Benedictine Educators

Marie and I are at the World Conference of Benedictine Educators which is being held at the Monastery of Sao Bento in Rio de Janeiro. Over the centuries, Benedictine schools have provided education to children around the world in the most varied places and circumstances. While life today is increasingly complex and challenging for young people, fundamental human issues remain the same and the Benedictine tradition continues to offer answers that help us find meaning and purpose. The transformative impact of a Benedictine education is perhaps more needed in the world today than ever before. Gathering together the Heads of Benedictine schools from all over the world helps us renew enthusiasm for our educational mission and return to our schools with new ideas and drive.

Meanwhile, back in the valley, 16 of our girls studying DT at GCSE spent an inspiring morning at Labman (which invents and produces world leading robotics) taking part in techy activities, playing with robots, and talking to enthusiastic engineers. The invitation was in celebration of the internationally recognised Ada Lovelace week, designed to inspire girls into STEM careers. Tonight, our buddying young medics are having supper with local doctors and medical practitioners to find out more about possible future pathways.

What a week it has been for the girls’ hockey teams! Our U13s, U14s, and U18s have all got through to their next rounds. The U14s won the Yorkshire Area Tier 3 finals progressing to the North East finals; the U13s have stormed through to the North Yorkshire County Finals, and the 1st XI won the U18 North Yorkshire County round and head to the all Yorkshire Finals as top seed. The U15 Rugby team also progressed into the second round of the National Schools Bowl competition with a close victory over Pocklington school. Well done to the U13 Cross country team who put in a fantastic effort at the Aysgarth Cross Country Festival. Congratulations also to the wonderful girls of St Bede's who put on a fantastic lunchtime concert today and greatly entertained the audience.

Best wishes,Peter