College News
St Brendan's news feed (RSS)
Articles on this page:
- St Brendan's Launches the International Baccalaureate
- SANCTI BRENDANI - New Alumni Website
- Calamity Jane - The Best Darn-Tootin' Musical in the West (Country)!
- Love in the Air
- Geography Award Winner
- Senior Citizens' Christmas Party
- St Brendan's Go 80s for Haiti
- Princess Diana Awards
- Marat/Sade
- St Brendan's Announces New Principal
- Children in Need 2009
- Celebrating The Difference With Paul Robeson
- Regan is Back Where it All Began
- Drama Students Get Physical
- Reunion Shows a Charitable Side
- A Level Results Day 2009
- Historic Building Opens its Doors for One Last Time
News Items listed in date order:
St Brendan's Launches the International Baccalaureate
March 2010
St Brendan's Sixth Form College is proud to announce that we will be offering students the opportunity to study the International Baccalaureate Diploma from September 2010.
The International Baccalaureate Organisation visited the College in February as the final part of the authorisation process, and was very happy with both the College's approach, and its facilities. The inspectors were particularly impressed by the overall atmosphere of the College and the professionalism and enthusiasm of the staff that they interviewed. The report said:
"The College has thoughtful and dedicated members of teaching staff who are clearly engaged with the IB. The College has a caring and welcoming atmosphere and excellent facilities, which facilitate and encourage student-centred learning."
St Brendan's was nominated by the local authority as the preferred provider of the IB for the area, and we are delighted to be able to introduce this exciting and challenging qualification to the students throughout Bristol and Bath. St Brendan's will be offering the IB on two sites, at the main College in Brislington and at St Bede's Catholic College. The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. The course is a two-year programme, during which time students will follow a broad range of subjects, while at the same time specialising in subjects that are of greatest interest to them. Candidates study six subjects, three at a higher level and three at a standard level (the six groups students can choose from are shown in the diagram below).
Alongside the six subject choices, there is also a core element to the Diploma that all students study. Students take Theory of Knowledge which aims to develop their critical thinking skills, and also produce an Extended Essay which fosters independent learning styles and knowledge of academic research. They also need to acquire 150 hours of Creative, Action and Service that allows them to develop into well-rounded and compassionate citizens. Through these three core elements and students' subject choices the International Baccalaureate's goal is to educate the whole person and is a mode of study designed for highly motivated 16-19 year olds.
As an alternative to A Levels, the Diploma is an international qualification widely recognised by all universities in the UK as well as by Higher Education centres in more than 50 countries worldwide. The demands of the course mean that students are extremely well prepared for university study because they have been able to deepen their understanding of what knowledge is, how to acquire it and how to relate it to the world around them. IB students are also seen as excellent potential employees by companies who are looking for young people with knowledge of a second language, the ability to communicate well with others and those who have other interests outside their academic studies.
Amanda Salaou, Curriculum Manager for the International Baccalaureate and Languages, is excited about the prospect of the qualification. She says:
"It is a great privilege to see St Brendan's become part of an international network of schools and colleges offering the IB Diploma. The Diploma Programme offers students a complete package which allows them to grow as a person as well as academically. The exciting introduction of the IB Diploma in September 2010 will further enrich the wide range of courses and subjects that St Brendan's already offers. All students regardless of background, nationality or status will have exceptional educational opportunities that match their individual needs and ambitions."
If you require any more information on the IB then the College will be holding an official celebration launch on Wednesday 31st March from 5.30pm – 7.00pm. To register your interest in the IB, please email: Internationalbaccalaureate@stbrn.ac.uk.
You can also download an application for the IB using the following link:
Application Form (pdf) [ 52.4kb]
SANCTI BRENDANI - New Alumni Website
March 2010
There is now a website for former pupils of St Brendan's College created by Tony Hill. Its web address is: http://www.sanctibrendani.co.uk/
Calamity Jane - The Best Darn-Tootin' Musical in the West (Country)!
March 2010
TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE
The second year Musical Theatre Students at the College are busy preparing for their forthcoming production of 'Calamity Jane'. The students have really fallen in love with the exaggerated characters and sentimental story line from this well known and well loved musical. The cast will be accompanied by a live band throughout and there will be no shortage of gingham and thigh-slapping to makes this a true feast of family entertainment. Supported by the Technical Theatre students in our brand new purpose built performance space, 'Calamity Jane' guarantees to have even the most determined humming Whip Crack Away on the way home!
"Calamity Jane is a no-nonsense, straight-talking, sharp shootin' female. More comfortable in cowboy chaps with a gun around her hips than any prissy dress – she's got more horse power than the Deadwood stage itself!
Come git' yourselves a seat at the Golden Garter in Deadwood City, for the ride of your life!
Deadwood City's two most famous peace officers, Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickock, get involved in saving the neck of Henry Miller, the local saloon operator. It seems that "Millie" has been promoting a beautiful actress named Frances Fryer, but Frances turns out to be a boy, Francis. Millie's attempt to cover up is soon unmasked by the angry miners, and only Calamity can cool the crowd with her trusty pistols. To keep the peace, Calamity sets out for Chicago to bring back the miner's real heart-throb, Adelaide Adams. However, in Chicago, Calamity mistakes Adelaide's maid, Katie Brown, for the actress and hauls her back to Deadwood instead..."
This production will definitely be full of beans and have the audience rolling in the aisles with laughter.
Show times and prices are listed below. To book your ticket please call the College directly on 0117 9777766
Wednesday 24th March, matinee @ 2.30pm, £3
Wednesday 24th March @ 7.30pm, £5/£3 Conc
Thursday 25th March @ 7.30pm, £5/£3 Conc
Friday 26th March @ 7.30pm, All tickets £5
Images show cast member in cowboy costume.
Love in the Air
March 2010
Love was in the air at St Brendan's on Friday 12th February, as the College celebrated Valentine's Day. Café Max, the college communal space, was decorated with hanging hearts and lashings of red tinsel in order to get students in the mood for love. Radio Flex, the student-led radio station, also put on a series of Valentine's themed days throughout the week.
Throughout the week, a heart-shaped post box had been placed in the corner of Café Max allowing the students to post love notes to eachother. These messages were placed on the plasma screens throughout break and lunch time on Friday. There was also another way for students to communicate their affections to others during the day, with the Student Union selling Fair Trade roses. The College caterers Sodexo added to the spirit of day by making a number of Valentine's-inspired treats, which went down extremely well with the students.
The highlight of the day however, was St Brendan's very own version of the hit game show 'Mr and Mrs'. The show was compèred by Bex McLaughlin from the Student Union and five couples took part in the competition with the aim of securing the prize of a romantic meal for two at La Tasca. The Theatre was crammed full of students eager to watch the couples compete in the 'paddle round' of the game show. The couples were placed either side of a divider and were asked questions about their relationships. Each person had to raise either a blue paddle (if the answer was the bloke), or a pink paddle (if the answer was the girl), securing a point if they both answered correctly. The event was hugely enjoyable and the couples taking part, as well as the audience, had a lot a fun. It was a close competition and it went down to sudden death between two couples but eventually one couple finally triumphed and won the meal at La Tasca. The day was deemed a huge success and a great way to end the week before the start of the half term holiday.
Images show students on St Valentine's Day.
Geography Award Winner
March 2010
On Monday 11th January, former St Brendan's student Rosanna Havers was awarded a certificate for 'Excellence in Geography' by the Geographical Association as a result of achieving one of the top two marks in the United Kingdom for her Geography A Level.
Rosanna, who took A Levels in Geography, Spanish, Maths and Art and Design at while at St Brendan's, received A grades in all her subjects during the summer and received an offer to study Geography at Cambridge University. Rosanna received 600 out of 600 marks for her exams in Geography, which is an exceptional achievement. Halfway through her second year, she was already aware that she had achieved 500 out of 500 marks, but she was determined not to rest on her laurels, eventhough she knew she had already secured an A grade. The fact that she remained dedicated throughout her final exams though stands as testament to her character. Her result is even more impressive when you learn that Rosanna unfortunately broke her wrist snowboarding just before she was due to take her January module exams in 2009. Her writing hand was in a cast, but she turned down the option of a writing scribe for her exam, instead teaching herself to write with ease using her other hand.
Unfortunately Rosanna was unable to collect her award in person so her mother, Bronwyn Havers, received it on her behalf from St Brendan's newly appointed Principal Ann Barrow. Rosanna was not in the country to pick up her certificate as she is on a gap year in South America. She is currently in Ecuador working on environmental and community projects for Latitude, a global volunteering company. After six months in Ecuador, Rosanna will travel across South America, visiting Panama, Costa Rica and Peru, before completing her travels in Chile. It is great to hear that Rosanna is applying her Geography A Level practically, alongside gaining some amazing life changing experiences and furthering her knowledge of the area. This will all undoubtedly stand her in great stead when she embarks upon her Geography degree at Cambridge later this year.
Image shows Bronwyn Havers receiving the geography award from Ann Barrow.
Senior Citizens' Christmas Party
March 2010
As the frost twinkled and the snow threatened, St Brendan's glowed like a festive beacon on the 17th December for its annual Senior Citizens' Christmas party.
Thanks to our sponsors Sainsbury's, Co-op and Tesco, the refectory was gleaming red and gold with decorations as the smell of warm mince pies and spiced Christmas cake filled the air. We had tap dancing reindeer, heavenly choirs, jazz and soul bands and even a visit from the main man in red himself! That's right, Father Christmas made an appearance and distributed gifts amongst our guests with a cheery 'ho, ho, ho' and a hearty belly chuckle. Even the strapping Bristol Rovers apprentices attended and assisted with both serving and caring for our senior citizens.
As is traditional, what made the day so special was our students who were all fabulous and festive. Almost one hundred students showed up, many in fancy 'chrimbo' dress, and helped serve and assist the visitors. Our student waiters and waitresses served up rolls made by our fabulous refectory staff. Thanks to our generous sponsors, we also had mince pies, Christmas cake, juice, tea and lashings of festive cheer.
The choir sang traditional carols and some more contemporary pieces, while Musical Theatre students performed extracts from the Phantom of the Opera score beautifully. Dance performed two numbers, one of which was in full reindeer attire and the other in their jim-jams, no less. After tea, we rolled out our soul band, which performed several numbers each much to the delight of the onlookers who were all clapping and tapping their approval. In fact, our guests displayed huge smiles all afternoon and gushed regarding the brilliance of St Brendan's. Thanks to everyone who took the time to get involved in the day, whether as a dancer, singer, musician, waiter, fairy or helper. The day was a runaway success, everyone had a wonderful time and Christmas really arrived with a big, glittering, festive bang.
Images show students dressed as fairies and elves.
St Brendan's Go 80s for Haiti
February 2010
On Friday 6th February 2010, St Brendan's Sixth Form College in Brislington, Bristol, raised £578 for the Haiti Earthquake Appeal by staging an 80s themed day coupled with a dance show. After being touched by the images of destruction seen on television and throughout the press over the past month, students throughout the College were moved to put together an event where they could show theie support and do all they could to help those less fortunate in Haiti.
The fundraiser was organised by the College street dance group Street Dreamz which is led by A Level students Kate Mulligan and Sheyla Essono-Manana. They also had help from the college's Student Union and created posters to place around the campus, drumming up publicity throughout the week. When the day arrived lots of students showed their support for the campaign and strolled into College wearing a variety of 80s-inspired garments, including legwarmers and crop tops - all very nostalgic!
The main event however, was the dance show which took place in the College's new auditorium at lunch time. Students crammed into a packed out venue (giving donations on the way in of course) and were treated to a feast of creativity. The show kicked off with a dance routine from the show's organisers Kate and Sheyla to the tune of 80s hip hop maestros Run-D.M.C. Members of the Street Dreamz crew then took to the stage in turn to entertain the crowd with a series of freestyle moves. Interspersed within the dancing was a series of musical performances, ranging from students showing off their rhyming talents with improvisational rap songs to an acoustic version of Lady Ga Ga's big hit Poker Face.
After the show, Street Dreamz set up a homemade cake stall in the College refectory which went down a treat with all the students. Kate and Sheyla were really pleased with how the day unfolded and the support they received. The fundraiser was deemed a huge success and the College is particularly proud of all the students who were involved. It is a hugely important cause and the attitude that the students have shown in initiating and organising an event to help those in Haiti stands testament to the caring ethos that can be found within College.
Images show dancers from Street Dreamz.
Princess Diana Awards
February 2010
Rory Southworth has been honoured with a Princess Diana Award for his continued contribution to the College.
The Diana Award is a living legacy to the late Princess. It is given to ordinary young people who go that extra mile to make a difference.
Rory has been wholeheartedly involved in the running and development of Radio Flex, the College radio station. He has his own show and encourages others to participate for the benefit of everyone.
In July, his behind the scenes expertise was invaluable during the St Brendan's Summer Fest when he helped to coordinate a seamless production for the bands and the audience. More fun for everyone!
Rory was also a member of the Student Panel during the interviews for the Vice Principal position. His professional approach and rigorous questioning were appreciated and no doubt Rory learned a huge amount from the experience.
Rory is a diligent, enthusiastic and selfless young man with an approach to life which will take him far in the future. He thoroughly deserves the award.
Alongside Rory, the entire Student Union received Diana Awards as well, for the difference they have made to their student community. Max Morris, Kieron Rowley, Jenny Johnson, Isaac Prior, Izzy Cooke, Bex McLaughlin and Amy Qureshi have raised the profile and effectiveness of the student tutor representative meetings, including training for the reps. They have initiated 'Celebrate Diversity' awareness month, which had a lot of different activities running throughout the College. They have made themselves available in all sorts of ways to help the students, wearing personalised St Brendans hoodies to make themselves known. They have raised money for charity alongside helping the students have fun. All these reasons were why they were nominated, and we were thrilled but not surprised that they received the Award. The College would like to say a big well done to all seven of them.
Images show students receiving their awards from Derek Bodey.
Marat/Sade
February 2010
The College Production this year was a hugely ambitious stab at a classic of modern drama, Marat/Sade by Peter Weiss. It is a hard hitting and challenging play, full of ideas and philosophy, as well as song, vivid characterisation and collective acting. The key difficulty is with the actors working as an ensemble; they need to be a fluent and believable unit, to switch in and out of character, and also to stay on stage for the whole duration of the play. This meant a massive commitment from the actors, not just for the two hour show, but also in intensive rehearsal, where everyone was needed to create shapes, images and moods on stage. This is a lot to ask of the modern student, caught up in the pressures of a subject with a tight curriculum, and trying to mix in a social life and a part-time job. However, the real strength of the final performances was a collective one; this mad, dangerous, revolutionary set of asylum inmates pulsed as one, with a shared heartbeat, moving from despair to delirium with ease and fluency.
Of course, within any ensemble piece, there are star turns, but here I'd like to start with the minor characters, often using mime, to convince us of their believability. Zenya May, with her weird glasses and skewed expressions, Alice Lamb with her frantic sketching and Sam Ford's ability to work off others, all really held the audience, despite the limit of their spoken lines. Little visual ticks, riffs and asides kept the whole energy sustained.
Amidst all this chaos, we were led through the play admirably by the rhymed narration of Rosie Wake, finding a wonderfully naturalistic way of dealing with the difficult language. Occasional song was delivered by the group, notably by Kat Thomas, while the opposing philosophical voices of Matt Toffolo's Sade and Ed Hodgkinson's Marat were clearly and passionately delivered.
Many students seemed familiar to me; just 3 or 4 days before Emma Robb, Jesse Perrett and Sam Merrell had brought the theatre to a quivering wreck with their absurdist, surreal, mime-led devised A level work and it was remarkable that they were then able to switch into the psyche of another play and be so convincing; this was a hark back to the days of repertory theatre!
However, on stage for this show there was one distinct star performance. As Charlotte Corday, Sam McLaughlin held the stage, moving from insanity, to seduction, to a revenging spirit, with a performance of great skill, and also of intellectual maturity. Scenes with the dagger reminded me of the intensity of a Lady Macbeth at times.
The other real stand outs of the show were the costumes and make up; the students thought through this themselves, aided by Ruth Cottle, and they were a triumph of creating roles from images.
Dom Cullen, in directing, focused all his skills on the acting, and establishing character and interaction, to create this seething mass. He helped the students understand the Brechtian rhythm, ideology and energy of the play, to the extent that all the actors stayed in character during the interval and haranguing this reviewer in a Bachanal like frenzy! In a flourish at the end, there was a rousing song of the revolution, with lights askew, flags aloft and the cast singing and rousing, to a fitting climax. This was ambitious and powerful theatre, delivered with remarkable maturity by the cast, and was a fine opening statement about what the new theatre space is all about.
Review by Kevin Brice.
Images show students in the college production of Marat/Sade.
St Brendan's Announces New Principal
January 2010
From January 2010, Ann Barrow has taken over the position of Principal at St Brendan's Sixth Form College in Brislington, Bristol after the retirement of Derek Bodey.
We are pleased to introduce Ann Barrow as our new Principal. Ann is certainly the best candidate to fill the vacancy of Principal left by Derek Bodey. Ann has all the qualities and attributes needed for the position and the College couldn't be in better hands as it begins its next chapter. Ann has already been with St Brendan's for 9½ years after joining in September 2000 as the Vice Principal. During her time here, Ann has helped oversee a period of enormous growth and change in the College and the student population has grown in that time by around 70%. A greater variety of courses has also been introduced which has allowed the college to deliver a programme of study that better suits the individual student. During Ann's time at the College, a Level 1 programme has been added to the curriculum. This provision has been a huge success and has really helped those students who have not performed particularly well in their GCSEs or those who have joined from overseas with a limited grasp of English. Last year, we were especially proud when Saied Sadat Kiaei left St Brendan's to go to university, our first Level 1 student to do so. More recently, there has been the move to new accommodation after the completion of the main building work. Playing a significant part in all these developments has given Ann a greater understanding of the college. She is familiar with the ethos and aspirations of St Brendan's, and is ideally placed to carry these ideals forward and develop the College still further.
Ann began her career as a chemistry teacher at Binley Park Comprehensive School in Coventry (she still assists the medics and dentists at St Brendan's to prepare their university applications. She soon became the Deputy Head of Xixth Form. Ann then moved to Bishop Ullathorne School, also in Coventry as the Deputy Head of Science. After a brief spell at Foster's School for Boys in Sherbourne, Ann moved to Strode College in Street and took the position of Head of Maths, Science and Engineering and later the post of Head of General Education for GCSEs and A Levels. She remained there until joining St Brendan' s as Vice Principal. With such a wealth of experience in education, Ann has the ability to guide the College's many curriculum developments and she has a number of ambitions for the college. She will be overseeing the introduction of new courses such as Archaeology and the International Baccalaureate. She is also keen to further develop the sport provision we have at the College, especially the outdoor team sports. Ann is also eager for exam results to continually improve year on year. She says:
"I always have high expectations of the students, and I always expect them to be achieving better grades than the previous year".
Now that the College will soon be falling under the local authority umbrella once again, Ann is also looking forward to working in partnership with more agencies and developing our relationship with many different schools still further.
Ann admits she is fortunate enough however, to be taking over at a very successful point in the College's history.
"It is a wonderful inheritance, the College is in a strong position, achieves outstanding results, has fantastic support for students and has brand new buildings. I'm looking forward to it going from strength to strength."
Ann is also keen to pay tribute to both the students and staff at the College, which she regards as St Brendan's main strength.
"We are a specialist institution in dealing with this age range, and all the staff takes huge pride in the work that they do. They are all skilled in their specialist subject knowledge and all have a deep care and concern for the young person."
Ann goes on to add that there is a strong emphasis on pastoral care within the College.
"We are always told how much the students have changed in their time at the College. The added dimension of the spiritual education here really gives everyone a chance to explore their own spirituality, to be treated as an individual and to develop a care and concern for everyone else. It is this aspect that marks us out as significantly different and it is why I think we are so popular".
Ann is also very humble when asked what it is like to be the first female principal of St Brendan's. She remarks that she doesn't consciously notice the difference and highlights that it has been a co-educational establishment here for a long time now (since 1979).
"Women have played a major part in the success of St Brendan's since it became a Sixth Form College; this is simply a further development of the role that women continue to play in the College's achievements."
She is very proud of the opportunity she has been given and says that it will be wonderful to be in charge of an academic institution with a history of huge sporting prowess. She is looking forward to the exciting challenges ahead and cannot wait to begin in her new position.
Image shows Ann Barrow, new Principal at St Brendan's.
Children in Need 2009
December 2009
Friday 20th November was a day that had long been marked in student diaries this year. It was, of course, Children In Need day and was a fantastic opportunity for everyone to get together and participate in a series of fun and innovative events that all aimed to raise money for this worthwhile charity.
This year's events were led by the Student Union who created a number of activities which galvanised the student body and got the whole college buzzing with excitement. The fundraising got underway during break time, when college caterers Sodexho placed a bath full of baked beans in the middle of Café Max. Everyone crowded to watch as Sue, a member of the catering staff, sat herself down in the 'bath' and had cold beans poured over her. The students were receptive to the extremes that she had gone to for charity and, consequently, change in the donation buckets was plentiful. Alongside the bath of beans, there was also an opportunity for students to get their face painted. It was a designated fancy dress day at the college, but those who forgot to don a costume could still get into the spirit of things by having their faces painted.
The major events took place over lunchtime however. Students evacuated the core building and descended upon the performing arts studio in A block for a charity game of Blind Date. Enthusiasm for the game was fantastic and the seating filled quickly for this sell-out event. A student Cilla Black compèred the show and the familiar format proved to be a huge success. The audience were in stitches as three men and then three women used wit, charm and a succession of double entendres in order to woo a prospective date. The show was followed by a freestyle performance from the college hip hop troupe, Street Dreamz. This was Street Dreamz's first college performance this year and it was good to see a new crop of dance talent alongside some familiar faces. As always, the freestyling went down a storm.
All the students then made their way back to the Café Max where, in an act of chivalry, student Patrick Carroll had decided to follow Sue's lead and sink into a bath of baked beans. Patrick was then, after a plethora of goading from the crowd, joined in the bath by Student Union treasurer Kieran Rowley. It was a fun end to a really enjoyable day and the college managed to raise a fantastic £695 for Children in Need.
Images show staff and students enjoying the baked bean bath and face painting.
Celebrating The Difference With Paul Robeson
November 2009
On 13th November 2009, Tayo Aluko will bring his one-man show Call Mr Robeson to St Brendan's Sixth Form College in Bristol. The show is the focal point of a month-long series of events throughout the college which serves to educate and celebrate diversity.
Aluko's play brings to life the story of the great actor, singer and civil rights campaigner Paul Robeson. Robeson achieved worldwide fame for his artistic accomplishments and for his outspoken, radical beliefs which largely clashed with the colonial powers of Western Europe and pre-civil rights America. The play itself is described as a "rollercoaster journey through Robeson's remarkable and eventful life, and highlights how his activism caused him to be disowned and disremembered, even by the leaders and descendants of the civil rights movement".
St Brendan's is the largest specialist sixth form provider in the region and home to over 1600 students from a variety of different faiths, cultures and backgrounds making it an ideal venue in which to introduce this influential figure to a new generation of people previously unfamiliar with Robeson's story.
Tayo Aluko has travelled the show internationally, from the Bristol Old Vic to the BAAD! in New York and the play has won the Best Male Performer award at the Brighton Fringe Festival. The students are excited about the show arriving at the college and it will be a fitting climax to a number of events that have been created to break down barriers and to celebrate the differences between us all.
Disabled theatre troupe Firebird has already visited the college to work with A Level Drama students and a sports festival has been organised by our students for local paraplegic school pupils. Alongside this, there have been African Drum workshops, Bollywood dance classes, Belly Dancing and a number of student-organised debates taking place at lunch times. Dr Edson Burton also visited the college to give a poetry reading about black slavery. College caterers Sodexho have specially created 'Dishes of the Day' to reflect the variety of cultures represented at the college. There will also be a photography wall created to which students can attach images that reflect their background. A talk is also planned on Alzheimer's Disease for Psychology and Health and Social Care students led by speakers from BRACE and Age Concern and the college has launched a 'befriending scheme' so that students can do voluntary work with elderly people. The Science and Maths departments have also worked together to produce displays that highlight achievements in their respective fields showing that they are "not just white men in white coats"
.
All these events have included almost every teaching department and have been a fantastic success so far with many students getting involved. It builds on a previous event in February 2009 for Diversity Week, and reflects the intake of the college and the community it serves.
Regan is Back Where it All Began
October 2009
Ex-St Brendan's student and England World Cup winning hooker Mark Regan has come back to college to coach the rugby team. The 37 year old former pupil will be coaching the boys on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. Mark will be keen to build on the success that the Rugby team has already enjoyed in recent years. In 2008, the team won the local cup and the Bristol Schools Plate, so there is already a strong core to work with.
The appointment has certainly got the whole college buzzing and students have been signing up to Rugby enrichment in huge numbers this year. Competition for places is fierce and the standard of training is very high.
Mark also coaches National Two side South Clifton and has also worked with Ulster recently and is eager to increase his coaching portfolio. Mark commented that:
"Although I'm pretty busy, rugby is still a big part of my life. Going back to coach my old school is something that I am really looking forward to."
The college is excited by Mark's arrival and is hoping that all this positive energy can be turned into another series of successful results on the Rugby pitch this year.
Image shows the St Brendan's rugby team.
Drama Students Get Physical
October 2009
In preparation for our students' unit 3 exams (Exploration of Dramatic Performance) in A2 Drama later this year, a series of industry professionals visited the college to run a series of workshops dedicated to the art of physical theatre.
On Tuesday 15th September, Theatre Alibi, Theatre De Complicite and Circomedia introduced the students to a number of exercises that aimed to highlight how performers can convey a story to an audience by the use of their bodies.
Based in Exeter, Theatre Alibi's productions are 'marked by a passion for the live event, contain a strong visual style and a high level of storytelling skill'
. The workshop that they ran took place in the drama studio and initially began with the students having to physically enact the process of getting ready in the morning. The performance was accompanied by two different pieces of music and served to highlight how music can add mood to a performance. After a number of smaller exercises the workshop then climaxed with a group re-telling of the classic Gingerbread Man' tale, where each student took to the stage and used all the skills they had learned to expressively tell the story.
Circomedia was founded over ten years ago and rose out of the ashes of Fooltime, Britain's first ever circus school. It is different, however, from many circus schools as there is a heavy emphasis on combining traditional circus skills with physical theatre and creativity. Students ascended to the Dance Studio to take part in this workshop and it proved to be one of the most enjoyable aspects of the day. The workshop opened with a number of little games that aimed to loosen everyone up, get the blood pumping and install trust in one's fellow performers. This trust was then put into practice as the group paired up and worked out a fight scene that would be performed to the rest of the class at the end.
The final troupe that visited the college was Theatre De Complicite. The principle of their work has remained close to their original impulses; seeking what is most alive, integrating text, music, image and action to create surprising, disruptive theatre. The company work by the motto that 'There is no 'Complicite method'. What is essential is collaboration'
, and this was certainly put into practice in perhaps the most imaginative workshop of the day. The class split up into smaller groups and worked together to create shapes and movements with their bodies. This culminated in the creation of inanimate objects such as cars and even city skylines and famous monuments.
These three workshops proved to be hugely valuable to the students and the work produced during the day was hugely imaginative and of a very high standard. The principles learned throughout the day will hopefully have made a lasting impression on all involved and will be of a significant benefit when exam time comes around.
Images show students at the drama workshop.
Reunion Shows a Charitable Side
September 2009
St Brendan's Sixth Form College is enormously grateful to all those who attended the reunion in the college's old building on Sunday 12th July. The reunion was organised to commemorate and celebrate the life of the building before it is demolished as part of the college's new build.
A memorable time was had by all those who visited; many old friendships were rekindled and stories shared. Alongside this, visitors showed a hugely generous side by donating to a number of charities throughout the day. St Brendan's has a very strong rugby tradition and classic shirts were sold on the day to raise money for the 'RFU Injured Players Foundation'. The lure of the old maroon and gold proved irresistible to many and we are please to report that £113.50 was raised for this foundation.
On a similar note, the college was asking for donations for the classic St Brendan's centenerary book which charted the history of St Brendan's since its formation at Berkeley Square. The donations received for the books came to £110.85 and all this money has been donated to the charity CAFOD.
A traditional mass, the last of its kind in the building, also proved to be very popular. Donations at the end of this event totalled a fantastic £200, £100 of which will go towards a Chalice in the new chapel. The other £100 will be donated to the charity 'World Gifts Apostleship of the Sea'. After the event the college also received a phone call from an old boy who had been unable to attend the reunion, but very generously donated £60 which will also go towards the Chalice in the Chapel.
All these donations typified the Christian spirit of the community and were very heart-warming to see.
Images show visitors to the reunion and a St Brendan's maroon and gold rugby shirt.
A Level Results Day 2009
August 2009
Students at St Brendan's Sixth Form College in Bristol have been celebrating another year of outstanding A Level Results. Two years of hard work by the students has been suitably rewarded and the college's performance continues to improve.
Twelve students, Ruth Curtis, Joseph Gibson, James Dix, Jonathan Hall, Rosanna Havers, Hannah Ledbury, Naomi Newell, Michael Hardman, Chomba Kachasa, Robyn Morris, Elena Miekus, and He Zhu all achieved A Grade passes in all four of their subjects this year. While Michael Bevan, Nathaniel Cross and Benjamin Trickey achieved the equivalent of four A Grades at A level, if you were to include their BTEC Distinctions alongside their A Levels.
The overall pass rate this year was 98% and is an exceptional achievement seeing that our entry requirements are a lot lower than many other sixth providers. A huge improvement was seen this year in the overall pass rates at the college, with 72% of the courses achieving a 100% pass rate. Another significant improvement was seen by those students who achieved A-C grades, with the figure up this year to 76%.
Science and Maths gained outstanding results which were well above the college average in A-B grades. 60% of students achieved A-B grades in Maths while an incredible 77% of students achieved that accolade in Further Maths. Physics was another particularly strong area with 71% of students achieving A-B, while in Chemistry this figure was 52%. The languages department were also extremely pleased with their results, 63% of German students received A-B grades and 61% of Spanish students gained the same qualification. Persian, Polish and Russian students (who we have gained A Levels in their native tongue with our Community Language Programme) have also done exceptionally well with all those involved gaining an A or B grade.
Although it is difficult to single out personal achievements amongst the years results; there are a number of human interest stories that are worth highlighting.
He Zhu only began speaking English in year 9 at Culverhay School and really flourished during his time here at St Brendan's. He took A-Levels in Economics, Physics, Mathematics and Further Mathematics and gained an impressive A grade in all these subjects. Alongside his study, He was also a member of the college hip hop troupe 'Street Dreamz', regularly performing at charity events and was a key member of the college community. His dedication and strong work ethic has been rewarded with a place to study Mathematics and Statistics at Oxford University. He is among a number of St Brendan's students who will be taking up places at Oxford and Cambridge this year. Joseph Gibson, Michael Hardman, Hannah Ledbury and Ewa Bigaj will be joining He at Oxford and Rosie Havers and Abigail Middell have been offered places to study at Cambridge. Hannah Ledbury, a former St Marks student, received her A grades in Chemistry, Biology, Maths and French. She will be studying Bio Chemistry at Oxford University in a year's time after taking a gap year, where she will be travelling to Chad for 6 months with Mission Africa. Hannah said I've had a great time at St Brendan's, the teachers have been very inspiring and I was shocked to get such great grades. I've had a great summer relaxing after my exams, and I am now just really looking forward to my gap year
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Despite being diagnosed with ME at school, Kelly Russell battled on through her condition and achieved a Double Distinction in BTEC Musical Theatre and a C grade in her A Level in Sport and Physical Education, given her the equivalent of three A Grades. The fact that she achieved these results in two physically demanding courses stands testament to her courage.
Eleanor Nebarro, an aspiring model, and Oliver Corbett, a local actor, have also done particularly well despite the time they have put into there burgeoning careers outside of college. Eleanor Nebarro, took time away from college mid way through the year to perform on UK Living's hit television show Britain's Next Top Model. Despite this perceived distraction Eleanor has picked up A Grades in Religious Studies and Photography, a B grade in Politics and a C grade in English Literature. Oliver, who has performed in Casualty and Larkrise to Candleford while he has been studying here at St Brendan's, will return from travelling in Italy and Australia this summer to find he has achieved an A grade in Law, a B grade in Drama and Theatre Studies and a Distinction in BTEC Musical Technology.
Similarly, we have two students who have performed exceptionally well while juggling their sporting pursuits. Jocob Sobstyl, a competing rower at the college, received A grades in Mathematics, Physics, Further Maths and an A* in his Extended Project qualification. While Jessica Budd received B grades in Psychology, Sport and PE, and the Health and Social Care applied A Level. Jessica, who is currently ranked in the top 50 of senior tennis players in Great Britain has a sports scholarship to study at Clayton University in Atlanta, Georgia, USA where she hopes to pursue her dream of becoming a professional tennis player.
Derek Bodey, Principal of the college, said, Once again we have been celebrating the fantastic achievement of our students. It is well deserved as they have been dedicated to their studies and are now reaping the rewards. I'm very proud of them all individually, those who have done exceptionally well but also those who have overcome personal circumstances and disadvantages. We wish them all well in the future
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Images show students with their exam results.
Historic Building Opens its Doors for One Last Time
July 2009
St Brendan's Sixth Form College in Brislington, Bristol opened its doors on the afternoon of Sunday 12th July to commemorate and celebrate the life of the building before it is demolished and landscaped as part of the college's new build.
The event was open to St Brendan's Old Boys, ex-Sixth Form Students, ex-members of staff or governors, and was a chance for all those who have been affiliated with the college over the years to re-live some golden memories. The innovative new building is due to open for the start of term in August. The current building, which was built during the late 50s, will be demolished and the area landscaped to feature a modern, open, social space in keeping with the historic landscape. Before the demolition begins though, the college was keen to offer the opportunity for people to take one last look around.
There was a traditional Mass at 2pm in the auditorium followed by refreshments and entertainment in the college refectory. Old photographs were also on display for people to spot themselves and people could also catch one of our photographers around the college who was happy to take a picture for posterity. A few of the classic St Brendan's maroon and gold rugby shirts were also sold off and the money raised was donated to the RFU Injured Players Foundation.
St Brendan's and the Bristol community have a very rich history. The Old Boys' Grammar School, run by the Christian Brothers, began its life way back in 1896 in Berkley Square, moving to its current location in Brislington in 1960. This spacious new building was home to 700 hundred students at the time and included a gymnasium, covered area for games, assembly hall, chapel, library, dining hall and science labs. The move to these new facilities really paved the way for St Brendan's to expand and develop. The boys grammar school eventually changed to a sixth form centre in 1982 and acted as the designated Sixth Form provider for St Bede's and St Bernadette's in Bristol and for St Gregory's and St Mark's in Bath. The college has gone from strength to strength since this change and is now the largest specialist sixth form provider in the region, and the best performing state sixth form provider in Bristol, as calculated by the recent Government CVA League tables. St Brendan's has a very significant sporting history also; Ireland and British Lions Captain Charlie Davidson and, more recently, England World Cup Winner Mark Regan were students at the college.
St Brendan's has been a major part of a huge number of Bristolians' lives and has been at the centre of education in Bristol for over 100 years. The reunion was a fantastic opportunity for people to pay tribute to this, share stories and reminisce about past times.
Photographs from the event can be viewed and downloaded at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stbrendanssixthformcollege/