A Message From Mr RobsonThe penultimate week before half-term has been a very busy one at St. Bede’s College. Mrs Hunt and I met with Prep parents on Monday at the Prep Parent Forum. This is always a useful interface to share ideas and address any concerns parents may have. I value parental feedback at all times to help us to continuously improve and there will be a Parent Forum for parents with children in the Senior part of the College (U3 to U6) on Monday 19 October, 5pm to 6.30pm in the Vaughan Library, to which you are most welcome to attend.

Universities from all around the UK, including Oxford University, visited the College on Monday which enabled our students from the Lower Fifth and upwards to gain valuable information about possible choice of University and the courses they offer. Thank you to Mrs Lockett for her efforts in arranging the event.

Thank you to the Sixth Form pupils for their hard work on the production of The Real Inspector Hound. The play was highly entertaining and a particular congratulations must go to Matthew Kennedy (Upper Sixth) for directing this excellent play. Upper Fifth Parents’ Evening on Thursday was very well attended. It was a pleasure to meet many parents and discuss targets that their children must work on to exceed their potential in the GCSE public examinations next summer. The new half-termly reporting structure, and fortnightly communication from tutors to parents, seems to be particularly well received. This is now in place across the College and will be particularly useful next year when the Upper Fifth move into their A Level Studies and parents can track continuous progress and achievement.My thanks go to the Bedian Association for organising the Spooky Disco this evening; I am sure a lot of fun will be experienced by pupils and parents alike!

Have a lovely weekend.Mr Robson

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BEDE'S NEWS 16 October 2015

The Real Inspector Hound This year’s sixth form studio production , The Real Inspector Hound by Tom Stoppard, is a work of such linguistic complexity and is so reliant on precise comic timing that it might well have defeated a cast far more experienced than the one that had been assembled over the few short weeks since the start of term. The stage was set in the drawing room of a remote country house typical of many a murder mystery, but with the added complication of two theatre critics observing with us, making the central action a play within a play, constantly challenging our suspension of disbelief.Mrs Drudge, winningly played by Olivia Cunningham dusted and did while sagely predicting murder and commenting hilariously on the strangely inaccessible house. Emma Garrett’s Felicity, tennis racquet in hand and bristling with the venom of the scorned lover did caustic battle with Shenel Roachford’s passionate and very nearly overpowering Cynthia. Finn Mason as Hound stalked the stage with the air of a man who would like to be a straightforward policeman, but who was in fact racked with existentialist doubt. Harry Visinoni’s Simon was an essay in lounge lizardly excellence, taking both Cynthia and Felicity for quite a ride. His quizzical expression to camera was quite perfect in spite of no camera being present. James Ward-Mallinson’s wheelchair bound Muldoon was quite a stage filler, chewing on his pipe, murderously vengeful and often consumed with impotent rage. A perfect comic foil for Mrs Drudge. We must also pay tribute to Finlay Ward-Mallinson who showed himself to be the most convincing of corpses.The precision and fluency of all these performances was admirable, but perhaps the greatest challenge fell to James Thompson as Moon and actor director Matthew Kennedy as Birdboot. Their dialogues often play across one another, since both characters are self-obsessed and more finely drawn than the others. The precision and wit were most pleasing while the nuances of mood were finely drawn. Congratulations to Matthew for his fine casting and direction and to the whole cast for the stylish result which was so warmly received. Thanks also to Mr Mason, Mrs Alderson and Miss Cochran for their assistance.

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BEDE'S NEWSSENIOR

University Fair 2015

St. Bede’s College annual Universities Fair took place on Monday 12 October in the Academic Hall. Many Lower Fifth, Upper Fifth and Sixth Form students and their parents came along and talked to the representatives of the 25 universities. The representatives were very impressed by the courtesy shown to them by the students and we equally impressed by the thoughtful and insightful questions they were asked.

Co-Curricular Update

IFS Investor Challenge Students from St Bede’s have got off to a great start in the IFS investor challenge which began on Tuesday. Eleven St Bede’s teams have entered the competition against over 500 other teams from schools across the UK. Places are set to fluctuate with investment over the next month, however, our Lower 6th team consisting of Rory Dunn, Ambroise Normand and Thomas Kuan have spent considerable time inside the top ten over the last week and hope to consolidate this good start in the weeks ahead.

Ski ClubAfter much anticipation Ski Club began on Monday and judging by the smiles of those who took part it’s clear that students had a rewarding time. Students of all abilities have hit the slopes in what is hoped is the first of many ski clubs that will run throughout the year. For those involved, Ski Club will run again on Monday 2 November.

MUNGA Our Model United Nations team participated in the Cheadle Hulme School hosted MUNGA. This competition is the first for the year and our young side performed strongly as well as gaining some crucial experience for future events in a very high standard competition.

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THE BEDIAN

ASSOCIATION 16 October 2015

The Bedian Association Dear Parents, Teachers and Friends,

The time has finally arrived for the ‘Prep Spooky Disco’ – tonight Friday 16 October! For those of you brave enough to attend this ‘Spooktacular’ family event, be prepared to be entertained! Come suitably attired for the big night and you could be one of the prize winners for best costume!Remember, you will have to knock three times at the door and your code for the night is:‘Double, Double, toil and trouble’.DJ Jeremy Gray will set the tone for the night with tunes to thrill or shrill… with games to test your skills and bravery.

The Bedian Association Coffee afternoon last Friday in the Parents’ Café was again well attended. Our thanks go to Mr Fisher who was our ‘guest speaker’, providing the latest updates on the changes in relation to the bus service. Also on hand was Pavla Mataskova, SIMS Development Manager, who set up a quick ‘drop in’ session for parents who had queries about creating their on-line access for SIMS Agora payments. If there are any other topics you would like a presentation on please let us know and we will look at how we can arrange for this to be delivered. Members of the Bedian Association can be reached via email address: bedian@stbedescollege.co.uk . Or simply catch up with us out and about around the College.Remember, the list and dates of The Bedian Association events are on the College website, either on the main calendar or on the Bedian Association page.The next Bedian Association Meeting is on Tuesday 3 November at 6pm in the Vaughan Library. This will be an opportunity for us to start looking at the event with which traditionally we see out the year – The Christmas Fayre! Thank you for your continued support and participation.Best Wishes,

The Bedian Association.

Bedian Success At Oxford University

Many congratulations to Victoria Pike, now in the second year of her Biology degree at Lady Margaret Hall, who has been awarded the prestigious Heron-Allen prize. The Heron-Allen Scholarship was founded in 1936 in memory of Armorel Daphne Heron-Allen by her parents, Edward and Edith Emily Heron-Allen. Armorel Heron-Allen graduated from LMH with a First in Zoology in 1930, and soon afterwards died tragically in a car accident. The Scholarship was awarded initially to an undergraduate reading Zoology, Physiology or another branch of Natural Sciences. The first recipient of the Heron-Allen Scholarship was awarded in 1944. Heron Allen Scholarships are now awarded to students reading one of the Life Sciences or Mathematics. Victoria who gained a First in her Prelims secured the Heron-Allen award, worth £2,000 per year and her name is displayed on the prestigious honours boards in Lady Margaret Hall.

Fire SafetyOn Wednesday, Prep 6 received a timely visit from Bluewatch, one of fire service teams from Whalley Range.Steve, one of the fire fighters, told us a little about his job but the main purpose of his talk was to share important safety information with the pupils in readiness for the forthcoming Bonfire Night. Steve instilled into the children the importance of firework safety and his presentation included some very graphic images of children who had tragically been injured by fireworks. Following the group session, all the pupils were treated to a full tour of the fire engine and its many high-tech appliances.

Equipment included hydraulic boltcutters for accidents, hoses and ladders for fires and their latest technological advancement introduced earlier this year: a lance which uses tiny iron filings to cut holes in walls.The whole experience with Steve, James, Matt and the other fire fighters was fascinating and we are sure the children will “Remember, remember the 5th November” and the important message learned today in order to remain safe on Bonfire Night.

6C CLASS OF THE WEEK

Dear Par- ents, Teachers and Friends

Our major fundraising event, the Summer Ball is fast approach- ing on Saturday 27th June. This is going to be a highlight of our year and we look forward to seeing you there. Tickets are selling quickly so book now to avoid disappointment. This really will be a fantastic event !Building on this prestigious event, the Bedian Associ-ation is working hard to refresh all it’s current repertoire and develop some new ones. We will keep you posted through the newsletter and texts – Watch this space!If you need an incentive to get involved, either with the Association or as a guest at one of our events, our goal for the end of the year is to raise enough funds to

buy a 17 seat mini-

Tel: 0161 226 3323www.sbcm.co.uk

BEDE'S NEWSPREP SCHOOL

Xander Evans, Francesca Lewis, Hannah Taylor, Caris Odeyinde,

Ellie Westwood-Ruttledge, Jan Cabello, Patrick Vyce,

Caleb Barlow, Callum Kilroe, Emily Campbell, Orphee Bony, Keane O’Neill & Kevin Hoang.

Harvest Festival 20 OctoberDonations of goods for the local homeless centre, Cornerstone, will be very gratefully received by Tuesday morning. They particularly need sugar, coffee and corned beef. Also welcome are tinned meats, jam & potted meat, instant hot chocolate, fruit juice, salt, cakes and biscuits, crisps and peanuts, tinned tomatoes and vegetables and toothpaste, shampoo and shower gel. No beans or spaghetti please! Any fresh produce should be brought in on Tuesday morning.All parents are warmly welcomed to attend our Harvest Festival Assembly at 2pm in the Academic Hall, which is being led by pupils in Nursery to Prep 2.

HOUSE POINT WINNERS

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BEDE'S NEWSPREP SCHOOL

STARS OF THE WEEK

Notices PostboxWe were delighted with the suggestion, at the Parent Forum meeting, of a postbox for parents to post reply slips, proformas etc. to save waiting when the office is busy. The postbox is installed outside the Prep office at the enquiry window.

End of TermOur first half-term of the new school year comes to a close at the end of the school day on Tuesday 20 October.We look forward to welcoming all pupils back on Monday 2 November.

Parents EveningParents Evening takes place on Wednesday 4 November for all Prep classes. Parents are reminded to book their appointment online on the Parents Evening website as soon as possible to secure a time slot.

Prep 4 TripPrep 4 visit the Marist Centre on Friday 6 November

AJIS CupGood luck to our U11 A & B teams who play Cheadle Hulme School in the AJIS Cup on Monday 19 October at 2.15pm

York Prep 5 travelled to York this week to spend the day learning about the Vikings who settled in York a thousand years ago. The morning started with a workshop on Viking Sagas. The children learned about the importance of being a good story teller in Viking times. They learned about Kennings poetry and tried to decipher the metaphors for: Homework Giver, Furry Mouse Catcher, Hairy Postman Chaser and more difficult Viking ones like “Skull Forest!” This was followed by Viking battle tactics where the children intimidated and frightened their teachers into submission with loud battle cries and fierce formations.Next Prep 5 went on a journey through time, back one thousand years to York as it was when the Vikings settled here. They travelled along a Viking street, into Viking houses and past Viking toilets. It was a 4D experience as there were plenty of smells from that era to go with the fantastic scene. The children met Vikings, saw how coins were made, saw how combs were made from antlers, how oysters were a favourite snack and how far the Vikings travelled for trade.The final workshop of the day was Viking medicine and religion. The children saw how Vikings used leeches to suck blood from people if they had swollen limbs. How they used maggots to eat dead flesh from wounds. How they even used an egg, beer and dog muck mixture to cure spider bites. If the medicine didn’t work thenthe Vikings used magic, runes and prayers to Thor to cure their ailments. All in all Prep 5 had a fantastic trip to York. They were brilliantly behaved. They discovered, learned and participated in so much about Viking life in York.