Welcome to St Bede's website. St. Bede's is a traditional, orderly and successful school. Its staff makes demands on each and every pupil and they in turn enjoy the school's life, vitality and humanity.

Dear Parent,

Many of you are facing a difficult decision regarding the next phase in your child's education. In order to help you, the information within this prospectus may give you a flavour of what St Bede's has to offer parents who seek a sound academic education based on Christian values, within a secure environment.

At the heart of our school is the belief in the good news of the gospels as expressed through the Church. St Bede's is a worshipping community where the Eucharist, prayer and liturgies offer the chance for pupils and staff to express feelings of thanksgiving, petition, rejoicing and reflection based on a shared faith in Christ. It provides an education which is as concerned with formation as it is with information.

St. Bede's is recognised by the Government as a Beacon School which has an excellent local and regional reputation. It provides a calm and industrious environment in which each child is valued, stimulated and challenged to develop his/her talents to the full whatever the ability. We expect high standards from and for our pupils. They are encouraged to strive for excellence in all their activities. Achievement and effort are valued and celebrated within the school community.

St. Bede's is a successful mix of forward thinking and traditional values which we hope prepares pupils well for life after school. Both within and outside the classroom there are numerous activities provided, through which pupils are enabled to develop their self-worth, self-esteem, confidence and independence.

I hope what you read here encourages you to find out more about our school. If you want a good education for your child based on Christian values you will be pleased with what you find at St. Bede's.

C Hughes
Headteacher

SCHOOL AIMS

• To develop high self esteem within pupils which embodies Catholic values

• To secure and celebrate high achievement in all areas

• To provide pupils with learning opportunities which will enable them to be fully prepared for life after school

WITHIN ST BEDE'S

• Christian principles form the basis of the education given and decisions taken

• Regular and systematic instruction and education is given in the beliefs of the Catholic Church

• Catholic practices of prayer and worship form an integral part of school life

• Pupils are helped to develop tolerance and respect of other religions, races and ways of life

• Pupils have the equal right of entitlement to an appropriate and worthwhile education

• Pupils are provided with a range of educational activities

• A wide and varied definition of success is fostered which encourages both pupils' self esteem and self- resvect

• Opportunities for learning are offered in such a way as to ensure that all pupils are encouraged to give of their best academically, technically, physically and creatively

• Learning activities are embodied in a curriculum which offers breadth, balance, continuity, differentiation and progression.

ADMISSIONS
St Bede's is a Catholic Voluntary Aided school in which the Governing Body is in control of admissions.

Children baptised into the Roman Catholic faith will have the right of admission in accordance with the criteria outlined in the admissions policy enclosed with this prospectus. Children who are not Catholic but whose parents wish them to receive their education in a Catholic school and who can demonstrate that they will support the Catholic character of our school, will be admitted if space is available.

PARTNER PRIMARY SCHOOLS
Pupils transfer to St Bede's from the Catholic partner primary schools of St Bernard's, St Bonaventure's, St Mary's, SS Peter & Paul, St Teresa's, Our Lady of the Rosary, St Francis, Holy Family, St Joseph's and Corpus Christi. A number of Catholic children will transfer from non-partner primary schools. Strong pastoral and curriculum links exist between St Bede's and our partner schools. Staff meet on a regular basis to ensure a shared understanding of curriculum issues and ease transition between schools. Staff and Governor training opportunities are organised jointly for our schools. Many of our experienced staff will this year further develop those links through Beacon status.

Partner Primary Schools are located in the following areas:

CATHOLIC SIXTH FORM COLLEGE
At the age of sixteen pupils from St Bede's alongside those from other Catholic Schools within the diocese may transfer to St Brendan's Sixth Form College at Brislington. A full range of courses at all levels of ability is provided to meet the needs of young people aged 16 to 19. There is close liaison, including strong curricular links between St Bede's and St Brendan's Sixth Form College. Staff from St Brendan's attend meetings at St Bede's, hold briefings for parents and talk with pupils about post 16 opportunities at the College. Each year the majority of the pupils who leave St Bede's continue their studies and many of these follow AS and A2 courses at St Brendan's. These data show destinations of the 156 leavers for 2001

RELIGIOUS FORMATION
We have our own Chapel which is used for private prayer, reflection, liturgical services and tutor group masses. Holy Days of Obligation are celebrated with a whole school mass. Our chaplain visits each week to spend time with pupils and to say Mass. The main events of the Church year are marked with displays and liturgies. Morning prayer takes place in each tutor group with a thought for the day. Regular assemblies are held for all pupils, a number of whom are commissioned as Eucharistic ministers.

RETREATS
During the course of each school year we seek to provide retreat experiences and opportunities for prayer for all pupils. These might involve either a Day of Reflection organised within school or a residential experience at a retreat centre. Pupils in Years 10 and 11 are offered the opportunity of a three night residential retreat at Kintbury. These are very popular and can have a profound effect on deepening the personal faith of those who participate.

RELIGIOUS STUDIES
In addition to the breadth of experiences available, all pupils follow the Religious Education programme throughout their five years leading to the GCSE examination in Year Eleven. The course covers a broad range of topics exploring the beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church. Pupils study the teaching of Jesus, the Christian response to poverty in the modern world, the authority of the Bible, marriage and family life.

PASTORAL CARE
Pastoral care is fundamental to the success of St Bede's and is seen as the responsibility of every member of staff.

The school is organised on a horizontal year system of tutor groups. Pupils generally move through their five years with the same group and there is often continuity of tutors from Year Eight, when staffing allows for this. A head of year oversees each year group under the overall guidance of a deputy headteacher. St Bede's values the close liaison between heads of year and parents and the support given to the school in all matters relating to pupil care.

We see parents as our partners in the education of their child. The more closely we work together, the greater the benefit to the child. We welcome their involvement, we ask for their trust and co-operation in maintaining high standards of work and behaviour. Whenever concerns arise we ask that they come and talk with us as we find this the most effective way to resolve difficulties. The homework journal helps to maintain regular communication between home and school.

Uniform must be worn by all pupils. All items of uniform and personal equipment should be clearly marked with the owner’s name. The uniform, as identified below, may be purchased at our Uniform Shop.
   

Girls	Boys
Knee length mid-grey box-pleated skirt Y7&8 Knee length mid-grey straight for Years 9,10&11 (not made from stretch fabric) White shirt-style blouse buttoned to the neck Fine-knit ‘V’ neck pullover (navy with badge woven in) Black or navy tights/Black or white socks Tie Black flat shoes Outdoor garment – plain jacket	Charcoal grey plain formal trousers (no cords, jeans or ‘chinos’) White shirt (no polo shirts) Fine-knit ‘V’ neck pullover (navy with  badge woven in) Tie Black flat shoes Outdoor garment – plain jacket
For Summer, a short sleeved blouse/shirt of the same style may be worn All outdoor jackets should be plain, suitable for college and able to be carried in a school bag. Multicoloured, hoodies, leather or denim jackets are not acceptable. Trainers or boots are not permitted. Outdoor jackets must be removed once in the building. Pupils should wear full uniform on their journeys to and from college. Physical Education
Girls	Boys
Scarlet wrap-over games skirt White round-neck ‘T’ shirt (both embroidered with ‘St Bede’s’) White short socks Scarlet shadow strip shorts Trainers Football/hockey boots (optional) Navy blue fleece embroidered with ‘St Bede’s’	Scarlet/white reversible rugby jersey Scarlet shadow strip shorts Red football socks White short socks Football boots White round-neck ‘T’ shirt embroidered  with ‘St Bede’s’ Navy blue fleece embroidered with ‘St Bede’s’

For girls and boys navy track suit bottoms are desirable particularly for inclement weather and travelling to and from fixtures. No other coloured track suit bottoms may be worn.

HAIR STYLES
Hair should be tidy, of a reasonable length, no shorter than Number 2 on clippers. Extreme hair styles and fashion trends are never acceptable.

JEWELLERY
Pupils if they wish, may wear one stud in each ear. The only additional visible jewellery permitted is a watch. In the interest of Health & Safety, pupils are never allowed to wear hooked earrings, nose studs, facial jewellery or rings.

ITEMS OF EQUIPMENT
Every pupil should own and bring to college daily the following items of equipment: bag or rucksack, pencil case containing a pen, pencil, ruler, rubber, coloured pencils, calculator, Good News Bible (Years 10 and 11), dictionary, reading book. Pupils should also carry their timetable, homework diary, books needed for the day, PE equipment and Food Technology supplies when appropriate. Personal items should be marked with the owner’s name. Lockers are available within college for pupils’ use.

Valuable personal items such as personal stereos, MP3 players, mobile telephones and pagers must never be brought into college and St Bede’s will not accept responsibility for damage or loss of any such item. A failure to adhere to this request will result in such items being confiscated. Collection of these by parents at the college office can be arranged by appointment.

The college operates its own Uniform Shop. Please contact Mrs Mason in Reception (Telephone 0117 3772200) for opening times and procedures.

Bristol
Catholic pupils for whom St Bede’s is their designated school and who live more than three miles away, are eligible for free transport. This is provided either by a Local Education Authority organised coach or by means of a bus pass which can be used on public service buses. Four coach routes currently operate.
   

For those parents whose children are not entitled to free transport, a parent group organises a coach, payment for which can be made either termly in advance or by monthly standing order.

North Somerset
Catholic pupils who live more than three miles away from St Bede’s are entitled to free transport as long as they identify St Bede’s as their first choice school. Other parents may apply to the Local Education Authority for which payment must be made. These seats must be re-applied for on a termly basis and are not guaranteed. They will only be available if there is space on a particular route.

Coaches operate from: Weston-super-Mare (on two different routes), Clevedon, Nailsea, Pill, Easton-in-Gordano, Portbury and Portishead.

South Gloucestershire
Catholic pupils who live more than three miles away from school and for whom St Bede’s is the nearest Catholic school are eligible for free transport. South Gloucestershire does not provide transport to St Bede’s if pupils are closer to another Catholic Secondary School. Other parents may apply to the Local Education Authority for which payment must be made. These seats must be re-applied for on a termly basis and are not guaranteed. They will only be available if there is space on a particular route.

Three coach routes currently operate:
  

Route E	Little Stoke, Bradley Stoke, Patchway
Route P	Hallen, Pilning, Severn Beach
Route T	Bradley Stoke, Stoke Gifford, Filton

Parents should check their eligibility for free transport by telephoning the Admissions & Transport Unit at South Gloucestershire Council. They will then carry out the necessary calculations to check their entitlement. The contact people are Mr M Rosling or Mrs D Bird – Tel: 01454 863155 or 01454 863157 and they have said that individuals must ring them direct.

Public Services Buses operate from Clifton, Redland, Stoke Bishop, Sea Mills Shirehampton, Westbury-on-Trym and Henbury and there are are bus stops very near the college.

In whichever Authority you live, it is important that you complete the relevant transport forms and make your application as soon as an offer of a place has been made by Governors.

Detailed route schedules and further information may be obtained by contacting the college.

This information was correct on going to print. It is important that parents confirm their entitlement to transport with their respective authority once they have been given places at St Bede’s.

Term and Holiday Dates 2006-2007:

The following dates have been agreed for the 2006/07 school year:

• Term 1   Monday 04 September to Friday 20 October 2006
• Term 2   Wednesday 01 November to Tuesday 19 December 2006
• Term 3   Wednesday 03 January to Friday 16 February 2007
• Term 4   Monday 26 February to Wednesday 04 April 2007
• Term 5   Thursday 19 April to Friday 25 May 2007
• Term 6   Monday 04 June to Wednesday 25 July 2007
 

The times of the school day are as follows:

Click on the pointers above to read through the prospectus, or choose a topic from the index below to go straight there.

A range of curriculum opportunities is available to all pupils providing a broad and balanced education throughout the whole school experience. To read about the curriculum in more detail, please select a subject area from the drop-down menu above.

In the Lower School pupils are grouped in broad bands of ability for most subjects based on information received on performance. Movement may take place between bands where this is seen to be of benefit to the pupil. The Creative and Technology subjects are taught in mixed ability teaching groups throughout Key Stage 3. There is the facility to enable setting within some subjects as pupils move into Year Nine.

Within the Upper School, a number of subjects set pupils according to their ability within that discipline. Pupils generally study nine GCSE subjects. The opportunity exists to extend or moderate this, depending on the ability of the pupil. A wide range of GCSE's is on offer to all pupils. In addition, Royal Society of Arts (RSA), Certificate, Youth Award and .GNVQ courses are available.

A well-structured Staff development programme enables teachers to keep up to date with changes within their subjects and with teaching and learning strategies. St. Bede's has been recognised as a 'Investor in People' community.

English, Mathematics, Science and Religious Education are taught to all pupils to GCSE. They experience not only classroom lessons but many other enrichment activities in these disciplines.

Both History and Geography are taught from Year Seven with opportunities for pupils to develop project work, entertain interesting speakers, carry out field work and participate in trips related to their study.

CREATIVES

This area of the curriculum encompasses a range of creative subjects. Click on the links below for more details:
   

Art & Design	Music	Drama & Theatre Arts

ENGLISH

Click here to see examples of pupils' work in English

Core Modules Key Stage 3

There needs to be clear proof that the English curriculum fully delivers the requirements of the National Curriculum.

We are therefore aiming to develop schemes of work in each year group, which will provide a core common to all. These modules are designed to ensure that by the end of Key Stage 3 all key areas of the programmes of study have been covered.

The common core consists of:

Year 7	Bridging Project, myths and legends (text: The Clashing Rocks) and Shakespeare (text: The Tempest)
Year 8	Group reading module and Shakespeare (text: Romeo and Juliet)
Year 9	Group reading module and Shakespeare (texts: Macbeth and Twelfth Night)

As a pilot school involved in the National Literacy Strategy, we have now begun to introduce new units of work linked to the Framework of Objectives. These are being added to the existing core and includes literature-based units as well as non-fiction.

Key Stage 4

A media module is delivered during the GCSE course, as is a wider reading module. All teachers map out their KS4 courses jointly, ensuring that resources are shared and that adequate time is allocated to each aspect of the syllabus. Teachers may deliver one of the media or wider reading units already in existence (including a Great Expectations unit intended to stretch the more able) or generate their own.

HUMANITIES

Humanities encompasses the five subject areas of History, Geography, Information and Communications Technology, Business Studies and Leisure and Tourism. Click on the links below to find out more detail about each subject.
   

History	Geography	ICT	Business Studies	GCSE Leisure & Tourism

ICT

Computer Resources

The school has three computer suites all equipped with up-to-date hardware and software, running Windows 98. The computers are networked and each pupil has a unique user id and password to allow them access to this network. There is a common core of software packages available - Office 2000 - Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Publisher, Powerpoint and Frontpage. Some machines are also installed with Corel Draw, a Control Package and specialist software for use by different faculties.

The Curriculum

Information Communications Technology is part of the National Curriculum and the following is an extract from the ICT Programme of Study:

Information and Communications Technology capability is characterised by an ability to use effectively ICT Tools and information sources to analyse, process and present information and to model, measure and control events. This involves:

• Using information sources and ICT tools to solve problems.
• Using ICT tools and information sources such as computer systems and software packages, to support learning in a variety of contexts;
• Understanding the implications of ICT for working life and society,

At St Bede's the pupils have an ICT lesson once a fortnight in lower school and also in a variety of curriculum areas. In the ICT lessons in Year 7 the pupils are taught how to log-on to the network, how to print and save work and how to apply the basic Microsoft Office applications as well as the Internet. In Year 8 greater time is spent on Desk Top Publishing, Word Processing, Spreadsheets and Databases. Towards the end of Year 7, 8 and 9 pupils carry out a 'real-life' project which consolidates the skills learnt. Year 9 moves into Media Presentations and Web Page design.

During Years 7, 8 and 9 pupils print and store work in a class folder which is maintained by the class teacher.

There is a lunchtime I.C.T club which is supervised by a member of staff

Assessment

In lower school assessment is based on pupils printouts and the way in which pupils work in class to complete the assignments. The teacher will make a holistic judgment based on National Curriculum levels and pupils will be awarded a level for at least three of the modules covered in each year.

Pupils are encouraged to work independently under the guidance of their teacher.

It is important that the pupils file all of their printouts and organise their work well in their ICT folder as often other faculties are sometimes asked to produce a second printout to be placed in the is folder.

Upper School

In years 10 and 11 all pupils follow the CLAIT award with one lesson per fortnight. Modules such as word processing, computer art, spreadsheets and databases. If pupils pass 3 modules they gain CLAIT certification.

Pupils can in addition choose to take the GCSE ICT option. We currently run the AQA Syllabus which is made up of 60% course work and 40% written exam. Theory work covers the use of ICT in the wider environment

Summary

The school has the most up-to-date facilities and pupils make full use of these. In addition to the 60 machines there are five scanners, colour printers and access to the Internet, in classrooms as well as in the library. An ICT Club is also run during lunchtimes for different year groups and pupils are welcome to use the computers after school with prior agreement form teacher and parent.

MATHS

Welcome to the Mathematics Department's web pages. These pages have been designed by the pupils themselves to give as much information as possible about the department. You can find out about the curriculum, the textbooks that we use and the enrichment programs that we provide. Click here to find out more.

MODERN LANGUAGES

French

Key Stage 3

All children study French at KS3 and a few children also choose Italian. There are four lessons per fortnight. By the end of KS3, the following topics have been covered:

Year 7

• Myself
• My family
• My house
• My room

Year 8

• My school, lessons, uniform and teachers!
• My holidays in the EEC
• My hobbies, sports, TV, going out, cinema etc..

Year 9

• My body, how to keep fit and healthy, food, exercise
• Fashion, opinions, description of clothes
• The earth and environment, pollution, solutions
• The future

Key Stage 4

French, Spanish and Italian can be studied at KS4. Pupils should be able to demonstrate what 'they know, they understand and can do.' There is an emphasis on skills and tenses. NEAB, AQA is our exam board.

Enrichment Activities:

• We have French and Spanish assistants who help the children with their oral and aural work.
• An 8th year trip to France is organised in the spring every year. The children visit Paris, Rouen, Versailles and stay in France 3 days.
• Every summer, during half term, a trip to northern Spain is organised for years 9, 10 and 11.
• An European day takes place in July. A guest is invited to talk about European issues. Activities are organised across the curriculum for KS3. Children and staff dress up in European Costume.
• We have successfully entered several years running, the Mary Glasgow poetry competition and the West of England poetry competition.
• In Years 9 and 10 students are encouraged to participate with Bristol Bordeaux exchange, which is an invaluable lingusistic and culturl experience.

Spanish

GCSE Course
Students who opt for Spanish take on a big challenge as they prepare themselves for covering the GCSE syllabus in 2 years. Many students who choose Spanish at GCSE are enthusiastic about having a fresh start in language learning. It is hoped that in the future more of the able linguists will chose to do two out of the three languages offered for GCSE at St Bede's (Spanish, French and Italian).
Coursework has been introduced for the first time to replace the writing paper since this motivates students to express their opinions in Spanish and allows the teachers to guide students through their first steps in written Spanish.

Click here to see pictures of the Spanish trip to Cantabria, Northern Spain, in May 2001.

Enrichment

In Years 9 and 10, students spend a week in the small seaside resort of Suances in Cantabria, Northern Spain. During their stay they visit the famous port and regional capital, Santander, the wildlife park of Cabeceno and the prehistoric caves of Viesgo. Students are given the opportunity to use their Spanish and complete many linguistic activities.

PE

St Bede's runs many sporting teams which are involved in intra-school competitions between tutor groups and houses and inter-school local and regional friendly, league and tournament competitions. This year St. Bede's was the recipient of the SWEB Secondary Schools League Champions Award, having received the SWEB School Sports Award last year.

All pupils follow a Physical Education programme throughout their five years which includes the development of skills in aerobics, athletics, badminton, basketball, cricket, cross-country, football, hockey, netball, rugby, tennis, trampolining and volleyball. Opportunities for swimming are offered in some years as an enrichment activity. Visiting sports people are invited to school to coach and encourage further pupil participation and interest. The School's facilities include a Gymnasium and fitness suite, Sports Hall, 6 newly covered Tennis Courts and very large playing fields. The PE. department has plans to expand further the range of activities available to pupils in the Upper School following the purchase of our new school minibus.

In year 7 and 8 pupils follow developmental units in :

Invasion Games : Football, Rugby, Basketball (Boys) Netball, Hockey, Football (Girls)
Net and Wall Games : Short Tennis, Badminton, Tennis
Striking and Fielding Games : Cricket, Rounders

Gymnastics

Athletics : Track and field, Indoor Athletics, x-country

Outdoor and Adventurous Activities : Orienteering, Problem solving

In year 9, pupils follow intermediate units in :

Invasion Games
Net and Wall Games
Tampolining
Fitness
Athletics

In year 10, pupils follow intermediate units in :

Invasion Games
Net and Wall Games
Trampolining
Fitness
Athletics/Rounders/Softball/Cricket

In year 11 pupils follow intermediate units in :

Invasion Games
Net and Wall Games
Fitness

EXTRA CURRICULAR

St. Bedes offers a very successful extra curricular programme which is offered to all pupils. The programme includes :

1.    School competitive fixtures within Bristol Schools and National competitions.
2.    Team practices and training sessions.
3.    Inter house and tutor competitions.

RELIGIOUS FORMATION FACULTY

The Religious Formation Faculty of St Bede's is integral to the Catholic ethos of the school. The activities of the faculty outside lessons involve the whole school. Weekly and special Masses, Services of Reconciliation, retreats, Chaplaincy group, CAFOD fundraising and other opportunities enable pupils to take part in an active, committed, spiritual and practical Christian life. This is why we are called Religious Formation rather than simply Religious Education.

Curriculum Outline

Year 7
In year 7 pupils follow a curriculum based on Icons. This is the new syllabus approved by the Conference of Bishops of England and Wales. The syllabus has been introduced during the school year 2001/2002 beginning with the School Community. Pupils learn about the local, national and international Church. Jesus Christ, his life and inspiration are studied using drama, art, song and other teaching styles that aim to involve pupils and show them the relevance of Jesus today.

Year 8
Year 8 study the Old Testament stories in their first term, looking at the story of God's relationship with his people through the lives of people like Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, Moses, David, Solomon, Amos, Isaiah and others. Icons will be introduced for year 8 in the year 2002/2003. This course will build on from the foundations laid in year 7.

Year 9
Church History forms the first part of year 9's exploration of the roots of the Church from Pentecost to the modern Church. Icons will be introduced for year 9 in the year 2003/2004.

Year 10 and 11
At this crucial stage pupils follow the GCSE syllabus. The paper is AQA Christian Issues from a Roman Catholic perspective.

Enrichment

Year 7
Year 7 have a retreat day of their own. It gives time to be out of the school timetable. Activities such as clay modelling, meditation, story telling, video and preparing a Mass encourage pupils to know themselves and fellow pupils as whole people. Pupils evaluate these days very highly and enjoy them.

Year 8
Year 8 also enjoys a retreat time of their own. Taking place near the end of the year it gives a time to reflect on what has happened in the past year and to look forward to becoming year 9, the senior members of the lower school.

Year 9
Year 9 also have a retreat day of their own. This takes place in two year groups. A team from the retreat centre at Kintbury runs the day. This enables teachers to be involved with pupils in a different context and to see their pupils in a different light.

Year 10
There is a residential retreat for year 10 at St Cassian's Centre, Kintbury. A chance to be away for a few days to reflect on where they are and where they are going. These retreats are very popular with pupils.

Year 11
There is a residential retreat for year 11 at St Cassian's Centre, Kintbury. A chance to be away for a few days to reflect on where they are and where they are going. In the run up to GCSE's this opportunity is very much appreciated by pupils. More than twice the number of pupils applies than there are places for.

Other activities.

• Weekly voluntary Mass open to the whole school
• Weekly Chaplaincy group using art, song, practical activities, fund raising and fun to encourage pupils to be involved
• Weekly prayer group in the Chapel. Pupils and teachers lead prayer the group using drama, song, music, poetry, personal experience and current affairs to open the spiritual aspects of life
• Services of reconciliation during Advent and Lent
• Masses for Holy Days of Obligation when they fall on school days
• Special Masses for important times in the school year when it is good to share and celebrate our community

The head of faculty at a recent non-uniform day
for charity - well, the students were in mufti...

For further information on the content of the Icons course for years 7, 8 and 9 http: www.painsley.org.uk/iconstoo  is an excellent site.

The Science Faculty is housed in seven laboratories, situated in 'B' Block within St Bede's. Each laboratory has recently been refurbished and redesigned to suit the modern National Curriculum. This allows for individual and group work during lessons.

At present two laboratories are connected to the school computer network and have internet access. We also have extensive use of datalogging, "Logit", equipment and software, which is installed on all of the computers in the Faculty. As additional computing tools we also have access to interactive whiteboards, which are very useful teaching aids.

You can find out about the curriculum, the textbooks that we use and the enrichment programs that we provide. Click here to find out more.

Science College Status

These are exciting times for the Science Faculty, as we have been a Science College since September 2004.

This means new courses and closer links with the community and industry, all of which will make Science and Maths even more enjoyable for the pupils.

At St. Bede's School, pupils studying Design and Technology undertake a variety of activities in Food, Textiles and Resistant Materials at Key Stage 3. At Key Stage 4, you are required to specialise in one of 5 areas and will follow a GCSE course for two years. The options being :-

• Electronic Products
• Food Technology
• Graphic Products
• Resistant Materials
• Textiles Technology

The Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 courses both require you to investigate materials and products, undertake designing and making tasks and to evaluate your work with a view to improving your performance in the future.

You have 5 periods of Design and Technology per fortnight, 3 of which are in Resistant Materials, 1 in Food Technology and 1 in Textiles. The Resistant Materials lessons involve working with Wood, Metal, Plastic, Electronics and Graphics.
In the following years, the projects undertaken are :-

YEAR 7

In Year 7 you will mainly be designing and making products for yourself.

RESISTANT MATERIALS

Bubble Pack stationery Set - you are required to design and make the packaging for a novelty stationery set, producing the graphics and then making the case from vacuum formed plastic.

The Design Process - this is covered in a series of connected lessons which explain the main parts of the design process. You will be required to use the Internet to research information and to analyse products to see how and why they are made in a particular way.

Investigating Materials - this module involves looking at the types and properties of various forms of wood, metal and plastic and undertaking a series of practical tasks where you make something from each of these materials.

Electronic Card Project - in this project you are required to design a Birthday Card for someone and using a CAD (Computer Aided Design) package you will produce the graphics. You then make an electronic circuit which goes inside so that when the receiver opens the card it plays "Happy Birthday".

FOOD TECHNOLOGY

Basic Food Skills - in these lessons you learn a variety of skills and knowledge to do with food including safety, hygiene, healthy eating etc all of which are taught through both theory and practical lessons. Practical lessons require you to make scones, crumbles, fruit salads, pizzas etc.

TEXTILES

Case Study Project - in your Textiles lessons you will again learn new skills which will enable you to use the equipment and machinery to make products from textile materials. You will be required to identify a need for a particular product and then make a container to fulfil that need.


YEAR 8

In Year 8 you are required to design and make products for a client.

RESISTANT MATERIALS

Decorated mirror - this project builds on the skills you have acquired in Year 7 and requires you to design and make a hardwood mirror for someone. The mirror frame is then decorated using a variety of possible methods and given a stand to support it.

Alarmed box - you now stretch your electronics knowledge further to produce a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) onto which you build an electronic alarm circuit. The second part of the project requires you to make a softwood box, the purpose of which is decided by your client. You then hide the electronic circuit in the bottom of the box so that if an unsuspecting person picks up the box, the alarm will go off.

Modelling and Packaging - this project is mainly graphics based, looking at ergonomics, or how products are designed specifically to be used by human hands. You then undertake some 3D modelling and produce the packaging to contain your product.

FOOD TECHNOLOGY

Food skills - you now build on the skills you learnt in year 7 to start adapting recipes, producing batches of products, analysing food products and improving your food preparation skills. Practical lessons involve making muffins, biscuits, bread products and stir frys.

TEXTILES

In Year 8, you develop your textiles skills further, learning new techniques, working with new materials and using new equipment to design and make textiles products.


YEAR 9

In Year 9 you are required to design and make for markets.

RESISTANT MATERIALS

Clock Project - by now you are much more independent in your designing and we will be expecting you to choose the materials you would like to use to make your products. This project focuses on the @ Bristol centre and combined with a trip to the attraction, you will be asked to design and make a clock which could be sold in the shop there.

Aroma Lamp Project - you will be required to work in a team for this project, producing a small batch of identical products. Your team will research where aroma lamps originated from, they will look at patterns and designs from other cultures and they will investigate Fair Trade and the effects it has on people in Developing Countries.

Graphics/Presentation - these lessons are aimed to equip you with the graphics and presentation skills which you will require for all of the Design and Technology GCSE courses, regardless of which one you choose at Key stage 4.

FOOD TECHNOLOGY

Developing Skills - the difficulty and challenge now increases in what you are required to make in Food Technology as you will be asked to consider the nutritional value of food products. You will be looking at the energy values contained in certain foods and learning how to use and combine certain ingredients in order to create more complex dishes. The focus of some of the practical lessons will be pastry and cake making and the use of sauces for meat/fish dishes in multicultural recipes.

TEXTILES TECHNOLOGY

Finding an Identity - here you will be investigating new methods of printing on to fabrics in short focused practical tasks. You will then go on to looking at corporate identity and how logos and lettering are used within the textiles industry. You will then create an identity of your own and using CAM (Computer Aided Manufacture) or one of the other printing methods, you will print your logo/design on to a garment of your choice.

YEAR 10

The course which you have chosen to follow at Key Stage 4 will be one of the following :-

• Electronic Products
• Food Technology
• Graphic Products
• Resistant Materials
• Textiles Technology

Whichever of these you have chosen, during Year 10 a variety of skills will be developed and built upon in preparation for the major project in Year 11. These skills and knowledge will be taught by undertaking a series of focused tasks and short design and make projects. Some of the projects undertaken in the various D & T subjects in Year 10 are shown below:-

Electronic Products

• Timer project e.g. electronic egg timer
• Alarms - personal security, house/car/bike etc. alarms
• Electronic security - key pads and locking devices
• Electronic toys and games
• Electronic dice
• Random light/number generator
• A variety of electronic board games

Food Technology

A variety of areas of food preparation, presentation and cooking skills are explored along with visits from people in the food industry who help you to focus on particular areas of Food Technology. A whole range of food related issues are investigated from sweet and savoury dishes to meals for people with special dietary requirements.

Graphic Products

• Redesign and modelling of a room in a house
• Night-club design
• Architectural projects
• Garden design
• Packaging for a variety of products
• Point of Sale displays
• Novelty stationery

Textiles Technology

• Novelty Cushions
• Pop Art clothing
• Slippers
• Party wear
• Fancy Dress
• Cultural Masks

Resistant Materials

• Chairs and tables
• Garden furniture
• Storage units
• Mechanisms projects

Year 11

Students choose which project they want to undertake and work solidly on this from September to March. The project consists of a comprehensive design folio and a 3 dimensional model, (except in Food Technology).