Home > Religion
Religion
The majority of independent schools have a declared religious persuasion
and are often a religious foundation, usually Christian. During the last
30 years the ecumenical movement has had considerable and beneficial effects,
as has racial integration. There is much less bigotry, much more tolerance.
Nowadays most schools are ecumenically disposed towards a miscellany of faiths
or those of no particular persuasion. A handful of schools are determinedly
secular.
Provisions for religious instruction and worship vary greatly. Schools with
a clearly prescribed policy make it clear if they are willing to accept pupils
of any persuasion or none; and followers of other faiths are often allowed
to opt out from any religious worship and follow their own religious practices.
With the exception of sixth form and tutorial colleges, nearly all UK independent
schools have religious education of some kind on the curriculum. This often
includes a study of world religions so children develop an idea of what inspires
people of different faiths, and learn their practices, customs, laws, conventions
and traditions.
A large number of schools are Church of England foundations and follow, to
varying degrees, Protestant/Anglican practice. Some make a token subscription
in the form of a prayer and perhaps a hymn at assembly, and occasional attendance
at chapel; others make a certain amount of worship compulsory. Candidates
are often prepared for Confirmation.
Methodist, Quaker, Presbyterian and Jewish schools tend to have a clearly
defined policy and give considerable attention to religious worship and
instruction.
The Roman Catholic schools, administered by the Benedictines, the Christian
Brothers and by various other Orders, have very clear and comprehensive policies
to educate and nurture children in the faith so that they become devout and
mature Catholics. There is considerable stress on religious instruction and
on worship according to the liturgy of the Church, regular attendance at
high and low Mass on Sundays and Holidays of Obligation, the taking of the
sacraments, attendance at prayers, benediction, vespers, saying the Angelus,
and so on.
In an overwhelmingly secular adult society in which religious observance
plays a very small part, many people still think that it is not a bad thing
for their children to be brought up according to some religious doctrine
and set of beliefs. If it does matter to you that your child receives definite
religious instruction and has the opportunity of worship and cultivating
a spiritual life, you will find that very many independent schools agree
with you.
Catholic schools
Many independent schools teach the Catholic faith. For a list, contact CES,
the Catholic Education Service at 39 Eccleston Square, London SW1V 1BX (tel
020 7901 4880, fax 020 7901 4893, e-mail general@cesew.org.uk, website
www.catholiceducation.org.uk). The Heads of all the main independent Catholic
schools are members of the CISC (Catholic Independent Schools' Conference).
This promotes education in schools that teach the Catholic faith by providing
Heads with the opportunity to meet to discuss, analyse and consider common
concerns.
|
|
|
