Mission Statement To develop the potential of every individual by providing the best education through experience of our Catholic, Christian Community within which all members can grow in faith. To develop the faith of every member of the School Community by making prayer, worship, and liturgy meaningful educational experiences. To be open and welcoming, and to build close working relationships with parents, parishes, primary schools and other partners in the education of our pupils. To ensure that our curriculum provides a Catholic Christian framework within which every individual is encouraged to realise her or his full potential in preparation for adult life. To ensure that all relationships in the school provide each individual with experience of his or her dignity, value and uniqueness. To provide pastoral care within a safe environment for all members of the School Community, based on Christ s example. To raise standards of individual pupil, and whole-school, achievement.
College Prayer & Hymn St Thomas a Becket Catholic College strives to enable all the members of the community students, teachers, staff and parents to deepen their relationship with God in Christ within the Catholic Church. Part of this commitment is the provision of a wide range of events and activities organised by the College Chaplaincy team and supported by the College staff and students. Diary Below are important dates in the college calendar and a list of the assemblies taking place in College. Events The first Tuesday in every month at 8.05am in the Chapel there is a staff Mass. Every other Tuesday there is a voluntary Mass for pupils at 8.25 in the Chapel.
Assemblies Year 11 -Monday Yr 10 Tuesday Yr 9 -Wednesday Yr 8 Thursday Yr 7 - Friday Date W/C Assembly led by...... Theme A3/9 Achievement Leaders Discipleship B10/9 Mr Whitney Racial Justice A17/9 Achievement Leaders Justice and Peace Suggested Biblical References / Readings Mt 19: 16-26 If you wish to be perfect, go and sell what you own and give the money to the poor.. Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, but all of you are one in Christ. 1 John 4:18-21 let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. B 24/9 Mr Forrest Harvest and Creation John 1:3 Through him all things were made. A 1/10 Achievement Leaders Service and Leadership B 8/10 Mr Firth Obedience A 15/10 Achievement Leaders Prisoners and their families Matthew 20: 25-26...just as the son of man came to be served but to serve.. Ephesians 1:17-21, Luke 1:21-38 I am the Lord s servant..may it be to me as you have said Matthew 25: 36 I was in prison and you visited me B 22/10 Miss Wilkinson Self Denial Romans 12:1-8 Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought HALF TERM A 5/11 Achievement Leaders Poverty B12/11 Mr Rooney War and Remembrance A19/11 Achievement Leaders Anger B 25/11 SLT Sorrow Matthew 25: 31-46 I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink.. James 3:13, 4:10 1 Peter:3-9 all kinds of trials these have come so your faith.may be proved Matthew 5:22 If anyone calls his brother fool, he will answer for it before the courts. Job 1:21, 2:10 If we take happiness from God s hand, must we not take sorrow too? A 3/12 Mrs Wright Advent Luke 2:1 The word was made flesh and lived among us Date W/C Assembly led by. Theme Suggested Biblical References / Readings B10/12 Miss Wilkinson The Immaculate Conception Luke 1:46 My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord
Date W/C Assembly led by...... Theme A17/12 Advent Services No Assemblies Suggested Biblical References / Readings End of Term B7/1 SLT Epiphany A14/1 Achievement Leaders Peace B 21/1 SLT Christian Unity Matthew 2:1-12 the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. Luke 2:8-14 Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests. 1 Corinthians 12: 12-28 Now you are the body of Christ and each one of you is part of it A 28/1 Mr Rooney Holocaust Memorial John 14: 24 Those who do not love me, do not keep my words B 4/2 Achievement Leaders Education Jeremiah 29:11 I know the plans I have in mind for you Date W/C Assembly led by. Theme Suggested Biblical References / Readings A11/2 Mrs Wright Lent/ Ash Wednesday Matthew 4:1 Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness Half Term B 25/2 Achievement Leaders Fasting Matthew 4:4 Man does not live on bread alone but needs every word that comes from God A4/3 Mrs Horsely Prayer John 16:24 Ask and and you will receive, and so your joy will be complete B 11/3 Achievement Leaders Almsgiving Acts 4:32 no one claimed for his own use anything that he had A 18/3 Mrs Wright Stations of the Cross Mark 15:39 In truth this man was the son of God B 25/ Mrs Wright Holy Week Services John 19:...and bowing his head, he gave up his spirit End of Term
Date W/C Assembly led by...... Theme Suggested Biblical References / Readings A 14/4 Vocations John 15:1-8 I am the vine you are the branches B 22/4 SLT Media Psalm 101:3 I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless A 29/4 Achievement Leaders Saints and Martyrs John 15:13 A man can have no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends. B 7/5 Mr Rooney College Community Acts 4: 34 None of the community was ever in want. A13/5 Achievement Leaders World Communications B 20/5 SLT Pentecost Half Term A 2/6 Academic Tutors Understanding between Christians and other faiths 1 Tim 6:18 Tell them they are to do good, and be rich in good works. Acts 6:1-7, Acts 2:1-6 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues John 13:34 Love one another just as I have loved you B 10/6 Mr Dell Persecuted People Matthew 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted A 17/6 Achievement Leaders Human Rights Proverbs 31:9..uphold the rights of the poor, of the needy B 24/6 Mrs Wright Ss. Peter and Paul Matthew 16:18..and on this rock I will build my Church A 1/7 Achievement Leaders Faith 2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk my faith, not by sight. B 8/7 Mrs Johnson Humility Luke 14:11 For he who exalts himself will be humbled 15-Jul No Assemblies End of Year
Sex and Relationships St Thomas à Becket Catholic College SEX AND RELATIONSHIPS EDUCATION POLICY Person/s Responsible: Head teacher / Spiritual & Moral Co-ordinator 2011/2012 To be reviewed September 2012 Reasons for this policy As a Catholic College we understand that all our pupils are of intrinsic and absolute value as they are created by God and in the image of God. With this at the centre of all our teaching, and in particular our Sex and Relationship Education (SRE), we aim to make our teaching holistic and fitting to the needs of the pupils. Church Teaching The SRE programme at St Thomas a Becket Catholic College is underpinned by the following Church teachings: The dignity and worth of each person made in the image of God. The importance of individuals coming together in mutual support and regard, to live and work for the good of humankind and the glory of God. Statutory Requirements Statutory requirements for sex education are set out in the DfEE s (now DfE) guidance booklet entitled Sex and Relationships Education. The law requires that maintained secondary schools teach sex education, human growth and reproduction, including education about HIV and AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections.
Aims SRE at St Thomas a Becket Catholic College aims to meet these requirements while also encouraging pupils to consider the views of the Roman Catholic Church and the value and dignity of the human person. The key aim of the programme is to provide a teaching that is founded on Roman Catholic understanding of the human persona and an appreciation that authentic human love is more than sexual expression, for the human person is made in the image and likeness of God and this dignity is inalienable. The College aims to provide a SRE programme which will: Help students come to an understanding of themselves and others; Enable young people to learn what the Roman Catholic Church teaches and build bonds of trust and communication with each other; Augment students understanding of their physical and emotional development; Augment teachers subject knowledge and confidence; Prepare students for adult life; Build upon students Catholic values and encourage a respect for the diversity of cultures and religions that surround them; Promote responsible behaviour; Develop skills for future carers and parents; Promote positive self image and esteem and the valuing of others; Promote ways in which young people can examine contemporary stereotypes of masculine and feminine behaviour and assume responsibility for their actions; Create opportunities for students to consider their knowledge, attitudes and behaviour, in the light of the Gospel values and the teachings of the roman Catholic church, so that they can make informed choices; Help students develop the confidence and skills to discern messages in the media and the positive and negative effects of peer pressure, enabling them to make decisions about how to act in accordance with their own beliefs and values; Ensure that all students regardless of individual differences are able to access SRE. Practice 1. A team consisting of the Chaplaincy, Head of Religious Education and Spiritual and Moral Co-ordinator will co-ordinate the SRE programme in consultation with the Head teacher, the Science Co-ordinator and other appropriate staff. 2. SRE will be incorporated and delivered through the Science and Religious Education and taught by teachers who are informed of their responsibilities of delivering these topics in line with teaching of the Roman Catholic Church. 3. The delivery of SRE will affirm the teaching of the Catholic Church whilst recognising that students need to be aware of different attitudes. 4. The help of outside agencies and speakers, who are in support of the Roman Catholic ethos of the College, will be sought to support the programme and will be invited to complement the College s teaching with their professional perspectives.
5. Provision for external support agencies will be made for students with specific learning difficulties. These agencies will be provided with the appropriate church teaching on SRE. 6. There will be a regular review and evaluation of the delivery of SRE that will include the views of the students. This may inform future lessons. Present Position We will provide all of our students with a programme of SRE in accordance with our responsibilities as a Roman Catholic College and statutory requirements. The programme will rest upon the precepts of the Roman Catholic Church s teachings on sex and relationships. Students will be taught the sexual facts of life within the framework of moral responsibility provided by marriage. They will be educated in health and hygiene matters that pertain to sexual matters and the dangers associated with promiscuous behaviour, including sexually transmitted diseases. St Thomas a Becket Catholic College is distinguished by the quality of care extended to all within its college community. In order to extend this care beyond the College, students will be taught the value of stable family life, of respect for the individual and the dignity of human life. The objective of SRE at St Thomas a Becket Catholic College will be to help young people develop the capacity for arriving at moral decisions which are based on sound principles of Church teachings. The following is an outline of what is presently done within the college community to fulfil the statutory and Church requirements for SRE: Science The topics of sexual reproduction and puberty in humans are taught in Year 7 Further studies of sexual reproduction are embedded in the KS4 curriculum this includes the study of hormones, IVF, abortion, contraceptive methods, Genetics an Ethics. Religious Education The very nature of the subject lends itself to the spiritual dimension of humanity. SRE is taught within the context of Roman Catholic teaching about dignity of the human person and the significance of relationships in the development of the human person. All students are taught from Year 7 to 11 that we are made in the image and likeness of God and are all part of the body of Christ. Therefore our vocation in life is to become more fully like Christ in ourselves and through our relationships with others. In KS3, these ideas are explored through the theme of community (Year 7) and decision-making (Year 8). In Year 9, students study a unit entitles Conscience and Human Community, where they consider what it means to make correct moral choices. In key stage 4 at GCSE students explore specific issues surrounding sexual relationships; they cover the topics of sex, sexually transmitted infections, marriage, abortion, teenage pregnancy, abstinence, media images of sex and the body and gender stereotypes. Pupils consider the Church s teaching on marriage, divorce and annulment and family life, all in line with the teaching of the Catholic Church. All of these topics are taught in the light of the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church and the Religious Education Curriculum Directives.
Monitoring and Review The Head teacher and Spiritual & Moral Co-ordinator will report annually on the working of this policy, and may suggest amendments at any time to be considered by the Resources Sub-Committee. The Sex and Relationship Education policy will be issued on an annual basis to all staff at the start of the academic year and to all new employees during the College Induction Day. Date submitted to Resources Sub - Committee Head teacher s Signature. Name of Head teacher.. Chair of Governing Body s Signature... Name of Chair of Governing Body...
News & Events Year of Faith On Sunday 16th October 2011 Pope Benedict XVI announced a YEAR OF FAITH for the whole Church, to run from the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council on 11 October 2012 until the Solemnity of Christ the King on 24 November 2013. Pope Benedict outlined the purpose of the year of faith: 'to give fresh impetus to the mission of the whole Church to lead human beings out of the wilderness in which they often find themselves to the place of life, friendship with Christ that gives us life in fullness.' The YEAR of Faith is an invitation to everyone in the Church to celebrate and renew their faith - individually, in families, in parishes and schools, in our Diocese, country and across our global Catholic community. Desiring to respond to Pope Benedict's call for 'fresh impetus' in the Church's mission, how might we celebrate this Year of Faith?
As disciples of Jesus Christ, as members of his Church through our parish, school, home and diocesan communities how can we enter into this Year and bring it to life? How can we put our faith into action in the service of others? How can we grow in our faith understanding and as witnesses to the teaching of Christ and his Church? We are being called to GREATNESS in faith and service. What can we do? What will you do? The Religious Life of the School St. Thomas à Becket Catholic Comprehensive is a Roman Catholic College, deliberately based on the values of the Gospel and the living traditions of the Church. We recognise the unique value and dignity of each pupil and seek by every means to enable them to become the person that God has called them to be. In R.E. lessons, we look at religious responses to basic question about life, meaning and value, and aim to inform and support the children in their encounters with such questions. We are fortunate to have the services of a College Chaplain; this gives us the opportunity to celebrate Mass and other religious services in our own College Chapel. Special workshops are arranged to celebrate Easter and Advent, and all pupils are offered the opportunity to go on retreat in each year group. Service to others through charitable work and involvement in the local community is a central feature of College life. This page on the College website is designed to keep students, staff and parents informed as to what is going on to aid the moral and spiritual development of the young people in the care of the College.
Lourdes Every year students from St Thomas à Becket participate in the annual Pilgrimage to Lourdes which is organised by the Diocese of Leeds. Our College takes on average 30 students from Year 10 on this Pilgrimage where they work alongside other students from twelve Catholic Secondary schools and Colleges across the Diocese. The Pilgrimage itself lasts for 9 nine days at the end of the summer term, but the work of the students begins far in advance with fundraising events held in order to raise the travel and accommodation costs of the students. Lourdes is a shrine dedicated to Our Lady which is famous for the apparition s which occurred there in 1858 and which were witnessed by a young girl named Bernadette Soubirous. The shrine which has now developed into a major place of Catholic Pilgrimage for miraculous healings is visited by hundreds of thousands of people every year. Students from across the Diocese come together to help the sick and elderly within our parishes experience the shrine in Lourdes, by pushing wheelchairs and being companions to them during their stay. Below is an excerpt from the student s reflections following their Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Lourdes-We were Born For This - 2008 Sometimes in life, seeing is believing, and yet sometimes believing is seeing. We get told about places that we can never truly understand until we have experienced them. You could see all the pictures in the world and never quite understand the place itself. This year on our trip to Lourdes, through the belief in our faith and the belief in ourselves, we experienced a week that touched not only our hearts, but others also. Through this, our beliefs in God shone. From the 26 th of June to the 4 th of July, 30 Year 10 pupils visited Lourdes on the 150 th anniversary of the Apparitions. It is then that Our Lady appeared to Saint Bernadette, the thirteen year old girl and told her to pray for the conversion of sinners Since then, Lourdes has been a special
place where thousands take vocations each year, whether it be to seek closeness to God, health or to help those in need. It is the latter which the 30 of us embarked in, and pairing up we all spent the week accompanying our pilgrim, sharing the vocation we had in common. Visiting different places each day, we took time to pray and think over every aspect of the lives we live. Many of us didn t know the depth of what Lourdes was about, and each had different ideas on what to anticipate. You re constantly told before that Lourdes is hard work. You think you ve fully grasped it. That is before you are dropped off after a 24 hour coach trip and are thrown into your first 18 hour day! It is true that every day is tiring, as its early starts, late nights and hard work during the day pushing wheelchairs in extreme heats. Yet the atmosphere takes a hold of you, and as you walk through the Domain you see everyone there with the same purpose as you. Being part of the Leeds Diocese, we all had to wear yellow t-shirts to represent where we come from-and also because the colour is so blinding you re pretty easy to spot out if you get lost! With these shirts, the youth came to recognise one another, and friendships formed between the different schools, igniting the sense of belonging that Lourdes itself issues. Spending time with friends and our pilgrims, just to get that much needed sleep, everything was a luxury! Also during the week, we visited many places that each gave off a different atmosphere. One of these was the Baths. Many, many rumours had been spoken of before we left, however, as you are submerged in the water that represents forgiveness, purification and reconciliation, the feeling that cannot be described washes over you and you come out feeling different, which no words can justify, and by the time you are outside again, you are dry-odd, seeing as though you put your clothes straight back on. As well as this, every day processions such as the Jubilee Way and the Torchlight procession took place, where everyone walks round the Domain to the rosary, singing the Ave Maria. With the candles ablaze, the sight is overwhelming and the first time I saw it I was in awe at its beauty, seeing so many people together as one. It was not only the processions which united us. We were united through song as well. As it was the 150 th Anniversary, Born for This was the collection of songs that each represented the Stations of the Cross. Learning these throughout the week, the youth came together to re-enact the different scenarios in the City Of The Poor. High up in the trees, this is a place where mass takes place and as we sang to the pilgrims at the end of the week, the lyrics helped us to really demonstrate just why we were there...to demonstrate our faith and to share it with others. We definitely know that faith will remain, seeing as though the songs were being sung throughout the entirety of the journey back and even now 2 months on!
All in all, Lourdes affected every one of us. On the last night when we visited the grotto and the candles were lit, the feeling that Lourdes had given us took its toll, and many people, both boys and girls, were in tears, deeply touched by the week s events. Coming to Lourdes, we weren t all close friends. We may have been in each other s classes, but that was all some had in common. However, it is hard to share something like that and not come out closer. And I think I speak on behalf of everyone when I say we all came back so much closer, as everyone saw everyone else in a light they d never seen before. Pushing the wheelchairs every day, eating together, being together, all the little things. They all added up to become one big memory. A memory that will never fade, and will be told of again and again, for the reason that Lourdes brought pilgrims and pupils together, to show that we live as one in God. I guess it was a spiritual thing. A kind of deep understanding of why you decide to go and live by your religious beliefs, even if people don t quite understand why. By Gina Waygood, Lourdes 2012 30 Students, 3 staff and the school Chaplain embarked on the Lourdes Pilgrimage on Thursday 5 th July 2012. The week was an amazing experience with both staff and students making new friends and sharing the experience that Lourdes has to offer with our Pilgrims Joe, Laurie, Angela, Margaret and Mary.
Lourdes Group 2012 Comments from the Lourdes Group 2012 I feel I was called to Lourdes to help others and in this process find myself. I thought that in this experience I would develop a greater understanding of a variety of people and I did just that My faith is definitely stronger through going to Lourdes. I see life in a new perspective through the eyes of God The most moving experience of my pilgrimage was no doubt our candle lit vigil. The whole night was an emotional rollercoaster; it was upsetting and equally moving at the same time. We were all brought closer together and no doubt became a stronger unit because of this. I think everyone will agree with me when I say we all realised just how lucky we all are
Links Diocese of Leeds Youth Service site Diocese of Leeds Vocations Promotion site Diocesan Website for parish links of feeder parishes and schools Sacred Space Sacred Space is a work of the Irish Province of the Society of Jesus. It is maintained from the offices of the Jesuit Communication Centre in Ireland. Being a ministry of the Irish Jesuits, it is inspired by the spirituality of Saint Ignatius of Loyola (Ignatian spirituality). The Wednesday Word A new weekly custom for 21st Century families. Our mission is to spread the Gospel to bring families together through the Word of God. Home, School and Parish praying together for the best for our children.