Catholic Schools launch Ethos Paper – Catholic Schools Delivering for Communities
Catholic Schools are not unique to Northern Ireland. Rather, Catholic schools are part of an international network of Catholic education where 60 million pupils of all faiths and none are welcomed, cherished, and supported to realise their potential and to contribute positively to the Common Good
This week, Catholic Schools across Northern Ireland are joining with their peers from around the globe in celebration of Catholic Schools Week. The theme for this year is ‘Catholic Schools: Living Life to the full.’ Over the course of the week of Sunday 23rd to Sunday 30th January 2022, schools will host Masses, assemblies and activities for pupils, families, parishioners, and the wider community to celebrate the importance and the holistic educational provision of Catholic Schools.
The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) and the Catholic Schools’ Trustee Service (CSTS) have marked the occasion with the launch of the Catholic Schools’ Ethos Paper. This publication sets out the principles of Catholic Education and future vision for Catholic Schools.
Speaking at the launch Bishop Donal McKeown, Chair of CCMS and CSTS said:
I am very pleased to introduce this paper which articulates the future vision of Catholic Education, its ethos, and values. Today’s children and young people are growing up in an increasingly complex world. The ministry and message of Christ is the foundation for all Catholic Schools. Cardinal James Hickey of Washington (b.1920-d.2004) was quoted as saying ‘We educate communities, not because they are Catholic but because we are!’ Catholic schools contribute to the pursuit of excellence within education, whilst remaining faithful to their distinctive culture, vision, and approach. They listen, encourage constructive dialogue, and support the development of mutual understanding; in so doing, they enhance local communities and provide the opportunity for holistic growth.
Gerry Campbell, Chief Executive of CCMS added:
I am delighted to have been involved in the creation and launch of this paper. The paper communicates the underlying philosophy and characteristics of Catholic education, that is, to promote the dignity and worth of every human person; the purpose, value and relationship between education, family, community; and the purpose and meaning of life itself. Pupils who attend Catholic Schools receive a stimulating, holistic, high-quality academic experience in a supportive environment. Over the past 5 years, examination data shows that Catholic maintained school outcomes remain well above the average for non-selective schools. The degree to which Catholic schools continue to attract such a significant percentage of the school age population is testament to the quality of the educational provision in those schools.
Fintan Murphy, Chief Executive of the Catholic Schools Trustee Service added:
I have been privileged to work with colleagues on the production of this paper. It is designed to provide a clear articulation of the ethos and vison which is the foundation of Catholic Education. In striving to deliver this challenging vision our Catholic Schools continually review and develop their capacity for diversity, academic excellence, and achievement for all. At the centre of our understanding of the Catholic school is a Gospel values based focus on ensuring that every child, irrespective of religious, ethnic, cultural or socio-economic background has access to a high quality educational experience, gets to identify and develop their talents and skills and can reach their full potential; allowing them to take their place as contributors to the common good. In doing so the school community is assisting parents/carers in the support of the individual learner as they continue on a journey of lifelong discovery which began at birth. This journey allows them to appreciate their own value as individuals, to value and understand the contribution others make and promotes strong, diverse communities for the future.
Professor Peter Finn KSG, Principal of St Mary’s University College, Belfast said:
“I believe that the paper is particularly beneficial to the educators in Catholic Schools as well as student teachers as it sets out a collective and world-wide shared understanding of the key characteristics which contribute to the distinctive ethos of the sector. It emphasises children and young people being educated within an integrated values-led curriculum, which promotes critical thinking within a moral framework and underpins high-quality learning and teaching with exceptional levels of pastoral care.”
Across Northern Ireland there are 469 Catholic Schools with 149,626 pupils in attendance – 1725 attending Nursery, 333 attending Special School, 81,995 attending Catholic Primary Schools and 65,513 pupils in attendance at Post Primary.
The timely paper will set out the future direction and vision for all schools within the Catholic Managed sector. In addition it will inform educators, parents, learners and the wider community of the philosophy at the heart of Catholic Schools and the importance of their distinctive voice within the wider education landscape.
Catholic schools continue to look forward and to play a positive role in raising standards and in building respect not only in the classroom, but throughout the community and wider society.
