TERM 5 VALUE:

Dignity

Dear Students, Parents and Carers,

Welcome back to all our students, parents and carers as we begin Term 5.

This is an important term for the college community, with a strong focus on both transition and examinations. For many of our students, this is a key point in the academic year as they prepare for the next stage of their journey, whether that is progression into Year 13, university, a higher apprenticeship or other positive destinations.

For our Year 12 students, end of year examinations are an important part of the transition into Year 13. These assessments will help students to demonstrate what they have learned so far, identify any areas for further development, and prepare well for the demands of their final year. This is also a significant time for those beginning to think seriously about applications to university and higher-level apprenticeships, and we encourage students to make the most of the support and guidance available to them during the next two terms.

We know that exam season can feel challenging at times. It is completely normal for students to feel pressure or anxiety during this period. We want all students to know that support is available here at college. This support comes from our Wellbeing Team, Chaplaincy team and Progress Tutors, all of whom are here to help students manage this busy time and feel supported both academically and personally. To all of our students preparing for internal or external examinations: we know you can do this. Stay focused, work steadily, ask for help when you need it, and believe in the progress you have made. This is your opportunity to show what you know and what you can achieve.

This term we will also come together as a college community to celebrate diverse cultural mix.

Our Culture Week (taking place 5-8th May) this year provides a full week of activities to suit all students and staff interests culminated in our much loved Culture day Parade on Friday 8th. This event is always a vibrant and joyful occasion which highlights the rich diversity within our college community through music, fashion and food from around the world. The week is entirely planned and delivered by our Student Union and Culture Week Committee (comprised our our Interfaith group members, staff and students who have volunteerd to co-lead this event). Their commitment and leadership help to create an inclusive and celebratory experience for all. Culture Week is an important part of the college’s ongoing commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

At St Brendan’s, we are passionate about ensuring that every student thrives.

We are proud to be a community that welcomes diversity, embraces difference and values the contribution that each individual makes to college life.

More updates to come next week.

Kind regards

Marian Curran

Principal

With the welcome return of the sunshine and warmer weather, we would like to take this opportunity to remind students and families of the college’s expectations regarding smoking and vaping.

We strongly encourage all students to reflect on smoking or vaping as a habit and to consider their health and wellbeing. However, we also want to be absolutely clear about what is and is not permitted on site:

• Smoking is only permitted in the designated smoking area near the security gate.
• Vaping is permitted up the drive only, up to the zebra crossing leading to the main college site.
• Vaping or smoking is not permitted anywhere else on site or in any college buildings.

Any student found smoking or vaping outside of these agreed areas will receive an immediate two‑day suspension, in line with college behaviour expectations.

Thank you for supporting us in maintaining a safe, respectful and healthy environment for everyone.

The College takes the safety of students and staff very seriously. Students should not invite friends who do not attend St Brendan’s onto the site and must wear their student lanyard and ID at all times on campus. (Students should obtain a temporary student lanyard from the main reception if they do not have their ID card with them.) Our campus personal patrol the site and can be approached if any student is concerned about their own safety or the safety of others.

St Brendan's is a cashless campus so please make sure you have a card and/or contactless payment on your phone.

If you need to purchase print credit you can do this on the College “Store” which you can access on our website or by using this link St Brendan's Sixth Form College Store

When prompted to login, click on the “Sign in with Microsoft” option, where you can use your College email and password. Your print credit account will automatically update after payment has been approved.

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.