News Archive

Silver DofE Expedition Faces Chilly Challenge

The recent Silver Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) expedition embarked on an adventure that tested their mettle against nature's elements. Led by Miss Provan, the group faced chilly temperatures and rugged terrain during their journey. Despite the biting cold, the expedition began with enthusiasm as students trekked around Pendle and ascended Pendle Hill on day one. Cooking their own meals and setting up

Silver DofE Expedition Faces Chilly Challenge
Shakespeare Day

William Shakespeare is England’s most loved poet and regarded as the greatest writer in the English language. To celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday on the 23rd of April, why not enter the Young Writers Shakespeare Day Poetry Competition. Complete your poem on the entry form attached, pick up a paper copy from the Library Helpdesk or type up on a word document. Return your completed poems to the

Shakespeare Day
World Book Night

World Book Night is a national celebration of reading and books that takes place on 23 April every year. World Book Night is for everyone – regardless of whether they consider themselves ‘readers’ or not. World Book Night is a national moment, and everyone is invited to participate by dedicating time to reading any book, in any format. At Bosco we are participating with a free book giveaway in

World Book Night
Happy Earth Day!

Earth Day is celebrated each year on 22nd April. Earth Day's mission is to diversify, educate and activate the environmental movement worldwide. Find out more here; What is Earth Day, when is it and what has it achieved? The 2024 theme, " Planet vs. Plastics ", aims to raise awareness of the harms of plastic pollution for human and planetary health. To mark Earth Day, explore facts about the

Happy Earth Day!
Poetry Heroes Competition 2024

Young Writers are inviting you to write a poem about your favourite person for the latest competition – Poetry Heroes. Who is your hero? Is it your mum or dad? Your best friend? Your brother or sister? Perhaps there is a famous person, from a sports or film star to an author or musician, that you admire and aspire to be like. Why are they your favourite person and why do they inspire you? Grab

Poetry Heroes Competition 2024
Henrietta Branford Writing Competition 2024 

The Henrietta Branford Writing Competition 2024 , the annual competition for young people which runs in conjunction with the Branford Boase Award, is now open for entries. The competition aims to find and encourage writers of the future, something Henrietta was always keen to do. Anyone under the age of 19 can enter. This year’s theme is inspired by 2023 Branford Boase Award winner

Henrietta Branford Writing Competition 2024 
Eco-club Planet Protectors

Eco-club Planet Protectors

Eco-club Planet Protectors
Time to Inspire Storyboard Competition

IntoFilm has launched the Time to Inspire Storyboard Competition . IntoFilm are looking for inspired young filmmakers who have a story idea for a short film and would like to win the chance to get it made. As a group, have you got a story to tell that could inspire others? If so, enter the Time to Inspire Storyboard Competition, brought to you in partnership with world-renowned Swiss watchmaker

Time to Inspire Storyboard Competition
Global Young Journalist Awards 2024

Calling all budding journalists out there - Enter The Day’s Global Young Journalist Awards Do you want to change the world? Or do you have a story that you’re burning to tell? The Day want to hear from you! The Day's third Global Young Journalist Awards are FREE to enter for 7-18-year-olds worldwide! You could win your work published online, a trophy, certificate and more! The competition is

Global Young Journalist Awards 2024
Reading Zone Picture Book Competition 2024

ReadingZone is challenging those aged four to 18 years to make a picture book for the ReadingZone Picture Book Competition 2024 , in partnership with World Book Day. The competition is open to individual children, libraries and schools in the UK and internationally. Prizes include £200 of books for each winner's school or library, plus a free online author event for the overall winner. For more

Reading Zone Picture Book Competition 2024
Ramadan Reads

To support our students observing Ramadan , the library has put together a collection of books featuring Muslim authors or books with Muslim characters. All books are available to all students and staff to borrow from the library. You can explore the complete collection here; Ramadan Reads 2024

Ramadan Reads
Young Writers - Mission Catastrophe

Young Writers latest short story competition is now live! Your mission (should you choose to except it), is to write thrilling mini sagas, stories told in up to 100 words, with Mission Catastrophe! From minor mishaps to earth-shattering events, you have the opportunity to explore the consequences of catastrophes of all sizes. Check out the exciting video which introduces the mission. Don't

Young Writers - Mission Catastrophe
National Story Telling Week and NSPCC Number Day - Challenge set!

To celebrate National Story Telling Week crossing over with the NSPCC’s Number Day. Ms Hindle set the KS3 students a fun and collaborative challenge to complete in their form classes. Pupils were asked to work together with their form tutor and take turns in adding a maximum of two sentences to the story, which was started off by 7S, before being passed around school for each form to add their

National Story Telling Week and NSPCC Number Day - Challenge set!
Design a National Book Token Competition 2024

National Book Tokens’ annual DESIGN A NATIONAL BOOK TOKEN competition is back, inviting children of all ages to get creative and share their love for books and reading by designing their own fabulous gift cards! This year’s theme is ‘Read Your Way’. Every reader is different, and there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy reading. HOW TO ENTER To enter, children should design a National Book Tokens

Design a National Book Token Competition 2024
World Book Day Celebrations in the Library

World Book Day is celebrated annually and on Thursday 7th March 2024. Reading came to life all around school. At Bosco, we support the charity World Book Day in its mission to encourage all children to read for pleasure. World Book Day supports children to read for pleasure by encouraging 6 behaviours: 1. Being read to regularly 2. Having books at home and school 3. Finding time to read 4.

World Book Day Celebrations in the Library
Celebrating International Women's Day

Empowering Students for a Brighter Future Here at St John Bosco Arts College, International Women's Day was not just a date on the calendar; it was a vibrant celebration filled with activities aimed at empowering our students and inspiring them to embrace diversity, equality, and inclusion. From engaging talks to exciting scavenger hunts, here's a glimpse into the activities that took place

Celebrating International Women's Day
March's Student Spotlight

Teigan Dunleavy and Maisie Sweeney, recently secured an impressive second place in the prestigious STEM Northwest Challenge held at Manchester University. The STEM (Science, Technology Engineering and Maths) Northwest Challenge provided a platform for students to explore STEM topics and develop essential skills like teamwork and problem-solving. The event not only showcased the talent of

March's Student Spotlight
Young Debaters Shine in Urban Debate Competition

In a testament to their prowess and eloquence, young debaters from across the city showcased their skills in the second round of the Urban Debate competition. The event, which saw participation from nine schools, unfolded into a riveting evening of intellectual exchange and spirited discourse. Amidst the bustling atmosphere, it was evident that the girls had prepared meticulously for their

Young Debaters Shine in Urban Debate Competition
Young Reporter Competition - BBC

What is the BBC Young Reporter Competition? It’s an opportunity for young people to report with the BBC. The BBC are looking for original stories about your lives or the world around you, or relating to subjects and issues that particularly matter to young people. Anyone aged between 11-18 years old and living in the UK can enter. If the idea is successful, it could appear on TV, radio, online

Young Reporter Competition - BBC
T-shirt Design Competition - Greenpeace

Greenpeace are looking for young people (aged 0-17) to help them spread the word about the problem of plastic pollution. This year, governments around the world are negotiating a UN Global Plastics Treaty, which will limit plastic production and use. Greenpeace need your creative eye to produce a design that illustrates the issue and gets people talking. The winners will get a t-shirt featuring

T-shirt Design Competition - Greenpeace
Writing Competition - Wicked Writers: Be the Change

National Literacy Trust has partnered with the acclaimed stage musical Wicked for a second year of this persuasive writing competition open to young people aged 9 to 14. For Wicked Writers: Be the Change they are asking students to write a piece of persuasive writing about any environmental issue that is important to you, for example, the climate crisis, pollution or endangered species. Making a

Writing Competition - Wicked Writers: Be the Change
Poetry Competition - Winter Wonderland

Young Writers latest poetry competition is now live! Winter Wonderland invites 4-18 year-olds to write a poem in any style on the theme of wintertime. Whatever your thoughts about wintertime, write a poem in any style and let Young Writers know! Looking for inspiration? Here are some ideas for budding poets: ❄️ Winter celebrations... Diwali, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year ❄️ Capture the serene

Poetry Competition - Winter Wonderland
Poetry Competition: Through Their Eyes

Through their eyes 2024 - Student Information Guide.pdf Through their eyes -student entry form.docx

Poetry Competition: Through Their Eyes
Poetry Competition: Here and Now Challenge

The challenge: write a poem about being a young person today. What would you want future generations to remember about your experience of being young, today? YPN and the Museum of Youth Culture want you to get inspired and write poems about what youth culture looks and feels like to you. TO ENTER This challenge is for writers aged up to 25 based anywhere in the world. The deadline is Sunday 11

Poetry Competition: Here and Now Challenge
February's Student Spotlight

After the recent trip to London to film with the 100 Voice Choir which aired on ITV on New Years Eve, we caught up with Alissa McCarthy regarding her experience after being selected to perform a Solo in front of the live and star studied audience. Alissa's solo performance at the ITV's New Year's Eve Bash not only left a lasting impact on her but also elevated the overall dynamics of the choir.

February's Student Spotlight
Feast Day of St John Bosco

On Wednesday, 31st January, we celebrated the Feast Day of of our patron saint, St John Bosco. The annual celebration is an opportunity for the school community to come together for collective worship and a chance for pupils to participate in Salesian activities. The Feast Day celebrations began with a school-wide mass, led by Fr Tony Frain. This year’s theme highlighted the bicentennial of St

Feast Day of St John Bosco
Student deliver show-stopping production of Sister Act Jr

Over 60 pupils ranging from Years 7 to 11, got involved in the school’s production. The feel-good musical tells the story of a woman who has no choice but to take refuge in a convent, which ultimately results in her leading it’s choir and helping the group gain popularity, whilst also uplifting the sisters who are part of it. The talented performers acted, sang, and danced their way around

Student deliver show-stopping production of Sister Act Jr
Embracing Growth and Adventure on Retreat

Reflections on Year 9's True Self and Year 11's Unforgettable Active Retreat Days Last week, our Year 9 students delved into a transformative retreat experience centred around the theme of discovering their true selves. Engaging in workshops that explored personality, masks, meditation, and Salesian games, the students exhibited remarkable enthusiasm and openness throughout the sessions.

Embracing Growth and Adventure on Retreat
Formation Friday

“Do not lose any time. Do good, do all the good you can and you will never regret doing it” ~Don Bosco St John Bosco encouraged people to do good for others, a sign of his unwavering commitment to his Catholic faith which he shared with the young people he cared for. Like Bosco, we as Catholics, are called to serve others and live according to the Catholic Social Teaching of the Church.

Formation Friday
Year 8 Sensation Eve Challoner Dances Her Way to The Hammond School of Dance 

In a remarkable personal triumph, Year 8 pupil Eve Challoner has secured a coveted spot at The Hammond School of Dance , a prestigious institution known for shaping the careers of budding performers. ‘Eve is a star in the making,” said Miss Ellison, Head of Performing Arts at St John Bosco. “She is known for her exceptional talent and also for her enthusiasm and support towards fellow students.

Year 8 Sensation Eve Challoner Dances Her Way to The Hammond School of Dance 
Students shine on ITV as part of The National Lottery’s New Year’s Eve celebration

A very lucky selection of students got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform as part of The National Lottery’s New Year’s Eve Big Bash, which aired on ITV and ITVX. The star-studded celebration, hosted by comedian Jason Manford and singer and presenter Alesha Dixon, featured performances from Take That, Busted, Paloma Faith, Becky Hill and many more. 20 of our students from years 9, 10, 11,

Students shine on ITV as part of The National Lottery’s New Year’s Eve celebration
Student Spotlight

St. John Bosco is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievement of one of its own, Chelsea N’drin, who recently secured a spot in England's Women's Under 15 UEFA Development Tournament. In a recent interview, Chelsea shared her journey and experiences during this prestigious event. Chelsea, a talented footballer who already plays for Merseyside, Liverpool School Girls, expressed her initial

Student Spotlight
Christmas Showcase - Wednesday 13th December

Get ready for a festive extravaganza that will light up your holiday season! The much-anticipated Christmas Showcase is set to take place on Wednesday December 13th, and promises an enchanting evening filled with the spirit of Christmas. This magical event is your ticket to a heart-warming celebration that you won't want to miss. Buy Tickets Here Event Highlights: Time: The festivities kick

Christmas Showcase - Wednesday 13th December
Bosco Hosts: School Choir of the Year 2023

No tickets required. Entrance to the event will be sign posted at the front of the school. We look forward to seeing you there!

Bosco Hosts: School Choir of the Year 2023
Inspirational talk from Malik Al Nasir

Last month, we had the privilege of hosting the Liverpool Poet, Author, and Cambridge academic, Malik Al Nasir, for an engaging and inspirational session with the students. Mr. Al Nasir's visit was not just an ordinary school event; it was a journey through his extraordinary life, touching on profound topics such as discrimination, race and racism, English and History, slavery, Law, Social

Inspirational talk from Malik Al Nasir
The Glitch - Creative Writing Competition

A sudden shift, a twist of fate, and bam! Everything changes! What happens when an ordinary day turns extraordinary? What are the effects on the world if one thing is changed forever? What thrilling or terrifying outcomes are unleashed if one mishap alters reality? The possibilities are infinite, which allows you to write about what excites you. These are the questions Young Writers are asking

The Glitch - Creative Writing Competition
Christmas Card Competition Time!

We are looking for students to design this year’s school Christmas card 2023. There will be a prize for the winning entry. Requirements: The St John Bosco Arts College logo needs to be included somewhere on the design The design should include elements from the traditional Christmas story Any medium can be used / please use A4 sized paper for your design All entries should be handed in at

Christmas Card Competition Time!
Salesian School Sleepover in partnership with The Whitechapel Centre

On Friday 17 th November we hosted a Salesian Sleepover here in school for students across years 7 & 8. This event coincided with World Day of the Poor and so the focus of the sleepover was around homelessness. 50 of our students took part and were provided with an immersive experience. We know that this does not compare to sleeping outside on the streets, but we wanted to help our young people

Salesian School Sleepover in partnership with The Whitechapel Centre
Fright Club - Ghost Stories Short Story Competition

From creepy tales, urban legends and supernatural spine-chillers... what lurks in your imagination? A ghost story is a timeless classic style of creative writing and Young Writers are inviting you to write your own short story inspired by things that go bump in the night! You could be inspired by a real place that is rumoured to be haunted, choose a supernatural being to be the star of your

Fright Club - Ghost Stories Short Story Competition
Self Portrait Poem Challenge

The challenge: write a self-portrait poem Have you ever had to do a self-portrait in an art lesson at school? Young Poet’s Network (YPN) are challenging you to write self-portrait poems: you can be as realistic, or as abstract, as you like… Prizes Selected poets will be published on the Young Poets Network and sent an exclusive YPN notebook, as well as poetry goodies including books and

Self Portrait Poem Challenge
Lest We Forget - Poetry Competition

Reflect on the realities of war and conflict, and the hope for peace... Lest We Forget invites 4-18 year-olds to write a poem in any style on the theme of war and peace. Poems can be about your own experiences, or about something you have learnt at school. If budding poets are looking for inspiration, here are some ideas: · The sadness of war · The hope of peace · The courage of soldiers ·

Lest We Forget - Poetry Competition
Operation Christmas Child

This week we have launched Operation Christmas Child, a charity we support every year. Over the years we have sent many shoeboxes filled with gifts for children who are sadly living in war, famine and poverty. Let us do what we do best in our community by reaching out to others in need and help where we can. Please visit their website for more information and what you can and can’t put in your

Operation Christmas Child
Harry Potter Book Day

Thursday 12th October 2023 was the official Harry Potter Book Day and the library hosted a Harry Potter celebration with themed activities and a quiz. Students could come in fancy dress or take photos with Harry Potter props. The theme this year was Magical Places. Students created and named their own houses, which resulted in some wonderfully creative team names; The Dumbledores, The Birthday

Harry Potter Book Day
AltFest 2023 - only 3 weeks to go!

There’s not long to go now until we join together for AltFest 2023 to celebrate our local communities. We have lots planned for the day, and there promises to be plenty of fun activities for all the family. We’re excited to be joining together with Cobalt Housing and a range of community partners, who will also be on hand to give advice and guidance on health, finance and many more topics that

AltFest 2023 - only 3 weeks to go!
International Day of the Girl

Thanks to the generous donation of The Reading Agency, Rebel Girls and Nike , we celebrated International Day of the Girl in school with a free book giveaway. Click here to find out more about: International day of the Girl Every student in Year 8 and Year 9 received a copy of Rebel Girls Kick It!

International Day of the Girl
National Poetry Day

National Poetry Day was celebrated in the school on Thursday 5th October. The 2023 theme is 'Refuge'. Students could add their favourite poems to the 'Poet-Tree' in the library, pop-up poetry was posted around school and students recited poems at lunch time for our ‘Poetry Slam’. If you are looking for poetry books to share, The Reading Agency has produced a Poetry booklist to celebrate for

National Poetry Day
Formation Friday

This month, Mrs Tomkins, our Head of RE and Catholic Life, is reaffirming the profound significance of our school's mission statement, in her monthly article "Formation Friday" sent to all staff. Through her efforts, we are reminded of the pivotal role this mission statement plays in guiding us to nurture each and everyone of our students to, empowering them to achieve their fullest potential.

Formation Friday
Local MP visits St John Bosco Arts College 

Pupils at St John Bosco Arts College, Croxteth, welcomed MP for Liverpool West Derby, Ian Byrne, on Thursday, 28 September. Ian visited St John Bosco to speak to pupils about several topics. The visit was arranged by Bosco’s history teacher, Karen McDonnell, following a Year 12 visit to the Houses of Parliament in June 2023. Whilst at the school, Ian was keen to discuss his work on the ‘Right

Local MP visits St John Bosco Arts College 
I’ve Got a Golden Ticket!

Every year, on the 13th September, Roald Dahl’s birthday is celebrated through Roald Dahl Day. Roald Dahl published 17 children’s books, 2 rhyme books, plus 2 autobiographies, 2 adult books, 51 adult short stories and more. To celebrate Roald Dahl Day, exclusive limited-edition bookmarks where available for students in the library as well as ‘Golden Tickets’ hidden around the college. Lucky

I’ve Got a Golden Ticket!
ELECTION OF PARENT GOVERNOR

There are currently two vacancies for a Parent Governors on the Governing Body and I am writing to invite nominations from parents/carers to fill these vacancies. The successful candidates will become full members of the Governing Body and serve for four years with effect from November 2023. To be eligible for election, your child must be a registered student of this college when the

Happy International Literacy Day 2023!

Literacy is all about being able to read, write and understand. If you are literate, you know what written or printed text or numbers mean. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2015, approximately 757 million adults around the world were illiterate and two-thirds of them (504 million) were women. The theme for International Literacy Day

Happy International Literacy Day 2023!
Celebrating A-level and BTEC success

We welcomed the class of 2023 for results day, as students and their families came to share in the celebration. This year, the cohort was the largest in Bosco history, with nearly 200 students in the sixth form, a stark increase from five years ago. Bosco’s head girl, Olivia Tinsley, was thrilled to learn she achieved distinction*, A, B after studying criminology, business studies and geography

Celebrating A-level and BTEC success
Christine Ohuruogu MBE offers words of wisdom to St John Bosco Arts College students at awards celebration

Former track and field athlete and four-time Olympian, Christine Ohuruogu MBE, joined St John Bosco Arts College at the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for its annual awards celebration. The Olympic gold medallist addressed the packed cathedral, sharing an inspiring speech with students. Christine said: “People always ask me what my secret to success is and the answer is there is no secret

Christine Ohuruogu MBE offers words of wisdom to St John Bosco Arts College students at awards celebration
St John Bosco Arts College bid farewell to leavers in a special way

St John Bosco Arts College has said goodbye to Year 11 and 13 leavers during a unique school-wide Mass. The Mass, a long-held tradition at the Croxteth-based school, brings students from across each year group together to celebrate and reflect. A total of 1,094 students gathered to mark this special occasion. The Salesian Sisters from the local community also joined the Mass to help celebrate the

St John Bosco Arts College bid farewell to leavers in a special way
Croxteth Speaks - See our pupils in action!

Big Dreams, Little Homes Sixty Year seven students were selected in November to participate in the Croxteth Speaks Project. Set up by the female led All Things Considered Theatre. This project was designed to engage young people in our local area to celebrate the potential of the community and the individuals within it using the arts. This has led to a number of innovative and exciting workshops

Croxteth Speaks - See our pupils in action!
A-Level History Visit to London

On the eventful day of June 22, 2023, our enthusiastic Year 12 History students embarked on an educational adventure to London, immersing themselves in the rich historical and political landscape of the city. The day began bright and early as the students arrived at The Houses of Parliament. Thrilled by the prospect of witnessing democracy in action, they took their seats in the public gallery to

A-Level History Visit to London
Stuck on what to do this summer?

Here are our five fun-filled activities for making this summer one to remember!

Stuck on what to do this summer?
City Champions

The Bosco Athletics team had a great time at the City Athletics Championships. Taking part in a range of sports from running short and long distances to the jumping and throwing events, students took their event seriously and gave everything they had to their performance. As always, they were a fantastic team, supporting each other and cheering each other on as they stepped up for their chosen

City Champions


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