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Catholic Life and Mission

“Do something, get moving. Be confident, risk new things, stick with it and then be ready for big surprises!” St Angela

Mission

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.

Aims

Set standards of excellence in teaching and learning and to provide a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum
Develop personal qualities of understanding of self and others, self-discipline and motivation, responsibility, maturity, creative freedom and integrity
Foster an attitude of respect for all regardless of age, race, colour, creed or gender
Build peace, promote justice, social concern and, through the celebration of difference, the equality of all people
Widen horizons, encourage a sense of commitment and service to the wider world, and to enable each one to go on learning and changing all through life

Our School Leaver Profile

Having Christ as the centre of their lives
Being able to recognise the uniqueness of each individual by showing respect and love for all
Being self-aware and better able to direct her life and fulfil her calling
Having a generosity of spirit and persevering in all things
Being willing in the spirit of Serviam to develop her talents and use them for the good of others and especially the neediest
Being able to use her leadership skills for the benefit of the community.
Being focused on justice and peace as she keep alive the gospel values in our world
Having achieved academic excellence through perseverance
Having an understanding of what really matters in life
Students who adapt to the sign of the times

This is our Ursuline Education Community in the UK. For further information on the Ursuline Education Commuity please visit their website.

Ursuline High School Virtues Programme

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“I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” John 10:10

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	Daily acts of kindness and courtesy Fundraising and charity events Enrichment programme Student Leadership programme School Council Consultative Groups Subject focus groups Sports events & Sports Day Inter-house activities School productions & concerts End of Year Serviam Assemblies

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Year Group Virtues

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	Transitions Day Induction Day team building activities Mass of the Holy Spirit welcome Ethos Day Insieme Day PGL Residential Parents’ back to school event Christmas gifts appeal Commissioning Service Christmas Fayre Retreat – ‘This little light/Serviam’ focus on how we share our light with others in our community End of Year Serviam Assemblies
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	Philanthropy Project Christmas gifts appeal Christmas Fayre Harvest foodbank collection Lent fundraising activities Retreat – Come Follow me – focusing on how we use our vocation in solidarity with others LGBTQI Month Black History Month, India Week, Filipino Week End of Year Serviam Assemblies
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	Sacrament of Reconciliation – Lent & Advent Services of Reconciliation Careers speakers Multicultural Evening BHM, Hispanic Week, India Week Encounter conference with other Ursuline schools Retreat – ‘What makes you come alive?’ – focusing on self-respect LGBTQI Month Black History Month, India Week, Filipino Week End of Year Serviam Assemblies
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	Taiwanese students exchange Dallas student exchange Holocaust Survivor talk Visit to synagogue YSVP Care Home Visits Retreat – a meaningful life – focusing on what is important in life including hospitality LGBTQI Month Black History Month, India Week, Filipino Week End of Year Serviam Assemblies
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	Careers workshops Work experience Retreat – Who am I and what is God calling me to be?Celebration & Mass
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	Enrichment programme Big sister project Student led societies Head girl team hustings Senior citizen’s Christmas tea party Avila Retreat on Justice Retreat – Digging deep – focusing on spiritual, emotional and physical resilience
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	UCAS personal statement worship with Careers Team Retreat - my Ursuline journey – focusing on what I am grateful for and reflection on the School Leavers Profile / Leavers’ Survey Year 13 Celebration Mass

"Ursuline is a fantastic example of how Catholic education can be delivered in modern times. We are very proud being part of such a focused and forward looking school." Parent

Key Links

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)