Colleagues from BCCS and St Katherine's School hosted the 8th Community Iftar on Monday 25th March. A wonderful Ramadan Sharing Festival centered around the theme "The Power of Community".

Guest speakers included Rizwan from Bristol Muslim Cultural Society, Shamil from Babassa and Islamic Relief and Ron Mendel from Jewish Voices for Peace. They spoke about the importance of community on local and international levels and our role as Global Citizens. Dr Norah El Gohary shared some insightful and thought provoking poems from Palestinian students who attend Bristol Cathedral Choir School.

Mrs Gill, Deputy Head of House

This term’s newsletter update is coming to you from the gardens of Trinity Hall, Cambridge, where I have accompanied four wonderful Year 12 students on an overnight residential visit as part of the HE+ Programme. I am pleased to say that, unlike last year, there were no arguments at waking up time and the students are currently touring King’s College as I write this note.

It’s been a lovely trip, one of several enrichment opportunities that have taken place this term: as well as visiting speakers from the RAF, a FIFA data analyst, and talks on career opportunities in the space industry and with the National Grid, students have also been on a marketing trip to Cadbury’s World, on a day-long visit to the University of the West of England for a taster of university life, had a visit from the Director of Admissions at Trinity Hall, Cambridge to talk about applying for elite universities and are also look forward to a visit to Exeter College, Oxford in Term 5. We have been busy!

But before they get to university, there is the small matter of exams and this will now be at the forefront of the mind of every student in Year 13. As I keep reminding them - slightly ominously, but you’ve got to create a sense of urgency! - each day we tick closer to that first summer A Level exam (Geography on May 16th, 24 school days at the last count), so every single day, every lesson, every study period and every session of independent revision matters. We’re in the end game now, and it’s time for Year 13 to step up and fulfil their enormous potential. 

For our vocational subjects, exam results from January are already in and it’s been a hugely satisfying and impressive set of outcomes. Due to the nature of the BTEC qualifications, we are now able to confidently project final grades, bar those who will be resitting past exams in the summer. The students have done brilliantly and should be very proud, with special praise going to both Ms Wilsher and Mrs Shephard for masterfully guiding these students over the last couple of years - two exceptional colleagues who I know the students are very grateful to have in their corner. 

Year 13 - the next couple of months are going to be tough, some of the toughest of your life. But if you work hard, dig in and do yourself justice, you are going to be so glad you did this time next year when you’re approaching the end of your first year at uni, in an apprenticeship or in employment. Give it your all and you’ll be grand. 

Have a great Easter break. See you on the other side,

Mr Davies, Head of Sixth Form

As we approach the end of term 4, there is still lots of activity in the House Championship that won't be decided until the very last day of term. However, as I write this, with three days to go before our Easter break, I know that everyone will be motivated to do their best because the race to be House Champions 2024 is tight.

Stephenson, once again are in the lead and earned 200 points for finishing first in this term's ethos competition which was punctuality. We expect all students to show respect, resilience and responsibility by arriving at lessons on time. Therefore we recognise the importance of punctuality by making it such an important competition in our schedule. 

The spring sports inter house competitions have been in full swing this week and students have turned out to give their best for their house. These events really help cement a sense of belonging as students from different tutor groups come together to represent their house.

This term's sporting calendar has included football and hockey - the results for these are yet to be decided but students have also had the opportunity to try something different too. Junior Boccia for example which Turing won with Pankurst in second place, Yousafzai in third and Stephenson in fourth. Also Ninja Warrior which saw a win for Stephenson with Turing in second place, Pankhurst in third and Yousafzai in fourth.

Our Fun Fix Friday competitions included memorising Pi to the most digits (a win for Yousafzai) activities around World Book Day (Pankhurst were victorious here) and a quiz with an International Women's Day theme. Pankhurst, perhaps somewhat unsurprisingly given their icon's life work, took the win.

So with the accelerated reader and reading log results to come along with the final sports competitions of the week, it is still all to play for. Just 42 points separate first and second place and a lead this narrow could be overturned in the final days of term as the results roll in. 

Mrs Crocker, Assistant Headteacher

My optimism about the end of the miserable weather that I expressed in my last newsletter entry proved to be misplaced and like many of us I am slightly disappointed that there hasn't been more sun over the last few weeks! Nonetheless we soldier on!

In terms of the House Championship it has been slightly disappointing to see Pankhurst drop to fourth place after dropping points in the Ethos competition around lateness. Whilst many many students led the way with 100% punctuality over the course of the term it was the tardiness of a handful of students which cost us a higher score, which is a shame as we did much better than this in Term 1 when we had the same competition.

There were some positives to cheer about however including achieving first place in the International Women's day quiz (Emmeline would have been proud!), finishing first in the World Book Day quiz, finishing second in the Boccia competition and third in the Pi competition. Well done to all who entered and helped us gain valuable points. We are only 12 points off Yousafzai in third and with some house sports results still to come in at time of writing we could still finish the term in third place.

It's worth acknowledging the top ten praise earners for last term and they are: Monty Winfield (163), Lily Ackerman-Rice (150), Emma Matthews (143), Henry Marsh (142), Lennie Lloyd (139), Zac Evans (138), Melissa Cardoso (138), Max Forristal (137), Ria Scanlan (136) and Bess Greenacre (133). It's going to be really close this year with all Houses still in with a chance of first place, although Turing with their sporting ability are slight favourites. 

I'm looking forward to the Easter holiday and the opportunities this brings to pause and regather before going again next term. 

Mr Murdoch, Head of Pankhurst House

As the daffodils begin to bring some color to the site, the blossom is in full bloom and the snowdrops litter the floor, we look ahead to a bright spring term for Stephenson House.

With our year 11 students from Ms Hughes’ class deep into the mock season, we have not had our normal Tuesday assemblies. However, we did make time to say farewell to our 11S students. From next term they will be focussing on GCSE revision, progress and pathways. To mark this I interviewed our house leaders, Abdi and Oli, in front of the house. They were superb in their reflections and had one, crystalline piece of advice for our students, “Your time at St Katherine’s flies by. Make the most of it.” Wise words from two exceptional young men. 

With my English teacher hat on I always focus on how Stephenson students are faring in the reading competitions. It delights me to welcome Jack Weston (8S1), Elsa Thorp (8S1) and Freddie Hayes (8S2) to the elite group of students that have read over a million words so far this year. We also have a new reading superstar in our midst; Jarra Touray in 7S has successfully quizzed eleven reading books in Term four. That’s almost two a week. Well done Jarra! Not to forget Eve Ward in 8S2 who has successfully quizzed nine books this term. Literacy and a love of reading is the key to unlocking all elements of academic and personal development. I am proud to have such a strong team of bookworms in my house.

The ethos contest for this term has been based on student punctuality to lessons. We know, now more than ever, how vital it is to cherish every minute of every lesson. If a student were to be five minutes late to five lessons a week, they would miss the equivalent of three weeks of school across the year. I am very proud to say that the average Stephenson student has arrived late to just 4.5 lessons across an entire six week term. Thus, we have won the ethos competition for Term 4. This comes with 200 points in the house championship and puts Stephenson House back into the overall lead. Well done and thank you Stepheson students for your dedication and diligence. Keep it up!

The last two weeks of term have seen the Spring house sport competitions. These have included hockey, football, boccia and ninja warrior. Whilst the results are yet to arrive on my desk, I have it on good authority that our year 7 boys won the house football contest, with our girls coming second in the hockey competition. Well done to 7S for fielding such a strong side. Such a prescient reminder that the most important thing is that everyone takes part. We have also taken first place in the ninja warrior competitions. 

As our house motto says, “From adversity comes progress.” So, it is through the challenges we face as a team that build our community for the future. 

Enjoy a peaceful Easter break.

Mr Court, Head of Stephenson House 

The Easter Holidays are upon us, which can only mean the end of Term 4! We are two thirds of the way through the school year, where has the time gone? It also means that our wonderful Year 11 Turing students have one final full term with us. A special ‘well done’ to 11T and the rest of the Year 11 cohort for completing their final set of mocks exams. I know that through their continued ‘determination’ and working in ‘unity’ with their teachers, they will put themselves in the best possible position for their final GCSE exams.  

The House “Core Values” are central to the recognition of achievement. They should be the driving force behind everything that house members do in school. It gives true meaning to the students who perform so well in these identified areas. Here are the fantastic achievements by Turing Students.

At St Katherine’s School we recognise and celebrate literacy. It empowers individuals to access and understand information, enabling them to make informed decisions about their lives. Literacy lays the foundation for learning across all subjects and disciplines, from basic arithmetic to advanced scientific concepts. It is therefore fantastic to see that Turing students have made significant progress in the house reading competitions. Turing students have read 5,255,193 words which takes us to second place in the Accelerated Readers Competition. 

Although we are moving in the right direction and are in joint second place with Yousafzai, there is still work to do to catch up with Stephenson House who have read 6,376,168 words. With the Easter Holidays upon us, students need to continue to read the minimum of 20 minutes a day. Remembering that literacy is not merely the ability to read and write but a cornerstone of their development and essential for individual empowerment.

Spring Term Inter House sports competitions focussed on football and hockey. Turing students displayed commitment, team work, unity and fair-play across all year groups whilst having the highest numbers representing a house this term. Thank you to everyone who has stepped up from Boccia to Ninja Warrior to the Spring Sport Competitions! 

However, the sporting highlight across the four year groups must go to both the Year 9 Turing boys football team and girls hockey team for finishing first place. In previous competitions over the years, despite high participation, the teams often came in the lower end of the table. This year displayed true Turing spirit and showed a commitment to each other whilst showing true sportsmanship. Well done!

As a result of the efforts of all of those who participated, Turing House has found themselves in a very credible third place. The aim for the Summer Term should be to turn this into a second place or higher. 

“The strength of the team is each member ………The strength of each member is the team”

 Another remarkable sporting feat worth noting is the impressive partnership of Daniel Stewart and Liam Davies in the Ninja Warrior competition. Their athletic prowess was prominently showcased, resulting in a second-place finish. But special recognition is due to Daniel Stewart (10T1) for setting a new school record time! 

I am pleased to announce that Turing House has made significant improvements in the punctuality House ethos competition this term in comparison to the same competition at the end of Term 1 from finishing in fourth place to a commendable second at the end of Term 4. Our focus on student punctuality to lessons has truly paid off. In a time where every minute of learning counts more than ever, we appreciate the importance of cherishing each moment in the classroom. On average, a Turing student has been late to just 4.9 lessons over the entire six-week term. This demonstration of dedication to their learning and punctuality secured Turing House a further 150 points in the House Championship. However, with Stephenson House taking the top spot in this whole school house competition with Stephenson students on average being late to 4.5 lessons, it has meant that Stephenson have reclaimed the overall lead. 

I am proud to highlight our Tremendous Turing students for their outstanding demonstration of the core values of Unity, Acceptance and Determination during this term. The individuals listed below have exemplified these values through their commendable attitude and behaviour throughout the term, setting a remarkable example for all students at St. Katherine’s. Congratulations to each of you mentioned below for your commendable efforts

• 7T: Adele Lacey, Bruce Malnas, Alfie Simmonds, Phoebe Charlewood and Alex Lincoln.
• 8T1: Billy Watson, Otto Penn, Jude Lusher, Jasper Leung and Tom Hillitt.
• 8T2: Aariz Zafar, Jacob Huey and Lara Bray.
• 9T: Levi Faulks, Eli O’Donnell, Faria Azim, Hamdi Mohamed Abdi and Jake Robson.
• 10T1: Jay-Jay Lincoln, Cerys Vosiey, Bella Norman and Rudy Gardner.
• 10T2: Samuel Nmai, Jack Burbridge and Jack Atkins.
• 11T: Keir Sutton, Roary Gallagher, Keysar Yahya, Alice Clarke and Evie Roberts.

Finally, but certainly not least, we commend the Magnificent Termly Turing students. Throughout Term 4, these students have consistently exhibited one or more of Turing's core values (Unity, Acceptance and Determination). Their unwavering attitude and behaviour serve as exemplary models for all students at St. Katherine’s. Congratulations to the following individuals:

• 7T: Eesha Glen-Sawlani - Eesha has shown a commitment to her lessons and contributes to the wider school community. Eesha is thoughtful and considerate and sets a shining example for how a Year 7 should act. Keep up the excellent work!
• 8T1: Otto Penn - Otto is always working hard in class and brings a great attitude everyday. He is thoughtful and respectful to others and has gained a100% behaviour ratio.
• 8T2: Elsa Fiedor - For always trying her best. Being respectful of her peers and teachers and having a 100% behaviour ratio!
• 9T: Faria Azim - Being a brilliant member of the school community and always considering the needs of other students. Faria sets a fantastic example to us all about what it means to genuinely look out for members of the community.
• 10T1: Grace Jenkins - Grace is a model student who takes pride in both her class work and homework. She shows kindness and support to everyone around her and is always the first to offer help.
• 10T2: Eliza Hillett - Eliza has demonstrated remarkable academic maturity in their approach to their GCSEs, displaying a steadfast commitment to learning and a proactive attitude towards their studies.
• 11T: Eve Osborn - Eve has consistently applied herself to her lessons this term. She has worked hard to understand her weaknesses and this has paid off with a strong set of mock results. Her determination to improve and resilience in taking on board the feedback of her teachers is an example to others. Well done!

Wishing everyone a restful Easter break and I am looking forward to Turing House returning to school for Term 5 with renewed enthusiasm and energy to tackle the upcoming challenges. Anticipation is already building for the Term 4 Turing Celebration Assembly scheduled for the first week of Term 5!

Mrs Price, Head of Turing House

There has been some big changes to the Yousafzai set up this term with year 11 students taking the time to focus on their mocks and their upcoming exams. They are now spending this time with their tutor rather than assembly. We therefore said a Yousafzai goodbye to them at the beginning of the term. I interviewed four year 11 students about their time at St Katherine's and how it will make a difference to their future and how being in Yousafzai house has made a difference to them. These students were Mae Kingston, Theeban Mahesan, Oscar Pearson and Ikran Issa - they did an amazing job and totally inspired us with their aspirations for their life. 

We’ve had a middling performance in terms of the house competition this term. We’ve come in third with the house ethos competition of punctuality - it’s 100 points for the house but the winner gets 200. We had a stellar performance for the Pi competition which we won - I had no doubt as I know there are some exceptional students who know it to 100 digits! We’ve had a fair performance in some of the house sport with boccia and the cube. More house sport results to follow - I know the year 10 boys won their football games which is excellent! It’s always so brilliant seeing all the Yousafzai students so enthusiastic and strategy planning.

Yousafzai students have been busy quizzing their books and almost had the most books quizzed - Stephenson just pipped us to the post. A huge shout out to Eveyln Collin, Amelie Payne and Fleur Bennerson who became reading millionaires since January - a huge achievement - well done. All this means that we currently sit in third position - but only just! Pankhurst are close behind us and so lots of work to do next term.

Thank you as always for the support from the parents/carers of Yousafzai students - it makes a huge difference when we work together to ensure the best for our young people. And a big thank you to all the students who make Yousafzai what it is - those who work hard, try their best, push through adversity and treasure their education like a diamond! 

I hope you all have a restful break and for those that celebrate it - a Happy Easter.

Miss Andrews, Head of Yousafzai House

• 15 April: Students in school for Term 5
• 19 April: D of E Bronze overnight camp
• 23 April: Year 9 Meningitis vaccinations
• 23 April: Year 7 Virtual Progress Evening
• 25 April: Coffee with the Headteacher
• 01 May: Culture Day
• 04 May: D of E Bronze oractice walk
• 06 May: Bank Holiday
• 09 May: Public examinations begin
• 18-19 May: D of E Silver practice expedition
• 24 May: End of Term 5
• 03 June: Students in school for Term 6

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)