Page 15 - The Old Ratcliffian 2015 Magazine

NEWS FROM THE COLLEGE 15

managed to put together nearly two hundred costumes, which
was a formidable achievement! Along with Dave Ricks (07),
who continues to mastermind our lighting and sound, it is most
definitely a bonus to have these Old Ratcliffians working within
the Drama Department.

Claudette Caven-Henrys
Head of Drama

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Dr Faustus, a Year 11 production

CHARITY & CHAPLAINCY

Chaplaincy at Ratcliffe College performs Shoeboxes filled with gifts for children overseas
three major tasks – to teach the Christian
faith in light of the Roman Catholic
tradition, to celebrate that faith through
sacramental and liturgical experiences,
and to live the faith through an active
love for those around us. Although there
is a dedicated Chaplaincy Team, the
generous and broad involvement of staff,
students and families speaks volumes of
the ecumenical attitude of our school and
the universal values of community and
service that are at the heart of Ratcliffe
College.

LEARNING ABOUT FAITH and the beginnings of Advent and Lent. Led by a particular year
group, these liturgies allow us to meet Jesus through Word and
Alongside the teaching of Religious Studies in the classroom, Sacrament. Although not every student shares our faith tradition,
weekly Chaplain’s Assemblies and fortnightly Year Group such liturgies are marked by an atmosphere of reverence, which
Assemblies seek to familiarise our students with the rich heritage does not escape the notice of visitors. On a much smaller scale,
upon which Ratcliffe College was founded. These assemblies are individual classes celebrate an intimate Mass periodically in
led not only by members of the Chaplaincy Team, but also by the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, providing an opportunity for
other staff and students. They promote an understanding of key students to pray with their classmates, and even to share some
beliefs, as well as the work of charities supported by the School. reflections alongside Fr Ted Mullen (60).
Themes are taken from the Church calendar, United Nations
days of importance, and initiatives of the student body. Thus, Other liturgical celebrations, such as Reconciliation, Easter and
we have held assemblies ranging in focus from The Carpenter’s Christmas services, also take place, as do short retreats for Key
Arms (our Whole School Charity of 2014-15) to Songs of Praise, Stage 3 students. A most moving occasion every year is the
from European Languages Day to the Harvest Festival. Mrs Leite Remembrance Day Service in November, involving members of
and the E-Safety Committee were perhaps the highlight, with the Combined Cadet Force and sons and daughters of serving
their own particular take on the ‘Twelve Days of the Internet’. military. 2014 marked the Centenary of the outbreak of the
Great War, and was fittingly honoured. Finally, the preparation
CELEBRATING THE FAITH of students for First Reconciliation, Holy Communion and
Confirmation begins after the Christmas break, culminating in
Each half term, we celebrate important occasions, such as the joyful liturgies towards the end of the year.
beginning of the year, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception,

Register online at www.ratcliffianassociation.co.uk