What a way to kick off the post-Covid St Katherine’s theatre era! Alongside the visually stunning backdrops, the orchestra took the audience through the vast array of heartfelt solos and high-energy ensembles, bolstered by the brilliant singing and dancing of the chorus. 

The cast put on a spectacular first night, with some standout performances from the leads. Hetty (Sandy) and Jack (Danny) led the cast in wonderful renditions of classics like ‘Summer Nights’, ‘Hopelessly Devoted’, ‘Sandy’ and ‘You’re The One That I Want’, effortlessly showing the audience why they had been chosen as Sandy and Danny. Morgan’s iconic and incredibly true-to-life portrayal of Kenickie had the audience in stitches throughout, and fitted perfectly with India’s feisty characterisation of Pink Lady leader, Rizzo.

Mentions must also go to the outstanding vocal talents of Olivia (Marty), Leo (Doddy) and Ohemaa (Johnny Casino), all of whom performed with spirit and passion. Let’s not forget the witty performances of Naomi (Miss Lynch), Jess (Frenchy), Isobel (Patty) and Amelie (Cha-Cha), all of whom played their roles with authenticity and enthusiasm. No-one could have missed the addition of the Teen Angel, played by Stephenson’s very own Mr Thomas, who delighted us with his sparkly jacket and impressive voice! The whooping from the crowd during ‘Beauty School Dropout’ was predictably deafening. 

Perhaps the highlight of the show was seeing the true enjoyment of the cast, who were clearly loving every minute of being on stage. A brilliant way to end the term and usher in 2023.

Miss Oram, Literacy Intervention Mentor

Year 7 students have been working really hard on the winter songs project during their term 2 music lessons. Students composed their own musical and lyric ideas around a number of winter themes. Music staff then combined these musical and lyric ideas to create five new and original winter songs. All of Year 7 worked really hard to learn the songs during their music lessons. 

A special mention to the students whose musical or lyric ideas were chosen to be used in the songs:

Esme Toto, Adam Alshaekhley, Sam Furniss, Amelia Jay, Max Bhambri-Lyte, Ronnie Venn, Eddie Handcock, Imogen Slee, Rufus Wookey, Charlie Derrick, Jacob Skentelbery, Emily Paginton, Elsie Caton, Elsa Thorp, Mia Hovell, Otto Penn, Elsa Fiedor, James Buschenfeld, Sophia Wilkinson, Otto Badddeley, Isabelle Turner

The five songs were:

• Christmas Is ……..
• The Elf On The Shelf
• Winter Ice, Winter Snow
• Season of Light
• Christmas Time Is Here

On Wednesday 7th December the whole of Year 7 came together to perform these songs, accompanied by a band of professional musicians. Year 7 students worked really hard all day; it was amazing to hear all 180 students performing together and made us all realise how much we have missed live music. They received a warm and positive response from the audience; so much so that they did an encore! 

A special mention to the following soloists who performed with confidence and conviction:

Freya Smith, Evie Sell, Elsa Thorp, Jahan Hussain, Emily Brosa, Ryan Taylor, Adam Alshaekhley, Louis Bulmer, Max Bhambri-Lyte, Lucas Farley, Mia Hovell, Maddison Lovett

And also to the following student musicians who supported by playing in the band:

Oli Hostler (Y10), Felix Huertas (Y9), Evelyn Staley (Y9) on drums, Leah Wardingley (Y11) on French horn

My huge personal thanks to:

Chris Kendall (for writing 2 of the songs and teaching them to all his classes), Lauren Collins (for supporting with staging and logistics), Andi Nicholls (for writing 1 of the songs and playing the piano in the band), Rob Davies (for playing bass guitar in the band) and Luna Hammersley (for supporting with sound).

If your son/daughter enjoyed being involved in this project please encourage them to come along to choir on a Monday morning in room 26. 

Merry Christmas!

Miss Adams, Head of Music

As I write, tutor groups are frantically transforming their classrooms into a range of festive fantasy lands and grotesque grottos in preparation for what has now become a staple: the Tutor Base Festive Decoration Competition. Each year, the standard gets higher and the students get more competitive (last year featured both a living, breathing nativity scene, and a postmodern satire of consumerism), and I cannot wait to take on the responsibility of lead judge again tomorrow. 

This has been, as ever, a packed and busy term, with so much going on I’ll almost certainly forget half of it! One interesting thread which has emerged is that of Martial Arts. Our weekly enrichment sessions have seen the Common Room explode into life with a fantastic beginners’ Martial Arts course, delivered by an experienced and enthusiastic external instructor. One of the participants, however, was not quite a beginner: Year 12 student Tyrese Hartley recently retained his title as a Tae Kwon Do world champion for a third time. What a remarkable achievement. 

Enrichment has taken a range of forms this term, including some superb outside speakers: from Becky Nattress, lead sports therapist for the Bristol Bears, telling us about her fascinating rise, to Adam Root, founder of the burgeoning microplastics filtration company Matter talking about business and environmentalism; to law firm Michelmores routes into Law careers with Year 12. We continue to do all we can to offer our students a broad and holistic insight into what their futures could look like.  

Another brilliant December staple is the trip to Harry Potter World, and despite some initial hiccups (ahem - having to arrange a replacement coach at a moment’s notice), Mrs Weatherson managed to work some magic, and Year 12 and 13 media students had an unforgettable day. 

Year 13 have also been finalising the UCAS process, with the vast majority now having sent off their applications, and a couple of stragglers hoping to send them off in the first week of January. The earlier the application, the earlier the offers start to flow in, and this has been the case for many of our students. The interview process for Oxford, Cambridge and Medicine applications has been ongoing, with students completing both mock and real interviews this term. Fingers crossed for some more good news!

A letter has been sent home to parents and carers this week regarding our upcoming January exams. While it is, of course, hugely important to spend time with friends and family over the coming weeks, these vital assessments take the form of both internal mocks (year 13) and externally assessed vocational exams (Year 12 and Year 13). Students must ensure they are making time to prepare thoroughly for these, in between mince pies. 

Wishing you a restful - but purposeful - break. Take care.

Mr Davies, Head of Sixth Form

Enormous congratulations to Stephenson House who continue to lead the House Championship and finish term 2 in first place. Mr Thomas began this academic year by setting staff and students in Stephenson House the challenge of retaining the House Championship after having won the trophy last year. We all know that maintaining excellence is far harder than achieving it once so the road ahead is a difficult one, but Stephenson House have put themselves in the best possible position to retain the title this academic year. The other Heads of House are determined for this not to happen and are in hot pursuit of Stephenson's lead in the House Championship Competition.

The ethos competition in term 2 is always attendance. These dark, cold days make it harder for some to come to school every day and therefore it is this time of year that we choose to focus on the importance of being resilient and coming to school every day. Tutors and Heads of House have spent this term promoting the importance of regular attendance to school and the competition for which house had the best attendance was very close. In the last week, the lead changed hands twice but in the end Stephenson House beat Turing House to take the top spot. This win for Stephenson stretched their lead over the other three houses.

We have just concluded the winter sports competition and have seen hundreds of students taking part and representing their house. There were some superb individual and team performances but the overall result has Stephenson House in first place with Yousafzai House in second place, Pankhurst in third and Turing in fourth. 

Our reading competitions are an important feature of the House Championship and we currently have three competitions that celebrate literacy and a love of reading. Stephenshon House won the reading log competition, Pankhurst House won the accelerated reader competition and Turing won the reading bucket list competition.

Everyone is feeling very Christmassy in school in the lead up to the holidays and the Christmas card competition has allowed us to celebrate students' artistic talents with some beautiful designs being put into print. Turing House won the Christmas card competition with Stephenson House in second place, Pankhurst in third and Yousafzai in fourth. Pankhurst House won the Christmas decorations competition and Mr Murdoch now has a beautifully made festive goat to hang on his tree. 

There are more opportunities for students to express their artistic ability in the winter photography competition which is running over the Christmas holidays and we have had some incredible entries so far.

So, once again congratulations to Stephenson House. With a third of the academic year behind us their lead is impressive but they are by no means out of reach and we will look forward to the new year to see if Stephenson can be caught. 

As Head of Pankhurst House it has continued to be a real pleasure to see our year 7 settling in so well. They have an exceptional behaviour record and have made a really full effort to contribute to the life of the House, entering and winning a number of the satellite competitions. Their tutor Miss Robinson and I are really proud of them setting the standard for the rest of the House to follow. They were real contenders for tutor group of the term for the second term running but were just pipped by 8P1 who deserved the accolade for their consistent efforts to remain at the top of their year group, being pushed hard by 8P2.

Leading the way in terms of praises are the following students who were the top ten praise earners for Pankhurst House this term: Seb Hutchins-Davies 221; Mckenzie Daniel 161; Alexa Barnard 156; Victor Furdal 150; Isabell Britton 144; Emily Sell 141; Morgan Temple 138; Ben Anderson 133; Solomon Shilton 130; Mavis Tsang 130. An excellent effort from all of them to set a really high bar for others to try and match, especially important next term as the ethos competition revolves around the praise negative proportion.

We have had some success in some of the House competitions. In the autumn and winter sport competition we were proud of our year 8 boys and year 9 girls who finished 1st in both competitions helping us finish 2nd overall in the autumn sports and 3rd overall in the winter competition. We won the pumpkin carving competition with an excellent effort from the students of 7P and we also showed our creative talents by winning the christmas tree decoration competition with a superb effort from Arlo Edwards in 7P. I'm looking forward to seeing how we do in the bake off competition and the winter photography competition when the winners are announced next term. As always we are pleased to see Pankhurst leading the way in the Accelerated Reader Competition which is something we regularly win.

I'm looking forward to a restful holiday and wish everyone peace and happiness over the two week break.

Mr Murdoch, Head of Pankhurst House

As usual term 2 has proved to be action packed for students and staff in Stephenson House and it is lovely to reflect on some of their achievements.

Last term we finished in 3rd place in the house championship and after last year's triumph this was slightly disappointing as I challenged our house for term 2 to think about the ‘power of we’ and working together as a team to be the best version of ourselves.

I can honestly say that Stephenson House has responded to this brilliantly and we finish term 2 back at the top of the house championship. Largely thanks to finishing first in the ethos competition for the best attendance which was a close run competition between us and Turing House. I am pleased that Stephenson House has the best attendance and we regularly talk in assembly about being in school as much as we can and getting the best out of their education.

It is also lovely to see students involved in other house competitions such as the christmas card designing where we finished 2nd thanks to some amazing designs from Emmie Bobby, Izzy Healy-Hart and Lily Stenning.

As always students in the house immersed themselves in house sport and we finished at the end of term top of the sport championship as well. This is a testament to our house captains for putting teams out and representing Stephenson. Highlights were the year 7 boys winning the rugby and the year 8 girls winning the netball as well as five 2nd place finishes.

Reading continues to be a strength of ours as a house and we topped the charts for reading logs. I am always really impressed when I visit tutor groups each day and see how good students are with DEAR and I know tutors play a big part in this process to ensure students are well read.

Students in the house continue to represent our RED values and be the best version of themselves. Below are the Stephenson stars for this term and it is privilege to award these at the end of each week;

• 7S1: Elsa Thorp, Olive Merrin, Elsa Thorp, Adam Alshaekhley, Jayden Webb.
• 7S2: Beau Grace, Riley Talbot.
• 8S: Vesper Peate, Katie Buschenfield, Maisie Thorn, Kieran Lyne.
• 9S1: Charlie Threlfall, Victoria Reid, Lily Stenning, Tehseen Ahmed, Sasha Lynch.
• 9S2: Otis Burnett, Arley Stenning, Reuben Hawkesby, Scarlet Lewis, Corey Walters.
• 10S: Noah Bulmer, Jack Palmer-Givan, Evie Sherwood, Marwan Culusow, Reuben Peacock.
• 11S1: Joe Crawford, Noah Pearson, Ellie Baker, Ahmad Ramadan, Alice Brochot-Sharpe.
• 11S2: Archie Woolnough, Angel Chinn, Mason McIver, Jess Carey, Sekvan Tuncel.

I finish by wishing you all a relaxing festive break and hope you manage time spending it with families and friends. I would also like to thank all parents/carers for their continued support with our young people.

Mr Thomas, Head of Stephenson House 

Term 2 is always a really busy period in the school calendar. As the festive time of year draws closer, I wanted to share with you the amazing and inspirational achievements of Turing House members.

Turing students and the house as a whole constantly remind me of their individual and team achievements. House members consistently demonstrate unity in everything that is done. As Head of House, I am the proud leader of this close knit community which is supported by the amazing Tutor Team and House Leaders, Teagan Davidson and Hope Roberts.

During November Year 11 students were very busy with mock examinations. They are to be commended for their application and perseverance in preparation for the exams. What was really inspiring was to see the year group's continued involvement in House activities during this busy time. I wish all Year 11 a well-earned break over the holidays. 

On the whole-house front, a combined effort by staff members and the students themselves, saw  Term 2 attendance reach an amazing 100% for 83 pupils! This is fantastic and demonstrates real determination, well done.

This term’s Tremendous Weekly Turings, all 48 students have been recognised by their tutor for often achieving personal goals, reflecting and making improvements in behaviour or attendance, but in many cases, consistently demonstrating outstanding behaviour or perseverance. For whatever reason you receive your tutor’s Tremendous Turing, well done! 

• 7T: Erin Whitfield, Amelia Taylor, Amelia Jay, Ziggy Gardner, Lili Solymosi, Amber Curthoys.
• 7T2: Oscar Warren, Walter Rogers, Milly Matthews, Phoebe Walker Norweg, Phia Hawkes, Elsa Fiedor.
• 8T: Artie Cunningham, Sam Oakman, Oscar Thomas, Ayesha Bambrough, Eleana Antonio, Farira Azim.
• 9T1: Anaiya Brady, Marcus Perry, Miko Botta, Ellie Stallard, Alex Caveille, Leyton Jarrett.
• 9T2: Lola Bambrough, Eva Stojalowski, Erin Reeves, Bella Perales-Morris, Oliver Morgan, Ella Bartozsky.
• 10T: Costantinos Antonio, Sofia Hawkesby, Riley Bristol, Daisy Finlan, Ruby Tucker-Lukaszewski, Roary Gallagher.
• 11T: Damian Zaru, Hope Roberts, Dan Millward, Patrik Miles, Yahye Caraye, Tom Stancliffe.
• 11T2: Leo Oakman, Isaac Bowers, Maddy Thomas, Sorren Williams, Hannah Lange, Paige Welsby.

The Magnificent Termly Turings for Term 2 are the students who have consistently demonstrated one or more of the core values of Turing (Unity, Acceptance and Determination) and sustained this over the whole of Term 2. Their resilience is an example to all other students, not just in the Turing community,  but also at St Katherine’s. Well done to:

• 7T1: Jago Palmer-Bewley - For always consistently working hard, being kind and helpful, and having the highest number of praise points this term as well as no negatives.
• 7T2: Skye Hooper - Skye has been doing a great job this term - from upholding the responsibilities of being tutor representative to becoming involved in the musical. Skye has been very resilient this term and I am confident in her continuing to succeed and strive next term!  
• 8T: Noah Roberts - Noah is that rare creature: a questioner. He always asks questions to further his learning. Obviously, this is always done in the most enthusiastic, polite and respectful way. A true Turing legend!
• 9T1: Will Juchau Nash - Will is and always has been a well respected member of our tutor group. He embodies our house values each and every day whilst also motivating others to do the same.
• 9T2: Lucas Whitfield - For making huge strides forward this year. I am really proud of the progress you have made and how responsible you have become. This has been demonstrated in the excellent way you have taken on the role of sports captain. A quiet member of the team who just gets on with it.
• 10T: George Wilkinson: George shows a willingness to get involved in tutor activities - volunteering to be a tutor representative and getting involved in House Sport. George has also shown a determination and resilience to do well as he starts his GCSE year.
• 11T1: Emily Earle: For her hard work and commitment to the Grease musical, whilst tackling the challenges of mocks this term. Well done Emily!
• 11T2: Colten Sell: It has been really lovely to see how Colten has settled in to St Katherine's. He's a really valued member of our tutor group and has made a fantastic impression in a really short space of time.

I am so pleased for all of you, please be very proud of your achievement. 

The below named students are the highest Turing praise earners from each tutor group. These students have shown what can be achieved by contributing to school life through both the academic and wider curriculum.

• 7T1: Erin Whitfield - 145
• 7T2: Walter Rogers - 157 
• 8T: Emily James - 128
• 9T1: William Juchau-Nash - 121
• 9T2: Luke James - 124
• 10T: Evie Roberts - 89
• 11T1: Damian Zaru - 69
• 11T2: Leo Oakman 77

Finally, I would like to move onto a summary of the house competitions this term. 

First the Winter Card Competition, and a thank you to Leo Oakman who received first place in Turing House, followed by Elsa Fiedor in second and Skye Hooper and Aiden Butler in third place. When compared to the other four houses, we were placed in a commendable second place! Thank you to all those who took the time to create a card and support the house.

As a Head of Turing House I always take pride in the fact that we unite as a house and manage to have a team in every competition, something that the other four houses have not managed to do this term. It is the Turing students’ demonstration of our house value, unity, that  I am most proud of. #TeamTuring

Now to the breakdown of all the house competitions this term and where our points have been awarded.

As always, the house competition that has the greatest impact on our position is the ethos competition. In this competition we gained 150 points by coming second. In the overall house competition we are currently second place, 11 behind Stephenson. 

The key elements to shaping a leading position in the house competition standings are:-

• Winning the house ethos competition
• Entering full teams in the winter (and spring) house sport competitions
• Lower years quizzing their books
• Recording their reading logs
• Participation in other house competitions

So Turing House, a competition isn’t a competition without a fight, so let’s step up the pace, show the best of ourselves, because….. ‘The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team’

Last but not least, may I take this opportunity to wish you and your families a wonderful Christmas break, and myself and the Turing Tutors will look forward to welcoming students back on Wednesday 4 January 2023! 

Mrs Price, Head of Turing House

I can’t believe where this term has gone and that the Christmas holidays are already upon us! As a house we have been focusing on the fact that other people exist in our assemblies. What we mean by this is recognising that it is very easy to think of ourselves and our own needs but we have been reflecting on what it means to think of others and consider others needs above our own…which can be very difficult a lot of the time! We have been thinking about taking the time to consider the consequences of our words and actions to help us consider what we say and do to ensure that we can be kind to all people. 

There have been lots of competitions going on this term with more results to come in. The big ethos competition has been attendance. We have taken the hit this term due to a lot of illness and so have ended third in the competition. As ethos competitions are the most weighted competitions in terms of points, it means that we are now third overall in the house championship. There has been lots of house sport going on this term with dodgeball, benchball, netball and rugby. We are hugely proud of our year 9 students who did a superb job in both netball and rugby. Our great efforts across all year groups meant that we have finished second overall for house sport this term - a great achievement by all! 

We had some incredible entries into the Christmas card competition with the winner for Yousafzai House being Leo Thomas in 7Y - well done! James Drury came second and Phoebe Drane and Sam Gurr a joint third. A big thank you to all who put in an entry. We, as a house, have been pushing the need and importance for entering these competitions and simply having a go - please encourage your children to get involved as much as they can! I am hoping for lots of entries into the winter bake off and photography competition.

Our year 11 students have been working hard this term with their mocks. They impressed us hugely with their work ethic, attitude and resilience shown throughout the two week exam period. Two specific year 11 students who have been brilliant are our house leaders; Sienna Mcleary and Leah Wardingely. They speak every assembly and go round and support tutors where needed. They are a wonderful asset to Yousafzai House - thank you so much for all that you do! 

Thank you so much for your ongoing support with our students in Yousafazai House. They are a fantastic group of individuals who understand the ethos of our house. We are to be the best we can be, ensuring that we make the most of every opportunity that is given to us. 

I wish you all a lovely and restful break, and for those who celebrate it, a very Merry Christmas! 

Miss Andrews, Head of Yousafzai House

• Term 2 has seen the house sport competition really kick on with students representing their houses in benchball, dodgeball, netball and rugby competitions. There are 580 students in school who have contributed to at least one of the optional competitions already this year and we've seen lots of great sporting action. Stephenson have jumped from third to first after success in both autumn and winter events with the remaining houses looking to chase them down in the New Year.
• All four of our 7 and 8 sportshall athletics teams have qualified for the North Somerset Finals which will take place in January. Our teams have spent November and December practising and training hard ready for the qualification rounds which took place just last week. We are really excited about having the opportunity to grab one of the two sports that are available to represent North Somerset again at the West of England finals. Special mention to our Year 7 boys team who put in a dominant display in their first ever secondary competition!
• Huge congratulations should be given to every single one of the cross country runners who formed our 2022 school team. This special group of athletes ran superbly for the school to secure our best ever team finishing position for the last decade! Not only did we enjoy huge team success, several of our individuals are in contention for a place running for North Somerset at the Avon Schools Championships in the New Year. There's nothing better than seeing students digging deep into their reserves to produce something special out on the course. Special mentions to Heidi Martineau Year 8 (1st) and Oscar Warren Year 7 (2nd) who finished in the medal positions in their respective races!
• International sport is coming to St Katherine's in the New Year as we prepare to welcome the England U21 short mat bowls team. Lots of our students have had the opportunity to try this new school sport with a group of committed players arriving each Monday to practise and hone their skills. We're looking forward to welcoming the England team which is made up of players as young as 10 and as old as 17. We are excited to announce that we are holding an event at St Katherine's on Sunday 15 January giving members of our school community and the local area the chance to come and play, practise and compete with the England U21 team. You can register your interest by completing this form.
• Fixtures and matches have continued in earnest despite the rain and more recent cold weather! Girls and boys have been embroiled in netball, hockey, rugby, football and basketball action with lots of students enjoying their opportunity to represent the school. There are nearly 300 students who have earned themselves caps already this year and we're excited to see even more get involved after the Christmas holiday. A quick mention for our U13 and U16 boys who are still in the Somerset Cup. 
• As always you can read about the above as well as all of the fallout from a busy 7-week run into Christmas by signing up to our termly newsletter at bit.ly/skpenews.

Mr Cook, Head of PE

• 03 January: INSET DAY - School closed to students
• 04 January: Students in school for Term 3
• 11 January: Cookery workshop with Square Food Foundation
• 11 January: Year 10 Virtual Progress Evening
• 16 January: DofE Bronze/ Silver after school training
• 17 January: BBC/ Photo location trip
• 25 January: Year 11 Virtual Progress Evening
• 30 January: GCSE music students concert trip
• 06-08 February: Y12 Geography trip to Devon
• 08 February: Year 9 options evening
• 10 February: END OF TERM 3
• 20 February: Students in school for Term 4

We need examinations invigilators during exam seasons (including 'mocks') through the year. Hours are flexible between 8 am and 4 pm and can vary according to your availability and the examinations timetable. 

Contract: Casual, required as soon as possible.

For further information please contact Mrs Bean, Exams Officer. 

St Katherine’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post is subject to DBS Barred list and Enhanced Disclosure checks.

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)