Munich Football Tour Journal

Day 1:

On Thursday 3rd April, 41 students and 4 staff headed off to Munich on a Football tour. Students ranged from Year 8-11, both boys and girls. It was a ridiculously early start with everyone meeting at 3:15am in the school car park!

We made it to the airport in great time, which ended up being a good thing as it took us over an hour to get checked in at Heathrow. There wasn’t much time for any shopping in duty free before we got on the flight which disappointed some of the boys!

Once we landed, we met our tour guide called Rick who was with us the whole trip and headed to the Bayern Munich Academy training ground, where we had lunch and the students got given their Bayern Munich training kit. The students had their first 90 minute coaching session with the academy coaches which was brilliant, a real high standard of training and coaching.

We then got changed and went to the Allianz Arena where Bayern Munich play, for a behind the scenes tour, which was unbelievable. We got to walk down through the tunnel and up to the pitch with the Champions League theme tune playing – a real highlight!

We went to the museum which had lots of exhibitions and trophies on display that Bayern Munich had won. There was a club shop at the end of the museum, where a lot of pocket money was spent on different shirts, balls and other bits of memorabilia! Finally it was back to the hotel to check-in, have dinner and an early night after a jam-packed day.

 

Day 2:

We got up for breakfast, before going back to the academy training ground for our next 90 minute coaching session. Another great session with the coaches where improvements were already being seen across the group.

Lunch was provided for us at the training ground again, before going to the SoccArena Olympia Park where we had hired out 3 indoor 5-a-side pitches and hosted our own mini-tournament. The weather was amazing whilst we were out there, especially on this day so playing indoors was extremely tough!

After a quick trip back to the hotel for a shower and to collect our packed dinners we headed to to Buchbach to watch Bayern Munich U23s. Sadly, the game didn’t end with Bayern Munich winning but we got to see some talented and potential first teamers in the future play.

Day 3:

This was an early start with breakfast at 7am, as we were off to the Bayern Munich training ground, where the first team would potentially be training. We had our 3rd coaching session, before going back to the hotel for lunch. After lunch, we went to a huge bowling alley that had bowling, mini-golf, arcade and pool tables – we booked bowling and mini-golf. A few of the year 11s had to join in with the staff bowling lane to make the numbers fair, with our names on the screen being that of our favourite footballer. Kevin Doyle was the winning name on the staff lane – we will let you figure out what staff member won! It was then back to the hotel for dinner and another early night.

 

Day 4:

The biggest day of the tour was finally here, fixture day at the Bayern Munich training ground! We had an U14 girls team, a U15 boys and U16 boys team so 3 fixtures back to back where the other 2 teams could watch the team playing.

We played the games on the pitch next to where the first team were training but unfortunately, they put shutters all around the training pitch so we couldn’t see them train. We did get a wave from Vincent Kompany afterwards though which was pretty special!

Our girls played first against FC Interculturale, winning 2-1 thanks to a last minute winner from Alice and a great strike from Freya. The girls played brilliantly, coming back from being 1-0 down and having a very depleted squad after a few injuries!

The U15 boys team played next, against another side from FC Interculturale, narrowly losing 3-2 after a brace from Omar. The boys were extremely unlucky not to get a result as they played so well, against a really good side.

Finally, the U16 boys played a very, very talented FC Interculturale side with academy players. They gave a brilliant account of themselves, with the scoreline not being a true reflection of the game. Eli had put us 1-0 up and Jacob scored 2 penalties to bring us back within range but the boys ran out of steam towards the end, ending up on the losing side. But again, the boys were fantastic and a real credit to themselves and the school.

We then had another busy evening as we had tickets to see Bayern Munich Basketball at the BMW Park. Very kindly, one of the students’ parents managed to organise us a last minute behind the scenes tour of the stadium, with students and staff getting to see in the changing rooms, media room and go court side! A great evening was had by everyone and to make it even better, Bayern Munich won.

 

Day 5:

The last day of the tour was here, so room inspections were carried out before checking out. There were many lost room keys but all good other than that! We then went to our last training session back at the first team training ground. We were desperately hoping to see the first team train or get a glimpse of some of the players but were told they wouldn’t be training until the afternoon which we were gutted about.

However, as we were heading in, Kingsley Coman was doing some individual training on the pitch in front of us and he gave us a wave as we watched. We then saw Serge Gnabry driving in and Mr Fry got a thumbs up from Thomas Muller! Rick, our tour guide, had kindly found us an Italian restaurant to go to for lunch where everyone had something to eat before going to the airport.

Just before going to the airport, we handed out our tour awards for each team which are at the end. Our flight back was super quick and we got back to school at about 10pm! All students and staff were extremely tired but had the best time away – the students were a real credit to the school and performed impeccably across the tour. A huge thank you to Miss Ostinelli, Mr Fry and Mr Bandy for coming on the tour and giving up their time.

Tour awards:

U14 Girls

Person of the tour: Alice

Funniest moment of the tour: Freya

Player of the tour: Anna

U15 Boys

Person of the tour: Danny

Funniest moment of the tour: Abubakar

Player of the tour: James

U16 Boys

Person of the tour: Charlie

Funniest moment of the tour: Josh

Player of the tour: Jacob

 

AWE Defence STEM Undergraduate Scheme (DSUS)

We’re thrilled to introduce an opportunity like no other—AWE’s Defence STEM Undergraduate Scheme. This is your chance to elevate your university journey with a scholarship program designed to set you up for success.

  • Full tuition fee coverage (up to £9,250/year).
  • A yearly bursary (up to £5,000) to ease cost of living pressures.
  • Paid summer placements—earn hands-on experience AND £23,500 pro rata.
  • Exclusive career prospects—fast-track your application to a permanent graduate role with AWE.

At AWE, we understand the challenges students face, so we’re here to give you the support you need to succeed academically and professionally. If you’re studying an engineering discipline (recognized by the Engineering Council), you’re already on our radar. We’re especially keen to hear from students in:

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical & Electronic Engineering
  • Manufacturing & Production Engineering
  • Nuclear Engineering

If you’re studying a science discipline, we’re especially keen to hear from students specialising in:

  • Chemistry
  • Materials Science
  • Analytical Science
  • Physics
  • Maths
  • Computer Science

Important: Applicants must be UK nationals with a UK passport (minimum 10 years living in the UK) and able to obtain security clearance.

What’s next?
Applications open 6th May, please apply here: www.awe.co.uk/careers/early-careers/undergraduates/

Here’s the journey:
1. Submit your application and complete online tests (with practice tests provided).
2. Complete a final stage interview.

Questions? Reach out to the Early Careers Team at EarlyCareers@awe.co.uk

Royal Berkshire Hospital Youth Forum

Are you interested in a role in Healthcare?

Summary of role: The RBH youth forum aims to get young members of our community who are aged between 16- 24 heard and involved in the decisions made by the Royal Berkshire Hospital. As a member of the youth forum, you can help to make changes and influence hospital decisions to improve services for young people and future generations.

Duties and Responsibilities: As a youth forum member, you will share your thoughts and ideas on how the hospital could be improved and participate in workshops and events where you can share your experiences or provide a fresh perspective. Some of the opportunities to get involved will include:

  • Attending regular Youth Forum meetings where you can present your ideas and opinions
  • Training Workshops
  • Hospital walkabouts – where you will tour as part of team and assess the wards
  • Interview panels
  • Getting involved in projects around the hospital.

Skills required: Some skills that will be very useful to a member of the youth forum include:

  • Teamwork – being able to work well with others
  • Communication – Good at talking and listening
  • Reliability- being trustworthy and responsible
  • Punctuality – Good at being on time
  • Creativity – being able to think of new ideas and questions.

What you will gain: Participating in the youth forum will not only give you an opportunity to shape your local hospital but also make your CV and applications stand out to future employers and universities. You will get the opportunity to:

  • Learn more about the hospital environment
  • Learn more about healthcare careers and work closely with NHS employees.
  • Get access to lots of training, including fire safety, infection control safeguarding and more!
  • Get to know lots of other like-minded young people in your community.

The Youth Forum is extremely flexible – our ultimate aim is that members will run it themselves with minimal input from Trust staff, so we are already working with existing members to find out how it works best for them. So far, this involves evening or weekend meetings in person, and Teams meetings when in person doesn’t work. There is no minimum time commitment or attendance – if you need to take time out, then that is absolutely fine. All we ask is that you keep in touch.

Interested? For a registration form contact – YouthForum@royalberkshire.nhs.uk

Ellie Completes London Marathon

Many congratulations to Year 13 student, Ellie (13C3) who took part in the London Marathon last weekend! Ellie has written an article to share this emotional experience with us.

“When I entered the ballot for the London Marathon last year, I never thought I would get in, as I know so many people who have been trying for over 10 years without success. The day I found out I was so emotional and shocked. Unfortunately, my training didn’t go to plan after getting injured and I thought I wouldn’t be able to do it, but a month before I felt strong enough to go ahead.

Getting to the start line I felt so nervous but the atmosphere was amazing, it’s something that cannot be explained unless you get the opportunity to do it. Tower Bridge was the best part, as there are so many people cheering you on, shouting your name, holding up signs, playing music and giving out sweets. I could never do it without the support from family and friends and I am so lucky to have been able to experience this at 18. My mum and I both took part. Even though we were at different starting areas and had different start times, somehow our finish times were 3 seconds apart, which is crazy. We have since found out that we are part of a Guinness world record title for the most finishers for a marathon! 

We ran the marathon for The Lullaby Trust, which is a charity that saves babies lives and supports bereaved families.”

 

Well done Ellie! If you would like to support Ellie’s fundraising please click here.

 

Chloe and Layla – Silver Medal Stars

In October, we reported how Chloe (9C1) and Layla (9D3), cheerleaders at local club, Crimson Heat Tigers, had both been selected to represent their club, and England, at the World Championships in Florida, the two biggest cheer competitions in the world. The girls have returned victorious as Silver medal winners!

They put on a fabulous show, just missing out on Gold to favourites, USA. They have worked incredibly hard and are a credit to the nation! Chloe now has the World Championships for her local team, Majesty, and then they both compete at Summit for their team, Nemesis. Hopefully more fabulous news to follow!

Year 7 Karate Taster

During a Year 7 PE lesson on Friday, external instructor, Matt, came in to deliver a fun taster session of Karate mixed with some martial arts. Great fun was had by all as the students enjoyed some fun and challenging, learning some new skills.

Matt is running a Karate club at St Bart’s after school on a Thursday in the gym 3.15 – 4.15pm – boys and girls all years are very welcome to attend. There are 9 spaces remaining, so please come along on a Thursday and have a go!

If you would like more information please see Mrs Leach.

Limited Edition Badges on Sale!

We have created a range of pin badges inspired by our Nature Reserve wildlife. Socks the Fox, Brian the Badger, Owlivia Hooton John the Owl, and Philip the Hedgehog have all been spotted by our wildlife cameras in the Nature Reserve and have been duly named by students in our Guardians of the Living Realm Club. The pin badges are being sold in aid of the school’s efforts to renovate the Nature Reserve, to fully open up this space once more for lessons, clubs and wellbeing.

The limited edition pin badges are just £1 each and are available in all the House Offices. Please support our fundraising and buy a badge – or collect all 4!

We are discovering more and more wildlife in our Nature Reserve and so, if popular, more designs may be released!

Spring Sewing Bees

It’s been another busy term in the Textile Dept. for our KS3 Students. Year 7s have been making more scary and fun felt monsters. Year8s have been designing and making Cultural Tote bags. Year 9s have each been making an exotic banner. Every term we run a competition in each class in which students who go above and beyond can be awarded the class Sewing Bee and are given a small textile based prize. This terms winners are:

Winner: Jessica (7D2)

Runners up – Summer (7C1), Abdul (7D1), Tilly (7D3), Angie (7C2)

Winner: Matilda (7C2)

Runners Up: Sophia (7D3), Hugo (7D3), Floris (7D1)

 

Winners:  Bridget-Marie (7E1), Albie (7P2)

Runners Up: Vavara (7P3), Seth (7P1)

 

Winner: Josephine (7E2)

Runners Up: Kimi (7E2), Polly (7P2), Isobel (7E2), Cedric (7P3)

 

Winner – Cason (8C1)

Runners up – Pranav (8C1) Keli (8C3), Josie (8C3)

 

Winner – Olivia (8C2)

Runners Up – Sophie (8C2), Beth (8C2)

 

Winner – Zuri (8P2)

Runners Up – Mabel (8P2), Jasper (8E3)

Winner: Harrison (8E3)

Runners Up: Frederick (8E1), Emily (8P1), Eva (8E1)

 

Winner: Iris (9C2)

Runners up:  Emmeline (9D2), Penelope Neilson (9D2)

Winner: Maya (9E2)

Runners up: Theo (9P3), Elsie (9E2), Elizabeth (9P2)

 

  

St Bartholomew’s School, Andover Road, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 6JP

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