Last week, our Year 9 Boys’ Rugby team produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Furness Academy in a thrilling golden point finish, showing resilience, teamwork and real belief under pressure.
The match did not start in our favour. Furness Academy came out strong, applying early pressure and capitalising on defensive lapses to race into a 12–0 lead. For a period, St Benedict’s struggled to gain territory and momentum, with Furness controlling possession and setting the tempo.
However, the response from St Benedict’s was outstanding. Strong tackling, improved breakdown work and smarter use of the ball allowed them to work their way back into the game. A well-earned try shifted the momentum, lifting confidence across the team, before a second score levelled the match and set up a tense finale.
With the scores tied at full time, the match went to golden point. Both teams pushed hard, but it was St Benedict’s who held their nerve. Sustained pressure and disciplined play created the opportunity for the winning score, sealing a dramatic victory and completing an unforgettable comeback from 12–0 down.
Photo below from earlier round:
As part of the Enterprise strand of the Cumbrian Award, our Year 8 students have been working on a Bee Bath project developing their enterprise skills.
We are now looking to raise funds for the Adventure strand of the Cumbrian Award. If you would like to own one of these environmentally friendly bee baths where you simply need to add a little water and then put in your garden, then please get back in touch at admin@st-benedicts.cumbria.sch.uk or speak to Mr Charlton in school – quote the item letter listed below to show which bath you would like to buy!
Suggested donations – minimum £5 – thank you!
Scroll across to see all of our Bee Baths and their letter to quote if you want to buy one:
Our Year 9 students recently jumped into their annual World of Work Day, an action‑packed event designed to open their eyes to the exciting possibilities awaiting them beyond their school years.
Organised by Inspira in collaboration with the Year 9 team, the day was buzzing with activity—from fast‑paced speed networking sessions and hands‑on team‑building challenges to a series of inspiring talks delivered by local professionals. The experience gave students a real taste of the working world and left them feeling motivated about their future career paths.
Vicky Ritson from Inspira commented:
“We are always pleased to support this annual activity and were delighted with the turn out this time. The variety of employers and job roles being described ensures that students are well informed and able to make better GCSE option choices.”
Representatives from various backgrounds gave up their time to come and work with the students including The Beacon, Cavendish Nuclear, McMenon, Hello Futures, Gen 2 and lots of others.
Mr Stevenson, a teacher from St Benedict’s who helped organise the event said:
“Our amazing Year 9 students have made their first foray into the wider world by speaking to local employers as part of our World of Work (WoW) day.”
“As part of this event students completed a “speed date” with many local employment providers as well as receiving a personal career pathway talk from the Dept. Lord Lieutenant, a prominent local business woman and one of our very own site staff, all with their own tale to tell.”
“Our students behaved well throughout and our now just a little bit more ready to make their first big careers choice in choosing their options for GCSE pathways in the very near future.”
This year is a pivotal one for Year 9 students as they make their important GCSE option choices. Events like World of Work Day play a crucial role in helping them look beyond the classroom, sparking early thinking about their long‑term ambitions and guiding them towards future career pathways with confidence and excitement.
Scroll below for some photo highlights, and big thanks for all our our businesses for attending!
Hello Future, Howgill Family Centre, PPM, Lakes College, BIFFA, Westinghouse, Amentum, Sellafield Ltd, TUVSUD, Cavendish Nuclear, Leo Group, Altrad, All Together Cumbria, Gen2, Inspira, Kaefer, McMenon, Morgan Sindall, Atkins, The Beacon, Rural Payments Agency, Civil Nuclear Constabulary, Business Toolbox Cumbria.
Yesterday our U13 Girls’ Football team faced Trinity School in the COUNTY CUP QUARTER FINAL!
Trinity started strongly, looking sharp going forward with a very forceful attack. They took the lead early, going 1–0 up within the first ten minutes of the game.
Lucy H helped ease the pressure in the first half, smashing the ball into the back of the net to bring the score level.
Loe RE then added to the momentum, scoring a powerful goal from outside the box to put St Benedicts ahead.
Going into the second half, the girls held a comfortable 2–1 lead. Millie H, Alyssa M and Isla N were solid at the back, while Sadie H created several great opportunities for the team.
Loe went on to score her second goal of the match, making it 3–1. Nancy H and Lilly J remained strong in defence, helping the girls feel relaxed and confident throughout the second half.
Sadie G and Edith D had some excellent chances that kept St. Benedict’s opponents on edge, and with Bayleigh C supporting on the wing, the team continued to grow in strength as the game progressed.
At full time, the score stood at 3–1, securing the girls’ place in the COUNTY CUP SEMI-FINAL – Well done girls!!
On Tuesday a group of our Year 9 and 10 students visited UCLAN’s Preston campus to explore the Performing Arts offer there.
They got the opportunity to have a tour around the media facilities, including brand new pod cast studios and sounds mixing suites.
They then participated in a Music Theatre session with the subject lead, giving them a real flavour of what a typical session may look like. This was then followed by a sneak peak into a movement session being taught to the current second year students.
The visit was aimed to inspire the students and enrich them with new knowledge around performing arts opportunities they have on offer.
Mrs Whitaker said:
“𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘭. 𝘚𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘴𝘰, 𝘸𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳!”
Our Under 12 Girls Football team were involved in a thrilling and hard-fought COUNTY CUP game that saw plenty of drama and determination from start to finish.
The game began brightly for our team, who started on the front foot and were rewarded with two early goals to take a 2–0 lead. Quick passing and positive attacking play caused problems for the opposition, and the early advantage reflected our strong start.
However, the opposition responded well and grew into the game, capitalising on their chances to turn the score around. Despite our continued effort and commitment, the momentum shifted and we went into half-time trailing 4–2.
The second half saw a huge response from our players. Showing great character and resilience, the team worked tirelessly to get back into the contest.
In the closing stages, we gave everything to close the gap but final whistle came too early for us.
Mrs Grealish said:
“Although the match ended in a narrow 5–4 defeat, the performance was full of positives, with the team showing excellent attitude, teamwork, and never-say-die spirit throughout. Our County Cup journey shows me what a force this team are going to be in the next few years.”
One of our Year 11 students has been awarded the prestigious title of Deputy County Cadet of the Year for Cumbria and Lancashire, following a challenging competition held in Preston.
The competition, organised by St John Ambulance, brought together cadets from across the region to complete a series of practical and leadership-based tasks. These included a first aid scenario, an interview on St John Ambulance’s HEART values, a presentation based on GCSE coursework, and a team-building exercise.
Ava-Jane S in Year 11, entered the competition after being encouraged by youth leader and former St Benedict’s student Joshua Groggins, aiming to strengthen the voice of young people in smaller units like Whitehaven, where engagement opportunities can be limited compared to larger city-based units.
She said:
“I wanted to take part to represent Whitehaven and help improve youth involvement across Cumbria. This role gives me the chance to make a real difference and ensure our voices are heard.”
The top title of County Cadet of the Year was awarded to Arabella Grint, with Maja Szargut joining as the second deputy. Together, the trio will work throughout the year to enhance youth engagement and enjoyment within St John Ambulance across the county.
Mr Stevenson, Ava’s DT teacher commented:
“Ava has shown incredible creativity and confidence, not only in her DT coursework but also in applying those skills during the competition.”
“We are extremely proud of her achievement and the leadership qualities she has demonstrated.”
Before the Christmas break, all of our students & staff took part in some charity fundraisers to raise money for their chosen charities this year.
Year 7, 8 & 9 are supporting Hospice at Home West Cumbria
Year 10 & 11 are supporting WaterAid UK
£433.60 was raised through Christmas Jumper Day by Year 7,8, & 9
£443.53 was raised through a Cake Sale & Christmas Jumper Day by Year 10 & 11
Well done everyone!
Scroll below for photos from the events:
Welcome to our December Newsletter. Below you will find a letter from Mrs Jackson, plus a round up of the news highlight from this term, as well as upcoming dates for next term.
We hope you all have a joyful Christmas break and a Happy New Year!
Dear Parents and Carers
As we come to the end of another successful term here at St Benedict’s , I would like to thank you for your continued support.
We began the year as usual by welcoming a large intake of new students in Year 7 and Year 12 and I am delighted with the way everyone has settled into school life.
We have had much to celebrate over the term. As always at St Benedict’s our sports teams have excelled, showing great determination and teamwork when representing the school. Our school choir has shone in local competitions and amongst our numerous extra-curricular activities we now have an active Musical Theatre Club, Drama Club and very popular Darts Club.
We are committed to offering our students a wide range of experiences and I am so impressed by the number of trips, visits, and visitors our students have experienced this term. Every day I am inspired by our students who engage wholeheartedly in the many opportunities offered to them, working diligently and representing our school with pride.
As we look ahead into 2026, I know that our dedicated staff will ensure we continue to thrive as a school, and I look forward to seeing the many things that our students will achieve in the months ahead.
Once again, thank you for all your support.
Wishing you all a Happy and Holy Christmas
God bless,
Mrs Emma Jackson
All this week we have been holding our Christmas Achievement Assemblies for each Year Group, awarding students who have impressed their Tutors, Learning Mentors and Head of Years this term.
Prizes have also been given our for Student of the Week raffles, Zero Hero rewards, and we also recognised all of our students who have had 100% Attendance this term! Well done everyone.
Gallery of all our Christmas Award winners, scroll across to view:
Gallery of all our Christmas Award Winners:
Gallery of all our winners for Year 9 with a special guest – can you guess who it is? Scroll through to see them all:
Some of our Year 10 winners for subject awards, Tutor Heroes, Head of Year Awards and Attendance. Scroll across to see all the photos:
Some of our Year 11 winners for subject awards, Tutor Heroes, Head of Year Awards and Attendance. Scroll across to see all the photos:
This was postponed and didn’t take place until January 2026! We would like to congratulate all of our Sixth Form students.
Scroll across to see all the photos:
On Wednesday, our U13 girls represented the school brilliantly at the Copeland and Allerdale Football Festival.
Although they didn’t come away with an overall win, their determination and teamwork were outstanding throughout the tournament, making them fantastic ambassadors for the school.
Facing tough competition against Netherhall School, Keswick School, and West Lakes Academy, the girls showed resilience and spirit. By the end of the tournament, they hit their stride and secured a well-deserved 1-0 victory over Workington Academy.
The winning goal came from Poppy, who powered through the defence and struck a superb shot into the net.
Well done to our Year 9 boys, who came through a really tough game against Nelson Thomlinson to win 2-0.
The team were on top throughout the first half but were unable to get the goal to go ahead. With the wind behind them in the second half they were able make the pressure pay.
Rhys C finally broke early into the half. Shortly after Harry K added a second to put the game out of sight.
Joel Mc was Man of the Match for putting in a brilliant battling performance in the midfield and constantly running.
Mr Hughes said:
“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘥𝘴 𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘮𝘪 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘭!”
Last week, some of our Year 10 students took part in a great outdoor session with Cumbria Youth Alliance.
Students were looking at problem solving and working as a team to overcome being “lost in the wilderness” which included building fires in order to be able to keep warm and cook food, and also building a shelter to keep out of the elements and keep safe.
These sessions are to help build up skills to improve their CVs and employability, and all the students really enjoyed it!
As part of the Enterprise strand of the Cumbrian Award, our Year 8 students are working on a Bee Bath project this term where they will develop 8 key skills:
✅Speaking
✅Listening
✅Problem Solving
✅Creativity & Innovation
✅Positivity & Self-Belief
✅Showing Leadership
✅Teamwork
Through their Personal Development lessons they are working through:
🔘Quality Experience 1: Planning to set up a business.
🔘Quality Experience 2: Market research, Manufacturing.
🔘Quality Experience 3: Advertising, sales and reflection, including logging their skills on Unifrog.
These Bee Baths will be for sale once completed to help raise funds for the adventure strand of the Cumbrian Award. These will be put on out social media pages if you would like to buy one for your garden and support the school in its fundraising!
Below are some prototypes so far which will be developed over the next couple of weeks:
Year 7 – Mathew S – Awarded for all his hard work in the Maths sessions – Mrs Walsh
Year 7 – Harrison T – Awarded for being kind and making sure ALL his peers are involved and feel welcome and loved – Mrs Jahromi
Year 7 – Ted D – Awarded for being the life and soul of the Year 7 Christmas Disco and having the best dance moves – Mrs Grealish
Year 7 – Ivy L – Awarded for having the best dance moves at the Year 7 Disco – Mrs Grealish
Year 8 – William M – Awarded for his descriptive writing in English. He has used some excellent imagery in his dystopian setting – Mrs McKee
Year 8 – Poppy K – Awarded for working really hard in her French assessment – Mrs Harris
Year 8 – Liam E – Awarded for working really hard in his French assessment – Mrs Harris
Year 8 – Sadie H – Awarded for being helpful in tutor time – Mrs Harris
Year 8 – Oliver C – Awarded for being helpful in tutor time – Mrs Harris
Year 8 – Willow McL – Awarded for being diligent & hardworking in Science – Ms Theaker
Year 8 – Olly L – Awarded for being diligent & hardworking in Science – Ms Theaker
Year 8 – Ariana S – Awarded for always being happy to help with class activities in RE and supporting students to complete work – Mrs Best
Year 8 – Jensen K – Awarded for his excellent attitude in RE – Miss Tomkinson
Year 9 – Calvin C – Awarded for his excellent effort & work in Spanish. He is showing great flair for the language – Mrs Savage
Year 9 – Josh S – Awarded for his excellent effort & work in Spanish. He is showing great flair for the language – Mrs Savage
Year 10 – Anya N – Awarded for her fab ATL in French – Mrs Jahromi
Year 10 – Blake R – Awarded for extra effort on his Spanish homework – Mrs Harris
Year 10 – Ella D – Awarded for extra effort on her Spanish homework – Mrs Harris
Year 10 – Daisy P – Awarded for extra effort on her Spanish homework – Mrs Harris
Year 10 – Sophia C – Awarded for extra effort on her Spanish homework – Mrs Harris
Year 10 – Jonah N – Awarded for extra effort on his Spanish homework – Mrs Harris
Year 10 – Cameron K – Awarded for incredible effort as a student rep and becoming an assembly reader – Mr Walker
Year 11 – Charlotte R – Awarded for her hard work in Maths lessons – Mrs Walsh
Year 11 – Edith F – Awarded for excellent progress for her Component 2 Performing Arts assessment – Mrs Whittaker
Year 11 – Sofia E-Z – Awarded for consistent and incredible effort in Maths – Mr Walker
Year 11 – Oliver W – Awarded for always contributing to lessons and offering valued contributions in English– Miss Thompson
Sixth Form – Tinu S-M – Awarded for consistently being diligent and respectful – Ms Sewell
Sixth Form – Dylan M – Awarded for consistently being diligent and respectful – Ms Sewell
Earlier this week, our Year 7 Boys qualified for the Regional rounds of the schools Rugby League competition(as did all our age groups).
They were undefeated against West Lakes Academy, Whitehaven Academy, Workington Academy and Netherhall School. On a cold, wet night the boys produced some good attacking play, but it was their very solid defence that was the key to qualifying!
They are now looking forward to the County Semi-Final game, against Dowdales School from Barrow – date TBC. Well done lads!
