25th January 2017

Aims: To provide an overview of ‘The Catholic School: Developing in Faith’ To reflect on the mission and vision of Catholic education as expressed in the Charter To explore how ‘Developing in Faith’ connects with Companions on the Journey and HGIOS?4 To facilitate school discussion around their own implementation

The Catholic school loses its purpose without constant reference to the Gospel and a frequent encounter with Christ. The Catholic School, Scared Congregation for Catholic Education, 1977, n55

To reflect on the educational vision on which it is founded To evaluate how the school is being faithful to the faith mission which it receives from the Church To report annually on its development as a Catholic school to members of the wider faith community- parents, parish and Diocese

Themes

Characteristics

Points for reflection and dialogue Theme Characteristics Points for reflection and dialogue

The Charter and Developing in Faith

Developing as a Community of Faith and Learning Promoting Gospel Values Serving the Common Good Honouring Jesus Christ as the Way, the Truth and the Life Celebrating and worshipping

Developing as a community of faith and learning “What makes the Catholic school distinctive is its attempt to generate a community climate that is permeated by the Gospel spirit of freedom and love.”

Developing as a community of faith and learning A commitment to the integrated education and formation of the whole person, in close partnership with parents as the first educators of their children. An inclusive ethos which aims to honour the life, dignity and voice of each person, made in the image and likeness of God. A commitment to support the continuing professional and spiritual development of staff.

Promoting Gospel Values “It is precisely in the Gospel of Christ, taking root in the minds and lives of the faithful, that the Catholic school finds its definition as it comes to terms with the cultural conditions of the times.”

Promoting Gospel Values The provision of religious education programmes which will enable young people to develop their understanding of Gospel values and of how to apply them to life. A commitment to ecumenical action and the unity of Christians. The promotion of respect for different beliefs and cultures and for inter-faith dialogue.

Serving the Common Good “Knowledge is not to be considered as a means of material prosperity and success, but as a call to serve and to be responsible for others.”

Serving the Common Good A commitment to communicate all Catholic social teaching and thereby to promote social justice for all.

Honouring Jesus Christ as the Way, the Truth and the Life “The Catholic school is committed to the development of the whole person since, in Christ, all human values find their fulfilment and unity.”

Honouring Jesus Christ as the Way, the Truth and the Life A commitment to the search for wisdom in life and to the pursuit of excellence, through the development of each person’s unique God-given talents. A commitment to uphold the moral teaching, faith tradition and sacramental life of the Catholic Church.

Celebrating and Worshipping “It is important that lay Catholics who work in a Catholic school participate simply and actively in the liturgical and sacramental life of the school. Students will share in this life more readily when they have concrete examples; when they see the importance that this life has for its believers.”

Celebrating and Worshipping A commitment to the spiritual formation of the school community, through the shared experience of prayer and liturgy, and in partnership with local parishes.

Developing as a Community of Faith Practical Applications

Characteristics

A commitment to the integrated education and formation of the whole person, in close partnership with parents as first educators. Vision, values and aims Church documents on the Catholic School Staff, pupils, parents contributing to the evaluation process Liturgical and School Celebrations Partnerships with Parents Communication with Parents

…Inclusive ethos which aims to honour the life, dignity and voice of each person, made in the image of God School Policies anti-bullying, anti-racism, anti-sectarianism Other World Religions God’s Loving Plan/Called to Love Rights Respecting Schools Pupil awards connected to the Gospel values Pupils as Leaders Assemblies and Celebrations

…a commitment to support the continuing professional development of staff. Learning Communities CLPL opportunities PRD/Professional Update Leadership Opportunities Spiritual Development Catholic Leadership

It is intended to compliment and enhance the normal processes of school evaluation and improvement by promoting a particular focus on the distinctive faith characteristics of a Catholic school.

The Catholic School: Developing in Faith How Good Is Our School 4 The Catholic School: Developing in Faith Quality Indicators Themes Challenge Questions Features of highly-effective practice Characteristics Points for Reflection and Dialogue **Features of highly-effective practice

Evaluative Questions What is our vision for this Catholic School? Where are we now? How will we achieve our vision? What have we achieved?

3. What are we going to do now? How Good Is Our School? 4 The Catholic School: Developing in Faith 1. How are we doing? 2. How do we know? 3. What are we going to do now? What is our vision for this Catholic School? Where are we now in realising this vision? How will we achieve our vision? What have we achieved?

Tool Kit

Professional dialogue around points for reflection Select Theme Professional dialogue around points for reflection Evaluative questions What is our vision for this Catholic School? Where are we now? How will we achieve our vision? What have we achieved?

Identify strengths and development needs Plan next steps Plan Action Identify strengths and development needs Plan next steps

Report at the end of the academic year Ongoing evaluation Report at the end of the academic year Monitor and Review What is our vision for this Catholic School? Where are we now? How will we achieve our vision? What have we achieved?

Model of Self –Evaluation and Review Effective and Successful Catholic Schools Self-Evaluation Process Strengths Development Needs PRD Process School Improvement plan