Chaplaincy
Our College mission and ethos is fully supported through the work of our Chaplaincy. The Chaplaincy team celebrates with students from all faiths and none in times of joy, or advises them in times of difficulty. The Chaplaincy aims to foster and develop the spiritual life of the individual and of the sixth form, based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
We have well-resourced Chaplaincy areas at each of our sixth forms. Reaching out to all members of the sixth form community, they support individuals in their day-today life and in their journey of faith.
The spacious and comfortable Chaplaincy rooms are a hub for social activity, with beautiful adjoining Chapels for prayer and worship. The Chaplaincy room is open to all – students just drop-in to relax, meet with friends or participate in an organised activity. The Chapel is a place for quiet space to reflect and pray. Mass is celebrated in the Chapel weekly and on Holy Days throughout the year.
Students don’t have to be religious to get involved. The Chapels afford an opportunity for students of any faith or none to find some peace and space for reflection.
The Chaplaincy team meets weekly with tutor Chaplaincy representatives to discuss issues, plan events, and contribute to College Liturgies. They receive support, training and experience retreat opportunities. This role helps student to grow in confidence, develop leadership skills and to make a difference.
Our students say:
“The chaplain is someone who anybody can talk to regardless of your faith. They can be there as a listener if you just need to talk and they will never judge.”
“The Chaplaincy is a calm place where all students can go to clear their minds and discuss anything that is bothering them; they are always able to get an answer.”
“It also is a good place for people to meet and have fellowship for God and each other.”
Religious Education
Students are invited by our motto to grow and flourish in every way. Religious education is a core element of our curriculum through which we encourage students to consider how they might live a life in all its fullness. It is delivered through three programmes, each of which provides an opportunity to reflect on a wide range of issues including relationships, justice, science and religion and faith traditions. In partnership with the College Chaplaincy, celebrations and reflections are also delivered for students to mark significant times in the Christian calendar.
The 10:10 RE and Ethics programme contributes to the development of the whole person, with a specific focus on the themes of Faith, Hope and Charity. As part of the programme, students reflect on the wider spiritual and moral issues they face as they become young adults and are encouraged to be ready to contribute to the common good.
The Thought for the Week and Tutorial programme builds community through the themes of Personal and Social Responsibility and Planning for the Future.
These themes provide opportunities to reflect on Catholic social teaching, ways to promote the common good. Thought for the Week is a prayer that is designed to provide a point for reflection as well as educating in terms of gospel themes.
The core RE programme teaches students how to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to think spiritually, ethically and theologically. It is a formal qualification which is assessed through portfolio work. It helps students to develop and be able to articulate their own faith positions and to reflect critically on the ultimate questions of life. It enables student to explore and respect different faith traditions within contemporary society and develop the skills required to engage in critical examination of and reflect upon religious belief and practice in our culture.
- Trevor AQUINASCourse: A Level Business, ICT and English Language and Literature
“My tutors at CTK were fundamental in my academic success. They were always approachable and willing to go the extra mile. I enjoyed taking part in extracurricular activities, including leading the sixth form band and being Director of the Business Enterprise Group, Student Governor and Student Head of Hall. ”
- JustinAQUINASCourse: A Levels English Literature, Maths and Physics
“I really enjoy having access to a wide range of extra curricular activities and the student support services. My teachers have helped me with my UCAS application and the management of my work - I plan to go on to the University of Bristol or the University of Bath. I would recommend CTK due to the large support system that is available to the students. ”
- JariusAQUINASCourse: A Level Psychology B, Sociology A, Geography
“I joined CTK Aquinas knowing that I wanted to study at a Russell Group university. I am currently studying a degree in BA Global Health and Social Medicine at King's College, London and I hope to proceed into doing a MSc Health & Development at the London School of Economics and Political Science. I would recommend CTK because the teachers are very supportive and will help you to reach your educational goals.”
- RoseAQUINASCourse: A Level History A, A Level Politics A Level Sociology
“I'm going on to the University of Warwick to study Politics and International Studies. CTK was a great environment for me to learn. I've really enjoyed the teaching, all my teachers have been encouraging and supportive. They put in the extra time to help with workshops and revision to ensure we did well.”
- Harrison AQUINASCourse: A Level Economics A, A Level Maths, A Level Further Maths
“What I enjoyed most about CTK was being able to meet other like-minded motivated people. CTK is a great environment to develop yourself, as you are surrounded by motivated peers and lectures who strive to get the most out of you. I achieved my grades and went on to study Maths at UCL.”
Sprules Road
Brockley
London SE4 2NL
aquinas@ctksfc.ac.uk
