We have two Chaplains who arrange a wonderful variety of worship and clubs within school. Should you wish to contact them, please ring the main school number or email:
Rev Holly Crompton hcrompton@stbedes.cambs.sch.uk
Mrs Liz Currie lcurrie@stbedes.cambs.sch.uk
What is a Church School? The Archbishop of Canterbury explains:
“A Christian school is one in which the atmosphere has that kind of openness about it, that sense that people are worth spending time with, that people need time to grow, need loving attention. The Christian Gospel says that every person has a unique task to do, with God, and for God, whether they know it or not. It doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone involved has to share the same theology or philosophy. It doesn’t mean that everyone knows that they have this relationship with God, and is consciously working at it. But a Christian school is one in which the entire atmosphere is pervaded by a conviction that there is something mysterious, and potentially wonderful, in everybody.”
Our role as educators is part of our wider role in the formation of young people. Our Chaplaincy leads the way in encouraging our students to grow into the life-long vocation desired for them by God.
Worship is vital to our shared life at St Bede’s. Our Collective Worship happens every morning in the context of our daily assemblies and tutor groups. Following weekly themes based on the Church’s calendar, we explore the nature and character of God, and what it means to be human. Bible readings, prayers, meditations, drama, art, games, poetry, film and literature are all used creatively to teach, inspire, challenge and affirm our beliefs.
In the traditions of the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches, we learn together the prayers and liturgy used by both churches for centuries, as well as encouraging students to find their own personal and creative ways of praying. Students are expected to take an active part in Collective Worship and have opportunities to plan and lead worship for themselves.
Our purpose-built Chaplaincy Centre is set aside for students and staff to find a quiet and reflective space in the midst of the busy school day. Here, in the peace, there is space for personal prayer with and without words. Prayers and symbols, ancient and modern are utilized to help students make their own connections with God.
The multi-purpose Chaplaincy space is also used by small prayer groups, Christian Union, Film Club, Craft Club, Worship Band meetings and rehearsals, as well as many other events.
Our vision is for all our students and staff to live full and flourishing lives. As well as leading and planning our worship, our school Chaplain is also part of St Bede’s excellent pastoral care provision and is available for staff and students to meet with privately in the course of the school day.
International Schools
St Bede's is currently devleoping its links with two schools. The first is the Latin Patriachate School in Bir eit, Palestine. This is a school run by the Catholic Church. There are 480 pupils ranging from the age of 3 to 17. Muslims and Christians are educated together.
Students from the two schools make friends and learn about everyday life in each other's country. A number of St Bede's staff have visited Palestine, and we are hoping to host a visit of teachers from Palestine. We are also running an Art Project where pupils exchange artwork depicting their home and journey to school: www.birzeitchurch.ps
The second is Kabango School, near Masundi in Uganda. It has 25 teachers, 1,940 students but only 15 classrooms. Students come form over 20 local villages and travel between 3 to 16 miles to get to school. Students regualary exchange work , learning about each others' coutnries.
Charities
St Bede's has a wonderful history of raising money for charity. This practical out-working of our faith involves the whole school in regular projects. Charity work has also been embedded into the pastoral systsem.
Contact details of staff:
Chaplain: Mrs L Currie, lcurrie@stbedes.cambs.sch.uk
International Schools: Mrs A Cornish, acornish@stbedes.cambs.sch.uk
Charities: Mrs P Richardson, prichardson@stbedes.cambs.sch.uk