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Inspired by the life and work of Saint Angela Merici, our Ursuline school commits itself to education for tomorrow’s world within the dynamic tradition of Catholic belief and practice.
As a Christian community, characterised by a spirit of respect, trust and joy, we promote excellence in every aspect of life, thereby fully developing each individual.
This is our Ursuline Education Community in the UK. For further information on the Ursuline Education Commuity please visit their website.
Jesus’ words in John’s gospel express the aim of human life as ‘human flourishing’ (Eudaimonia). Our whole business in this life is to flourish by seeking to form our character through the pursuit of personal strengths called virtues: excellences of character which are theological, moral, civic, intellectual and performative. (‘Virtues for Catholic Schools’ – Vicariate for Education, Diocese of Leeds)
Our core virtue as an Ursuline community is ‘Serviam’ which was our founder, St Angela Merici’s, motto. Serviam means ‘developing our gifts and talents for the good of others’ and this is the core mission of the school. Serviam is at the heart of our daily routines and practices. At Ursuline High School we encourage all of our students to use their unique gifts and talents for the Common Good through acts of Serviam. By doing this students experience first-hand the positive effects of giving themselves selflessly in service to others and see the impact of helping someone in need.
All year groups - Serviam | You put other people’s needs before your own. You want to make a difference to their lives. You look for ways to help rather than waiting to be asked. You always follow the ‘golden rule’ to treat others with the respect and kindness that you want for yourself. |
The parable of the Good Samaritan |
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Each year students focus on a supporting virtue:
Year 7 - Insieme |
You are a member of many communities, including our school community. You want to play your part within your family, our school, your neighbourhood and our global community. You are committed to finding ways to help your community, seeing each person in your community as your neighbour. |
“You are all one in Christ” Galatians 3:28 |
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Year 8 – Solidarity |
You see all human beings as members of one family; all are sisters and brothers who depend on each other for everything. If you see someone or a group of people who are in need, in solidarity with them, you help. You treat everyone with respect. You see other people’s needs and act to meet their needs before your own. |
“If one member suffers; all suffer together. If one member is honoured; all rejoice together.” 1 Corinthians 12:26 |
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Year 9 – Respect |
You show other people respect when you treat them as you would like to be treated. You treat people with curtesy and kindness not because of who they are or what they have done but because, like you, they have God-given dignity. You respect yourself so that you have the confidence to be yourself and not give in to things you know are wrong. |
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you” Matthew 7:12 |
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Year 10 – Hospitality |
You welcome a guest or a stranger and treat them as a friend. You are open to new people and you listen to their story. You know that new people can open you to new ways of thinking and living. |
The parable of the sheep & the goats |
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Year 11 – Discernment |
You carefully consider what to do. You think about all the possible ways to meet a challenge or solve a problem and make a decision. You discern by taking time, making effort, noticing and reflecting on when and where God is calling you. You seek the best way forward in all things. |
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 2:2 |
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Year 12 – Resilience |
You accept that there will be difficulties in life. You see these as a challenge and are not discouraged. You overcome challenges and do the right thing. You can be relied upon because you are committed to seeing things through to the end. You know you can count on God’s help so you are never alone. |
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 |
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Year 13 – Gratitude |
You show that you are grateful for all you have. You are grateful for all of the people who support you and all the things that happen around you each day. You grow in wonder about the world and see the world and your place within it as a gift from God. You accept the gifts and talents that you have and you use them to benefit others. Being grateful helps you to be generous to others. |
“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Psalm 106:1 |
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Our local parish: Sacred Heart Wimbledon : Sacred Heart Wimbledon
Our Deanery: Merton Deanery - Home (mertoncatholics.org.uk)
Our Archdiocese: Home: Archdiocese of Southwark (rcsouthwark.co.uk)
Our Universal Church: The Holy See (vatican.va)