Catholic Ethos
Why a Co-educational Catholic School?
We offer a community environment that allows our children a unique opportunity to grow in knowledge and connect their faith to their daily lives. They are able to live out the values upon which their education is based.
Pupils learn to question, to establish self-confidence, to show respect for others and to experience a sense of accomplishment stemming from individual achievement and responsibility. At Bishop Challoner we encourage every pupil to choose subjects best suited to their needs and aspirations that they will enjoy and are good at, allowing them to achieve and be successful.
Our co-educational environment does not compel any pupil to conform to traditional roles perceived to be stereotypical. Every pupil is treated as an equal and given a fair chance and through debating, Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, drama, sport, music and charity work and leadership opportunities, they have every opportunity to excel. They are able to develop naturally in an environment that mirrors that of the real world, mix with others and learn from each other intellectually as well as socially.
Some schools favouring single-sex schooling promote their schools based on academic performance and their positioning in the league tables, but one needs to examine how selective the intake is and the socio-economic nature of those attending these schools. Our school is much more than gaining excellent academic success but about development of the whole individual, offering an educational foundation for life to the full, ensuring that each child develops spiritually, morally, socially, physically and emotionally. Their learning is enhanced in the classroom and the examination results at Bishop Challoner show no significant difference in gender with GCSE results.
They are able to relate well in the classroom and freely in lessons and do not feel held back but are able to build their thinking skills and confidence. The learning styles of boys and girls are different but with excellent staff they should be able to tailor individual pupil needs to suit individual learning styles enabling them to feel challenged and engaged in lessons. The pupils are able to develop interpersonal and communicating skills, a spirit of co-operation and learn from their peers, all of which are essential to life beyond school, enabling them to cope with the demands of society in an interconnected world.
Chaplaincy
We are fortunate enough to have a chaplain. This position is usually filled by one of the assistant priests from St Edmund’s parish, Beckenham. The chaplain celebrates Mass for the whole school at various times during the school year – on major feasts and other important occasions. Shee also celebrates Mass for each Form during the year. She makes himself available for Confessions during Advent and Lent. She supports Junior Staff with the preparation of children for First Confession and First Holy Communion – which is celebrate in the school chapel.
The Chaplaincy is an integral part of school life, serving pupils and staff of all faiths and none. The Chaplaincy promotes the belief that all are made in the image and likeness of God, aims to foster a sense of responsibility for oneself and others and encourages a deepening and maturing of faith so as to equip our pupils to face with faith the challenges and joys of life. Underpinning all aspects of the Chaplaincy programme is the provision of good Pastoral Care, this includes supporting individuals coping with the stresses of daily life and those faced with particular challenges.
The Chaplaincy is supported by Chaplaincy prefects, Trustees, staff and pupils. Many pupils are trained as altar servers and also help with readings and prayers during Mass. At its best, school Chaplaincy is collaborative and involves the whole community of staff and pupils. We would therefore like to invite you to be involved in the Chaplaincy and also to suggest ideas for new developments. We welcome all faiths.
Prayer
Our pupils pray and reflect every day in their form groups.
During May and October, pupil led reflections on the mysteries of the Holy Rosary take place in the Chapel. During Lent, reflections on the Stations of the Cross take place in the Chapel. There is also a May Rosary Procession which takes place in the school grounds.
Other opportunities for prayer and worship include the in-house retreat days and residential retreats.
