Prospectus 20 / 21 St Bede’s

Catholic Comprehensive School

Year 6 - Year 7 Transition

Parents are encouraged to come to school at any time to discuss any concerns, having telephoned to make an appointment with their Head of House first, however the following times are organised to offer continued support for both students and parents:

House Information Evening is held in early September and highlights essential information such as the pastoral system; school rules; homework routines; records of achievement and assessment procedures. A welcome Mass for Year 7 students and their parents is held one evening towards the end of September. Families are very welcome to attend. Parents Evening takes place once a year. Parents will have an opportunity to see all subject teachers. To assist with your child’s transition to St Bede’s our staff will be in regular contact with all the primary schools involved in the transition process and this will include specialised conversations, meetings and actions for students with particular needs.

School Day 8.55am – 3.15pm Registration/Assemblies: 8.55am – 9.10am Lesson 1: 9.10am – 10.10am Lesson 2: 10.10am – 11.10am Break: 11.10am – 11.25am Lesson 3: 11.25am – 12.25pm Lesson 4 / Year 7 & 8 Lunch: 12.25pm – 1.20pm Lesson 5 / Year 9, 10 & 11 Lunch: 1.20pm – 2.15pm Lesson 6: 2.15pm – 3.15pm End of School Day: 3.15pm

Assemblies Monday - No assembly Tuesday - Columba House Wednesday - Hilda House Thursday - Oswald House Friday - Chad House

KS5 lunch will be either Lesson 4 or Lesson 5 according to each students’ individual timetable.

“The arrangements for transfer between Year 6 and Year 7 are very effective. Pupils settle into secondary schooling seamlessly” Ofsted Report, February 2017

St. Bede’s Catholic Comprehensive School Prospectus 2020/212

enquiries@st-bedes.durham.sch.ukwww.st-bedes.durham.sch.uk @Stbedesandbyron3

Welcome

On behalf of everyone at St Bede’s, we would like to extend a warm welcome to you and your child. Our distinctive catholic ethos is at the very heart of all that we do, and as a fully inclusive school we welcome students of other faiths and of no faith to be part of our family. We believe we can offer your son or daughter the very best educational provision, both academically and pastorally as they make the important transition from primary to secondary education. We strive for excellence in all that we do, whether supporting our students towards first rate academic achievement, or providing extracurricular opportunities for their all-round development. We ensure that outstanding pastoral care, excellent teaching and high quality learning are delivered daily. Most importantly, we help our students to develop as mature young adults who are well educated individuals, fully prepared to take their place successfully in the wider world. We value working closely in partnership with parents and carers as this is key to the success of students. Should you decide to entrust your child into our care, I can assure you that we will give your child the very best provision. I am born and bred in East Durham and continue to live in the locality. As a former pupil of the school I am personally invested in ensuring it continues to be a beacon of academic and pastoral excellence. Our school is now entering into its 50th year of catholic education serving many generations of local families who are as proud as I am, to be associated with St Bede’s. I very much look forward to welcoming your son or daughter to help us write the next exciting chapter of St Bede’s continued achievements, as our great school moves from strength to strength.

0191 587 6220

Mr T. B. Tapping Executive Headteacher

@StBedesandByron

EthosAt the heart of St. Bede’s, and underpinning everything we do is our mission to bear witness to Christ. Whatever your child’s faith background, you can be assured that at St Bede’s your child will have the opportunity to explore and develop their spiritual life in a supportive environment, where tolerance and mutual respect are some of our guiding principles.

Our greatest wish for our students is that they develop into happy, confident, creative young adults, full of courage and skill to overcome any difficulties they might meet on the way. Whatever their starting point we will help them to make excellent progress and to feel they have really achieved well. We also want students to be supported and encouraged on their journey of faith, so that they can develop their personal relationship with God. We offer our students many wonderful opportunities for spiritual growth and development through retreats, liturgies, collective worship and Masses which are assisted by our dedicated Chaplain. Catholic Education is about much more than just the delivery of an academic curriculum. We are also responsible for the spiritual and moral formation of young people; a responsibility we take just as seriously as academic progress. As parents you have entrusted the care of your child to primary colleagues for a number of years, in a school who no doubt knows your son or daughter as the unique individual that they are. Our admissions intake caters to be more personalised that some other providers can offer. As such we know every student by name and can minister to their specific needs.

These high quality relationships are at the heart of our ethos and explain, more than anything else, why we are such a successful school. Children are extremely well cared for at St Bede’s. Staff nurture each student as valued individuals, blessed with God-given gifts and talents. We encourage our students to develop these to the full, for their own sake and in the service of others.

St. Bede’s Catholic Comprehensive School Prospectus 2020/214

Domino Adiuvante.With the Lord’s help.

The St. Bede’s Motto

Mrs F. Craik Head of School

Mr T. McCourt Chair of Governors

“The Catholic life of St. Bede’s… is outstanding in the way the governors, headteacher and staff have transformed the school as a vibrant, aspirational and living Catholic community.” Diocesan Inspection Report, May 2016

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Our School

We are a happy, safe community where students mix together well, and where every member is encouraged to search for excellence in all that they do. When your child arrives at St Bede’s they immediately become part of our extended family. St Bede’s Catholic Comprehensive School was part of the ‘Building Schools for the Future’ government initiative. As a result we benefitted from a multi million pound redevelopment of the school site. We are proud to have a beautiful and spacious new school building with modern classrooms, sports facilities, large indoor spaces for dining and pupil use. We also have a dedicated 6th Form area and catering. Transport arrangements: All of our students who live more than 2 miles from school in our feeder areas travel on dedicated school transport to and from school. This is without cost to parents and is regardless of faith, we believe in supporting families to access the best education for children, rather than just the closest one.

Our facilities include: • Sports Hall • Gymnasium • Multi Use Game Area (MUGA) • Extensive school playing fields • Main Hall • Activities Hall • Chapel • Large Dining Hall and catering facilities • ICT Suites • Science Laboratories • Technology and Engineering Rooms • Music Rooms • Art Studios 6th Form facilities include: Bespoke facilities exist for Key Stage 5 students including modern teaching rooms, specialist laboratories, spaces for private and group study as well as a dedicated social space and café.

Visitors always comment on the warm and welcoming atmosphere which envelops our caring school, which we believe is a very special place to learn and work in.

St. Bede’s Catholic Comprehensive School Prospectus 2020/21

Pastoral Structure

The pastoral system is the bedrock of our school and is based on high behavioural standards, mutual respect and a true level of dedication towards students from our compassionate staff. All Year 7 students are assigned to a tutor group within a House structure which they will remain in until Year 11. This group is a mixed-ability group made up of students from different primary schools. Siblings are placed in the same House to allow the Heads of House to form long lasting relationships and get to know families as the first point of home school contact. Standards We expect the highest of standards from students and follow robust discipline policies which allow every student to fulfil their potential, and in which classroom disruption is an extremely rare occurrence. Our school is calm and well ordered, we support students to become more self disciplined and to have a sense of responsibility for their actions. We praise and duly reward positive behaviours and attitudes with credits which create our House points system. Pupils who fail to meet our high standards face staged sanctions.

Developing the whole student Throughout these five years students will experience personal, social and health education. These weekly sessions cover: • Spiritual development: Providing students with an opportunity to help develop a real and lasting relationship with God. • Relationship development: Exploring what is understood as authentic human love and the dignity of each person. • Social development: Developing our students’ social skills, self-awareness and personal wellbeing. • Careers development: Providing impartial advice and unleashing student ambitions for their future. • Learning development: Acquiring the skills of an effective lifelong learner. We know that parents and carers play a vital role in children’s learning, so we regularly ask them for their opinions and feedback to ensure they’re working with us as full partners.

St Bede’s is an orderly, well-disciplined community where learning flourishes. Excellent behaviour plays a major part in our continued success.

7enquiries@st-bedes.durham.sch.uk @Stbedesandbyron0191 587 6220www.st-bedes.durham.sch.uk @StBedesandByron

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InclusionAll children have particular needs which must be met if the goal of developing their full potential is to be achieved. Ideally the education of every child will be individually planned to make this possible.

Students with specific difficulties will be provided with individual programmes of work which may be undertaken with an individual teacher. Specifically, we will ensure that all children with Special Education Needs have access to at least the following: • as far as possible, access to the whole curriculum practices through the school. • a staff commitment to develop their potential at all times. • diagnostic testing (of a clear and specific type) which leads to positive support

teaching, realistic target setting and improvement and special individual help where appropriately diagnosed.

• an environment that is warm and welcoming. • an atmosphere of care and concern, a right to the dignity, respect and equal worth

principles according to others. • every support to reach their best possible level of literacy and numeracy to cope

with future employment demands. • a right to examinations and accreditation at 16+ in line with all other students. • access to additional adult support within the classroom (as part of an agreed

support plan). • access to full time SENCO.

St. Bede’s Catholic Comprehensive School Prospectus 2020/21

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ExpectationsAt St. Bede’s we aim to create a safe, orderly, happy environment in which all students can learn to the best of their ability.

enquiries@st-bedes.durham.sch.uk @Stbedesandbyron0191 587 6220www.st-bedes.durham.sch.uk

In order to do this, it is expected that each student will: • Observe the school code of practice regarding uniform. • Ensure that they have the correct items and equipment for each lesson

and take good care of any items of equipment provided for them. • Be caring and respectful to all others at all times. • Concentrate on their work and follow the teacher's instructions. • Record homework tasks in their diaries and complete them diligently. • Show respect and consideration to all people they meet outside of school and

on the journey to and from school.

To ensure the smooth running of the school, students must: • Keep to the left on staircases and corridors and walk quietly. They must line up

quietly and wait for the teacher to lead them into the classroom. • Have an appointment outside of school day for visits to Doctor/Dentist/Clinic.

If not possible they must bring in the appointment card and show it to their Registration Tutor and follow the correct signing out procedures.

• Ensure parent/carer rings in before 8.55am on the first day of any absence. • Sign the late list if arriving after 8.55 am registration and then report to their

Registration Tutor. • Provide a note if they need to be excused (on medical grounds only) from PE. • Remain in school at lunchtime. • Not use mobile phones and personal devices during lessons or formal school time.

They should be switched off at all times and placed in the student’s bag, otherwise they may be confiscated for a parent/carer to collect later.

@StBedesandByron

St Bede’s Catholic Comprehensive School and Byron 6th Form College provides a broad and balanced curriculum which aims to: • Develop in students lively, enquiring minds; to help them

enjoy the acquisition of knowledge; promote the ability to question and argue rationally; to better understand technology, science and mathematics; to enhance the use of information technology across the curriculum; to encourage students to apply themselves to a range of tasks and skills which will equip them for their life in a technological future and as Christian adults.

• Enable students to use language and numbers effectively;

to appreciate and respond creatively through the variety of learning experiences offered to them by all areas of the curriculum.

We provide a curriculum rich in opportunities, recognising that each student is unique and has different talents and gifts. The curriculum provides students with the skills and knowledge which will allow them go onto a range of GCSE, A level and selected applied courses. We are highly ambitious for our young people and every student who is appropriate for the EBACC suite of qualifications is entered. We are proud to have one of the highest entry rates in County Durham. Students are set by ability from KS2 prior attainment, and reassessed across their 5 year academic career.

Students are set aspirational targets in order to make sure that they push themselves to fulfil their God given potential. In order to realise this goal we know how important it is to work with parents, keeping them informed and working as a team to maximise student success. We are a forward thinking school, always seeking to futureproof our offer and to find new and creative ways to allow young people to develop a zest for learning. We are proud to be a flagship Mandarin Excellence provider and selected students learn Mandarin Chinese which is our second school language. This has proven to be extremely successful and is recognised by students, parents and employers as particularly advantageous to student future career opportunities. Core Subjects English, Mathematics, Religious Education, Science. Foundation Subjects Art, Computing, Design & Technology, Geography, History, Mandarin Chinese, Music, Physical Education, Spanish. KS4 • Year 10 and 11 study all core subjects. • History and/or Geography. • A Modern Foreign Language for most students. • Further option choices from a range of GCSE and high

quality vocational courses.

St Bede’s – a school where success and potential of each individual is recognised and a will to achieve is actively encouraged.

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Curriculum

St. Bede’s Catholic Comprehensive School Prospectus 2020/21

“Pupils are making good progress overall in Key Stages 3, 4 and 5.” Ofsted Report, February 2017

In 2019…. At GCSE 70 % of students achieved a grade 4 in both English and Mathematics. 57% achieved a higher grade 5 in both, this was the highest in the East Durham Area and well above County average. These are remarkable student achievements of which we are very proud and continually seeking to improve upon.

Admissions Where there are more applications for places than the number of places available, places will be offered according to the following order of priority. First priority in each category will be given to children who will have an older sibling attending the school in September 2020. 1. Looked after and previously looked after children 2. Catholic Children whose home address is within the

boundaries of the parishes served by the school and who attend a Catholic feeder school

3. Catholic Children whose home address is outside of the boundaries of the parishes served by the school and who attend a Catholic feeder school

4. Catholic Children whose home address is within the boundaries of the parishes served by the school and who do not attend a Catholic feeder school

5. Other Catholic children 6. Catechumens and members of an Eastern Christian

Church. 7. Other children who attend a Catholic feeder primary

school. 8. Up to 18 children to be admitted on football aptitude as

determined by Improtech Soccer Limited 9. Children of other Christian denominations whose

membership is evidenced by a minister or faith leader. 10. Any other children.

Improtech's Elite Football Academy St. Bede’s now offers a dedicated football training programme for both boys and girls who have talent for the sport. Through the Improtech programme, students will be given professional-standard coaching aimed at enhancing their chance of a career in football, while at the same time guaranteeing them a good education. Improtech are the leading supplier of elite football coaching in education in the North East and have a fantastic track record of taking young prospects and developing them into players that have fantastic careers. Improtech strive not only to make the most of a young player’s ability but also to mould a character and person that they and their parents can be proud of. Any top coach or manager will tell you that to succeed in sport, talent alone is not enough – discipline, drive and a professional attitude focused on personal achievement is crucial. These are qualities which Improtech encourage both in training and in general school life. More information on the scheme can be found at: http://www.improtechsoccer.com/

Admission / Improtech

The full 2020-21 Admissions Policy is available under the Policies page on the school’s website, but you may find the information below helpful.

12St. Bede’s Catholic Comprehensive School Prospectus 2020/21

“There is a calm and purposeful atmosphere for learning throughout the school. Pupils wear the school uniform with pride.” Ofsted Report, February 2017

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Broadening Horizons

We are immensely proud of the wide range of opportunities on offer at the school and the chance to celebrate all of our students’ individual and team successes.

We have a wonderful array of extra-curricular clubs, activities and trips that enable students to become well-rounded, confident young people, including curriculum trips to Spain and Poland. On top of a range of after school clubs, many departments run a wide range of clubs that allow students to develop skills outside the normal classroom environment. In Design and Technology students are given the opportunity to compete in local, national and international competitions. These clubs, aimed at a variety of ages, have led to enormous success from North East champions and winners in events such as the F1 in schools and the NSEC Young Engineering Competition. These skills have led many students to gain coveted and prestigious national awards and scholarships for University. St. Bede’s PE department has excellent facilities catering for a wide range of both traditional and modern sports and activities. The school has developed close and successful links with a wide range of partners in order to provide pupils with the opportunity to continue playing sport well beyond school. St. Bede’s prides itself on being one of the county’s leading sporting schools and has achieved regional and national success in a wide range of sports. The school also participates in the Hexham and Newcastle Catholic Partnership events, including musical performances at the Sage as well as sporting, educational, spiritual and cultural events. We have excellent employer links and careers advice to allow our students to become more globally aware of the wide range of exciting career paths which are open to them. We view CEIAG as being crucial to getting young people on the path to bright futures.

“The curriculum is broad and balanced and is supported well by a range of extracurricular activities.” Ofsted Report, February 2017

St. Bede’s Catholic Comprehensive School Prospectus 2020/21

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Uniform

The school requires high standards of personal appearance and all students should wear school uniform to and from school, during the school day or when participating in school-organised events.

enquiries@st-bedes.durham.sch.uk @Stbedesandbyron0191 587 6220www.st-bedes.durham.sch.uk

Girls’ Uniform (Years 7 -11) • White school shirt with top button fastened

(not a polo shirt). • Black formal tailored school trousers (not lycra or denim)

or black knee-length school skirt (not lycra or denim) with black opaque tights.

• A black blazer with the St Bede’s school badge and house ribbon attached

• A St Bede’s school clip-on tie. • Black formal school shoes. • Optional St Bede’s black jumper with logo. Boys’ Uniform (Years 7 -11) • White school shirt with top button fastened

(not a polo shirt). • Black formal school trousers (not denim type

material or jean styled trousers) • A black blazer with the St Bede’s school badge

and house ribbon attached • A St Bede’s school clip-on tie. • Black formal school shoe shoes. • Optional St Bede’s black jumper with logo.

Fashion statements with regards to students’ dress or appearance are unacceptable. (If in doubt, parents and carers should contact the school before any decisions are made). Jewellery (other than a wrist watch) including piercings must not be worn. Extreme haircuts (tramlines, extreme patterns or unnatural dyed colours) are forbidden. Hair should be no shorter than a number 2. Make-up is not allowed for students in years 7- 11. All students should come to school with a suitable school bag. We define “suitable” as a school bag which can easily contain room for class books, planner, textbooks and a PE kit.

@StBedesandByron

St Bede’s Catholic Comprehensive School

Westway, Peterlee County Durham SR8 1DE

www.st-bedes.durham.sch.uk

@StbedesandbyronT: 0191 587 6220F: 0191 518 0597

St Bede’s Catholic Comprehensive School

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enquiries@st-bedes.durham.sch.uk

@StBedesandByron