, relaxing summer - you've earned it.  

IMG_6205.JPG

House birthdays fun

July has been a very busy month as we celebrated the birthdays of Alan Turing, Malala Yousafzai and Emmeline Pankhurst. There were assemblies, balloons at the top gate, a bake sale raising £125 for the Malala Fund and the annual inter-tutor group Battleship tournament!

 
b1c9d41b-d91e-427b-968a-4399c57f935b.jpeg
  Year 8 Take Paris by storm!  
 

From 30th June to 4th July, 47 excited Year 8 students and five members of staff embarked on an unforgettable adventure to the heart of France. The Year 8 Paris Trip was packed with iconic sights, incredible experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.

After travelling by ferry, we hit the ground running - quite literally - in 42°C heat! Our first day of exploring included a scenic cruise down the River Seine and visiting famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. With the heat soaring, our coach became a well-needed base for water top-ups, sun cream reapplications and air-conditioned pit stops. The students showed amazing resilience and spirit throughout—never letting the heat stop them from embracing every moment.

Day two saw us dive into the world of sport and music with a behind-the-scenes tour of the Stade de France. Students stood in the locker rooms, walked the players’ tunnel and stood pitch-side like the pros. They also learned about the stadium’s star-studded history, with artists like Beyoncé, Linkin Park and Imagine Dragons having graced its stage. Afterwards, we stopped for food and shopping before tackling the climb up Montmartre to see the stunning Sacré-Cœur - a feat rewarded with well-earned gelato! That evening, we headed to the Montparnasse Tower, where some students conquered their fear of heights and elevators to witness breathtaking 360-degree views of Paris from the rooftop terrace. A truly proud moment.

The next day brought a shift in pace as we spent the day at Disneyland Paris. Students enjoyed the rides, the food and the magical atmosphere. Highlights included braving the Tower of Terror and Big Thunder Mountain and ending the day with the spectacular fireworks and light show. For one night, we all truly believed dreams do come true!

Before our journey home, we stopped off at Chocolaterie Lachelle, where students got a fascinating insight into how chocolate is made - from bean to bar. Tasting samples at each stage was a definite highlight, even if not all the chocolate made it back home to families!

Our journey home took an unexpected twist with the Port of Calais closed due to strikes, but we adapted quickly, rerouting via Dunkirk. This gave us a surprise opportunity to see its historic beaches, adding yet another layer to our rich itinerary.

By the time we returned, our students were exhausted but buzzing with memories, new friendships and the confidence that comes from stepping out of their comfort zones. They represented St Katherine’s brilliantly throughout—curious, respectful and full of energy.

A huge thank you to the brilliant staff team who made this trip possible: Miss Howells, Mr Bradshaw, Mrs Holmes and Mr Darlison. It was truly a trip to remember—and Year 8, you did us proud.

Miss Robinson, Head of Yousafzai House and Teacher of Languages

 
 
Rotary photography competition winners.png

Huge congratulations to Alfie, winner of the Portishead Rotary Club Photography Competition, which this year had the theme of "Wonderful Water." Tobias was runner up and Bella, Dan, Will, Liam, Lashae and Max were all given special recognition for their entries.

Mrs Weatherson, Head of Creative Digital Arts at St Katherine's, said "I am really proud that our students have continued to be so successful and are now reigning champions of the local heat for seven years running."

Well done to you all!

DofE.png

Every year DofE publishes the social value of the volunteering that is part of DofE. They have sent St Katherine's a certificate documenting the volunteering hours and 'money' that these hours are equivalent to.

This year our students contributed a phenomenal 2470 Hours and £15806!!!!!!!

This is an increase from last year's 1495 hours and £7982 and up from 220 hours and £960 when we received a certificate back in 2020.

Huge well done to the 103 Bronze, 33 Silver and 15 Gold students for their dedication and hard work and thanks to Mr Hodgson and all our staff who support St Katherine's School's participation in the DofE scheme.

 

5EAD7EA3-77D1-4693-BB43-F7B01BA6670C.jpeg

Earlier this month Jake from the University of Bath spoke to Year 8 students about pathways for the future. Jake explained what options exist, the types of jobs different qualifications open up and detailed his own personal career journey and what decisions he has made to secure his current role.

Thanks to Miss Gardiner for arranging the session.

Ice skating 2.png

Huge congratulations to Darya, 8S, who won first place in the Spin, Spiral and Jump competition at Planet Ice Bristol in June!

 
Sixth Form Leavers Day.PNG
  Sixth Form Update  
 

And…. breathe. 

With the sun beating down and staff and students alike negotiating this record-breaking heat wave, it’s important to take a moment to have a sip of water, reflect on everything we’ve achieved over the past 10 months, and prepare for an extremely-completely-thoroughly-well-earned break. We’ve made it through another non-stop term, at the end of another non-stop year in St Katherine’s Sixth Form. And can I just say, with total sincerity: God bless the air conditioning in the new Sixth Form Block. 

It already feels like months since Year 13 finished their final exams, but I’m assured it’s only been three weeks. We were all so proud of how the students conducted themselves throughout the process, the determination and commitment they showed, the way they built each other up and supported each other after disappointments, and the unwavering respect they showed to the school and the exams team throughout. It was wonderful to celebrate their achievements during our Leavers’ Day (pictured) and Leavers’ Party, and just remind them what a special cohort they’ve been. 

But while a lot of focus has been on Year 13, particularly at the start of this term, it’s also been a very busy time for our Year 12 students. Running alongside our leavers’ events, we had our annual Relationships and Sex Education Day - a huge thank you to Ms Huzzey for arranging this. We’ve also appointed our new Head Students, and we’ve welcomed an array of guest speakers, including Cardiff University, UWE, Bottle Yard Film Students. As well as Sixth Form alumnae Jessica Stanley talking to students about her experiences at London Fashion School and Natalie Stringer sharing advice about studying abroad following a year in Florida. 

And that’s not to mention WEX week, which saw Year 12 students gaining invaluable experience at a broad range of employers, including Craddys Engineering, Vets 4 Pets, Vivid Imagination Marketing, Crockerne Primary School, Riverside Garden Centre and many more. A big thank you to Mrs Fey, our WEX Coordinator, for bringing this all together and to the providers for inviting our students into your settings. A great week all round. 

Another real highlight of this term was welcoming our incoming cohort for our Step Into Sixth Form Day, where over 50 students, a mixture of internal and external applicants, engaged in a range of workshops and sessions; from an introduction to our EDI work, study skills and enrichment and a chance to meet with their new teachers and tutors. I’m afraid the lasting memory of the day, however, will be Mr Davies smashing the ball with such force during our team-building game of rounders that the bat literally exploded in his hand. 

And though the term is at an end, the next steps are already appearing on the horizon: August 14th will be A Level/ Level 3 results day where we help all our Year 13 students secure their desired destinations, while the 21st is GCSE results day, which means Sixth Form enrolment for Year 11. 

The final word for this year has to go to Mrs Weatherson, who is leaving St Katherine’s at the end of this term. It has been such a joy to work with Hannah over the last 4 years in her role as Deputy Head of Sixth Form. She has transformed our enrichment programme during this time making it an essential part of every student’s week and empowering young people to become leaders and follow their passions. She has also played a vital role in our pathways programme, inspiring countless students towards their future goals. But more than anything, Hannah has been an invaluable friend and colleague to everyone within the Sixth Form and we will miss her enormously. We are excited to welcome Ms Wilsher into the role from September, and we know she will rise to the incredibly high standards Mrs Weatherson has set. 

Thank you so much to staff, students and parents/carers for another amazing year. See you on results day!

Mr Davies, Head of Sixth Form

 
  Headteacher commendations  
 
 
 

Year 7: Mathilda Culverhouse, Grace Muzzlewhite, Emily Gould, Filip Wyrzykowski, Vincent Hennessy-Price and Muhammed Noor-Ul-Arifeen 

Year 8: Joshua Richards, Zach Handcock, Mubashir Ayan, Baptiste Herzog, Ria Scanlan, Seth Rugman, Serena Challis and Erin Holster

 
 
 

Year 9: Billy Watson

Year 10: Latika Natarajan and Eli O'Donnell 

 
 
  News from the Library Resource Centre  
 
Reading books.jpg

Accelerated Reader

As another year of AR comes to a close, we've celebrated all our students' success, including our most recent millionaires;

  • Filip, 7P
  • Grace, 7S1
  • Emily, 7T2
  • Mathilda, 7Y
  • Seth, 8P1
  • Joshua, 8S
  • Zach, 8S
  • Mubashir, 8T
  • Baptiste, 8T

Our millionaires all got together to celebrate with a lunch of pizza and chips in the Library.

Overall, Stephenson house won the AR quizzing competition this year, with the greatest number of quiz passes, as well as the highest number of reading millionaires across the year.  Huge congratulations go to our top quizzers in Year 7 and 8 - you've guessed it, also from Stephenson!

  • Artur, 7S1
  • Plum, 8S

Thank you and congratulations to every student in Year 7 and 8 for engaging with AR to support their reading.

Carnegie cake.jpg

Carnegie Book Award

Term 6 also saw the rounding off of the Carnegies shadowing process, with our fantastic crew of 18 students. This was the biggest group for some time, full of thoughtful, ambitious readers.

We all got together on 19th June to enjoy the annual cake party, while watching the livestream of the winning announcement.

Judge's winner - 'Glasgow Boys' Margaret McDonald; following two boys growing up in the Glasgow care system, this is honest and hard-hitting, but ultimately full of hope.

Shadower's Choice - 'King of Nothing' Nathnael Lessore; this was our group favourite, a middle grade title looking at the topic of masculinity with humour and great understanding.

Emily, 8S, said: "I really enjoyed Carnegie this year and I definitely picked up different genres of books I wouldn't normally read but still loved it nonetheless. I also wanted to give you a big thank Ms Wyld for hosting Carnegie for us this year as it gave us opportunities to try different books we may not have considered looking at. Thank you!"

8iWqrqvU_400x400.jpg

Barrington Stoke reading competition

In Term 6 we ran a competition using our huge range of Barrington Stoke book titles. These books are mostly a little shorter and are printed to be especially clear for students who may find close-set text trickier to navigate.  

For those students in years 7 and 8 invited to take part, they were challenged to read and quiz as many of these titles as possible in six weeks. Prizes were awarded for three and six passes, with canteen queue skip wristbands for those who passed the most quizzes. Brilliantly well done to;

  • Sienna, 7P
  • Charlie, 7S1
  • Matthew, 7S2
Summer reads.jpg

Summer reading!

Keeping that regular reading going through the summer is easily the most powerful thing ALL students can do to prepare for the new school year, as well as being a great way to relax!

Students have been encouraged to borrow books for the summer, but also have the fantastic option of using your local public library. You can do this either in person, or you can access ebooks and audiobooks online through Borrowbox. All of these services are, of course, completely free!

help-us-win-insta £.png

Help us win!

Please help us win £1000 for the St Katherine's School Library! Simply nominate our school using the form on National Book Tokens website below, and if yours is one of the five winning entries, you'll also win a £100 National Book Token to spend in your favourite bookshop!

The more entries received for St Katherine's, the higher the chance we'll win - so please spread the word.

 
House Championship.PNG
  House Championship 2024–25: A Year of Passion and Pride!  
 

What an incredible year it has been for the House Championship! All four houses — Pankhurst, Yousafzai, Stephenson and Turing — gave it their all, making this year’s competition one of the closest and most exciting yet.

Pankhurst shone brightly with their outstanding wins in the Respect and Resilience Challenges, showing us the true spirit of teamwork and determination. Yousafzai impressed everyone with their creativity and mouth-watering baking skills, bringing flavour and flair to every event. Stephenson displayed remarkable sporting talent and a love of reading that inspired students across all year groups.

And then there was Turing House — consistent, dedicated and always giving their best. Their hard work paid off as they clinched the Sports Day Cup on Friday and the Behaviour-Ratio Values competition, pushing them just ahead at the final hurdle.

It is with great pleasure we announce that the winners of the House Championship 2024–25 are TURING HOUSE! Separated from Stephenson by just three points, Turing’s effort and spirit in the final term proved unstoppable.

A huge well done to Turing — and to every student in every house for making this year’s competition so memorable. Let’s see who takes the crown next year!

Mrs Humphries, Assistant Headteacher

 
SOTY - S Melias.JPG
  Pankhurst House Update  
 

As the academic year comes to a close, we are proud to reflect on another inspiring year for Pankhurst House. With the energy, spirit and drive shown by our students throughout the year, it’s clear that our motto - “Deeds, Not Words” - continues to guide everything we do. We’re delighted to share that Pankhurst House came third overall in the House Championship - continuing our upward momentum after breaking out of fourth place last year. This result is a testament to the hard work, enthusiasm and community spirit shown by all of our students and staff.

As we look ahead, we’re thrilled to introduce our new student leadership team for Pankhurst House. Please join us in congratulating:

  • Shay Melias and Alicia McPherson – our new House Leaders
  • Anita Mohammadi and Bella Paddock – our new Deputy House Leaders

These students have already demonstrated a deep commitment to our house values and we are excited to see their leadership in action. With their guidance, we are confident Pankhurst will continue to thrive in the year ahead.

Our year began on a creative high, with 10P2 earning a joint first in the Noticeboard Competition. This set the tone for a year of consistent involvement and competitive spirit. Across quizzes, bake-offs and artistic challenges, Pankhurst continued to shine - never settling, always striving.

Standout highlights included:

  • First place in the Poetry Slam (congratulations to Imogen Drew!)
  • Strong placements in the Christmas Card, Wreath and Decoration competitions
    first place in the Respect Competition - a proud moment that reflects who we are as a House and as a school

This year saw a marked improvement in our sporting achievements. In Cross Country, Pankhurst teams placed first in multiple categories (Year 8, 9 and 10 boys and Year 10 girls). Winter Sports brought even more cause for celebration with:

  • First place finishes for Year 7, 9, and 10 boys
  • Second place for Year 8 girls

Our Winter Sports overall result? Second place – our strongest showing yet.

With Spring Sports, Ninja Warrior events and a strong run in rowing and basketball, our students showed the same drive and resilience they carry into the classroom. 

Beyond competitions, Pankhurst students lived out our values through meaningful events and contributions:

  • First place in the Responsibility and Resilience Competitions
  • Engagement in Reading Log challenges across year groups
  • A leading role in whole-school events like Culture Day and the Pride Parade

These moments gave our students space to express identity, celebrate diversity and stand up for inclusion and equality - a reflection of both our house values and the wider school ethos.

We were also thrilled to come together in term 6 with families and staff at our Awards Evening – a wonderful celebration of achievement, growth and community spirit. It was heartening to see so many Pankhurst students recognised for their dedication, progress and character. Awarding Shay Melias the Student of the Year was a highlight of my career so far. In my speech about him I said - "this student is completely different from everyone else in the most positive way possible. This student is special because of who they are, the values they hold and their positive impact on others both staff and students. This student deserves all of the success they have had and all of the success that is to come. I’m looking forward to working with him and the student leadership team next year."

As we look ahead, one thing is clear - it feels like Pankhurst is just getting started. The progress we’ve made this year, both in results and in spirit, sets the stage for an even stronger 2025.

Thank you for your continued support, and congratulations to every student who has contributed to making Pankhurst a house we can all be proud of.

Mr Murdoch, Head of Pankhurst House

 
SOTY C Threfall.JPG
  Stephenson House Update  
 

As we reach the end of another incredible year, we want to take a moment to celebrate the amazing achievements, dedication and spirit shown by our students across every year group. This year has reminded us all what it means to be part of Stephenson House: working hard, supporting each other and inspiring those around us.

It has been a year packed with standout moments. Felix Huertas was chosen as a drumming role model by a primary school student - a wonderful example of how our older students inspire the next generation. Alfie Hirst’s winning entry in the Rotary photography competition back in March showcased the creativity thriving in our house. Ben Palmer and Shannon Barker continued to impress with their commitment and success in sports throughout the year, while in Year 7, Henry and Cienna stepped up as leaders at the Year 6 transition evening, helping new students settle in with confidence and warmth.

Our Trailblazers - Mason, Oskar, Henry, and Maya - showed huge dedication, by rehearsing and delivering an incredible performance at Trinity Academy. We also continue to celebrate our love of reading, with Jamie, Maya, Melodie, Oskar, and Grace all reaching Reading Millionaire status this year - an amazing achievement that shows real perseverance.

Across 7S2, we have even more to be proud of. Muhammed Noor-Al-Arifeen showed true courage and confidence by speaking at the transition evening - inspiring everyone around him. Xin Jie became 7S2’s first Reading Millionaire and has now read over 2.8 million words - a truly remarkable milestone. Matthew Thomas impressed us all by competing and winning medals in motorcycling competitions - a sport that takes real skill and nerve.

Mrs Mathai and 8S have had an exceptional year too. Plum Marris hit Reading Millionaire status in the very first week of September, setting the tone for the year. She quizzed six books on the first day back (including War and Peace). Darya Saleek-Quch has been winning ice skating competitions and Jarra Touray triumphed in the Ovid in the West Country Competition - proving that hard work and talent really do pay off. In Year 9, Dan Lovell played - and beat - the USA Football team for his age group, an experience he will surely never forget. Elsa Thorpe shone on stage in Our House, the hit musical based on the songs of Madness and Marcie Ford captained the Girls Football team to victory on their Madrid Tour - an example of true leadership and teamwork.

Our Year 10 students have continued this tradition of success. Leah Matthews wowed audiences with her performances in stage productions like Les Miserable at the Redgrave Theatre. Freddie Franklin travelled all the way to Edinburgh to compete in National BMX competitions, while Celvin Barbosa-Goa came second in the South West Athletics Regional Finals - showing just how much talent and dedication we have in our house. Kieran Lyne demonstrated real initiative and independence by taking his work experience placement overseas in Ireland - a fantastic achievement.

This year’s House Sports have also been unforgettable. We started steady with second place in the house cross country, but the Year 8 girls brought home gold. We swept the house basketball trophy, and first-place finishes in indoor rowing for Year 7 and 8 boys and girls meant Stephenson House dominated the competition. All this hard work paid off and we were proud to lift the House Sports trophy for this year. 

At the start of term 6 we appointed our new House Leaders. They will walk in the footsteps of such legendary Stephenson students as Fin Kelly, Joel Kamu, Izzy Healy-Hart, Abdi Yusuf and Oliver Hecker. I would like to introduce Sasha Richards and Bence Sandor and welcome them to the Stephenson leadership team. They have already made their mark with wonderful introductory videos and a brilliant speech at awards evening. Actually, I used their speech as the basis for this newsletter. Thanks Sasha; thanks Bence.

The house awards evening is always the jewel in the crown and the highlight of my working year. This year I was able to award some of the best and brightest of Stephenson House. This was the first year we included a specialist tutor award for each class and reading awards for those who value their literacy. House colours went to the ten students who have made the biggest impact on the Stephenson House community as a whole and Charlie Threlfall was my student of the year for 2025.

It is hard for me to say how remarkable Charlie’s time at St Katherine’s has been. This was literally true on awards evening when I found myself in tears twice during my dedication to her. Her reflective nature, humility and kindness have helped her navigate some significant challenges and formed her into an outstanding and inspiring young woman. Well done Charlie and we look forward to welcoming you to the Sixth Form in September.

Although we came second in the overall House Competition this year it gives us something to strive towards next year - and knowing the spirit and determination in our House, we know we can go one better.

To our students, families, staff and supporters - thank you for making Stephenson House such a special place full of spirit, achievement and community. We’re so proud of every single one of you. Have a wonderful, restful summer break - you’ve earned it!

Mr Court, Head of Stephenson House 

 
SOTY Liam Davies.JPG
  Turing House Update  
 

As the academic year draws to a close at St Katherine’s, I’m delighted to reflect on what has been a truly memorable and successful final term for Turing House.

Our Year 11 students rose admirably to the challenge of the examination season, showing remarkable dedication, focus and resilience. Balancing their academic responsibilities with celebration, Year 11 enjoyed a well-earned break with their Celebration Day and Prom. It was heartwarming to share in their joy and pride. We now wish them all the success they deserve as they await their results later this summer.

One of the standout moments of the term was our Turing Celebration Evening - a joyful occasion that brought students, parents, tutors and staff together to recognise the exceptional efforts of our house. Awards for Academic Attainment and Approach to Learning were presented to students who consistently demonstrated hard work and perseverance in their studies. Congratulations to all our winners in these two categories. We are immensely proud of you. 

During the evening, our newly appointed Turing House Leaders, Faria Azim and Ohemaa Gyimah-Sarpong, gave an inspiring summary of Turing’s achievements over the past year. They spoke with confidence, clarity and genuine passion - already showcasing the strong leadership qualities that will serve them well in the year ahead. With Faria and Ohemaa leading the way at house council meetings, celebration assemblies and day-to-day life around the Turing Hub, I have every confidence that they will guide Turing House to even greater success.

The evening was also brought to life by two outstanding musical performances. The audience was treated to solo performances by Carys Weidner (7T2) and Ohemaa Gyimah-Sarpong (10T). Ohemaa delivered a powerful rendition of our House song, ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ - an anthem that perfectly captures the spirit of determination, unity and resilience at the heart of Turing House. Carys performed a moving version of ‘Hallelujah’ by Alexandra Burke during the interlude, offering a tender and heartfelt interpretation that left a lasting impression on everyone in the room. I remain in awe of both performers - their confidence, talent and courage to take the stage alone was nothing short of inspiring. They performed with such grace and poise, reminding us of the incredible talent that exists within our house. 

We also proudly awarded house colours to students who have shown outstanding commitment to Turing House, truly living our values of Determination, Acceptance and Unity. Congratulations to:

Jaihan Singarda (9T2), Oscar Warren (9T2), Ohemaa Gyimah-Sarpong (10T), Sam Oakman (10T), Noah Roberts (10T), Emily James (10T), Gethin Vaughan (11T1), Ellie Stellard (11T1), Oliver Morgan (11T2)  and Bella Perales-Morris (11T2). 

A special congratulations goes to our Student of the Year 2025, Liam Davies (11T1). As Turing House Leader, Liam has exemplified our house values since Year 7 and his contributions to both Turing House and St Katherine’s have been truly exceptional. Liam has represented our school and the house with pride and distinction across countless activities. He has volunteered his time, taken on leadership roles and consistently gone above and beyond to support the school and Turing House communities. Overall, Liam leads by example - quietly, humbly and always with integrity. Well done, Liam - you have left an incredible legacy behind.

This term, we’ve also seen some fantastic achievements in the Reading Competitions with 9T1 and 9T2 claiming first place in the Reading Log Challenge. In the Bucket List competition, Turing came second place - a huge testament to our students’ enthusiasm for reading. First place next year? Absolutely!

Further demonstrating our house spirit, Turing came first in the House Ethos Competition, earning a remarkable 200 points for our outstanding behaviour ratio - a reflection of the respect, kindness and cooperation that our students bring into school every day.

Term 6 proved to be a truly memorable and successful period for Turing House in sport, marked by determination, team spirit and individual brilliance.

In the Super Stars competition, where two students from each house showcased their skills across seven physical challenges, Turing House delivered outstanding performances. The Year 7 Boys secured an impressive second place, while the Year 7 Girls triumphed with a first place finish. Our Year 9 Boys and Girls dominated their categories, both achieving first place, cementing Turing's reputation for excellence. These achievements earned us a strong second place overall in the competition, just behind Stephenson House.

In the summer team sports of rounders and softball, Turing House maintained a strong presence and competitive spirit, ultimately finishing third overall. Notably, the Year 9 Boys and Girls teams both claimed second place in their respective competitions, with only a few runs separating them from victory – once again, Stephenson House narrowly edged ahead.

The pinnacle of the term, however, was Sports Day 2025. Entering the final morning's track events with a 51-point lead, our Turing athletes rose to the challenge despite the sweltering heat and last-minute changes to the schedule. They demonstrated immense resilience and unity, embodying our house ethos: "The strength of the team is each individual member..." In what became one of the proudest moments as Head of House, the day ended in spectacular fashion as Turing secured a resounding victory – the perfect end to a phenomenal sporting term.

Throughout the year, Turing House has gone from strength to strength, demonstrating our core values of Unity and Determination every step of the way. Whether in academic achievement, house competitions, leadership, or community spirit, our students have shown what it truly means to be part of Turing.

To conclude our year, it is with great pride and jubilation that I announce TURING HOUSE – HOUSE CHAMPIONS 2025!

This incredible achievement is a testament to the hard work, resilience, and togetherness shown by every single member of our house. We set out to make this our year - and we did just that.

As we look ahead to a new academic year, let this victory be our launchpad. We will continue to lead with courage, support one another with compassion and strive for excellence in everything we do.

Turing House: United in purpose. Unstoppable in spirit.

Bring on 2025–2026! #TeamTuring

Mrs Price, Head of Turing House

 
SOTY - G Wilkes.jpg
  Yousafzai House Update  
 

As we approach the end of the school year and Term 6, it’s hard to believe how quickly time has flown by. Though short, this term has been packed full of activity, celebration and achievement for Yousafzai House.

From our action-filled Sports Week to the unforgettable Year 8 trip to Paris, Term 6 has truly had something for everyone. One of my standout moments was the Yousafzai Awards Evening, where we honoured our most dedicated and inspiring students. A special congratulations goes to our Student of the Year, Gavin Wilkes, whose commitment to education truly exemplifies the values of Yousafzai House.

We also marked Malala Yousafzai’s birthday with a brilliant bake sale, raising over £125 for the Malala Fund. This event, led by our newly appointed Year 10 House Leaders, showcased their impressive leadership. Congratulations to Lara Mohan and Ava Fowler, our incoming House Leaders, and Poppy Sheehan-Batchelor and Minaal Zaheer, our Deputy Leaders. They have already proven themselves by running the bake sale, delivering a whole-school virtual assembly on Malala and speaking at our awards evening. I’m confident this team will lead us into a strong and successful new year where all Yousafzai students are supported to reach their full potential.

Academically, we came second in the Year 8 reading log competition, though other year groups didn’t quite carry the momentum - something to aim for next year! Sports Week was another major highlight, with Yousafzai coming third overall but showing some excellent sporting efforts and achievements.

We are also incredibly proud to celebrate the students who have earned the highest number of praise points in their tutor groups across the entire year. Their consistent effort, positive attitude and commitment to learning are a testament to what it means to seize every day and treasure your education like a diamond. Congratulations, you are all shining examples of Yousafzai excellence.:

  • Connor Carkeek, 7Y
  • Aurinko Mutsuddy, 8Y1
  • Finn Blakeney, 8Y2
  • Emily Brosa, 9Y
  • Beau West, 10Y1
  • Sam Gurr, 10Y2
  • Sebastian Slee, 11Y

Although we didn’t take the House Championship title this year, I couldn’t be prouder of what Yousafzai House has achieved. From the determination shown by our students to the kindness and encouragement they’ve offered each other, it’s been a truly inspiring year. I’ve also seen incredible personal growth, with some students overcoming challenges they faced earlier in the year - a testament to their resilience and strength.

Not everything is about winning. Sometimes, the greatest victories are personal ones, and I am honoured to lead such a dedicated, compassionate and hardworking house. Thank you, Yousafzai – you’ve made this year unforgettable.

I would also like to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you to all of our Yousafzai tutors for their dedication, encouragement and tireless support of our students throughout the year. Your hard work does not go unnoticed and has played a huge role in the success of our house. And to our parents and carers, thank you for your continued support - it truly makes a difference and we couldn’t do it without you.

Have a restful and well-deserved summer break.

Miss Robinson, Head of Yousafzai House

 
511174012_1292383416226509_5968720741892976440_n.jpg
  PE and Sport News  
 

We've had another busy term with students making the most of a stack of summer sporting opportunities:

  • We started the term with cricket and rounders fixtures and these have continued at a steady pace throughout the summer. It has been great to see so many students representing the school and enjoying lots of success. Striking and fielding highlights included our U13 and U15 girls competing in the Somerset County Cricket finals as well as a number of rounders and cricket tournament successes. 
  • Our athletes have enjoyed yet another stellar summer season with a whole range of students involved. We started with Avon Schools where a strong group of our students were in action. St Katherine's smashed the North Somerset Schools Championships, bringing home seven medals from the eight team competitions including two golds, three silvers and two bronzes. We also took a full contingent of four teams to the English Schools Track and Field Cup Regional Finals in Exeter where the highlight was a fantastic victory for our Junior Girls team. To top off a brilliant season we saw Heidi and Serena both picking up a plethora of PBs at the South West Schools Combined events championships followed by Serena finishing in a phenomenal seventh place in the long jump at the prestigious English Schools Track and Field Championships in Birmingham - the biggest national level schools' athletics event. 
  • Our leaders have been busy supporting the CST primary sports day, the North Somerset primary quadkids competition and the Commonwealth Games Legacy festival - as always our students did a fantastic job to ensure that all of the youngsters had first class sporting experiences. Some of our own Year 7 students took part in the CWG legacy festival which saw them involved in a whole range of activities including the laser run!
  • This term it has also been great to see St Kath's students in action on the tennis courts - we're really fortunate with the number of courts we have available and have welcomed visitors in the form of Sidcot School and Clevedon School for friendly fixtures. It has been great to see some Wimbledon-inspired performances with students enjoying a different form of individual competition.
  • We finished the term with our week-long celebration of all things PE and school sport during our annual Sports Week. This year students experienced orienteering, leadership, rowing, climbing and high ropes, archery, tennis, kick rounders, softball, rounders, wheelchair basketball, ultimate frisbee, lacrosse, flag football, hockey, rugby, netball, football, athletics and handball just to name just a few! 2025 was one of our biggest and best ever and we look forward to sharing all of the details with you in the special Sports Week edition of our termly newsletter.
  • At the time of writing we've just finished the term with sporting celebrations which has been a lovely way to say thank you to lots of amazing students who have all given significant and sustained commitment to the PE faculty this term and this year. Some of our students have attended well over 350 clubs and practices this year which is so impressive - students only attend school for 190 days of the year so that's an average of nearly 2 clubs per day!
  • As always, the above is just a summary of another sporting summer at St Katherine's. For all of the fallout from term 6 there's only one thing to do ... subscribe to our termly PE newsletter at bit.ly/skpenews. On behalf of the PE faculty, I would like to wish everyone a lovely summer holiday.

Mr Cook, Head of PE

 
  Term 1 dates for your diary  
 
  • 14 August: A Level results day
  • 21 August: GCSE results day
  • 02 & 03 September: INSET days
  • 04 September: TERM BEGINS for Years 7, 11, 12 and 13
  • 05 September: TERM BEGINS for Years 8, 9 and 10
  • 10 September: Year 7-11 Virtual parent/carer information evening, 6-6.30pm
  • 17 September: Year 12 and Year 13 parent/ carer information evening, 6-6.30pm, in person
  • 18 September: Sports Award Evening, 19.00-21.30
  • 25 September: School Open Evening - Early finish, buses leave 12.30
  • 25 September: School Open Evening, 4-8pm
  • 26 September: INSET day
  • 07 October: Year 11 Geography trip to Bristol Harbourside
  • 10 October: Hello Yellow, Mental Health Day
  • 22 October: END OF TERM
 
  Keep in touch  
 

There isn’t enough space here to showcase the huge variety of student experiences and achievements this term. Keep up to date by visiting the ‘News and Events’ section on the school website, check the school Facebook page or follow us on Twitter (@stkathsschool)