St. Bede's Catholic Junior School
Pupil Leadership
"Set an example in speech, in conduct, in love and in faith."
(1 Timothy 4:12)
The children of St. Bede's Catholic Junior School have many opportunities to serve, support and lead others in the school community in light of their faith:
Recognition - Pupils are recognised for their service, participation and living of the Gospel values in their daily lives, for instance through receiving 'Disciple of Love' or 'Faithful Singer' badges or end-of-year awards.
Participation - Participation in prayer, Celebration of the Word and liturgy is encouraged and supported. As participation is developed, so too is the ability to lead others in prayer and liturgy.
Leadership - Some pupils are nominated, selected or elected for specific Catholic leadership roles and responsibilities (detailed below).
House Captains
Every pupil in St. Bede's Catholic Junior School belongs to one of four house teams, named after the Gospel writers: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Year 6 pupils are shortlisted and elected as House Captains through staff vote at the beginning of each academic year.
House Captains support their house teams in events throughout the school year and lead the celebration of their patron saint's feast day. They contribute fully and actively to the Catholic life of the school by working within the community and supporting staff in leading fundraising and awareness campaigns for local, national and international charities.
Prefects
Year 6 pupils apply for prefect roles at the beginning of each academic year. Roles vary from class prefects to playground/OPAL leaders, librarians to mathematics ambassadors, and technicians to hall monitors.
Prefect badges are awarded by Year 6 teachers following successful applications.
All Year 6 prefects have a duty and responsibility to support the pastoral life of the school, which is underpinned by the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
Wellbeing Ambassadors (Pupil Chaplaincy Team)
Pupils across the school may volunteer to serve as Wellbeing Ambassadors, working closely with the school's pastoral support team.
Wellbeing Ambassadors offer peer pastoral care. They are the friendly face others look for as they enter the school building, the source of advice that helps to prevent or resolve minor conflicts, and the model of kindness and faith that others strive to emulate.
Wellbeing Ambassadors welcome visitors to the school and support staff in leading assemblies, workshops, competitions and events during Anti-Bullying Week and Children's Mental Health Week. They live out the principles of human dignity, solidarity and promoting peace.
Faith Council
Pupils across the school form the Faith Council, which leads the Religious Education, Prayer and Liturgy life of the school. Members apply at the beginning of the academic year and are selected following successful applications.
The Faith Council meets regularly to plan times of prayer, Celebration of the Word and liturgy. Pupils maintain and update sacred spaces, including reflective prayer areas, liturgical displays and focus tables and outdoor prayer spaces.
The Faith Council also supports in the ongoing evaluation of the school's prayer life through observing assemblies, Celebrations of the Word and class prayer times, carrying out work sampling and gathering feedback from peers (pupil voice).