The Religious Life of the School
Founded by the Sisters of Mercy and inspired by the Mercy ethos of Catherine McAuley the religious life along with the Spiritual formation of the school occurs within the context of the Catholic Christian Faith tradition. Such formation is orientated to the spiritual growth of each individual and the spiritual flourishing of the whole school community. Spiritual formation is sensitive to the faith background and life journey of individuals within the community.
In line with the school Mission Statement, Broughton Hall endeavours to interpret human knowledge in the light of the Gospel, with the school community contributing to the spiritual and moral formation of the pupils as well as to their intellectual and physical development. The young people are helped by a set of faith development opportunities to integrate their faith with everyday experience.
In Year 7 we follow opening minds which allows for the Archdiocesan scheme of work to be implemented.
All pupils are offered the opportunity to follow a GCSE course or Certificate of Educational Achievement in Years 10 and 11 (Key Stage 4). The effects of the Christian and Islamic traditions upon aspects of lifestyle and behaviour are studied.
At post-16, all pupils participate in a general religious education course or an A-Level Module Course. There is opportunity for a deeper study of the teaching of the church in relation to aspects of personal and social life, and Christian and non-Christian responses to contemporary moral issues to prepare students for moral decisions and the responsibilities of citizenship.
In all these courses, pupils are encouraged to come to firm, informed conclusions of their moral stance in the light of the Gospel message.
Integral to the life of the school, is prayer and worship, which have the potential to nourish the spiritual growth of all members of the school community. Prayer and worship provide the context and the resources for individuals and groups to celebrate their life and identity as members of the school and to nurture their relationship in faith with God and with one another.
Religious assemblies are held with all years on a regular basis. Staff reflection is encouraged through a weekly ‘Thought’ in the bulletin and prayer begins the briefing sessions and other significant meetings.
Our school is fortunate in having a beautiful new chapel which offers the opportunity for personal reflection and the liturgical life of the school is promoted through special and voluntary masses, meditation and Services of Reconciliation. Our School Chaplain (Mrs Sheila Betts) publishes a calendar of liturgical opportunities and provides help, guidance and support for all pupils and staff, and plays a leading role in the spiritual and liturgical life of the school.
The pupils are encouraged to support national, Archdiocesan and local charities throughout the year, and especially during Lent. In such ways, pupils become more aware of the needs of the wider community and by their generous responses are able to show Christian care. Practical responses are encouraged through CAFOD and cross-curricular links such as Homelessness, Prejudice and Discrimination in all its forms. The school also has links with a village in Nigeria and supports them during the year.
Plasma screens and notice boards highlight current events, tragedies, celebrations and achievements.
In the context of a Catholic school, it is acknowledged as being important to create an ethos whereby our pupils can come together, outside of the school situation, to recognise God's presence in themselves and in others; the retreat experience is provided for all pupils to build community and reflect and pray about their reasons for living and enriching others.
