Parents-Information-Handbook-2016-2017

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Spiritual and Moral Development
Section 2a - Pastoral Care Arrangements
The School provides opportunities for spiritual and moral development in many ways. There is an
extensive spiritual programme, which is delivered through daily acts of collective worship such as
Masses, assemblies and prayers. A weekly spiritual theme runs through these acts of collective worship
which also provide an opportunity to celebrate the success and achievement of pupils at the School. It is
expected that all pupils of all faiths attend Masses and services. Concepts of morality and the need to
make the right decisions are reinforced regularly through the spiritual programme.
There is compulsory religious education in the curriculum for all pupils. The Nursery, Preparatory and
Senior School schemes of work identify the ways in which the teaching of subjects promotes the
spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils.
Pupils’ spiritual development and their moral education are also developed by the way in which we live
and operate as a School community. Great emphasis is placed upon Gospel values, on the quality of
relationships, on helping, caring and support each other.
Preparatory School
Spiritual and Moral Development
The Preparatory Chaplaincy Team is a popular group which celebrates the talents of pupils by
contributing to liturgical and other activities through music, dance and readings, and which helps to raise
money for charitable organisations, for example by running a Fair Trade stall.
Senior School
Outside the classroom, opportunities are provided for pupils who wish to be prepared for First
Communion and Confirmation at School. The Senior Chaplaincy Group celebrates the talents of pupils
by contributing to liturgical and other activities through music, drama and readings. Pupils can volunteer
to be altar servers or contribute in other ways to liturgies such as at the offertory or as readers. Pupils in
Years 7, 8 and 9 make a residential retreat, following a sequential program. Years 7 and 9 visit the Briars
Residential Centre in Crich, and Year 8 pupils visit Alton Castle. The Church is open for reflection and
prayer throughout the School day, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Mass are offered weekly
during lunchtime. Father Ted and Mr Michel are happy to be available for pupils should they wish to
discuss matter of faith.
The PSHCE programme contains many strands which deal with moral issues, through discussions in tutor
groups and through visiting speakers. The Rosmini Society, organised by Mr Michel, is a discussion
group for Sixth Form pupils which considers moral and ethical issues.
Older pupils volunteer to help with an annual HCPT pilgrimage to Lourdes. The Mother Teresa coworkers
group collects items to send abroad. A St Vincent de Paul group, currently operating in Year 9,
offers voluntary service to help staff and children in the Preparatory School and the Nursery. The School
raises money for charity through ‘own clothes days’, fasts, sponsored activities and collections.
Section 2a - Spiritual and Moral Development