Faith and the Academy
Why should an Academy be sponsored by the church?
The Churches have been involved in education for hundreds of years, long before the state provided any schools. In Gloucestershire, almost half of all maintained schools are church schools. The Churches are the single biggest sponsor of Academies in England. Church schools have a very good track record and are generally popular with parents.
How will RE classes be dealt with?
All pupils would follow a Religious Education programme, approved by the two bishops, which enables them to understand the beliefs, teachings and practices of the Catholic and Anglican traditions and of other world faiths, and recognise the importance of the spiritual dimension of life.
Catholic schools were set up to support parents in the education of their children in the Catholic faith. A joint CE/Catholic Academy cannot do this without compromise. Will the two faiths be taught separately?
Whilst proclaiming the faith, the Catholic Church is committed to engendering understanding of, and respect for, the beliefs of those of other denominations and faiths. Both of these would be evident in the Academy, as they are currently at Christ College.
What happens to students of other faiths: Muslim, Hindu, Jew?
Students of all faiths and none would be welcomed in the Academy.
Will the proposed Academy provide a Catholic education?
When Christ College was established in partnership with Gloucester Diocese, Catholic families were assured that their children would continue to receive an education that nurtured and supported their Catholic faith development. The elements that secure this – which include the RE programme, Chaplaincy provision, and Catholic representation on the Senior Leadership Team – will be retained in the Academy.
Will people of other faiths and none be welcome?
Yes. All Church schools welcome those of other faiths and none where they are able. Many parents of other faiths and none already value the opportunity for their children to attend a school where religious faith and practice are valued but not imposed.
A third of pupils will not be members of Catholic/Anglican faith and could be of other faiths or no faith. How will they be accommodated in Christian community? How can they opt out (e.g. Muslim students)?
All students will be welcomed from any background. Although the values will be Christian, parents will have the legal right to withdraw students from attendance at RE/collective worship.
