Modernising Faith For An Enriched Education
A Jesuit education goes far beyond the school curriculum, teaching values to live by and encouraging pupils to become independent thinkers and global citizens who change the world for the better
Stonyhurst College is extremely proud of its Jesuit heritage that nurtures pupils to become ‘men and women for others’, to develop learning and leadership skills that will take them confidently into the wider world.
The Jesuit Profile also makes the College unique among other Catholic schools – beliefs are put into action by helping others and making the world a better place.
Catherine Crombie, the College’s Director of Christian Formation, explains: “We take pupils of all faiths and none – but all pupils have the same exceptional educational experience.
“A Jesuit education is entirely focused on human excellence in its simplest form. Academic excellence is a core part of this education, but it is very much about the person as a whole.”
Stonyhurst College is the oldest, continuously active Jesuit school in the world, with its origins dating back to the late 16th century, and it is here that pupils are encouraged to think about the kind of person they want to become, not just their academic capabilities but what they are capable of as a person.
Whatever career they choose and whatever they experience in life, Stonyhurst’s values encourage pupils to change things for the better – to improve living and learning is the DNA of a Jesuit education.
“This is woven into all aspects of school life,” explains Catherine. “The teachers here strive to understand how each individual learns best. They are interested in each pupil’s capabilities and how we can develop them. We make it our mission to find out what they want to achieve in the world.”
Alongside a first-class academic programme, the focus is very much on enrichment and giving pupils unique opportunities as Stonyhurst continues to excel in shaping individuals to be the best version of themselves, just as the school has been doing successfully for over 400 years: “We go beyond the curriculum in the hope that we spark a pupil’s love of a certain subject or activity.”
The College campus and the facilities available to pupils are vast – there are pitches for rugby, cricket and hockey, a nine-hole golf course, golf simulator and 25m swimming pool, along with netball courts and a full size indoor tennis dome.
Alongside the academic curriculum is also a far-reaching co-curricular programme to inspire pupils to try new experiences, such as altar serving, undertaking environmental projects, and all three Bronze, Silver and Gold awards for the Faith in Action social justice programme.
With pupils from all over the world, Stonyhurst is a multi-cultural community that provides its young people with many and varied opportunities to learn from each other: “We are very lucky to have an internationally diverse pupil body of over 26 different nationalities.”
A recent exchange trip with pupils visiting from a Jesuit school in Uruguay was a huge success: “The exchange was a unique experience for our pupils – they were living and breathing it. They were energised and inspired – a Jesuit education believes that the more direct experiences you have the more you will be inspired and that’s a big part of character formation.”
Within the College are the historic Stonyhurst Museum and Archives – the oldest and one of the largest collections of museum objects and priceless artefacts in the English-speaking world, including the Holy Thorn from Christ’s Crown of Thorns.
The objects and artefacts are frequently used as a backdrop for enrichment learning, where pupils can see, and be inspired by, significant historic items that often link into an academic subject.
Catherine continues: “A Jesuit education helps pupils to not be limited by the curriculum. They become independent learners and are encouraged to discuss beyond the curriculum – a subject may throw up moral questions so they may veer off topic and teachers allow that. It’s flexible, adaptive and active and encourages a lifelong love of learning.”
While striving for greater knowledge to become the best they can be, the Jesuit profile encourages pupils to look outwards to observe social systems and communities so that they habitually strive to help others: “Social justice is a Jesuit pillar and Stonyhurst pupils, whether they have a faith or not, are called to give service to others.”
The College’s Arrupe Programme has recently seen pupils helping out within the local community, running a coffee stop, helping with a primary school reading programme and wheelchair dancing for youngsters with a high level of additional needs. The Higher Line (Sixth Form) pupils have also visited Lourdes to assist wheelchair-bound pilgrims.
The school’s Campion Day sees pupils coming off timetable and embarking on charitable endeavours and discussing social justice issues, as well as attending Mass and enjoying Line (House) competitions: “Pupils have great fun, whether it’s participating in a colour run around the school grounds, or the lip sync battles between year groups that took place in the evening this year. We come together to celebrate our school – it’s also about school pride and the Stonyhurst community spirit.
“We are a global family,” adds Catherine. “According to the Jesuit Profile we show generosity, gratitude and compassion. While education is key, the greater part of what we do is to help young people reach their full potential.” Indeed, the College was rated Excellent in all areas in the most recent ISI report, with particular focus drawn to pupils living a life of purpose and achieving academic excellence alongside spiritual and emotional growth, while learning to embody the Stonyhurst school motto, ‘Quant je puis’ meaning ‘as much as I can’: “Pupils are encouraged to ask themselves, ‘What more can I do? How can I have a greater impact?’
“That’s what makes Stonyhurst so distinctive among Catholic schools. It’s about getting out into the world and making a difference.”
Stonyhurst College
Clitheroe BB7 9PZ
01254 826345
stonyhurst.ac.uk
