Weekly Newsletter

May 22, 2026

Headmaster’s Welcome

Dear Parents and Guardians,

What a glorious day today is. There is no nicer place to be than at Bethany when the sun is shining brightly and the children are taking advantage of our expansive grounds to so naturally interact with each other. And not a mobile phone in sight!

Our GCSE and A Level pupils continue to take their external examinations in their stride.

The pupils who participated in their silver Duke of Edinburgh practice expedition were all successful and so proceed to the next stage.

Year 9 pupils enjoyed the Learn to Earn workshops on Tuesday.

Our first week back after half term is very busy with various activities taking place. These include a Year 10 dance workshop with professional dancer and actor Gabby Parker, a visiting author speaking to Years 7 to 9 pupils, A Year 12 UCAS trip, a Bethany’s Got Talent competition, a technical Theatre trip as well as a Getting To Know Bethany day for pupils and their parents who are joining Bethany in September. Every week at Bethany is a busy one which is as it should be.

I would like to remind you that Speech Day is a compulsory day of School and it takes place on Saturday 20th June.

I read this comment the other day which made me pause and reflect; “Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it”. There is definitely a lot to favourably consider in that statement.

Despite (or maybe because of) the national and indeed international gloom that exists across the globe, I hope you can leave all that to one side and enjoy some quality time with your families over the forthcoming bright and sunny week.

Have a great half term.

Yours sincerely,

Francie Healy

Headmaster

Celebrating 70 Years of DofE at Buckingham Palace

What a day to remember! Under glorious sunshine and surrounded by the immaculate gardens of Buckingham Palace, celebrations took place to mark the 70th anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, a truly special occasion recognising decades of adventure, service, resilience and achievement.

Representing Bethany School at this prestigious event was Mr Reilly, who joined guests from across the country to celebrate the incredible impact of the DofE programme. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as attendees enjoyed an afternoon of inspiring speeches, delicious tea and cake and the rare opportunity to explore the stunning palace grounds.

The crowd gathers for the Duke of Edinburgh.

A number of well-known guest speakers took to the stage during the celebrations, including Hugh Bonneville, Larry Lamb and Alex Jones, each sharing reflections on the importance of perseverance, opportunity and personal growth through the Award.

Hugh Bonneville speaks about his DofE experience.

The celebrations concluded with speeches from Prince Edward, whose words highlighted the lasting legacy of the Award and the remarkable achievements of young people over the past 70 years.

Bethany was especially proud to see several of our Gold DofE alumni in attendance, continuing the school’s strong tradition of participation and success in the Award. Pictured with Mr Reilly was current pupil Aubrey along with Bethany alumni Lily, Elsa and Henri, all representing the spirit of challenge, commitment and adventure that the DofE inspires.

It was a memorable occasion and a wonderful celebration of an award that continues to shape and inspire young people at Bethany and beyond.

Latest Bethany Blog

The latest Bethany blog has been written by Mr Norman, Head of Design & Technology at Bethany, who writes about how new 3D printing technology is transforming learning in the DT department and helping pupils bring their creative ideas to life.

Inside Bethany’s 3D Printing Revolution

The Design and Technology Department at Bethany School has been buzzing with excitement this year following the arrival of several brand-new 3D printers, and they have already become an invaluable part of our workshop.

For many pupils, seeing a design on a computer screen transformed into a real object in just a few hours feels almost like magic. In reality, it is a fascinating blend of creativity, engineering and problem-solving, exactly the kind of experience we want our pupils to enjoy in Design & Technology.

So, what exactly is a 3D printer?

A 3D printer is a machine that creates physical three-dimensional objects from a digital design by building them layer by layer, a process known as additive manufacturing.

The process begins with pupils creating a design using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software such as TinkerCAD, OnShape or Fusion 360. Alternatively, they may explore existing designs from online libraries such as Thingiverse or Bambu Lab Studio.

Once the design is complete, specialist software “slices” the model into hundreds of thin layers and converts it into instructions, known as G-code, which the printer can understand. The printer then carefully deposits material, usually PLA plastic filament in our department, layer upon layer until the object is complete.

The finished result may then need sanding, cleaning or painting before it is ready for use.

One of the greatest advantages of 3D printing in Design & Technology is the ability to rapidly turn ideas into working prototypes.

At both GCSE and A Level, pupils are encouraged to experiment, refine and improve their ideas throughout the design process. With 3D printing, pupils can quickly test concepts, identify problems and make improvements before committing to a final design.

This is especially valuable when designing products with intricate or complex forms that would be extremely difficult to manufacture by hand.

We are already seeing pupils use the printers to produce:

+ Prototype product designs
+ Casings for electronic components
+ Mechanical joints and moving parts
+ Decorative features for final projects
+ Components for coursework and NEA submissions

The technology also supports our wider CAD/CAM facilities, including the production of G-code for our CNC router cutter, allowing sheet materials to be cut and shaped with impressive precision.

Modern Design & Technology is about far more than traditional workshop skills. Today’s pupils need to understand digital design, automation and advanced manufacturing techniques that are increasingly used in industry.

By investing in CAD/CAM technology, we are helping pupils develop practical, transferable skills in:

+ 3D modelling and digital design
+ Precision manufacturing
+ Engineering and product development
+ Problem-solving and iterative design
+ Creative thinking and innovation

These technologies also make Design & Technology more accessible and inclusive, enabling pupils of all abilities to communicate creative ideas effectively and confidently.

One of the most rewarding aspects of CAD/CAM technology is how naturally it links with other curriculum areas. Pupils quickly discover the real-world applications of Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science and Art & Design through their project work.

Whether calculating measurements, understanding mechanical movement, applying geometry to 3D forms or exploring automation in manufacturing, pupils begin to appreciate how interconnected these subjects truly are.

Technology continues to evolve rapidly, and it is vital that schools evolve with it. Expanding our CAD/CAM capabilities ensures that Design & Technology at Bethany School remains forward-thinking, engaging and relevant to the modern world.

Most importantly, it gives our pupils the opportunity to experience the same technologies used in professional design, engineering and manufacturing environments, helping to prepare them for the careers of the future.

Below are several examples of the fantastic 3D printed projects our pupils have already produced, and I look forward to seeing what they create next.

Mr Norman

Head of Design and Technology

Latest Sports News

The latest sports news from Bethany School. With wet weather causing havoc earlier in the week, all sporting fixtures, bar one, were postponed. The only surviving fixture was the thrilling conclusion to the U13 Girls’ Interhouse Cricket Tournament.

Cricket | Bethany U13 Interhouse Tournament

The U13 Girls’ Interhouse Cricket Tournament reached a thrilling conclusion this week, bringing an exciting and closely contested series of matches to an end. Across the competition, all three houses, Roberts, Speakers and Kiplings, showed a growing confidence in their cricketing skills, making for a highly enjoyable tournament from start to finish.

The action began earlier in the series when Roberts faced Kiplings in a competitive opening fixture. Roberts managed to edge ahead in a tightly fought match, securing victory by just 9 runs. It was a game that set the tone for the tournament, with both sides displaying strong batting efforts and increasingly disciplined bowling under pressure.

Next up, Speakers took on Kiplings in another nail-biting encounter. Neither side managed to pull away comfortably, with runs hard-fought on every over. In the end, Speakers narrowly claimed victory by just 3 runs, highlighting how evenly matched the teams were and how every single run mattered in the final outcome.

The tournament reached its climax on Wednesday with a decisive and highly anticipated match between Speakers and Roberts. With the overall title still up for grabs, the pressure was firmly on both sides. The game lived up to expectations, delivering tense moments right through to the final over. Roberts held their nerve in the closing stages, eventually winning by just 2 runs in an incredibly close finish.

A standout moment came in the final over when Sports Scholar and Bethany U13 cricket captain Darcey Vidler made a crucial breakthrough, taking a wicket at a pivotal moment to help secure Roberts’ narrow victory. Her contribution reflected the determination and leadership shown throughout the team.

Across the entire competition, it was clear how much all Year 8 and Year 9 players have developed, particularly in their bowling accuracy, consistency and confidence under pressure. Each match showed clear progress, with tighter fielding, improved communication and some excellent moments of teamwork.

Final standings:

1st – Roberts
2nd – Speakers
3rd – Kiplings

Overall, the tournament was a fantastic showcase of developing talent and competitive spirit across all three houses. A special thank you goes to Mr Ramsay for his excellent lunchtime coaching and support, which clearly played a key role in helping the players improve and enjoy the game throughout the competition.

Bethany’s Got Talent

After seven long years, the spotlight is shining once again…Bethany’s Got Talent is BACK!

Join us for a spectacular evening packed with music, dance, comedy, creativity and performances as Bethany pupils take to the stage to showcase their talents.

Come cheer on our talented stars and celebrate the incredible spirit of Bethany School at the return of this much-loved talent show.

Date: Wednesday 3rd June 2026 – 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Location: Pengelly Performance Centre

Please click on the button below to book your free tickets.

Book tickets

Take To The Skies This Summer!

British Young Pilots are running exciting Holiday Flying Clubs across the UK this summer, giving pupils the opportunity to experience immersive aviation training beyond the weekly Bethany School Flying Club.

British Young Pilots Holiday Clubs

Pupils will take part in hands-on simulator flying, navigation exercises, mission planning, aviation challenges and much more, all taught by experienced pilots and aviation professionals.

There may also be the opportunity for pupils to take the controls of a real aircraft with a qualified flight instructor.

The nearest Holiday Club to Bethany is Biggin Hill Airport.

You can view booking details, all Holiday Club locations, along with further info and FAQ’s by clicking the button below.

Find out more

This month’s Library Newsletter discusses the value of magazines in supporting learning and creativity, the wide range of fiction and non-fiction available in the library and the importance of developing strong reading habits through engaging and accessible texts.

Library Newsletter

Duke of Edinburgh’s Silver Award Practice Success

The Silver Duke of Edinburgh practice expedition took place over last weekend and provided pupils with a valuable opportunity to prepare for the demands of the qualifying expedition.

Over the course of two days, pupils walked from Bodiam Castle to Mark Cross, covering an average of approximately 20 kilometres each day. The expedition allowed pupils to gain a far greater understanding of the differences between Bronze and Silver level expeditions, particularly the increased physical challenge, the higher expectations for independence and the need for stronger teamwork and organisation throughout the journey.

Throughout the expedition, pupils responded positively to feedback and consistently demonstrated initiative when faced with challenges along the route, which included navigating their way past a herd of inquisitive cows.

Pupils worked effectively within their teams, supporting one another and maintaining positive attitudes despite periods of fatigue and difficult navigation. Significant improvements were evident in several key areas, including navigation, communication, route planning and campcraft skills. Pupils became increasingly confident and self-sufficient as the expedition progressed.

By the conclusion of the practice expedition, Mr Cooper, Director of Extra Curricular Activities at Bethany, was extremely pleased with the progress made and was more than happy to recommend that the groups proceed to the qualifying expedition, which will take place during enrichment week at the beginning of July.

Izzy Wins Nando’s Cup

Each half-term the Sixth Form have a ‘lucky draw’ for a £20 Nando’s voucher and the coveted Nando’s Cup. Entry is simple – for each and every merit they get their name gets put into a virtual hat and then a lucky winner is drawn out! This encourages and indeed rewards our Sixth Form for being excellent members of our community. The summer term 1 draw was on Thursday morning during our Sixth Form assembly.

The lucky winner for summer term 1 was Izzy, who got merits during the spring term for helping with register duty, helping Year 7 pupils in the library to practice their reading, hosting tours with prospective parents and completing fantastic practical work in Biology.

Well done, Izzy!

We look forward to seeing who the summer term 2 winner and, more importantly, look forward to the Sixth Form continuing all the good deeds they do inside and outside of lessons as well.

Mr Duff

Head of Sixth Form

Pupils of the Week

Each week in Assembly, ‘Pupil of the Week’ awards are given to pupils across the various year groups who have been nominated by their tutor.

This could go to an individual who has perhaps shone that week academically; demonstrated the values of kindness, tolerance, and respect particularly well; or represented the school or county in a positive way.

Year 7 Pupils of the Week are Will and Morgan

There were two Pupils of the Week this week in Year 7. The first is Will, who worked excellently through assessment week, revising well and reflected on his next steps this week. The second is Morgan, who navigated all of this alongside the added complexity of moving house. Extremely well done to both!

Year 8 Pupil of the Week is Darcie

Darcie continues to work hard academically and is making excellent progress across her subjects. She also played a pivotal role in securing victory for her house in inter-house cricket, showing great composure under pressure by taking a crucial wicket in the final over to seal the win. As U13 Cricket captain, she has led with confidence and maturity, supporting her teammates and setting a strong example through her commitment and positive attitude. Well done, Darcie!

Year 9 Pupil of the Week is James

James has consistently demonstrated excellent effort and focus in the classroom, producing high-quality work and showing a positive attitude towards his learning. He has also impressed coaches with his commitment and performance within the Bethany Football Excellence Pathway, where he continues to develop his skills and teamwork. Well done, James!

KS4 Pupil of the Week is Jonah

Jonah is KS4 Pupil of the Week for his outstanding commitment and dedication to English. In preparation for his final English exam this week, Jonah showed excellent organisation, focus and determination, making sure he was fully prepared and ready to give his very best. Jonah’s hard work and mature approach has set a fantastic example to others. Well done, Jonah!

The Orchard Boarders of the Week are Reuben and Blanche

A joint award this week for The Orchard: Reuben and Blanche have been fantastic ambassadors for the House. They recorded video messages for their incoming Immersion Programme buddies and then toured a visiting agent, who praised their warmth and their open and friendly answers to all of his questions. Very worthy winners of the last GOAT of the half term!

Character AI Tips for Parents

Written by online safety expert: Michelle Manowski, Digital Wellbeing Content Creator

Character.ai is a companion AI platform that allows users to engage in conversations with a wide range of AI-generated characters based on historical figures, celebrities, politicians, fictional characters from books and movies, or original creations made by other users. Most interactions take the form of casual conversations, role-playing scenarios, educational discussions, or advice-seeking from the perspective of the AI character.

Read more here

Lost Property

We have added a new Lost Items application, available via the button below or on MySchoolPortal. This application allows parents, and pupils, to check if we have found your lost item(s).

If you spot something that is yours, please send your child to the Lost Property Office (top of the Food Tech/Textiles building) between 1.30pm and 2pm.

Access the items list by either logging into the parent portal and then heading to School Information where the list can be accessed or by clicking the button below.

Items that cannot be reunited with their owner will be donated to charity.

Bethany School Lost Property

Barsleys Uniform Update

We are aware that Barsley’s Department Store in Paddock Wood, which currently supplies the Bethany School uniform, is closing. Before the end of the Summer Term, we will share further details with parents about our new uniform supplier, including information about the transition and next steps.

With regard to purchases between now and September, Barsleys would like to share this message with the Bethany community:

“It is with sadness we share the news that we are planning to pass the Bethany uniform supply to a new provider. After 14 years of having the privilege to supply Bethany pupils with their uniform we are winding down our business. However we are determined to make the change as smooth as possible for all concerned. We will continue to sell Bethany uniform up until (and including) back to school this September 2026. We are now offering price reductions on all uniform items. Do visit our store or look at our web site for some great savings. We thank you and all the team at Bethany for your support over the years.”

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Barsleys for their many years of dedicated service to the school community. We are very sorry to hear that, after such a long-standing presence, the business has had to close, and we wish them all the very best for the future.

Prayer Requests

If you would like the chaplain to pray for you or for someone you know, you can send your prayer requests to him using the link below and he will include them in his prayers for the school. All submissions are anonymous and won’t be seen by anyone other than the chaplain.

Submit a Prayer Request Form

Prayer Group

Upcoming Events

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Be at Bethany

Bethany Speech Day 2026

Bethany ISI Inspection 2026

Bethany Secures Continued CReSTeD Recognition

Bethany Ranked in Top 10% Nationally

Bethany Enrichment Week

Junior Production Is A Technicolour Triumph

Georgie Shortlisted for UCA Competition

Hattie Stars at Young Fashion Designer UK Competition

Darcey’s Open Water Swimming Success

Success for Grace in Open Water Swim