Finchley Catholic High School Prospectus

“ T h e t e a c h i n g a n d f e e d b a c k c a n n o t b e f a u l t e d . E v e r y e l e m e n t i s e x p l a i n e d i n t h e u t m o s t c l a r i t y a n d t h e f e e d b a c k g i v e n i s u s e f u l . ” Year 11 Pupil Voice Response Within our school community, pupils are encouraged to actively engage themselves spiritually through prayer and practice. Throughout the school day, starting in morning registration, pupils spend time in reflection and prayer and are led by peers and tutors in weekly assemblies based on the Gospel themes of the liturgical calendar. At specific times of the Church year, including Advent and Lent, pupils are led by the school Chaplain in reflection services which include different and engaging means of praise and worship bringing a modern context to religious traditions. We enjoy very strong links with our local parishes and frequently welcome parish priests to lead students in the sacrament of Reconciliation and celebrate mass with the whole school, parents and year groups. Our ‘Justice and Peace Group’ comprises pupils who support our Chaplain and take an active role in leading liturgy and organising charitable work. Parents are also wholeheartedly encouraged to participate in our liturgical life and receive invitations to the annual Carol Concert and masses celebrating milestones in their children’s educational journeys. Annual retreats enable pupils to take a step back from life and reflect on their faith journey with relevant themes that coincide with the challenges of their daily lives. Our yearly Lourdes pilgrimage is another popular opportunity and we recently inaugurated a pilgrimage to St Albans marking our 90th Year and in recognition of our patron saint. The richness and diversity of our liturgical life is enthused by a determination captured in our mission statement: ‘to be a school where we experience the joy of God’s creation’. 7