Catholic Life

Our mission is to be a Catholic School where every individual is highly valued and where care and concern for others is central to our work. All our students are expected to achieve their full potential and become equipped for adult life. At SJB everything we do is guided by Gospel values.

Being a teacher is a unique opportunity to have a positive effect on the happiness and life chances of the students in our care.  We truly believe that it is the best job in the world and hence one that brings with it a tremendous responsibility which we must never take lightly.  Our job together with all members of staff, is to create an ethos where every child is seen as a unique individual, be happy and one where there are no barriers to success.   

Throughout their time with us, our vision for all students is that they:

• Deepen their relationship with God
• Love learning
• Achieve their academic potential
• Have a wide range of experiences both in and out of the classroom
• Grow into happy, confident, resilient and articulate young people
• Leave SJB equipped to lead fulfilling lives and make a positive contribution to society

One of the key ways our Mission Statement is realised is through our Chaplaincy. We support our students in reaching and exceeding their academic potential by ensuring that alongside the curriculum they have opportunities to develop spiritually, morally, emotionally and socially.

We begin every day in prayer. Our weekly school assemblies and fortnightly Year assemblies are led by students and staff and follow our schools 5 core values (Respect, Aspire, Integrity, Love and Service). On the remaining days in Tutor Time, Form Tutors and students further explore our Theme of the Week through "Pause for Prayer" which is resourced by our Chaplain. Students are invited to lead Pause for Prayer during form time.

All students are offered a Retreat experience which gives them a chance to explore, discuss, reflect on and pray about issues that help them to develop their spirituality, self-awareness and self-worth and to strengthen their relationship with one another and with God. 

At SJB we seek to live out Christ’s commandment to “love one another” and one way of witnessing to this is to educate our students about the needs of others at a local, national and international level. Every year we have great fun whilst we raise money and awareness of a variety of charities; Hampers at Christmas, rundraising throughout the Lenten period and SJB Day annually raise in excess of £30,000 for charitable causes.

We encourage all members of our community to plan, participate and present in our many acts of worship throughout the year – this ranges from vibrant Whole School Masses to Class Masses, Services of Reconciliation, A Service of Welcome, Morning Prayer, Leavers’ Celebrations and Friday Mass to name but a few.  These Celebrations of the Word are enhanced by the students’ fantastic music, singing, drama and reading. Alongside this the Chapel remains open for Prayer before school, during break/lunch and after school.

At SJB all staff contribute to the liturgical, spiritual and charitable life of the school.  Heads of Year, Heads of House, Form Tutors and the RE Department have particular roles in leading on prayer, Assemblies, School Mass, Liturgies, Retreats etc. Charity and community work is fully supported by all staff. 

Our Chaplain Mrs Hodgson leads on the spiritual life of the school and she, along with the Pastoral Team, and feedback and suggestions from parents and students, regularly review and plan together to ensure that we provide opportunities to enrich, develop and support our students spiritually, pastorally and emotionally. Mrs Hodgson runs our Chaplaincy Committee, a dedicated group of students who help guide and support all aspects of the liturgical life of the school.

Our Spiritual Life Group is led by Mr Haselden (Assistant Head i/c Catholic Life) and meets half termly. This group, comprising of the Head of RE, Chaplain, Head Boy and Girl, Governor Responsible for Catholic Life and the Charity Committee Lead are responsible for  planning and guiding all aspects of the Catholic Life of the school. Staff are invited to explore faith further through Alpha and RCIA.

We have an active "Faith in Action" group who work with Miss Antony throughout the year towards their Faith in Action Award. This award recognises young people for putting their faith into practice through service and reflection; it encourages them to translate their understanding of faith and scripture into tangible actions within our community. 

Our journey in life and faith is not always easy and we support one another whether the struggles we face are at home or in school.

Throughout their years at SJB students have opportunities to develop as whole young people ready to take their place in our world. Our faith in Christ is at the centre of our community. As staff we are guided and inspired by Jesus’ example of justice, service, compassion, empathy, integrity, forgiveness; reconciliation and love to support us in our special vocation and our students are encouraged to follow that example.