Bellerive News Winter 2014

Bellerive News

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www.bellerivefcj.org Specialising in the Sciences, Applied Learning, Maths and Computing

December 2014

For Parents, Carers, Parishes and Community

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Bellerive students live the FCJ values A Big Thank You!Cafod Harvest Fast Day

Pupils raised £198 this CAFOD Fast Day. Pupils gave up their usual lunch to buy soup. We are very grateful to the team of Sixth Form pupils that helped serve the soup and collect money. Thank you to everyone that supported the event.

Nugent Care Bag Pack At Morrisons Speke

20 pupils from Year 10 and Sixth Form, along with members of staff, took part in a Bag Pack to raise money for Nugent Care. Pupils raised £568 and the money will support community projects in our area. It was lovely to see pupils and staff giving up their time to help others and being an example of the FCJ value of Companionship.

Year 7 Welcome Mass

Year 7 pupils and families joined us in the sports hall on a wet and windy night to celebrate their first half term at Bellerive FCJ. The Mass was led by Fr. James Preston and was on the theme of Rainbows. It was a lovely celebration and we pray that Year 7 will fulfil their hopes this year.

In Year 7 our charity for the first half term was Hope+ Foodbank. Rather than raise money, students were asked to bring in items of food that could be collected and distributed to local people in need. Bellerive girls are always very generous and this time was no exception. On Monday 24th November, Nadine Daniel from Hope+ Foodbank came to collect the boxes of food and to thank the girls in person. She was delighted that there were even more than last year.

Year 9 Harvest Festival

Year 9 celebrated the Harvest on the last day of half term with a celebration assembly. Pupils have been collecting for Hope Food Bank based at the Anglican and Catholic Cathedrals. Mrs Daniel, the Co-ordinator of Hope Food Bank was at the assembly and spoke about the need for food banks in Liverpool.

She said, “All kinds of people come to Foodbank. It is wonderful to see the students of Bellerive coming together to help people in their local community to get access to the extra food they need.”

Hopefully, some of the girls will be visiting Hope+ Foodbank in the future to help pack up boxes for distribution to needy families in the city.


Bellerive 'Study Skills week' a great success

We invited 'Study Skills Zone', a company based in Derbyshire, to school during the week commencing 6th October. We asked them to run a specific session for each year group to help them develop as learners and become more resilient and determined to succeed. A similar programme was recently used in our sister school Upton FCJ.

Feedback from staff and students was overwhelmingly positive. We hope to run the experience again in 2015 We were also delighted to welcome parents from year 7 and Year 11 to parent study skills sessions as part of our drive to support them in their efforts to work with their daughters at home.

Matt Watson, Managing Director of Study Skills Zone, was present for part of the week and commented as follows: “After a successful 'Drive for results' programme earlier in the year, I knew we would have another great experience at Bellerive FCJ. They run a very tight ship at Bellerive and the organisation of the study skills week was meticulous. All of the staff were well informed about the week's purpose, extremely helpful and seemingly delighted with how their students were engaging with the material. Student behaviour was outstanding and the enthusiasm was positively infectious.”

Y10’s attend GETRAG Ford Robotics competition

On Wednesday 15th October, four Year 10 learners attended a Mersey STEM robotics event at GETRAG Ford in Speke. The task was to build a robot, designing the robotic claw, and compete against other schools to see which robot could pick up the most balls and deposit them in the ‘goal’. Although the girls were not successful in winning, they did not lose hope and demonstrated great companionship, teamwork and perseverance. Well done to Amy Doolan, Emily Ennis, Hannah Lyons and Daisy Scott who showed tremendous physics and engineering skills.

The day started with a presentation about robotics and engineering. It was very interesting to see how certain aspects of building robots were completed - especially the video clip showing how, with technology, people are now able to have replacement limbs enabling them to live an ordinary life, after further research.

For building our robots, each group of four was split up into 2 and 2, both pairs had different parts of the robot to construct, so we definitely had to work together for it to be a success. The instructions were purposely very vague to make the day more challenging.

After the robot had been built, we competed against other schools to get as many tennis balls in the goal in a set amount of time. Each robot varied slightly in the final design which affected how easy it was to control by remote.

Overall, it was an enjoyable, thought provoking and challenging day, which I would definitely recommend to anyone given the chance to attend.

Lucy Agate, 10S

Robotics Challenge Day


Bellerive features as 'School of the Week'We were delighted to feature as the Liverpool Echo 'School of the Week' in October. The article featured many of our students and in particular those who have achieved a GCSE in a modern language ahead of schedule.

Work Experience

Year 10 undertook their 2 week Work Experience placements during July and had the opportunity to sample life in the World of Work. The pupils had a vast range of placements from Outdoor Adventure centres to Archaeological digs, Dog Grooming salons to Hairdressers, giving the pupils a great insight into what life could be like in the future. The pupils all benefited from the experience, developing important practical life skills, along with their self-confidence and independence throughout the 2 weeks. Many employers commented on how mature and conscientious the pupils were and they were highly impressed with the professional attitude and conduct of the Bellerive pupils whilst on placement.

Year 11 make the numbers add upAfter a false start (a long story involving the M62!), Y11 finally made it to the 'Countdown' studios to see the long-running show being filmed. The trip was a huge success and the girls thoroughly enjoyed themselves. They were commented on their impeccable behaviour, manners and smart uniform.

The students were lucky enough to meet and talk to Nick Hewer, Rachel Riley and Susie Dent. The producer of the show kindly offered us the maths working out written by Rachel Riley which we have brought back to school and intend to make a display with. Our students have returned with even more enthusiasm for letters and numbers than before.

From Megan and Imogen: "Not only did our adventure focus on Maths and English, it covered a wide range of other curriculum areas"

From Bailey: "I enjoyed the trip but was surprised at the presenters laughing randomly at silly things said!"

From Michelle: "Overall, it was a great day and we got our pictures taken with the presenters!"

From Lauren: The visit made me realise how hard it is to find a word or work out a sum in under 30 seconds

Many thanks to the Maths staff who organised the trip

Geography news

AS Geographers braved the elements to undertake primary data collection from the Afon Nant Peris, a river running from the Snowdonia area, they learnt how collect data using a range of different data collection methods and the value of sampling techniques. Students were then guided by a Field Studies Council Tutor for the day, analysing the results and reaching conclusions about the validity of the theory they were testing. As always, the Tutor was impressed by their abilities to work as part of a team and to apply what they had learnt in the classroom to the data they had collected.


Silver Duke of Edinburgh AwardLast academic year saw the introduction of the Duke of Edinburgh Award at Bellerive. Twelve Yr 13 students have been working hard all year to complete their Silver Award. The award requires the participants to complete a year's worth of volunteering, 6 months either developing a skill or improving their fitness and 3 months spent on the other. To complete the award takes a lot of dedication and motivation and that is why it is so highly regarded around the world.

The award was then sealed by the participants undertaking two 3-day, 2-night expeditions, completing 7 hours of walking per day whilst carrying their own food and shelter. The participants were direct entrants, which meant that they had no previous experience of undertaking DofE and had to quickly learn to adapt and cope in the countryside. The practice

expedition was held in Clitheroe and the participants navigated a course in and around the Forest of Bowland, having to combat some wet and windy weather in the process.

The final and qualifying Expedition saw the group use their newly found navigation skills to walk in and around the Clwyd Ranges, beginning their journey just outside Ruthin and completing their journey at Loggerheads Country Park.

Throughout the tough and testing expeditions, the group maintained an up-beat and positive spirit, displaying all 6 of the FCJ values, with Companionship, Excellence and Hope being the forefront.

Miss Power, DofE organiser, along with Mrs Louden and Mrs Rannala, as the supporting staff team, were immensely proud of how each and every one of

the participants conducted themselves on expedition, not only are they fabulous ambassadors for the school, but for their families, communities and their generation as a whole.

The participants were Katie Passant, Sophie Richardson, Molly Carmichael, Caitlin Stock, Jessica Cosgrove, Dorcas Schippmann, Eryn Byrne, Hannah Mortimer, Katie McFarlane, Emma Mason, Emily Fusco, Lauren Taylor.

The application process for this year's cohort is starting soon for Yr 12 and also to give more pupils the opportunity to participate, the Bronze award for KS4 will be introduced in the Spring Term.


With the Expedition section of the Duke of Edinburgh Award happening in the next couple of weeks, Saturday 6th September saw the Silver group attend school to develop their survival skills. These new found skills will prepare them ahead of their 3-day and 2-night expedition, in which they will have to navigate their own route, prepare their own campsite, in addition to cooking their own food. The group completed several workshops including First Aid, tent pitching, cooking on a tangier, map reading and route planning – all elements which will be vital for a successful expedition experience. Team work, communication and a sense of humour were important factors in the training day and these will no doubt be called upon again during their expedition experience.

Duke of Edinburgh Training Day University challenge for History students

Year 13 History students attended a lecture on the outbreak of the troubles in the north of Ireland at the Institute of Irish Studies, University of Liverpool on 19th November. The lecture was part of their preparations for their A level coursework which is focused on the relationship between Britain and Ireland 1800-1998. The lecture was delivered by Dr Niall Carson, who is part of the academic team at the Institute. As ever the students were excellent ambassadors for Bellerive.

Year 8 contribute to local charity CHICS!

8M have set a high standard for the rest of the year's charity fundraising after raising the grand total of £258.39. Amelia Roper (events co-ordinator) explained how the class managed to raise such an amount. "We organised a big event at lunchtime, some of the girls baked cookies and cakes to sell, there was a raffle and tombola - so loads of prizes were won. The event was really well supported by the school and we raised a lot of money that day". Year 8 decided the money should go to CHICS, a local charity based at Alder Hey which helps sick children and their families.

The photo shows Eddie from CHICS who came in to tell us all about the work the charity does in the local community. Pictured with Eddie are some of the main fundraisers from 8M, responsible for raising such a fabulous amount. Well done 8M!

Year 8 Football TeamThe Year 8 team are now the Southern League Football Champions and will go on to play in the City Finals early next year. The girls played four long matches at ESLA on Wednesday 12th November and did not concede a goal.

They played the following teams;Calderstones – won 3-0King David – won 1-0Liverpool College – won 6-0Gateacre – won 5-0

Karla Wheldon 8J (Cpt) Rhea D’Arcy 8S Lucy Hunter 8J Tilly Meaghan 8J Amelia Jenks 8J Charlotte Jenks 8J A huge congratulation to the girls.


Year 13 Belfast tripOur Y13 historians visited Belfast on 1st/2nd December as part of their preparations for their A2 historical enquiry into Britain and Ireland 1800-1998. Accompanied by Mrs Harding and Mr McMenamin, the group flew into Belfast and went straight to the NI assembly at Stormont for a tour and meetings with 2 local politicians. Our students asked some excellent questions of Sinn Fein's Sean Lynch and the Ulster Unionist's Michael McGimpsey.

The group then went to visit Crumlin Road Gaol and were able to get a sense of the life of a prisoner through the ages. We saw the execution cell and the location of several prison escapes. The trip was rounded off with a tour of the political murals on the Falls and Shankill Roads, as well as the peace line which serves as a reminder that Belfast remains a divided city.

Year 9 Imperial War Museum Visit

On Monday 17th November a group of Year 9 pupils visited the Imperial War Museum North to support their study of the First World War. During a taught session at the museum, pupils were able to explore the impact of the First World War by examining artefacts and archive material linked to themes such as life in the trenches, the Eastern and Western Fronts, and the role of women.

Whilst at the museum we visited the fantastic ‘From Street to Trench: A World War that Shaped a Region’ exhibition. During which pupils learnt how the war affected the North West and how the society we live in today was born out of the rapid changes that resulted from the First World War.

We also spent time in the main exhibition space, where pupils were able to develop their knowledge and understanding of the history of conflict from 1914 to the present day. Pupils were submerged in the sights and sounds of conflict as they watched both; ‘Children and War’ and the highly emotive ‘Remembrance’, 360 degree big picture shows.

Before heading home, the group climbed the 180 steps to the AirShard in order to view the impressive features of the Manchester skyline and catch a glimpse into the newly built set of Coronation Street.


On 15th October 2014, we set off at 11.45pm to get the ferry across to Calais at 6.30am. The whole way down to Calais was very quiet as most of us were asleep as we were all very tired.

It took us approximately 90 minutes to cross the English Channel. Once we arrived in Calais everyone was very excited to reach Paris. The coach arrived at the hotel which was in the heart of Paris. After our evening meal we spent the night unpacking and discussed what we were going to do over the next couple of days in Paris.

The first day we started off at Notre Dame Cathedral which is a beautiful cathedral in the centre of Paris. We got the chance to look around it and some of us even fed birds. After Notre Dame we took a walk along the River Seine to the lock bridge, which was very pretty but unfortunately due to the locks breaking the bridge half of the locks were covered up to prevent the lock bridge collapsing.

After that we went to have lunch under the Eiffel Tower. We then got the opportunity to go up to the top of the Eiffel Tower and look at the magnificent view of Paris. In the afternoon we went on a boat cruise up the River Seine and we all had a brilliant time. After sight-seeing we then had the opportunity to go souvenir shopping.

After we had tea our coach driver Marek kindly took us to see the Eiffel Tower lit up at night which was truly beautiful. The next day we to the Louvre museum to see the Mona Lisa and other paintings. We then took a walk up the Champs Elysees to visit shops such as; Sephora, Chanel and the Disney store. We also saw the Arc De Triomphe which was brilliant. In the afternoon we went shopping in Montmartre for souvenirs but it also had a magnificent view of the whole of Paris. On our second to last day we went to Parc Asterix which is a theme park just outside of Paris. It was a great day out and we all had an amazing time there.

Paris Modern Foreign Languages TripOn the last day we left at 9.00am. We were all very sad to leave and wanted to stay there longer. Once we arrived at Calais we had missed the ferry due to UK border control checks. We had to wait 2 hours for another but we watched a film on the coach. We arrived home at 11pm and we were exhausted.

Overall, our trip to Paris was a wonderful experience and we all made new friends and have a much better cultural understanding of France. We all hope we can go back one day!

By Megan Swift, Amy Clarke, Amelia Draper and Jennifer Gilmore. Year 11.

Bellerive FCJ Catholic College, Windermere Terrace, Sefton Park, Liverpool, L8 3SB Tel: 0151 727 2064 Fax: 0151 727 8242 www.bellerivefcj.org

Athletics Success

Lucy Miller (Year 8) has continued in the outstanding form that she displayed in Year 7. Her success this year has come both on and off the athletics track. During the winter months, Lucy was selected to represent England in the Cross Country team and when summer season came, Lucy swapped her Cross Country shoes for Athletics spikes and had great success in her chosen distance event of 1500m. Lucy was selected to represent Merseyside Schools at the England Schools Athletics Championships and ran against girls who were a year older than her.

Congratulations Lucy, we continue to be proud of your achievements and look forward to the start of the Cross Country season once more.

In the latter months of the last academic year, a team consisting of performers from each Year Group participated in the South Liverpool Schools Athletics Championships. A large cohort of pupils progressed from this competition to the District Athletics Championships which saw the best runners, throwers and jumpers from both the North and the South of Liverpool compete against one another.

All athletes are to be commended for their efforts and achievements but there was particular success for pupils from Key Stage 3.

From Year 7, Katie Miller came second in the 1500m and the relay team of

Destiny Alile, Amelia Jenks, Katie Miller and Gabrielle Owolabi-Lawler came third.

From Year 8, Lucy Miller came second in the 200m, the relay team of Abigail Darby, Ellie Caslin, Lucy Miller and Amelia Jenks came third and Abigail Darby proved to be Bellerive’s own ‘Katerina Johnson-Thompson’, achieving third place in the 100m and second place in the high jump before winning and becoming the City Champion of the hurdles!

Well done to all who participated.

City Athletics Championships

Name Yr Event Time/Measurement

Katie Miller 7 1500m 5.00mins

Destiny Alile 7 4 x 100m 58.69secsAmelia JenksKatie MillerGabrielle Owolabi-Lawler

Niyah Murdoch-Jowett 8 800m 2.22mins

Lucy Miller 8 1500m 4.57mins

Abigail Darby 8 Hurdles 12.04secs

Daisy Hawley Higgins 10 Long jump 4.42m

Record Breakers!Congratulations to the pupils who broke school athletics records with their fabulous performances in Athletics lessons, Athletics extra-curricular club and the District Athletics Championships, Athletics lessons! You have set new benchmarks with your times, distances and heights that pupils will be trying to better for years to come!

STOP PRESSPlanning permission

granted for new Sixth Form and performing

arts centre!

Look out for more news on this in

future editions...

STOP PRESS

Bellerive News Winter 2014

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