The Catholic character of the College is founded on the distinctive belief that faith in Jesus Christ is at the centre of the spiritual, personal and intellectual development of all our pupils.
We consider the faith of our pupils to be inseparable from their lives, and in this respect we view Religious Education as much more than simply “a subject on the curriculum”.
It is a life long commitment which does not end with the passing of examinations or the entry into an occupation. Religious Education therefore is given a position of priority within the College. In each year group pupils study their Catholic faith through the Diocesan Religious Education Programme.
The key areas addressed include:
(i) sacramental life
(ii) the church year,
(iii) Christian morality,
(iv) Church teaching and
(v) personal religious faith and practice.
In the course of the year all pupils have the opportunity to prepare for and partake in the school retreat, the Christmas and Easter penitential services and to join in the celebration of the Eucharist. Fifth and Sixth year students have set a wonderful headline through participation in the ‘Faith Friends’ programme (preparation of Primary 7 pupils for Confirmation) in a number of our partner primary schools.
Senior students have the opportunity to join the “Diocesan Lourdes Youth Team” - and in recent years many have shown exemplary commitment and generosity of spirit.
A significant number of boys make the selfsacrifice to join international student groups on World Youth Day in various countries across the globe.
All our students are urged - and challenged - to become responsible and thoughtful Catholics who will play a full and meaningful role in the future of the Church.
In examinations the great majority of Year 12 students take the G.C.S.E. with a small minority entering for the Diocesan Certificate, ‘Catholic Lifestyle’. i.e. a one year or two year (respectively) course of study.
This challenging and fulfiling programme has proven to be most popular with our sixth formers.
