With Christ at our side to guide us,
we shine in all that we do.

When Tom Palmer came to St Bede’s!

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We were thrilled to welcome award-winning author Tom Palmer to our school this week for an exciting and inspiring visit with our KS2 children.

Tom spoke passionately about his journey as a writer and the importance of reading, captivating pupils with stories from his books and real-life experiences.

The children had the opportunity to ask thoughtful questions about writing, books, and what it’s like to be an author. Tom’s answers were both insightful and encouraging, sparking curiosity and creativity across the room.

One of the highlights of the visit was a lively penalty shootout quiz, where pupils tested their knowledge in a fun and interactive way, combining sport and storytelling in true Tom Palmer style!

It was a fantastic morning that left our young readers and writers feeling motivated and full of ideas. A huge thank you to Tom for visiting and sharing his love of books with us!

First Holy Communion Going Forth Mass

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On Sunday, the First Holy Communion children celebrated their ‘Going Forth’ Mass, where they received their certificates from Fr Bill.

Here they are together, and collecting their certificates.

First Holy Communion Day

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Some of our Year 4 children made their first Holy Communion on Saturday June 14th.  It was a wonderful mass – the church was filled with families, friends and staff to support the children, the children read beautifully and looked amazing!  Everyone was so proud of them!

After Mass, the children headed down to the church hall which was decorated with beautiful artwork, prayers, poems and cards made by their St Bede’s family.  The children then tucked into their First Holy Communion breakfast before continuing the celebrations at home with their families.

Y4 Arbeia Visit

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Year 4 had a fantastic visit to Arbeia Roman Fort last week.  The first part of their visit was the ‘Roman Soldier Touch Tour’ which was an interactive tour of the site looking at real and replica artefacts bringing the history of Arbeia and the lives of the Roman soldiers to life.

 

Their next workshop was the ‘Time Quest’ Dig activity.  The children took on the role of archaeologists, and discovered how to interpret excavated finds to explore the past from a range of sources of information to enable them to piece together the story of Roman life along the frontier.

The children enjoyed a lovely lunch, explored the West Gate and then enjoyed an art activity during which they drew various artefacts in the museum and made a frieze of their artwork to take back to school.

Incredible Illustrations with Liz Million

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We were thrilled to welcome Liz Million to our school this week for a fun and inspiring visit. The day began with a whole-school assembly where Liz introduced herself and shared the story of how she became a professional illustrator. Liz’s energy and enthusiasm were infectious, and the children were fascinated to hear about the books she’s worked on and the creative process behind her illustrations.

Throughout the day, each class took part in hands-on workshops led by Liz, where they learned some of her top tips for drawing. With a theme of ‘All God’s Creatures,’ the children explored how to bring animals to life on the page using simple shapes (like tacos, potatoes, and door arches) as the building blocks for their drawings. It was incredible to see how quickly Liz could create a character and even more exciting to see the amazing artwork the children produced using her techniques.

The day was a wonderful celebration of creativity, and it was clear from the smiles and laughter that Liz inspired a lot of budding young artists!

Easter Mystery

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On the last day of term, children in EYFS and KS1 will be given a copy of The Easter Story to share with their families at home.  KS2 children will be given a copy of the Stations of the Cross, with images drawn by the Mini Vinnies, to take home to share with their families also.

By sharing the Easter story and the Passion of Christ, we remember the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.  As a family, please take time to stop and think about the true meaning of Easter.

We wish you all a happy, healthy and holy Easter!

Stations of the Cross

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During Lent, the children in Years 5 and 6 and in Years 3 and 4 enjoyed the experience of leading Stations of the Cross with parishioners at St Bede’s Church.

Here are some photos of Years 3 and 4 in church after Mass today.

Islam – Eid celebrations in Year 4

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One of our classmates shared her family’s experience of fasting during Ramadan and celebrating Eid, and we joined in the celebrations together in class today with a delicious feast of watermelon, melon, pineapple, mangoes, brownies and cakes.

We enjoy exploring other religions in school and are very respectful of each other’s faiths.  All the children were keen to find out more about Ramadan and Eid and asked our friend lots of interesting questions.  She brought in some activity books that she had received as a present from her auntie to help her learn more about Ramadan, Salah and Miracles performed by Allah.  She also shared some stories with us, and we drew parallels with the story of Yusuf and Joseph being put in the well by his brothers.  As part of the preparations for Eid celebrations, many people have their hands intricately decorated with beautiful Mehndi designs using henna – aren’t they beautiful?

Thank you for sharing your faith with us!

Year 4 enjoying World Book Day

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Year 4 looked fantastic on Friday in their World Book Day outfits – can you guess which book characters they chose?

Year 4 visit Fr Bill in church

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Year 4 has been learning about the celebration of Mass as part of the Eucharist topic.  We visited Fr Bill in church who took us into the chapel to explain in more detail the parts of the Mass and what happens at each stage of the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Fr Bill showed the children some of the books used throughout the Liturgy of the Word and the sacred vessels used in the Liturgy of the Eucharist.  They were even allowed to taste the unconsecrated host.

The children were very knowledgeable and asked lots of good questions.

 

© 2025 Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust.