How do you incorporate the Catholic faith into school life?
Whole school Mass is celebrated at least once a term usually on a Holy day of Obligation and on Ash Wednesday. The school’s assistant chaplain intends to offer Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the new academic year.
Year group Masses are celebrated in the school hall on a rotational basis through the year. The school has recently purchased an elegant altar and cloths and candlesticks to enhance the celebration of the liturgy. The school purchased a new organ last academic year to accompany singing.
What provision do you offer for pupils who want to take their first Holy Communion?
First Holy Communion classes are offered at school starting in the second half of the autumn term. The catechist, a former parent, is also the parish administrator at St Mary’s, Hampstead.
Do you offer any interesting or unusual subjects?
We teach French from nursery all the way up to Year 8. Latin is taught to all boys from Year 6 up. Coding, robotics, and debating are examples of after school clubs and societies that are popular with boys.
What sort of pastoral care do you offer?
The link person between home and school is the form teacher. The key to excellent pastoral care is regular and meaningful communication. At the first sign of unhappiness (or under-performance) the form teacher will reach out to the parent. The sooner a problem is identified and discussed then the faster a solution can be found. The school takes a proactive and transparent approach – the child is at the centre of all decisions made.
How many pupils are at the school and what percentage are Catholic?
We have 280 pupils of whom just under 40 per cent are Catholic.
Are you selective or non-selective? What kind of pupil thrives at St Anthony’s?
The school looks for boys with academic potential. The teaching and learning bar is set high. Boys who are curious and questioning will succeed at St Anthony’s.
What enrichment opportunities are there for all students?
The PSHEE programme helps pupils to think about their role as citizens (taking responsibility for others) and also to be responsible for themselves in terms of health and economic autonomy. There is a vibrant careers programme as well as regular visiting speakers from the world of science, the arts and technology.
What makes St Anthony’s different and sets it apart from others in the area?
The school offers a holistic (perhaps a truly Catholic) education. The aim is to instil knowledge and cultivate a love of learning. Questioning is at the heart of the academic curriculum. The recent increase in boys winning places at some of the UK’s most selective academic schools suggests the approach is bearing fruit.
Do pupils get involved in any charitable ventures/community service or participate in any pilgrimages?
Charitable fundraising is a very important part of life at St Anthony’s and the boys raise thousands of pounds each term for school charities such as Mary’s Meals and the Passage. The school council, chaired and run by boys, discusses and plans specific fund-raising events. They are assisted by a Charities and Outreach coordinator (a member of staff).
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