Curriculum
DEVELOPING THE CURRICULUM AND THE WHOLE PERSON:
a statement of purpose and intent
As we seek to live out our mission as an avowedly Catholic and academic school we are reminded of the words of our patron, St. Bede:
‘I pray you good Jesus that as you have given me the grace to drink with joy the word that gives knowledge of you, so in your goodness you will grant me to come at length to yourself, the source of all wisdom, to stand before your face forever’
Just as Bede dedicated his life to the pursuit of learning and to search for knowledge of the Lord, so too in our small way, his prayer sums up our aims, our hopes, our faith. We hope our pupils will emerge as theologically literate adults, able to articulate their faith in an increasingly secular world. The kingdom of God cannot be built except through a self-sacrificing commitment to Gospel values in the lives of those whom we seek to educate.
We will seek to promote the highest standards of academic achievement within a distinctively Catholic educational framework. Every student should be empowered by our curriculum which will be constantly reviewed so that no student feels excluded and the talents of each student, as an individual are recognised and brought to fulfilment.
Within the academic life of the school, our aims for all pupils are:
A sense of morality, that all actions have consequences and that to ‘love your neighbour as yourself’ should be the basis of our behaviour to each other. All subjects contribute to a students understanding of moral and ethical issues
A Theological understanding of our place in the world, and as Catholics, of our being part of the Universal Church
Fluency in, and accurate use and understanding of English in all manner of communication
Skill in numeracy, problem-solving and mathematical methods
Knowledge of concepts and issues in Science and Technology. Skill in scientific investigation and application of science to everyday experience. Clear understanding of the ethical implications of scientific discoveries
Proficiency in at least one modern language, with the opportunity to attain knowledge and understanding of at least one other Classical or Modern Language
Fostering an appreciation and development of enjoyment of Art, Music and Drama together with skills and abilities in these areas
Proficiency in the use of ICT and an awareness of its applications
Knowledge of concepts, issues and applications in History and Geography. A contextual understanding of the world in which we live, the need for political and economic awareness, sound judgements and informed views on the contemporary world
Promotion of health, well being and physical fitness. A respect for ourselves and others in which Spiritual well being is central to our holistic well being
Understanding of the need to respect religious and moral values. To affirm individuality and inclusivity within a culturally diverse environment
The development of independent thought and study and the active encouragement of curiosity and a spirit of enquiry and adventure. To encourage reasoned argument and debate
The provision of a rich co-curricular environment in which the aims above can be fulfilled
This is a statement of purpose and intent. The gospel values we seek to inculcate in our pupils cannot be circumscribed. The development of the whole person is a dynamic, constantly evolving challenge that we all contribute to whatever our role: ultimately we do so as fellow Christians in the service of all.