Page 13 - The Old Ratcliffian 2015 Magazine

NEWS FROM THE COLLEGE 13

RATCLIFFE ACHIEVES Gareth Lloyd & his students proudly display the banner
‘EXCELLENT’ IN EVERY with the results of the recent ISI inspection
ASPECT OF SCHOOL
INSPECTION Headmaster, Gareth Lloyd, said: ‘Needless to say, we were
delighted to be judged ‘Excellent’ in every single category
For the first time in Ratcliffe College’s history, the Independent - a remarkable achievement. It is both a true reflection of the
Schools Inspectorate (ISI) has rated the School to be excellent exceptional teamwork, collaboration and commitment of all
across all nine categories. Ratcliffe was visited by a team of stakeholders, and a just endorsement of the teaching and
inspectors at the beginning of March and its report has just learning, in the deepest sense, that distinguish Ratcliffe College
become available: and the values that we hold dear. Of course, there is always
room for improvement, and under the guidance of the Senior
‘The quality of academic and other achievements is excellent. Leadership Team, we shall be addressing recommendations in a
Pupils develop excellent knowledge, skills and understanding. timely and appropriate manner.’
The curriculum is appropriate at all stages and offers flexibility
which meets the needs of pupils in the School.’

The inspectors reported that ‘the pupils’ social awareness
is outstanding; their very strong affection for their school
community is profound and was very strongly evident in the
pupils’ interviews. For example, they were drawn into the School
as it felt like a family’. The report also states that ‘the quality
of the pupils’ personal development is excellent throughout the
School. Pupils are mature, articulate and confident by the time
that they leave the School.’

THE ROSMINIAN
COLLEGIATE

In wishing to build upon the many and varied successes of Year 3 pupils from Ratcliffe & Grace Dieu celebrating
Ratcliffe College and Grace Dieu Manor School, and following Holy Mass in the grounds of the Rosmini Centre
the opening of the new Ratcliffe College Preparatory School,
the Rosminian Fathers have instructed both Governing Bodies and Peter Fisher, arranged for a joint Retreat at the Rosmini
to reaffirm the unique relationship between Ratcliffe College Centre. The two Year 3 classes from Grace Dieu joined the two
and Grace Dieu Manor School. It is the Rosminian Fathers’ wish Year 3 classes from Ratcliffe to think about God’s world as our
that our three Schools jointly provide a continuous Rosminian common home, and how to cultivate an ‘attitude of gratitude’,
Education from the age of three to eighteen. as Fr Binu called it. It culminated in a Mass outside, in the centre
of the Rosary Walk, surrounded by trees. The altar was a large
As such, Grace Dieu has been reaffirmed as a parallel feeder granite rock, and the children all sat on the grass around the
Preparatory School to Ratcliffe College, alongside Ratcliffe three priests, Fr Binu, Fr Christopher and Fr Denis Labartette
College Preparatory School. Peter Fisher (Headmaster of from Grace Dieu. Fr Binu said, ‘It was really joyful to spend time
Grace Dieu Manor School), in partnership with Gareth Lloyd with the wonderful children from our two schools. They really
(Headmaster of Ratcliffe College) and Fr Christopher Cann carry the hallmark of Rosminian education; they behaved well
(Headmaster of Ratcliffe College Preparatory School) will work and participated fully in everything, especially in the Eucharist’.
closely together to ensure that the same exciting curriculum and Fr Christopher added, ‘It was lovely to see the children
standard of academic opportunity will be enjoyed by all students quickly making new friends and enjoying the peace and joyful
attending both Preparatory Schools prior to entry to Ratcliffe atmosphere of the day together.’
College, subject to standardised assessment.

Grace Dieu and Ratcliffe College Preparatory School enjoy a
close relationship, combining various cross-curricular events
throughout the year. At the beginning of October, Fr Binu
Palakapally, the recently-appointed Director of the Rosmini
Centre House of Prayer, in conjunction with Fr Christopher Cann

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