Ampleforth College

What are the key elements of the “Benedictine” character of the school, and why are they important ?

• Community: We place the highest value on relationships and life together. We recognise that our school is a community made up of different personalities. Each student, each parent, each member of staff, each monk, comes with his or her own story, vulnerabilities and hopes. We aim to welcome and include them all. We offer an environment where respect for one another is the starting point of any relationship.
• Balance: This is a word often used when describing the Rule. Benedict creates the opportunity for a balanced day. Work, prayer, private study, and time with others all find their place here.
• Prayer is an essential part of life here. Mornings and evenings in the Houses, and at other times during the week, culminating in the Sunday Eucharist. Prayer underpins the busy school life and brings a sense of order to it. It also gives us an awareness of others, near and far, known or unknown and this is valuable in a culture that says each person for themselves. They key source of our prayer is the Word of God. We encourage the practice of simple reflection on it each day. We allow it to interpret our lives and to inform our reactions to life. (RB Prologue, 19 & 20).
• Faith in Action: We aim to encourage and develop the latent generosity in many young people to offer friendship and support to others, especially to those who appear to have special needs but who in fact give more in return to us, than we give to them. Students engage in fund raising projects, help the sick in Lourdes and assist with special needs holidays.