25th October 2024
TERM 1 VALUES:
Justice & Service
Dear Students, Parents and Carers,
As we approach the end of our first term, I wanted to take a moment to say thank you to all our students for their hard work and commitment. It’s been a term of both new beginnings and achievements.
For our new Year 12 and Access To Level 3 students, we understand that much of this term has been about settling in, getting to know our college, and enjoying your subjects and new friendships. We hope you’ve found your feet and are starting to feel at home here.
For our Year 13 students, this term has marked the beginning of serious thought about your next steps. Whether you’ve started or finished your UCAS or Apprenticeship applications, or starting those important conversations with our careers team, it’s fantastic to see you all planning for your futures and we are here to support you.
As we start our half-term break, we encourage all our students to reflect on how much you’ve achieved so far. Every step you take brings you closer to your goals, and that progress should be celebrated! The half-term break is also an ideal time to consolidate your learning and focus on staying organised. As we all know, organisation is key to success—it saves time, reduces stress, and leads to better outcomes. As we like to say, "The brain likes to organise things. If information is presented to us in a clear and organised way, we are far more likely to remember it."
Best wishes,
Marian Curran
Principal
KEY DATES:
- Monday 4th November - INSET DAY
- Tuesday 5th November - GCSE English Exam
- Wednesday 6th November - GCSE Maths Exam
- Thursday 7th November - GCSE English Exam
- Friday 8th November - GCSE Maths Exam
- Monday 11th November - GCSE Maths Exam
- Thursday 14th November - Open Evening
- Friday 22nd November - Internal Deadline for UCAS Applications
- Monday 25th November - Year 13 Mocks begin (A-level & Applied Courses)
NEW Careers SharePoint Site
Our Careers Team have created a Careers SharePoint site to support you in obtaining 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 statements, 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 sectors and industries
- Subject Careers Support - Information and links 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.
Talking to your Child about Knife Crime
You may have seen in the news that the trials of those accused of being involved in the murders of Darrian Williams and Mason Rist and Max Dixon have started in Bristol. Understandably, you may be worried about knife crime and your child’s safety. Being able to discuss this topic can be daunting.
The Shadow Board of the Keeping Bristol Safe Partnership have put together this video, made by young people, with some advice around how to tackle this conversation as a parent or carer: How to have conversations with your child about knife crime (youtube.com)
Please contact us if you have concerns in relation to knife crime or you have concerns about your child. You can email info@Stbrn.ac.uk and ask for a member of the Safeguarding Team to contact you.
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.
Revision & Study Support
As our first round of examinations approach us, we wanted to make all students and their parents/carers aware of our Revision Toolkit area of the website. Here you will find lots of handy resources and templates to support you with organising your revision as well as some effective strategies, proven by research, to help your study time be the most impactful it can be.
Check it out here.
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).
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 2nd 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.
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.
CAREERS
Careers News
Head over to the Careers News page for lots of useful resources and opportunities.
Learn & Earn Event
Saffery LLP are holding a Learn and Earn event on Monday 4th November 2024 at their Bristol office.
Year 12/13 students and your parents/guardians are can come along and explore career opportunities in accounting and finance, as well as meeting the Saffery team.
Agenda:
- 17:00 - 17:30 - Students and parents/guardians arrive
- 17:30 - 18:45 - Talks and Q&A from: Careers in finance, Studying an apprenticeship in accountancy, Saffery: Life as a trainee
- 18:45 - 19:30 - Meet the team: CV and application advice
Please click here to view the Saffery flyer.
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)
- 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 27th October at 23:59
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)
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).
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!
Chaplaincy
The Chapel is open every day for quiet reflection.
You can find the Chaplaincy team in room B209, all faiths & no faiths are welcome!
There are lots of enrichment activities that you can get involved in via the Chaplaincy, read more about these here.
If you would like to follow any of Chaplaincy's social media accounts - the links are below.
KEY CONTACTS
Marian Curran Principal
Steve Clayson Vice Principal (Curriculum, Quality & Innovation)
Alexandra Moruzzi Vice Principal (Student Experience & Progression)
Vicki Haigh Head of Pedagogy, Professional Development and Innovation
Shane Blackshaw Executive Finance Director
Laura Howe-Haysom Head of Safeguarding & Support Services
Ross Stone Exam Officer
Sarah Hinder Finance Manager
Claire Woodhouse Attendance Officer
