St Brendan's News Bulletin 11.10.24 | St Brendan's Sixth Form College

11th October 2024

TERM 1 VALUES:

Justice & Service

Dear Students, Parents, and Carers,

We hope this message finds you well and that our students have had a positive and productive week at College. We’d like to say thank you to all the students who volunteered at our recent Open Day on Saturday, 5th October. Your enthusiasm made a huge impact, and it was our most popular and well attended Open Day yet! Our student ambassadors played such an important role in welcoming and supporting our prospective students and their families, and we couldn’t be more proud, thank you!

If you know friends or family who are interested in studying at our College, we’d love to meet them at our next Open Evening on Wednesday, 16th October. It’s another wonderful opportunity for our future students to explore what we have to offer and experience the warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes St Brendan’s so special.

As half-term approaches, please note that the last day of this term is Thursday 24^th October and we look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday, 5th November, refreshed and ready for the new term.

Have a great weekend when it comes!

Best,

Marian Curran

Principal

KEY DATES:

Wednesday 16th October - Open Evening
Thursday 24th October - Settling In Review Day
Monday 4th November - INSET DAY
Thursday 14th November - Open Evening

Settling In Review: 24th October

Settling in Review will be held on Thursday 24^th October from 9:00 – 16:00 and is open to parents/carers of ALL STUDENTS. The purpose of this review is to allow you to talk with subject teachers, progress tutors and our inclusive learning key workers (where applicable) to discuss how your young person is settling in and progressing at St Brendan’s Sixth Form College.

How will appointments run? All appointments will take place virtually via our booking system School Cloud. This is in response to previous parent/carer feedback who welcomed the opportunity to meet with teachers during the College day.

How do I book an appointment? How to book appointments will be advised to you shortly, with the booking system going live on the 14^th October at 6pm. Details on how to book you appointments can be found here.

Click here for instructions on accessing and using Pro-Portal.

Please note that unfortunately some teachers will be unavailable for this event as it is a non-working day for them, and a list of those teachers can be found here.

Please note that the College will be closed to students on the 24^th October and that students will be set work to complete remotely.

Further details regarding this will be communicated nearer the time.

NEW Careers SharePoint Site

Our Careers Team have created a Careers SharePoint site support you in obtain all the information, advice and guidance for your future plans.

On the site, you will find the following pages:

Careers Guidance Meetings - You will see our calendar of activity and have access to our booking link
UCAS - Information and guidance on personal statement, open days, taster days, key deadlines and much, much more
Apprenticeships - Guidance on understanding apprenticeships, useful links, and hints/tips for interview
Industry Spotlight - Videos that will inform, educate and empower you to make an informed next step decision
CV and Cover Letters - Useful templates and guidance
Labour Market Information - Understand more about the growing and declining sector and industries
Subject Careers Support - Information and link to subject-related support that can impact your studies
Work Experience - Dates and opportunities to gain ready-life experience of the workplace

Click the link https://stbrn.sharepoint.com/sites/Careers or log onto the jump page and click on the Careers Zone button.

Safeguarding & Support Resources for Parents & Carers

Being a parent or carer of a teenager can present many challenges and a lot can happen over the course of a student’s journey with us. Students may experience issues around their wellbeing, mental health, relationships and identity to name just a few examples. Navigating this as a parent or carer can feel overwhelming, especially if you are not sure where to look for help. To help, we have put together resources on a range of topics to help you navigate supporting your child with tips and advice on everything from how to talk to your child about their mental health, to checking their privacy settings on social media. You can access the resources here. Please keep checking back as we will be adding to them throughout the year.

Black British Authors

Black History Month is a time to celebrate the rich cultural heritage, history and achievements of Black people. One powerful way to do this is by exploring the literature that captures the diverse experiences and voices of Black British authors.

During October, the LRC will be showcasing the work of 10 great black British authors, including new young talent such as Bolu Babalola (Love in colour) and Candice Carty-Williams (Queenie). Brand new books are on order and you can see this year's reading list in the library catalogue. If the book you want to borrow is not yet available you can reserve it in the catalogue and you will be sent an email as soon as it comes in.

LRC Survey

We would like to ask all LRC users to help us by completing this term's LRC survey. It will only take a minute and your views can really help us improve our services. Thank you for your time!

Book Recommendations for October Half Term

The LRC is showcasing a selection of scary, mysterious and weird stories for you to enjoy over the next few weeks. The selection includes classics like Bram Stoker's Dracula as well as some Stephen King books and more recent publications like The Strange Case Of The Alchemist's Daughter by Theodora Goss. See the full reading list in the library catalogue and borrow now to keep your book over the half term.

Social & Study Spaces

Students are not to socialise on stairwells in C, D or E Blocks. It is not a space for socialising or studying and is a health and safety issue as chairs are being removed from classrooms and placed onto the landings or in front of fire exits. There are ample spaces for students to go including; Café Max, Café Min, LRC, study spaces on D Block bridge and A Block and this is where students will be asked to move to if they are found to be in the areas which are off limits.

16-19 Student Bursary

A reminder to all students about the 16-19 Student Bursary. More information can be found on our website here.

SB Bus Routes

We now have 7 direct bus routes to our College! (SB1, SB2, SB3, SB4, SB5, SB6 & SB7)

The full timetables for all SB routes can be found on our website (please use the button below).

Click here for bus routes & timetables

The following routes operate once a day to/from College, arriving at 8:27 and departing at 16:10:

SB3
SB4
SB5
SB6

The following routes operate twice a day to/from College, arriving at 8:27 & 9:44, and departing at 14:55 & 16:10. When you don't have a lesson in the first and/or last period, we would strongly recommend using the 2^nd services (9:44 arrival and/or 14:55 departure):

SB1
SB2
SB7

Parent & Carer Handbook 2024

Our Parent & Carer handbook contains important information about your young person's time at College.

In the handbook you will find key dates and contacts, information about the College, and details for logging in to Pro-Portal so that you can monitor progress and attendance from home.

Parent & Carer Handbook 2024

CLUBS & SOCIETIES

To see the timetable for all clubs and societies click here.

If you'd like to take part you can either turn up on the day, or email bwi@stbrn.ac.uk to be added to the Teams page.

Governor Vacancies

We are always looking for external governors to serve a four year term. If you would like to be a foundation governor and are practising Catholic, please contact PrincipalsPA@stbrn.ac.uk for more information.

We also see parent governors which would be for a two year term, again if you are interested in this key role representing the voice of parents, please contact the above email also.

Turning Right during the end of the day

A reminder to all students, parents and carers to please turn right only, when exiting the College between 15:50 – 16:20 at the end of the College day.

Please see the letter attached here for directions back to the A4, if needed.

Studying Law at University with Sarah (Teacher of Law)

Join one of our Law Teachers, Sarah, to ask her about studying Law at university.

This will be a LIVE session hosted on her TikTok channel on Friday 18th October from 20:30 - 21:30.

simplylaw.by.sarah

CAREERS

Careers News

Head over to the Careers News page for lots of useful resources and opportunities.

Read the latest edition here!

University of Exeter Scholars programme

A FREE programme giving you the opportunity to develop your knowledge and passion for a chosen subject:

An opportunity to find out what it is like to study at university and decide if it is the right option for you
Hear from current university students about their experience and develop an understanding of university life
Designed to support your decision-making process throughout Years 12 to 13
Two separate pathways and a variety of subject activity strands available to choose from
Graduate as an Exeter Scholar or Senior Scholar, and gain access to a range of benefits
Make new friends, learn new skills and benefit from our support for as long as you need us!

Please read the overview of what the programme.

The next stage of the process is to apply:

We have the following options for students in Year 12:

There are two pathways open to students from the South West, students can apply to both but will only complete one.
- On-campus (regular in person subject strands on University of Exeter campuses in Devon or Cornwall, December 2024 - October 2025)
- Subject strands offered and dates available here (dates being added throughout the year)
Virtual (two weeks of fully online activities in February 2025)
- Subject strands offers and detail available here
National Residential Pathway (Applications open in March or April 2025)

APPLICATIONS CLOSING DATE: MIDNIGHT MONDAY 28TH OCTOBER 2024

Application link: Year 12 | Exeter Scholars | University of Exeter (select on-campus or virtual application form)

Target Oxbridge Programme 2025

Target Oxbridge is a free programme run by RARE recruitment in partnership with Cambridge and Oxford. The programme aims to increase the representation of Black African/Caribbean students at Oxbridge through intensive 1:1 mentoring through the application process from past and current Oxbridge students, advice on the application process, interview practice, academic sessions with Oxbridge academics, and in-person visits to both Oxford and Cambridge. To date, Target Oxbridge had supported over 500 students to make successful applications to Oxford and Cambridge.

Who is eligible to apply?

The programme is open for applications from UK-based Black African and Caribbean students, and students of mixed race with Black African and Caribbean heritage in Y12. The students accepted onto the programme will be high attainers – they will ideally have achieved at least 5 GCSEs at grades 9, 8 or 7. In the case of students hoping to study Medicine, they will ideally have achieved at least 8 GCSEs at grades 9 or 8. Priority will be given to applicants from state schools and students who meet the widening participation criteria used by the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge.

Where can students apply?

Applications can be made via the Target Oxbridge website: Target Oxbridge | Careers at Target Oxbridge (candidx.io)

The deadline for applications is Sunday 27 October at 23:59pm

HE+ Programme - University of Cambridge

HE+ is a programme that is designed to support highly able students throughout Year 12 to become competitive applicants to highly selective universities. Highly able students are not only those who have high attainment but also those who have the potential or capacity for high attainment.

HE + Programme:

Module 1: Preparing for university – Attend information, advice and guidance sessions which aim to help you prepare for university decision and applications, as well as university life and teaching methods.
Module 2: Learning beyond the curriculum – Take part in mock seminar sessions and lectures led by student at the University of Cambridge.
Module 3: HE+ Project – Participate in the HE+ Project and develop an independent academic research project for entry into our competition.
In-person opportunities: Potential to attend hub events or visit Cambridge

Click here to apply: Apply to the HE+ Programme (qualtrics.com)

RUH Careers Evening (17th October)

We are excited to let you know that the RUH is hosting their next Careers Evening on Thursday 17^th October 2024.

Key details:

Date: Thursday 17^th October 2024

Time slot 1: 17:00-18:00

Time slot 2: 18:30-19:30

Venue: Education Centre (E7), Combe Park, Bath, BA1 3NG

You can register here - only one ticket is required per person and this will automatically include 1 parent/guardian.

The event is for students from Year 7-13 and provides them with the opportunity to speak to NHS colleagues, find out about careers in health care and take part in interactive activities. Just some of the departments attending will be Maternity, Vascular Studies, Radiology, Apprenticeships and Research & Development.

Burges Salmon Legal Apprenticeship now open for applications

The Burges Salmon Legal apprenticeship provides the opportunity to qualify as a solicitor by completing the Level 3 Paralegal and Level 7 Solicitor apprenticeships over a period of six years, whilst earning a competitive salary.

This is an amazing opportunity for students in Year 13 who are interested in pursuing a legal career and would prefer an alternative to the university route.

Applicants must apply here by midnight on Friday 15th November 2024 to be considered for this apprenticeship: Burges Salmon Careers | Legal Apprenticeship 2025 (burges-salmon.com).

They are holding an open evening for the Legal Apprenticeship at the Bristol office on 2nd October 2024 from 18:00 – applicants can register here: Burges Salmon Careers | Legal Apprenticeship Open Evening - Bristol 2024 (burges-salmon.com).

They are also holding a virtual open evening on 8th October 2024 from 18:00 – applicants can register here: Burges Salmon Careers | Legal Apprenticeship Open Evening - Virtual 2024 (burges-salmon.com).

Calling All Potential Sponsors!

St Brendan's is seeking sponsors to support our sports and health enrichment activities! We have several exciting opportunities where your contribution can make a real difference to our students and College:

🏅Team Kit Sponsorship
⚽ Training and Equipment
🧘‍♀️ Yoga Classes
🚴‍♂️ Fitness Equipment
📚 Health Workshops
🎖️ Awards and Trophies
🌳 Outdoor Activities
🛠️ Facility Upgrades
💡 Innovative Programs

We are open to any ideas — no offer is too big or small! In return, we will offer media coverage across all our social platforms and much more. Partner with us to foster a healthier, more active community!

Interested? Get in touch here!