St Bede’s College, Manchester BAEDAVolume 29, Issue 2, 2013 Contents... News 1-3 Words fRoM THe HEadmaster Music Festival 4-5 Art & Design Technology 6-7 It never ceases to amaze me how much we pack into a The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award 8 year at St Bede’s. We are never idle and we are always striving to improve on the previous year. This edition Lourdes Pilgrimage 9 of Baeda captures many events and moments which Bonding Day 10 illustrate the rich and varied interests of our pupils, the New York & Madrid 11 unstinting efforts and commitments of our staff and the Leavers Ball 12-13 sheer fun and wide range of opportunities here at SBC. Ski Trip 14 Baeda is much more than simply a record of a particular year’s Drama 15 events. It is an essential part of our history. We have copies of Upper Sixth Awards 16-17 Baeda stretching back to the very beginning of the College. These link all Bedians together in a special and timeless chain of events, Alumni 18-19 sporting fixtures, trips, and drama productions to convey a sense Library News 20-21 of history and community that will last and grow for many years Mathematics 22 to come. Educational Visits 23 Upper Sixth Destinations 24 Charities 25 Co-curricular & Activities Week 26-27 Boys Sport 28-29 Girls Sport 30-31 Staff Departures 32-33 Siena House Day The staff and pupils of Siena House celebrated their Saint’s Day in fine style, on Friday 26th April. The day began with Mass in the Chapel with the House Captains taking charge of the readings and bidding prayers and the whole House joining in with the singing of hymns prepared at the Monday Assembly that week. Then it was straight to the coaches and off to Parrs Wood for ten pin bowling, slush puppies and other pleasing diversions. Upon our return the catering staff were poised to serve fish and chips to the hungry multitude, followed by a return to the Chapel where the singing was even more energetic than it had been in the morning. Thanks are due to all the House Tutors who contributed so enthusiastically to the day; not least at the Bowling where Messrs Hennigan, Nagib and Davies all gave clear indications of having played before! House News... The Academic Year 2012-2013 was a busy one for Siena, Bosco and Campion. In the opening weeks a hotly contested Dodgeball Competition took place, with enthusiastic competitors and a series of bemused umpires. This year’s Junior Competition should involve a more consistent set of rules but may, as a result, be a little less fun! Meanwhile Siena House Winners rehearsals were already under way for Shakespeare Live! which saw scores of young actors tread the boards for the first time, with Macbeth, The Tempest and A Midsummer Night’s Dream being the weapons of choice for the respective houses. Catering and Front of Campion Feast Day House were also devolved successfully to House responsibility. In a week of breathless activity, with Shakespeare Live at its The first of the house feast days took place during the Michaelmas hectic climax, Mrs Girolami, Mr Bargery and house tutors Term, that of Campion, with bowling, cake and a very energetic organised a celebration on the feast day of St Edmund Campion. Mass, singing led by the House Captains and Prefects. Both Bosco While members of the other houses pursued an alternative and Siena were to follow this excellent precedent. The Christmas academic timetable, Campion scholars met for a House Mass, Card and Fish competitions were soon to follow, with The Great said by Fr Flynn and went on to test their ten pin bowling skills St Bedes’s Bake Off not far behind. at the Parrs Wood Recreation Centre. The afternoon saw dining By the mid-way point in the academic year the girls’ sports as a house and time learning about their House Saint in his historical context. competitions were reaching a climax, with particpation for all being key to the tournament. It is, nevertheless, pleasing to note that Siena were the victors. The boys too, were engaged in a titanic struggle for the Football Trophy, with Bosco winning out in the final. A series of summer sports were added to the list with many more certificates obtained. In the final assembly of the term, we celebrated those students who had won Gold House Points Awards, while Campion. carried off the overall points shield, kindly donated by Monsignor Quinlan.

“The Christmas Card and Fish competitions were soon to fol- low, with The Great St Bedes’s Bake Off not far behind.”

Bosco Bowling Bonanza November 30th was the first day on which the St Bede’s students celebrated their Saint’s Day last Friday in and out of College. Though John Bosco’s feast is celebrated on 31 January, the pupils and staff of Bosco House celebrated Mass on Friday morning. The pupils were then taken to Parrswood to show off their bowling prowess, where Joe Stiles, Luca Sivori, Laura Dench and Clara Ashton shone, whilst Christian Thomason, Natasha Forshaw and Olivia Boylan certainly did not! We returned to College for a House Dinner, followed by a prize-giving assembly for the best and worst performers in the St Bedes’s Bake Off morning’s sporting endeavours. The day was rounded off with cookies and cake, and a literally all-singing all- dancing performance of our unofficial House Hymn, led by Mr Davies and the House Captains. 1 General College News...

Can We Do It?

YASS we can. The College has recently been awarded Arkwright Scholarship status from the prestigious Arkwright foundation. The Arkwright Scholarships Trust is a community of 700 schools whose pupils benefit from the financial and professional help which scholars receive from the trust.

The main aim of the Trust is to nurture encourage students to pursue future leaders in engineering and engineering at University. The College related areas of design. This is achieved Arkwright coordinator Mr Lalley, himself by awarding prestigious Arkwright an Engineering Graduate said Engineering Scholarships through a ‘this is a wonderful opportunity for our rigorous selection process, to high ability students to access this scheme and Many of St Bede’s 15 /16 year olds students. The College this will set them apart from other has two applicants this year, Thomas engineering and design students both at talented science students Johnson and Ciaran Baxendale from the University and in the workplace’. experienced university level Upper fifth. Both boys are talented Design study this year by taking Technology students and are hoping to The scheme gives students a financial pursue a career in the field of design or award in both sixth form years and a part in the Open University’s engineering. professional mentor to guide and help Young Applicants in School them with work experience and interview Scheme (YASS). YASS The Engineering Scholarships support practice. They also give guidance students through their A levels and throughout their time at University. allows students to take undergraduate modules from degree level courses online.

The courses are highly regarded by universities. One of our students was quizzed on her YASS course for an hour by an admissions tutor at Imperial College, London before receiving an offer for Engineering!

Others found their studies highly helpful in applications for Medicine and Physiotherapy courses. This year DOUBLE BIG 16 students from St Bede’s studied courses including ‘’Volcanoes, Earthquakes and Tsunamis’’, BANG TRIUMPH! ‘Molecules, Medicines and Drugs’, On Wednesday 26th June, two teams and ‘The Future Without Oil?’ left St Bede’s College at 7:15am for Joining them was Chemistry Teacher Liverpool to enter the Regional Big Mr. Gill. A Biochemist by training, he was intrigued by the ‘Elements Bang Science Fair. of Forensic Science’ module and especially enjoyed solving a series of crime scene puzzles! One team had their remote controlled tank and home ‘Young Engineer for Britain Regional Excellence Award’ built GPS system, programmed on the Raspberry Pi. together with a cheque for £100. YASS is one of the many extended The other project carried strands of hair, chemicals and The other team of Victoria Pike and Isabelle Lannigan study opportunities at St Bede’s. Sixth weights to demonstrate the results of research into had done some impressive research, including making Formers can extend their studies by hair-strengthening shampoo! their own shampoo and testing the strengthening taking YASS, the Extended Project The venue for the event was the impressive St George’s properties of various substances. The answer to strong Qualification, a gold CREST award Hall, and with over 60 projects selected from entries hair is apparently to wash it in rosemary! They won or the Duke of Edinburgh Gold - and from schools across the North West, competition was the ‘CREST prize for Creativity’ and are seen showing going to be fierce. off the trophy above. As regional prize-winners, both some do more than one! The remote control tank team soon attracted plenty of projects are invited to represent their regions at the attention from both young and older people alike. The National Finals in London later in the year. judges were impressed by the programming skills of the St Bede’s has a strong track record in Engineering, with team (Thomas Oulton, Thomas Starkie, Vincent Kan and students from this year’s U6 being offered places to Michael James) and their keen commercial acumen in study Engineering at universities including Oxford and identifying how the system could be adapted to track Imperial College, London and the College winning the 2 lost bicycles. The team were awarded the prestigious national ‘GoCracker’ Engineering Award in February. General College News...

Velodrome Cycling... St Bede’s have entered a team for the Greater Manchester Track Championships at the Velodrome. The Lower School students attended the velodrome for a course of six weeks. The best track cyclist will then compete in the main finals on Sunday the 7th of July. Fifteen students from the Upper Third and Lower Fourth took part in the event which proved to be extremely popular with all involved.

A very special ‘Cycling’ assembly NEW KIT! Prep 6 pupils joined the College for a very special ‘Cycling’ assembly where Team St Bede’s has just received delivery of GB Track cyclist Lewis Oliva gave a very its new cycling kit. The kit has been interesting and informative talk about his sponsored by parents at the school, route to professional cycling for Team GB and Mr Martin O’Brien of Homes 2 share, his hopes,training and preparation for the Olympics in Rio in 2016. and Mr Paul Bullman of Lesley Lewis was Born in Devauden, Monmouthshire Roberts. Bedians Danny McDonald and he was inspired to take up track cycling and Luke Worth of the Cheshire after watching sprint legend Jason Queally Cleaning Co and Mr Nick Howe of train at Newport Velodrome. Having risen Holroyd Howe the College’s caterers. through the ranks of British Cycling’s Olympic Development and Academy Programmes, The kit consists of a blue and gold he was accepted onto the Podium Sprint long sleeved winter jersey, winter Programme in April 2013. jacket and long bib tights. It is available to purchase from the College Cycling Club. See Mr Lalley for details. 3 ch istmas ceremon  carols

The College choirs performed a selection of Christmas Carols and readings to a packed Academic Hall. Led by Subject Leader of Music, Mr Davies, and Mrs Cavanagh, the Senior and Junior Choirs performed individually and as a collective. Mr Davies was delighted with the evening, and commented “This was my first Christmas ceremony at the College, and I was thrilled with the performances of all the pupils.”

Mr Kearney also added his praise at the end of the evening. “These type of events are a wonderful way of bringing the College community together, as we had performances from the very young to our most senior pupils.”

may serenade

A cavalcade of Bedian artists, musicians and thespians showcased their talents at our May Serenade on the evening of 1st May. In addition to summer fruit punch served for charity in the very conducive surroundings of an artistically transformed Main Corridor, the audience were treated to a range of performances from the College’s co-curricular musical and dramatic groups.

The evening got off to an energetic and foot-tapping had great fun constructing. The Sixth Form Drama start with our very own professionally smooth Jazz Group performed well polished comedy sketches and Band who set the enthusiastic pace for the acts to a very unusual slow arrangement of “You’re the One follow, not least a range of choir offerings under the that I Want” from “Grease”, using their experience and assured baton of Mr Davies. Highlights included a honed talent to produce work of a very accomplished very spirited Gospel Choir rendition of “Lean On Me” standard. (including gospel gowns and dancing), the Vocal Group’s “Gonna Rise Up” and the Staff and Sixth Mrs McGuire’s Musical Theatre group danced, sang Form Choir’s “Selection from Les Miserables”. There and acted their way through a medley from “Annie were also two stunning solo singing performances Get Your Gun” which was enthusiastically received, from Charlotte Killingley and Ellie McLoughlin which as were monologues from our award winning brought a tear to many an eye and, if more proof were Festival performers, Thomas Oulton, Andrew Shires needed of the incredible range of musical activities and Alice Webb. Incidentally, Thomas Oulton played in the school, Mr Gibson and Mrs Wallwork’s Early a significant role throughout the whole show Music Group effortlessly transported us back to the alongside his “sidekick” Thomas Starkie who, as the Medieval period for a few moments. St Bede’s answer to Ant and Dec, kept the audience entertained through set changes with their amusing Students who are regular members of Mrs Alderson’s anecdotes and cringingly awful jokes. Acting Club demonstrated their skills in physical theatre and large scale choral work through their Also bringing the whole company together was the interpretation of the Cyclops story from Homer’s finale where all staff and student performers came “Odyssey” – complete with a shadow puppet Cyclops together to sing the popular ballad “True Colours” capable of swallowing half a dozen members of the which seemed to capture what is best about the spirit cast most convincingly which Mr Mason’s stage crew of our St Bede’s community.

4 Jazz Band

Our College Jazz band has been touring the local Primary schools to showcase the talented Musicians in the College and bring a musical interlude for the primary children.

The Jazz Band led by Mr Davies and supported by Tour Manager Mr Hennigan visited nine schools, playing to over 2,400 pupils in three action packed days.

All who listened to the band play were very impressed and many schools asked for a return visit next year.

One Jazz band member commented “It is the best music event I have been involved in and to see the reaction from the junior school pupils was a real buzz.”

Mr Davies commented “It was a fantastic three days and the feedback from the schools visited was extremely complimentary and the Jazz Band members are really keen to do it again.”

If you would like our jazz band to visit your school or business please contact [email protected]

5 ART The Art Exhibition took place in early July, showcasing the work of talented GCSE and A Level students in Fine Art and Photography. As ever the walls were adorned with a wealth of talent, dedication and creativity. We congratulate all students on their outstanding achievement.

Rachael Devine Ryan French

Rachael Devine Lucy Charleson Hannah Turner

Rachael Devine Ryan French

Bemnet Carr Louise Rezek

Lauren Richards Patrick King

Cleo Fearon

Patrick King

6 The Design Technology Exhibition displayed a varied and exciting range of projects. The work exhibited is a testimony to the hard work and dedication the students put into their artefacts. Included here is only a small sample of the students’ work but we would like to congratulate all the Design students for an excellent and creative array of products. The exhibition is an annual event that takes place in early July that showcases work from all year groups.

A selection of work from the GCSE students...

7 ST BEDE’S COLLEGE MANCHESTER

Record numbers of students have this year completed their Duke of Edinburgh Award at St Bede’s.

Following on from a preparatory expedition in beautiful although cold weather in October, the Silver Award students in the U6 completed their final expedition in the Yorkshire Dales in early April. Braving cold nights and the occasional wade through the remains of a snow drift, the groups completed the demanding expedition in good spirits.

Our U5th Bronze Award students have also recently completed their qualifying expeditions in Buxton. Having had their expedition plans shelved through heavy snow in March, the majority of the pupils went out at the start of July, under cloudless skies and temperatures in the high 20s. With the pressure of GCSE exams behind them, the students thoroughly enjoyed the expedition, though some found it tough going in the unusually high temperatures! The remainder of the students went out in the last week of the summer holiday, meaning that this year 60 pupils completed the Bronze expedition.

8 LOURDES

St Bede’s College returned to Lourdes with the Salford Diocese for a fourth time this summer. The party included 21 Lower Sixth students and 4 College staff.

We were joined by a significant number of ‘Old Bedians’, a group of U6 students, the majority of whom had been with the College at least once previously. The students and staff got stuck into the usual jobs of a volunteer on pilgrimage, pushing and pulling from hotels and from the Accueil St Frai, where those pilgrims who require more personal and longer- term care stay for the week. The whole-heartedness and selflessness of our hard working students was evident right from the outset through the zeal with which they applied themselves to their tasks. They were great ambassadors for the College throughout, and it was a real privilege for the staff to be able to share the week with such a fantastic group of young Bedians. It was very inspiring to hear their stories and reflections of the week, and perhaps the best feedback of all is simply the number of them who wish to return next year with our ‘Old Bedians’ group. Next year’s volunteers have much to live up to, but I am sure they will rise to the challenge and make our fifth pilgrimage a special one.

9 bonding day

I remember my induction day like it was yesterday, our bonding day was absolutely brilliant and I really enjoyed working with my form to complete different team building activities. We all got to know each other and had a brilliant day.

Even though we are separated now I still talk to the people in my old form all the time thanks to my bonding day. Altogether I would say that my bonding day was absolutely brilliant and I loved it. I would love to do it again. James Mee

Joseph Karran writes: Bonding Day- I’ll never forget it! It was one of the most active and creative days in the first year of my school career at St. Bede’s College. We learned the skills of teamwork and friendship, with our peers and teachers. My favourite activity on that great day was the bridge building activity where we built a bridge out of a plank and blocks, then we had to pick up a box, with a rope, that was 10 feet away! It was unbelievable fun!

10 New York & Washington... Our New York and Washington Trip this year would easily take the title of the most eventful so far as 29 students and three staff spent an extended stay covering the whole half term thanks to Hurricane Sandy. The start of the trip was like clockwork – 29 fresh faces assembled at Manchester Airport at 4.00am for the exciting journey across to Washington DC. Washington has many landmarks very familiar to the students and they loved spending time exploring The Capitol Building, The Pentagon, Airlington Cemetery, Washington Monument and the White House.

On our bus ride to New York there was much talk of this Hurricane which seemed determined to follow us directly to midtown Manhattan. Unperturbed, the students couldn’t wait to hit New York and see the sights. Our first days were spent sightseeing atop the Empire State Building, walking through Central Park and of course an unforgettable dinner in Time’s Square. We enjoyed a rather upbeat cultural day exploring iconic New York suburbs of Little Italy, chic Soho and crazy Chinatown, before visiting Wall Street and the Federal Reserve we then made a solemn visit to the Ground Zero Memorial to pay our respects.

It was rather fitting that on our trip to immigration centre Ellis Island we got the call that our flight was indefinitely delayed and we would not be leaving New York anytime soon. Despite the weather and the passing Hurricane our spirits were good and most importantly the behaviour of the students on the trip was commendable and a real credit to St Bede’s.

Madrid exchange return trip

March this year saw the eagerly awaited return visit of the Spanish exchange pupils. Having become firm friends on their visit to Nuestra Señora de la Consolación in Madrid in October, the St Bede’s pupils could hardly contain their excitement at being reunited with their exchange partners. Following the arrival of the Spaniards, and their initial shock due to the rainy and cold March Manchester climate. The pupils continued their budding linguistic and social relationships, getting to know the area and participating in many exciting activities hosted by our generous pupils and parents. St Bede’s organised activities such as a guided tour of Manchester city centre, a trip to Manchester United, and a day in Liverpool, all of which were greatly enjoyed by our visitors. The Spaniards also found time to spend in College, making valuable contributions to A-level Spanish language lessons and even joining in with some English sports! The return leg of this new academic exchange, in keeping with the initial trip to Madrid, proved to be a great success, and with pupils already signed up for next October, a long and fruitful partnership between the two schools will surely develop. 11 Leavers’ Ball 201 3 The Ball is one of the most anticipated events of the year for Sixth Formers and this year’s event certainly did not disappoint. Students and staff gathered at the Etihad Stadium where a blue and gold theme temporarily replaced the traditional blue and white of the Citizens Suite. The band ‘Mr and Mrs’ entertained the crowd with a variety of classics during the meal before handing over to the DJ who delivered a selection of tunes and ensured the dance floor was never empty. The conduct of the students demonstrated yet again why we are proud to have the class of 2013 as representatives of St Bede’s, they are a credit to their families and the college. It was an entirely enjoyable evening and a fitting way to say goodbye to our current Upper Sixth.

12 13 ski trip

During the Easter break St Bede’s travelled to Saint Lary in France for their biennial College Ski Trip. After a cold 4am meet we headed down to London by coach for our flight where my most difficult task of the trip was to confront me – plane seats and friendship groups.

With an equal measure of cunning and pure fluke I was somehow able to solve the impossible so that everyone could sit next to who they needed to, thus ensuring that friendships could be preserved, at least for the ensuing two hours. Yes Molly and Faye, I am talking about you. Our first day on the slopes began with the team breaking up into groups of beginners, intermediate and advanced and given our instructors; some incredibly gregarious and fun and others a little less so. This day started with invaluable lessons -with the more inexperienced skiers learning the value of a good “snow plough” and keeping well clear of Henri, our instructor, and his wild flying ski poles during his incomprehensible, but gesticulatory interpretable, rants as another beginner had the audacity to slow the group by falling over down the slope. The more experienced groups moved straight away onto the more challenging red and black runs. The instructors were duly impressed with the attitude of the group and happily noted their quick progression. Over the next few days the beginners a.k.a. the “dream team” spent less time putting their skies back on half way down the slope and more time perfecting their turns much to the relief of Henri and anyone stood within 5 feet of him. It was a real treat to see their joy of overcoming some of the fears of day one. The more experienced groups advanced quickly as well with some spending the final days imitating rockets flying down the slope. Thankfully the only breakage on the trip was two pairs of skis courtesy of James Davies who ‘apparently’ did not see the jump. The jury’s still out on that one I’m afraid James. We had a great time après ski as well with fantastic meals, discos and a long line of students coming off second best in the challenge the teacher table tennis/foosball tournaments. No hard feelings team, I hope! As always a big thank you must go to the parents who paid for their children to go on the trip, Mrs Girolami who helped look after everyone and the brave skiers who made it so much fun.

14 Every Autumn Term we mount a full scale production either in our Drama Studio or in the Academic Hall, depending on the size of the show. Recent productions have included: “The Accrington Pals”, “Guys and Dolls”, “Serjeant Musgrave’s Dance” and “West Side Story”. We also stage a Drama Festival every year where students in our drama clubs show their work to a wider audience alongside that of our LAMDA students. (LAMDA Speech and Drama students are taken out of lessons on a rota basis and work towards their examinations and competitions such as the Heaton Mersey Festival).

ShakespeareThe curtain recently came down on the most ambitious Live...one of the three evenings by providing refreshments and piece of Shakespearean theatre in the school’s history. hospitality. More than 100 pupils, from all years, took part in the Upper Thirds to Upper Fifth pupils from Campion, Bosco college’s Shakespeare Live festival from 29th November and Siena houses staged “The Tempest”, “A Midsummer to 1st December. Four plays were performed on each of Night’s Dream” and “Macbeth” respectively. The house the three nights and all of them received much acclaim. system allowed younger pupils to take principal roles Shakespeare Live made use of the school’s exciting new in their productions. In addition, A cast of talented sixth house system, which encourages interaction between year form actors put on “Kiss Me Quick”, a shortened version of groups, to turn the Academic Hall into a hub of dramatic “Kiss Me Kate”, which itself is inspired by Shakespeare’s activity. And in an interesting twist, each house hosted “The Taming Of The Shrew”.

15 Congratulations to: Congratulations to: Congratulations to: Congratulations to: Nick Hanrahan Anna Grace Catherine Livesey Chantal Ratcliffe

Congratulations to: Congratulations to: Congratulations to: Congratulations to: Peter Woolridge Hana Griffin Ciara Goodwin / John Carey Hannah Turner

Congratulations to: Congratulations to: Congratulations to: Congratulations to: Orla Mchugh Daniel Grogan Callum Lloyd Chantal Ratcliffe

Winner of the prestigious UPPEr sixth Fr Coulthard Award awards - Robert Gleave The Headmaster’s awards recognise exceptional service to the College. They are given to pupils who have made a significant and lasting Fr Coulthard Award contribution to Sport, Drama, Charity Work and Music Robert Gleave

Congratulations to: Congratulations to: Congratulations to: Congratulations to: Catherine Livesey Andrew Robins Theo Sharrock Connor Hey Congratulations to: Catriona Edwards, Annie O’Brien, Congratulations to: Gabriella Bullman, Miranda Cordwell, Georgia Peden Danny Grogan, Joe Kennedy, Luke Burke Costello, Joe O’Loughlin

Congratulations to: Congratulations to: Congratulations to: Congratulations to: Leah Grace Sarah-Jessica Jemitola Harriet Rumble, Robert Gleave Annie O’Brien

Congratulations to: Congratulations to: Congratulations to: Congratulations to: Hana Griffin Kofo Spaine Michael Hoban Hannah Turner

Congratulations to: Congratulations to: Rob Bensen May, Patrick King, Yoon Hyung Lee, Connor Hey & Theo Sharrock Adam Crewdson, Xavi Ashurst, Ross Wherrit, Jake Williams, Jack Morris, Alex Caroll, Dimitri Kitromilides

Congratulations to: Congratulations to: Tom Lyons, Ciara Goodwin, John Fox, Samantha Green, John Carey Anna Grace, Leah Grace, Joe Perry, Molly Richards, Jessica McNamee Alumni...

2012

Laura McLean What are you studying? What has this involved? Do you have any advice for St Bede’s I have just competed my first year of a degree The main difference between school students about to apply to University? in dentistry. My studies this year have been and university life for me would be the My advice to the lower 6th students would really varied. The main focus has been on independence. There are no teachers watching be to go with a course that interests and the anatomy, physiology and histology of the your every move forcing you to do your work. fascinates you. If you are not interested in whole digestive system and associated organs You have to want to learn and you have to the topic you will have no drive or motivation and of course the anatomy of the teeth. My be your own motivator. With a medical based to overcome the workload you are given. I week is quite structured with clinical, anatomy course, it’s not an easy work load and if would also suggest not to exclude Universities and histology sessions, a weekly symposia and you are not fascinated by the subject it will nearer home. I am currently studying at EBL (enquiry based learning) groups. Clinical be hard to meet your learning objectives the University of Manchester. I moved into skills involve practising certain procedures on every week. university halls and I am still having the same my fellow students and role play. Anatomy is experience as my old Bede’s friends further a rather hands on learning aid, using human How does your University life compare afield. I was shocked at how much of a new cadavers to demonstrate the study topic of to St Bede’s College? community I discovered. It didn’t even feel the week. I also had the opportunity to do The change from school to university is really like I knew the city I grew up in. my own dissection project, where I undertook exciting but there is no doubt that it was to showcase the structure of the jaw joint. scary at first. There are lots of activities to get What extra-curricular activities have Histology supports the weekly topic at a students to know each other but it takes some you tried at university? cellular level. For EBL, in a class of around time to get used to living with 5 strangers in I played for my university hall’s netball 8 students, we read through a set case study a student flat. There is also the ordeal of flat team for the year. We played competitively to devise our own learning objectives and talk inspections to make sure the place is kept against other Faculties within and around the about the stuff we would like to know. The clean and tidy. university. I also played for the dental girl’s group then studies individually and brings football team. This was much less competitive back learned information to share with the What is the pastoral support like? with the only matches being against the girl group with the use of a white board and If anything, the pastoral experience at Bede’s medics. However there is pretty much an diagrams. You are not allowed notes in these was too good. Now the tutors are not even extracurricular activity for everything you sessions so you have to memorise everything required to know my name. However, I have could imagine and that’s a great way to get you have learnt. Each group member in been prepared well, Bede’s taught me the stuck in. turn has to chair the feedback meetings. essential skills to cope and work well in a This seemed very daunting at first but it has completely new environment. been one of the best ways I have learned information.

18 Alumni...

Jane Ryder will be starting an undergraduate apprenticeship with Airbus... “I will be starting on an undergraduate apprenticeship with Airbus based at their factory in Broughton from September. I will be studying for my degree in aeronautical engineering through them whilst also working for them at the factory so will be splitting my time between the two. The course lasts for three years and there is a high chance of permanent employment at the end. I read about it on their website. The application took a long time as I had to do an interview, group exercise and maths and physics exam so was quite difficult. I believe there was 25 places and around 3,000 applicants.”

“I left St Bede’s last year but after a difficult year due to my brother being critically ill my grades were quite poor. I got into my insurance university but decided to resit as I didn’t want to settle Jane Ryder for my second choice so this year I have studied to improve my a levels and gained ABB this time.” “there was 25 places and 2011 around 3,000 applicants.”

www.stbedescollege.co.uk 19 Moon Rocks Land This year in the at St Bede’s Maher Library... Exciting rare samples of moon rocks and a collection of impressive meteorites landed This year has seen events as at the College for a weeks’ visit. diverse as film showings, moon rocks, origami sessions, treasure Students were able to enjoy a unique, hunts and a blow up planetarium, interactive experience of astronomy during all taking place within the Maher their lessons. Highlights included getting up Library! We are also pleased to close and personal with some hand sized have been able to extend our meteorites, enabling students to touch a real opening hours in the morning so piece of space. pupils can now study and read As pupils held the 1.2 billion year old piece of Mars and a 4.3 billion year old nickel meteorite from 8am. they could only wonder! This is the oldest thing they will ever hold in their hands; our solar These are some of the highlights system is only 4.6 billion years old. of another busy year in the Maher The lunar samples, provided by the UK’s Library: Science and Technology Facilities Council were collected in the late 1960s and early 1970s BookBuzz during some of NASA’s first manned space The year started with the launch of missions to the moon. A massive 382kg of lunar BookBuzz, a scheme where each material was brought back to Earth – mostly used by scientists in their studies of the moon. Upper 3rd Pupil is given a book. The week of moon based activities also Pupils had great fun selecting a included a visit from Star Lab, a mobile book to own from a choice of 12 planetarium, which was “blown up” in the titles covering different styles and Library. Pupils were able to enjoy a voyage genres. The arrival of the books in round the solar system and a look at the October was keenly anticipated night sky guided by an expert from Daresbury and led to much discussion of the Laboratory. merits of different books and to The Library also staged a special open evening some enjoyable reading! for parents and visitors to see the collection and over seventy people could only marvel at the amazing display. Competitions Quizzes and competitions have become a regular feature of the Library at St Bede’s. These always have the aim of encouraging reading or using information. Highlights this year have included a Roald Dahl Day competition World Book where pupils were asked to identify Roald Dahl books from objects such as bars of chocolate, Day Quiz glue and raisins. This was followed by the most popular competition We marked World Book we have ever held – origami! Day with an inter-house Pupils of all ages submitted a fantastic array of objects created book quiz in the Library. from folded paper. Subsequent Nine teams battled for victory competitions have included one answering questions about film based around the theme of diaries adaptations of books, James Bond and another on The Hobbit and and fictional cats! Gollum’s riddles.

Britannica Online In January we launched online access to Encyclopaedia Britannica for all St Bede’s pupils, staff and parents both in College and at home. The trusted and prestigious name of Britannica has proved a success. In the first month of use over 650 Britannica articles were accessed! Access in College is via the drop down “Applications” menu on the home page or via Moodle for use at home.

20 ‘He came, he saw, he made our day’ One Friday in June 2013 a visitor came to St Bede’s College. He wasn’t the usual sort of visitor. Gaius was a Roman Legionnaire. He came from Chester (although he called it Deva).

He wasn’t fazed by the challenge that faced him - to educate and entertain three U3 Latin classes as well as Sixth Formers studying Latin and Classical Civilisation. To help with his task, Gaius brought with him the equipment a legionnaire carries - the deadly weapons and armour (very heavy said the pupils who tried it on); the clothes (including underpants that last a week without washing!) and food; and the two essentials - wine for making water drinkable and olive oil for light, cleaning and eating. He also brought a range of fascinating stories of legionary and civilian life as a Roman, bringing Roman history and culture to life in an incredibly engaging way. He also answered some challenging questions from the pupils.

Vale, Gaius - but you’re welcome back here anytime!

Award winning author Paula Rawsthorne spent the afternoon with Lower 4th pupils telling her them about her life and career as an author and entertaining them with readings from her latest book. A former social worker, Paula’s writing career started with a BBC Radio 4 competition, with her winning entry read on air by actor Bill Nighy. Since then she has started writing for young people and her first novel won a number of regional book awards. Her latest book “Blood Tracks” is a psychological thriller which is full of unexpected twists and turns and thrilling revelations. Paula Rawsthorne After her talk pupils were able to ask questions and Paula passed on her top tips for becoming a writer. One of these was to enter writing visits St Bede’s competitions! Pupils were able to buy signed copies of Paula’s books and they are also available to borrow from the Library.

BOOK AWARD SHADOWING Once again, pupils have been involved in judging national book awards. We entered a judging panel for the Royal Society Science Book Award in the autumn and in the spring 2013 we formed shadowing groups for the Carnegie and Greenaway Awards. The Carnegie Medal is awarded annually to the author of an outstanding book for children or young people. A record 14 pupils and 1 Librarian began reading the 8 shortlisted books in April and by June we voted for our winner – “Wonder” by R.J Palacio, the moving, funny and heart-warming story of 10 year old Auggie who has been born with a terrible facial abnormality, as he is about to start “real” school for the first time. The book our group voted into second place turned out to be the national winner – “Maggot Moon” by Sally Gardner which tells the story of Standish, an amazing character who copes with the loss of his family and best friend and stands up to the oppressive Motherland. 21 MATHEMATICS 2012-13

Mathematics Prizes For the year 2012-13 the Further Mathematics Prize went to Samuel Walsh who has been offered a place at Trinity College (Cambridge) to read Mathematics. The Mathematics Prize for 2012-13 went to Sarah-Jessica Jemitola who has been offered a place at Imperial College to read Engineering. SAMUEL WALSH SARAH-JESSICA JEMITOLA

November 2012 - UK Senior Mathematics Challenge Gold Certificates Silver Certificates Bronze Certificates Another impressive year as 20 of our 28 students who sat the challenge Samuel Walsh Luke Webb Joe Kennedy achieved certificates. “Best in College” went to Samuel Walsh who was one Theodore Sharrock Kofo Spaine Sarah-Jessica Jemitola of 3 students who achieved the Gold Certificate. Samuel also qualified for Isabella Zhang Michael James Lawrie Plummer the first and second rounds of the British Olympiad (which placed him in the William Simpson Seamus Brennan top 100 students nationally). Theodore Sharrock again qualified for the first Chen Zixuan Tom Jowett Olympiad Challenge round (by finishing in the top 500) and also achieved a Nathan Cullen Derrick Lau Gold Certificate, as did Isabella Zhang who qualified for the Senior Kangaroo Thomas Johnson Joseph Gould Challenge (for the students ranked 501-1500), repeating her achievement Zhang Yuhang of last year. Special mention should also go to Caleb Ogwuru and Thomas Thomas Hamshire Hamshire from the U5th who achieved bronze certificates, though they were Caleb Ogwuru eclipsed by classmates Thomas Johnson and Nathan Cullen who achieved silver certificates.

January 2013 - UK Intermediate Mathematics Gold Certificates Silver Certificates Bronze Certificates Challenge Yuhang Zhang Max Hayes Patrick Carberry-Power The Intermediate Challenge was sat by students from the U5th, L5th and U4th. Zixuan Chen Thomas Johnson Joseph Hills Joint “Best in School” went to IGCSE students Yuhang Zhang and Zixuan Chen, Mark Barry Harry Visoni Nick Grogan who both achieved Gold Certificates. Max Hayes performed best out of the Kieran Scammell Kelvin Wong L5th students achieving a Silver Certificate, and Mark Barry scored the highest Grace Hamshire Timothy Mak mark out of the U4th students and achieved a Gold Certificate. Impressively Daniel Ridley Mark also qualified for the “Grey Kangaroo” follow on round in which he Conor Wall achieved a Certificate of Merit. Credit too must also go to Kieran Scammell, Aisling Eyers Grace Hamshire, Daniel Ridley, Conor Wall, Aisling Eyers, Antonia Czornenkyj Antonia Czornenkyj and Tom Brewer who all performed admirably in their first attempt at the Tom Brewer Intermediate Challenge. Vanisha Maisuria

April 2013 - UK Junior Mathematics Challenge Gold Certificates Silver Certificates Bronze Certificates In the UK Junior Mathematics Challenge which students from the U3rd and Joshua Cox Grace Faulkner Matthew Strogen L4th sat, Joshua Cox starred by achieving a score of 110 marks which was the Isobel West Andrew Hartley Victoria Pierog best result in the school, and also enough to earn him a Gold certificate. Lucy Driscoll Amy McGuinness Andreas Kitromolides Isobel West, Lucy Driscoll and Anja Jungmayr (all from the L4th) also Anja Jungmayr Orla Hogan Jennifer Lawlor performed admirably gaining Gold certificates. James Dillon Eve Cox In the U3rd the highest mark in the year was scored by Patrick Quinn which Declan Scammell Eva Freeman earned him a Silver certificate. James Mee, Aaron Kadercutty and Sarah Patrick Quinn Joseph Karran Arenyeka all performed well enough to achieve a Silver certificate also, and James Mee Patrick Renehan Bronze Certificates were awarded to Eva Freeman, Joseph Karran, Patrick Aaron Kadercutty Emily Jones Renehan, Emily Jones, Charlie Concannon, Richard Pollard, Patrick Kitchen, Sarah Arenyeka Charlie Concannon Emily MacDonald, Richard Hall and Demara Darkwah. These were impressive Lydia Askew Richard Pollard performances from students who will all be able eligible to sit the Junior Hollie Hyde Patrick Kitchen Maths Challenge next year too. Emily MacDonald Numerous students from both year groups narrowly missed out on achieving Richard Hall a Bronze certificate, but generally the students seemed to enjoy taking on the Demara Darkwah different and varied Mathematical problems that the Challenge contains.

Sixth Form Mathematics Lecture code. As well as the exuberant nature of the ‘unbreakable’ code by Alan Turing and his team (by Theodore Sharrock) speaker, the topic was really brought to life by the at Bletchley Park (with some help from the Poles On Tuesday 12th March, 7 Upper Sixth presence, right in front of us, of a real, working pre-war). mathematicians ventured across town to The Enigma machine, recovered from the battlefields Kofo Spaine summed up the feelings of our group by Manchester Grammar School for a lecture given by after the war. Throughout the lecture Dr Grime describing the talk as “informative and enjoyable”, Dr James Grime of the University of Cambridge, took us through the inner workings of the Enigma or “OMPSFTPLPDS THR LHNBEQVKQ” as the Enigma 22 about Alan Turing and the cracking of the Enigma machine and told the story of the breaking of the Simulator would put it! Science Live! On Monday 19th November After a short break we had a talk members of the U4 and L5 went to from an examiner who gave tips for the Lowry Theatre to see Science our GCSE exams. Next we had an Live!, a show for GCSE students. interesting talk from a computer Our first speaker was the scientist about technology and biologist Professor Lord Robert what it will be like in the future, for Winston. He spoke to us about example Quantum Computing will genes and inheritance, including be used. an interesting bit on genetic Finally we had a talk from a modification in mice. physicist who spoke to us about Then Chemistry Professor Andreas Einstein’s theories of Special and Sella spoke to us and showed us General Relativity and about time some experiments, for example travel. It was overall a very fun a substance that kept changing and exciting day which everyone colour in a cycle, to show that not enjoyed and gained a lot from it. all chemical reactions are linear. Rachael Brown. L5 ST BEDE’S IN THE FIELD On Friday 12th October, we L6 Geographers stood in the play-ground waiting for the minibus to take us to Blencathra in the Lake District. We stood, preparing ourselves for the long nights stuck in a classroom and freezing cold walks during the days looking at rivers. It’s safe to say I was anticipating the worst.

As we indulged in chocolate on the coach down, it didn’t surrounding us. The next day was even colder; I was tired take long before we were all singing and probably starting but there was another climb up a mountain planned for us. to give Mrs Driscoll and Mr Rafferty a slight headache! But So the hats and jumpers went on again and we set off. As we soon arrived at the beautiful little town of Keswick; where Pippa led us up the mountain, which was almost as steep as we met our new friend Richard who, along with colleague Everest, everyone was tired and planning their own secret Pippa, became our new teachers for the weekend. After escape routes back to the minibus, Peter even started having stretching our legs on a tour of Keswick, we were soon taken strange fascinations with the mountain goats. to Blencathra centre where we settled into our new rooms. But, eventually, we reached the mountaintop to see a huge One successful night down, the morning came and we piled and beautiful glacial tarn spread across the mountain in front on the jumpers and the socks, the hats and the wellies, and we of us. And for the first time all weekend, everybody took a got ready and set for our walk and studies on the Glenderterra step back in silent admiration. Beck River. The day was surprisingly fun; doing investigations When we finally reached the bottom of our Everest and whilst kneedeep in the freezing river water was certainly a boarded the coach home, everyone was so dozy and quiet. new experience. Although Victoria did slip into the river, so Compared to the usual noises of laughter and singing and I’m not sure it was the best experience for her! shouting from us, Mr Rafferty and Mrs Driscoll were relieved Gold Certificates Silver Certificates Bronze Certificates That night was a long night. Our work in the classroom took to hear nothing but the occasional snore from us on the Joshua Cox Grace Faulkner Matthew Strogen a little longer than expected. But by the time the exhaustion journey back. Isobel West Andrew Hartley Victoria Pierog finally sunk in, our bunk beds in our little white cottage Lucy Driscoll Amy McGuinness Andreas Kitromolides became very comforting amongst the vast, foggy mountains Hannah O’Sullivan, L6 Anja Jungmayr Orla Hogan Jennifer Lawlor James Dillon Eve Cox Declan Scammell Eva Freeman Patrick Quinn Joseph Karran Salters Chemistry Prize winners James Mee Patrick Renehan A team of L4 pupils from St Bede’s won 3rd prize in the Aaron Kadercutty Emily Jones Sarah Arenyeka Charlie Concannon ‘University Challenge’ competition at the Salters’ Festival of Lydia Askew Richard Pollard Chemistry held at Manchester University on 12th June. Hollie Hyde Patrick Kitchen Emily MacDonald William Janes, Anja Jungmayr, Victoria Pierog innocent, by the way!). Richard Hall and Alice Webb correctly identified a series of They were also treated to an amazing ‘Flash Demara Darkwah unknown compounds including acids, alkalis and Bang Show’ by the ever-impressive Dr Frank indicators. They were specifically commended Mair of the University of Manchester which by the judging panel for their ingenuity and included a mixture of cutting edge chemistry initiative. (making the exciting new carbon allotrope The Salters Festival, organised by the Royal graphene from dry ice and magnesium Society of Chemistry, brought together teams powder!) and some amazingly powerful from 19 schools from across the North West. chemical reactions. As well as the University Challenge, the team Mr Hepburn, Subject Leader of Combined took on the role of forensic investigators Science, said, ‘I was impressed by the way in the ‘Salters’ Challenge’ and correctly they worked together as a team to solve identified the murderer of a fiction-al school’s a problem that had experienced chemists Headteacher (the Chemistry teacher was scratching their heads’. 23 N T E W EV ENTY EL

Allen Catherine Louise Chester English McCormack Joseph Sheffield Hallam Quantity Surveying Armstrong-Benson Rebecca Leanne Oxford English McDermott Lucy Liverpool Medicine Bourke Kathryn St Andrew’s Theological Studies McKavney Niamh Leicester Geography Brady Fergal Warwick Economics McLean Laura Elizabeth Manchester Dentistry (BDS first-year entry) Bradley Joseph Gap Year Meadows Amy Edinburgh Philosophy and Theology Breen Anton Edinburgh Economics Molloy Ciaran Edinburgh Physics Brennan Christopher Keele Geoscience Morton Darius Manchester Ancient History Butcher Jonjo Queen Mary’s, London Geography Murphy Luke Sheffield Hallam Criminology and Psychology Byrne Liam Salford Performance: Contemporary Practices Murphy Martin Nottingham Economics Cabrera Max Birmingham Engineering Murphy Olivia Jane Heytrop Philosophy, Religion and Ethics Callow Hannah Nottingham Philosophy and Theology Norton Gerard Cambridge Theology and Religious Studies Candlin Rosy Edinburgh Divinity (MA) O’ Brien Pierce Westminster Business Management Cassidy Grace Oxford Brooks English Language and Communication Obi Anselm Warwick Law Catterall-Decalmer Victoria Newcastle Ancient History O’Brien Catherine Northumbria Business with Marketing Cawley Kerrianne Kings, London Religion, Philosophy and Ethics O’Brien Emma Newcastle Business Management Chen Hangong Warwick Civil Engineering O’Brien Holly Grace Salford Performance: Drama and Theatre Connolly Grace Niamh Leicester Geography O’Brien Lauren Manchester Met Business Management (Sandwich) Corcoran Holly Ann Nottingham Trent Criminology O’Flynn Ruth Lancaster Geography Dada Babatola Aston Business and Sociology O’Gara Joseph Derby Geology De Rome Moss Georgina Durham Ancient History Ogilvie Eleanor Leicester Geography Debono Thomas Liverpool John Moores Real Estate Management O’Hara Joshua Sheffield Hallam Film and Screenwriting Doyle Emily Patricia Manchester Met Events Management O’Shea Ciaran Newcastle Computing Science Duncan Jacob Manchester Ancient History Owolabi Olamide Newcastle Electronic Engineering Edwards Isabel Nottingham Theology Quinn Shauna Sheffield Hallam Business / Management Faux-Wilkins Mollie Newcastle English Language Reynolds Shannon Manchester Law Fraine William Durham General Engineering Ryder Jane Loughborough Automotive Engineering Garratt Patrick Edinburgh Philosophy and Economics Shires Helen Durham Modern Languages Gillespie Iain Keele Geoscience Silcock Olivia J Bath Management and Modern Languages Goodair Alexander Manchester Met Computing Tang Yuewen Kings, London Mathematics / Finance Hamilton Anthony York St John Marketing Management Totterdell Benjamin Gap Year Hampson Mark Leicester Politics and Economics Vollam Hannah Sarah Gap Year Hayes Hannah Leeds Theology and Religious Studies Walsh-Alexander Brandon Queen Mary’s French and History (4 years) Hayes Patrick Liverpool Business Studies Ward Joseph Gap Year Henshaw Daniel Plymouth Geology Wilcox Michael Leeds Law Hillyard Michael Manchester Met Business Management Williams Ella Liverpool Medicine Horne Amy Newcastle Chemistry Young Andrew Lancaster Criminology Hughes Sarah Liverpool Geography Yu Youngtaek Sheffield Accounting / Mathematics Hulme Luke Leeds Metroplitan Sports Business Management Zhao Juanshu London Statistics, Economics and Finance Jepson Michael Edinburgh Chemistry Jones Vanessa York Economics Keaveney John Nottingham Economics Keenan Ryder Oliver Leeds Metroplitan Business and Management Kelly Sarah Elizabeth Sheffield Chemistry (4 years) Kendal Christopher Northampton Politics Keyworth Natasha Marie Hull and York Medicine Kilroe Mary-Anne Caitriona Leeds Geological Sciences Komolafe Joshua Brunel Economics Lavery Rebecca Hull American Studies (4 years) Le Helen Bradford Chemistry with Industrial Experience Liu Sisi Manchester Management and Leisure Lopeman Sarah Oxford French and Spanish Maguire Nathan Thomas Edinburgh Italian and Classics Maloney James Newcastle Architecture and Urban Planning Mannion Alexander Central Lancashire Chemistry

24 CHARITIES 2012-13 A Handful of Hope was co-founded by two old-Bedians, Miriam Fahey and Tim Keaveney, moved by the plight of a child they saw salvaging food amongst stray dogs in a rubbish dump in a small village in rural Tanzania.

Since its founding in 2011, the project has expanded and now the project manager on a visit to the village. They had been cares for a number of abandoned and orphaned children orphaned and the baby girl Zuwena was being cared for by in the village, with an emphasis on providing them with a her elder sister Aikia. Both were malnourished, dirty and in a future through education and the stability, care and love of desperate situation. a family environment which was so lacking in the formative The help of St Bede’s College over the past two years has years of many of their lives. allowed us to secure the short term future of both children The contribution of St Bede’s College has been invaluable to by having them fostered by a local family - placing them in a the project and has helped to fund the work of a small project secure and loving environment. team in Tanzania, providing school-fees, food, foster-care and Although the project is relatively small scale, it has made a other essentials to children in the village. huge difference to a number of families and to the lives of a Tanzania is one of the poorest countries in Africa and as number of children in the village. We hope that with your such, desperately sad situations occur frequently. One of the continued support we can continue to make a difference, no saddest cases that the project has dealt with is that of Aikia matter how small, to the huge beast that is global poverty. (5) and Zuwena (2). The two sisters were found by chance by Miriam Fahey and Tim Keaveney

Christmas Card Competition

In the build up to Christmas the Heads of House ran a competition to design a Christmas card. The winners had their designs printed and sold at the Christmas Fair. The standard was very high and the winners in each house were:

James Walsh - Siena House James Mee Hannah Baxendale - Bosco House - Campion House James Mee - Campion House James Walsh The overall winner was: The overall winner was: Hannah Baxendale - Siena House Yuki Igarashi Yuki Igarashi - Bosco House - Bosco House - Bosco House

Great Bede’s However, the Star Baker Award in the Cupcake Round went to James Bake Off Walsh of the U5th for his highly creative Cookie Monster cupcakes. Eleven budding bakers kicked off The remaining cupcakes were sold Christmas Hampers the inaugural Great Bede’s Bake Off at lunch time, raising nearly £20 in style. Judges were impressed by for the Lenten Charities. Mrs Boylan Members of the Upper Third took time out from their the talents on display, especially and Mrs Girolami are already Michaelmas Retreat to admire the Christmas hampers the creativity, professional planning round two, where even collected by forms, which were distributed to various groups presentation, uniformity, and more participation is encouraged. around Manchester, who will in turn identify families and most importantly, taste. Praise individuals who were the most appropriate recipients. must go to all competitors, in Cornerstone, The Contact Refuge and Our Lady’s Primary particular Saoirse Killingley in the School Moss Side were among the destinations for the U3 for her excellent presentation hampers, which hopefully spread a little cheer in these complete with cake stand, and difficult times. William Morrow, also in the U3, for gaining the Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood Award for good all round performance. 25 CO-CURRICULAR In house activities...

In house activities proved quite popular too. Arts, music and drama departments put on some great activities for the students Overview... from printing their own t-shirts to learning and performing a play Another fantastic year for our Co- in a day. Our budding entrepreneurs were catered for with the Curricular programme with a new Technology Apprentice and Miss Delaney’s RBS Enterprise day, range of activities, trips and sports which gained a large following and will surely be a popular taking place which have been activity again next year. Sciences had students solving crimes eagerly received by our students. CSI style and investigating moon rock. While Geography’s aptly title “Make a Mess and Model” was always going to be well The beauty of this programme is it allows us supported! to go “off piste” – providing students with an opportunity to participate in activities Sports are always going to prove popular choices and the not necessarily found in the mainstream beautiful sunshine only encouraged students to want to head out academic or sporting areas of the College. doors. Our outdoor pursuits included Horse Riding, Orienteering Once again our popular activities; Horse and Bushcraft, starring Mr “Bear Grylls” Pedan and his offsider Tom Riding, Engineering along with Music, Art and “Crocodile” Diggins, Rock Climbing, Skiing and Archery. Drama Clubs have seen strong participation. Although there were too many activities on offer to mention I have been most pleased to see the them all here I would like to thank the staff who, after a long year, prominence of student run clubs, such as helped create such a rewarding and fun atmosphere for the Lit and Phil, Model United Nations and the students through their hard work and preparation. Economics Forum, which really highlight the diverse appeal and inclusive nature of our Co-curricular programme. This year has also seen the growth of our Mary Tran Wins Co-curricular sports which have seen great participation from students who Manchester Schools Title have enjoyed representing St Bede’s in St Bede’s Lower Fifth student Mary Tran has competitions in non-traditional sports. St become a sporting champion after winning Bede’s Sixth Form students have been the Manchester Schools Singles Badminton involved in a Skiing programme run through Title in a comprehensive display. On a highly the Chillfactore; we have also been able to competitive stage, Mary was able to maintain expand our representation into Manchester her composure in coming from behind to win competitions to include Table Tennis, two of her matches and ultimately go through Badminton, Squash and Swimming. Through the finals tournament undefeated with a record this development St Bede’s can now boast at of five wins and no losses. Mary’s abundant having Manchester champions in Badminton talent was flagged by tournament organisers in the recent team’s competition where she – 4th Year student Mary Tran, and Swimming impressively went through undefeated, often with great prospect Matthew Williams playing fixtures against girls a year older winning through to become Manchester than her. Congratulations to Mary, a fantastic Breaststroke champion. athlete and a perfect example of how the Co- curricular sporting programme at St Bede’s is providing opportunities for students to excel in their chosen sports.

26 CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES WEEK One of the great highlights of This year’s programme was enthusiastically the year for students is our highly received by students who participated in a variety of in-house activities and trips. One of the anticipated Activities Week that great strengths of the week is the diversity of the concludes our summer term. activities students can participate in; one where we aim to ensure that all students can find an activity or activities that they feel suit them and are specific to their interests. All in all, we want it to be educational and also fun.

Popular amongst the choices for this year were the many trips that were offered. These included:

• London and the theatre district • Manchester’s famed “Mystery Tour” • Chester Zoo where we enjoyed great sunshine and a day remembered best for the ear piercing shrieks in the bat cave thanks to Miss Curry and Mr Dumbill • Our statistical minded and our shopping enthusiasts rubbed shoulders at the Trafford Centre Challenge • We toured Liverpool visiting some of its famed galleries and museums • Our U3rd students visited Alton Towers Tech where the staff found that the new “smiler” ride was more than a little ironic Big heads and not necessarily the best way to launch a comeback to rollercoaster rides after a prove a prolonged sabbatical. • Manchester’s Imperial War and National big hit with Football Museums Students

Mr Mason from the College Drama department put on a very successful Puppet making workshop in the Technology department during the activity week. The students produced giant Puppet Heads which were produced from recycled corrugated cardboard using paper engineering techniques.

Despite only having a morning to design, make and manufacture their unique and carefully sculpted creations, all the students managed to complete the task.

The finished creations looked like they could easily be featured in a Carnival or Festival Parade, the students and a number of staff had great fun trying on the creations. Mr Mason is a professional puppeteer and was responsible for creating a number of the Giant Puppets featured on the annual Manchester Day Parade.

An All-Girl group who called themselves ‘Charlie’s Angles’ won this year’s L5th Technology Apprentice during the College Activity week. The team were competing against two other groups and managed to double the profit made by their nearest rivals. During the project the teams had to design, make and sell for a profit a number of promotional gifts to the general public. Head of the Sales team Valentina used her charm and persuasive techniques to create advance orders, whilst Chanel was in charge of production and Henita created the designs. When asked about how they felt about winning the competition Valentina replied “We were delighted to win the competition and enjoyed developing our team building skills, girl power rules”

Subject Leader of Technology Mr Hennigan added “All the groups performed really well, but it was the marketing and sales skills of ‘Charlie’s Angels’ that made the difference.” 27 BOYS SPORT Football Awards The football awards assembly was hosted by Mr Spellman on Monday 29th April. There were awards, for all teams, in three catagories. Top Goalscorer, Manager’s Player and Players’ Player awards. Congratulations to all the winners and RUGBY CHAMPIONS to all the boys for their hard work and commitment throughout the season. Special thanks also to the team managers St Bede’s College U15’s Rugby team secured the Lancashire for all their efforts during the season. Emerging Schools Cup in emphatic style with a 38-5 win over St Margaret’s School, Liverpool in the final.

Blackburn Rugby Club hosted lads new to the sport it was the final and the teams did not always going to be difficult to win disappoint the many supporters consistently against much more who had travelled to watch a experienced sides. very entertaining game of rugby. U14’s coach Mr Parker too St Bede’s gained the upper hand deserves worthy praise. During midway through the first half and this season he has generously never looked like surrendering given up a great deal of his time the lead, despite stiff resistance and spent long hours with the from the opposition. It was a team on the training paddock. Players’ Player Award Winners: credit to the players that three For this reason this team will Jack Shields (2nd Eleven), Billy Gallagher years of hard work on technique present themselves as a much (Under 16), Ross Wherrit (First Eleven), and skill paid off, particularly sterner test for the opposition next Rory McCormick (Under 15), Joe O’Brien pleasing to see lads who had season and look to build on the (Under 14), Andreas Kitromilides (Under 13) come into the squad late with few good wins from 2013. and Dom Skinkus-Loftus (Under 12). little experience rewarded Our U12 and First XV sides for their persistence and suffered through a lack of determination. numbers, but both teams During this season the lads managed to play fixtures this played through five rounds year despite looking like not of the cup, complimenting a playing at all at the start of the handful of Saturday fixtures in year and that is certainly a both U15 and older U16 teams. positive. They showed great character and determination throughout the season to go through undefeated a feat that cannot be underestimated. Well done lads and best of luck in the future. Top Goalscorer Award Winners: Our other rugby teams can Sean Phythian (Under 15), Ike Obi also reflect upon successful (Under 14), Xav Ashurst (Second Eleven), campaigns. Our under 14 rugby Caleb Ogwuru (First Eleven & Under team deserves credit for their 16), Matthew Strogen (Under 13) and great application; with so many Alessandro Sivori (Under 12).

Manager’s Award Winners: Zac Johnson-Lake (Under 15), Pat King (Second Eleven), Adam Crewdson (First Eleven), Joe Stiles (Under 16), James Dillon (Under 13), Niall Mannion (Under 14) and James McKenna 28 (Under 12). Senior Football College Football It was also a very enjoyable and successful season at 2012/2013 Years 7-10 Senior Football level at St Bede’s College. The 1st XI enjoyed a memorable start to their campaign collecting the ISFA Sixes Plate Trophy early in September after beating Dulwich (London) in the final. The team quickly evolved into a blend of youth and experience as six Upper Fifth students complemented the VI Form players perfectly proving that if you are good enough you are old enough. The 1st XI went on to win 13 games throughout the season including memorable victories against MGS, King’s Chester, a victorious penalty shoot-out where keeper Hulme GS, Wolverhampton and St Ambrose. Adam Crewdson was once again the hero On the Cup front, the team made made it for his team. While a superb goal-scoring through to the Manchester Cup Semi Final performance by Xav Ashurst ensured the where they were beaten by the eventual 2nd XI won in some style for Mr McCotter’s All the teams enjoyed a variety of highlights and winners, Manchester College. Caleb Oguwru endeavorous team. varying degrees of success. has been quite prolific in front of goal The Under 16 team also enjoyed a very Highlight of the U12 season was the Catholic cup run throughout the campaign scoring 17 times fruitful season in their Cup competitions They which saw them defeat St Peter’s, St Paul’s and St Gabriel’s in his 17 appearances. reached the semi-final of the Manchester en route to the final where they lost narrowly to Cardinal However, the highlight of the season for Cup and were crowned Catholic Cup Langley 2 - 1. The quarter final victory against St Paul’s many of the players and parents was the 1st champions after a thrilling 3-2 victory against was pleasing as they had beaten St Bede’s comfortably and 2nd XI victories over Blackrock College Our Lady’s, Blackely with Caleb Oguwru earlier in the season and the semi-final victory was from Dublin in March when both teams providing 16 goals closely followed by probably the best performance of the season against an regained the Challenge Cup from our Irish captain Billy Gallagher who scored 11 goals excellent St Gabriel’s side. neighbours. The 1st XI was successful after in the 11 Cup games played by the team. U13 highlights included an excellent victory in the Manchester Cup against St Jospeh’s, Bolton and also in the last game of the season away to Bury Grammar. There were many stand out performances over the year especially from Andreas Kitromilides, Matthew Strogen, James Dillon and keeper Thomas Prendergast. The U15’s season was a story of ‘almosts’ when they reached the final of the Catholic Cup (where they were narrowly defeated in extra time) and the ISFA National Cup semi-final where they were beaten in the last minute by the eventual champions, Whitgift. The football played by this team was particularly impressive all season with the best performance of the Saturday season coming against QEGS when St Bede’s won 4-0 away on a swamp of a pitch whilst restricting QEGS to little or no touches of the ball for most of the game!

Lancashire GAA Selection Congratulations to Lawrence Hennigan and James McKenna, who have been selected to play for the Lancashire Under 14’s Gaelic football team. The boys played in the celebrated Féile Peile na nÓg tournament in Derry, Northern Ireland from Thursday 27th June to Sunday 31st June. This is a major event in the Gaelic Athletic Association calendar as it has teams entering from throughout Ireland, Europe and America. The boys who both play for St Mary’s GAA Club in Levenshulme are thrilled at the chance to represent Lancashire and Lawrence who plays midfield said “I was delighted to be chosen and cannot wait for the tournament to begin.” James, who plays full forward added “It was great to be selected and I just hope that I can play to my best in the tournament.” We wish the boys every success! 29 GIRLS SPORT

Third England Rounders International Grace Sloan of the L5 has been selected at first base for the England U16 rounders team – the third current St Bede’s student to achieve this honour!

A keen sportswoman, Grace also plays netball at school and club level, represents the school at athletics and is a keen horse rider and golfer. She shows her maths ability by working as scorer at a cricket club to earn the money to fund her sporting ambitions. Mrs McCormick, Subject Leader of Girls’ PE, commented ‘Grace exemplifies St Bede’s tradition of sporting success – she is determined, committed and motivated’.

Cross Country The U12 team won the Manchester The U12 and U14 teams won the Knockout competition. The U14s were GIRLS’ Manchester League and the U16 runners up in the Greater Manchester team finished third. Catholic schools’ netball tournament.

SPORTING In the Manchester Schools’ Athletics Competition the U12s were winners, In the Manchester Indoor athletics the U14s second and the U16s third. the U12 and U16 groups reached the SUCCESSES In this competition Ella Standring final with the U12s finishing fourth from finished 2nd and Eva Freeman 4th 18 schools and the U16s fifth from 16 from 92 runners. schools. St Bede’s female Netball The U14s finished third in their athletes have had a Ella and Faye Standring, Olivia Turner section from 9 schools and missed and Tara Quinn have been selected qualification to the final by 1 point. great start to the to represent Greater Manchester County and Olivia and Tara to Ella Standring came second in the year. Here are some of represent the Northern Thunder 800m and Sade Teniola second in the netball team (the top Premiership 60m in the U12 age group. their success stories. netball team in the North West of England). Clodagh Whiteside finished second in the High jump and Nenna Obineke second in the 200m in the U16 competition.

30 SUCCESS! GIRLS SPORT champions! Rounders Success

Congratulations to the U12 rounder’s team who won the Greater Manchester Catholic Tournament. The girls also won the group section of the Manchester Schools competition and therefore qualify to the semi-final stage. The U14 team have also qualified to the semi final stage and well done to the U15s who are also Catholic champions.

champions!

The girls in the U16 rounders team won the North West final to qualify for the National final. This is the fourth time that St Bede’s have been represented in this prestigious event. The girls will play the other top teams in England. The final will be on 12th July at Corby.

Clara gets GB Call

Congratulations to Clara Ashton of the Upper Fifth.

Clara has been selected to play for the Great Britain U18 womens Ice Hockey team. This is an exceptional achievement as she is still only fifteen years of age. Clara travelled out with the team in mid December for a tournament in Switzerland. We wish her good luck for the future. 31 STAFF Departures

PETER LOADER SHEILA QUIRK Peter Loader’s rich mixture of infectious personality, wicked humour, dazzling presentational skills and superb teaching has enriched St Bede’s, since his arrival Equipped with a first class from the University of London in 1975.The very fulcrum of the Common Room, Peter degree from UMIST, Sheila exudes bonhomie and good cheer. Yet, this jovial exterior belies the sharpest of Quirk’s academic credentials intellects. Passionate about his subject, as to be expected of a chief examiner, Peter were beyond reproach, when made Geology the most credible of A Level options. His combination of humour, she joined Dr Slater’s Chemistry lucidity, presentation and sheer work ethic impressed generations of students. A-Level results in Geology have been uniformly excellent for nearly 40 years and Department in 1990. For scores of his students have progressed to geology- related professions. the past 23 years, she has Yet excellence as a teacher is but part of the man, Peter Loader has given given unstintingly of her time St Bede’s unparalleled commitment to every vestige of College life- camps; and expertise. An invaluable outward bounds; expeditions and foreign trips; and front of house at productions. member of the Chemistry team, In short, Peter crystallised the selfless Catholic schoolteacher. Never one to count his she recently succeeded Sandra time, Mr Loader’s deeply hewn compassion and indomitable optimism appealed Pike as Head of Department. to all, who worked with him and for him. Sheila was an accomplished A supremely committed supporter of College charities, teacher, who achieved excellent Peter Loader saw the best in people - and, in return, examination results. Pupils pupils, parents and colleagues identified him as being appreciated the thoroughness amongst the very best in the annals of St Bede’s. of her preparation and the clarity of her exposition, for she had the knack of distilling the intricacies of A Level Chemistry to their essential components.

HENRY WEISS

Henry Weiss brought coherence, reassurance and stability to the younger end of the College during his tenure as Head of Lower School from 1990- 2012. Succeeding the almost legendary Ron Smith in the role, Henry soon demonstrated that he understood pupils. Shrewd, firm, consistent and generally calm, he displayed excellent judgement when dealing with pastoral problems. Though he could adopt a forbidding persona, when the occasion so demanded, his overseeing of the Lower School was a benevolent stewardship. In essence, firmness was leavened with compassion- the ideal combination for a pastoral head. Henry’s cause was helped by his awareness of Bedian tradition. He had joined the College in 1977 as a teacher of Geography and Art. Later, he would introduce Photography as a GCSE subject. St Bede’s owes Henry Weiss a great deal. Replacing someone like Ron Smith in 1990 appeared difficult. Yet, Henry took to this key pastoral role with aplomb. In particular, he ensured that the Lower School was a welcoming and supportive environment for nervous 11 year olds. For their part, pupils soon discerned that behind the gruff exterior was a warm and approachable Head of Lower School. Henry Weiss gave distinguished service to St Bede’s: I wish him well.

32 STAFF MICHAEL BERRY Departures

Michael Berry has been devoted to St Bede’s for most of his life. Educated at the College from 1959- 1966, when it was both a Diocesan Direct Grant grammar school and a junior seminary He returned to his Alma MICHAEL NALLY Mater in 1980, after a brief sojourn at St Peter’s Grammar School, Prestwich. For 33 years, Michael brought selfless Sadly, Mike Nally has announced his retirement after 27 dedication, dry, understated humour, self- effacing years of excellent service. Appointed by John Byrne as scholarship and consummate organisation to the English Head of Biology in1986, he brought to St Bede’s an all- Department. Though he would readily admit that he owed consuming passion for his subject. Whilst committed to high much to a succession of gifted and inspirational teachers, academic standards, he also made Science fun for pupils. the essential impetus came from Michael. He was synonymous with English at St Bede’s. In truth, however, he And yet, this was only part of his outstanding contribution did so much more: first year camp at Ullswater; annual to the College, for Mike epitomised the ultra- committed, trips to the Dordogne; and a rich variety of dramatic generously spirited Catholic schoolteacher. He coached productions all benefited from his unstinting commitment rugby and cricket teams, led fieldwork trips and organised and reassuring competence. Above all, he epitomised science clubs, yet still found time to play football and cricket the collegiality and Catholicism, which are integral to for the staff teams. By his very being, both inside and outside St Bede’s. An outstanding English teacher, convinced of of the laboratory, Mike Nally upheld the Catholic character the holistic education offered by St Bede’s, he was par of St Bede’s - an invaluable quality in this secular age. excellence a superb, credibly Catholic ambassador for His colleagues will miss his keen wit, his self-deprecatory the College. humour and, above all, his kindness. A great Bedian is leaving our midst and I pay tribute to him.

MrOther Paul Griffin, staffSubject Leader leavers...for History and Examinations Officer, secured a headship at the Fyling Hall School and took up that position along with his wife, Katherine at Easter. Liz O’Neal has taken a position in the PE department at Altrincham Girls.

Mr Haddy Nagib has secured a full-time teaching post at a sixth form college and Mr Peter Gill is moving to St Monica’s. Mrs Maura Welch has taken a position at Loretto Girls School, Mrs Joanne Wallwork has moved to Altrincham Boys School to teach Spanish, Dr Susan Powell (Biology) has taken up a position at Bury Girls’ School. MIKE CAHILL We thank these colleagues for the contributions Shrewd and organised in his preparation, lucid and they have made to St Bede’s and wish them every systematic in his exposition and forever demanding of his pupils, Mike Cahill is a first class teacher of Mathematics. happiness and success in their new positions. As such, he made a major contribution to the reputation of the Mathematics Department from his arrival in 1980 until his retirement this summer. In recent years, he was also in charge of public examinations. Mike taught across the age range in St Bede’s, but his forte was A level teaching of Maths and Further Maths. Sixth formers knew that he would stretch them intellectually, but they acknowledged his mastery of the subject and they discerned his more relaxed persona with older students. Educated at a Catholic Direct Grant school, Mike understood that academic rigour was vital to the reputation of the College. He provided this par excellence for over 30 years. I wish him a very happy retirement.

33 If you would like a tour of our College please contact us:

St Bede’s College, Alexandra Park, Manchester M16 8HX tel 0161 226 3323 fax 0161 226 3813 [email protected] www.stbedescollege.co.uk COLLEGE