St Peter's is an inclusive community, valuing all our students equally and seeking to meet their varied complex needs and aspirations.
At St Peter's we not only teach the doctrines and principles of the Catholic faith but also seek to nurture in the hearts and minds of our students the knowledge and love of God, and provide them with an experience of Christian Community, which will influence and shape their future lives. A community where students come to recognise their own worth and the worth of others, where they are helped to develop their spiritual life, where they learn that there are differences between right and wrong, and a community where social responsibility is promoted.
Our approach is always based on raising awareness, prayer and practical action. Prayer is an essential part of school life and is fostered through tutor teams, assemblies, services of reconciliation and the greatest prayer of all, the Eucharist. Practical action is a constant part of school life. The list below shows some examples of practical help but is by no means exhaustive:-
- Students annually participate in the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes.
- St Peter's is actively seeking to become a Fair Trade School,
complementing our partnership with CAFOD.
- For two years out of every three we devote Ash Wednesday to a 12km
sponsored walk to raise money for CAFOD and other charitable causes.
- On the third year of the cycle we have a cross curricular awareness day
in which the whole school studies current world issues.
- Students generously volunteer for charitable work both at home and
abroad, giving of their time and raising money.
- Sixth Form Rag Week.
As part of our Peace and Justice Education we also strive to show our students how they can effect change through the democratic process. Our students and staff have:-
- Attended G8 rallies in Birmingham, London, Edinburgh and Cologne.
- Taken part in the MPH Youth Parliament.
- Lobbied their MP.
- Written expressing their views on global inequality to the Prime
Minister and other G8 Leaders as a living part of their developmental
education.
"Achievement and standards in religious education are outstanding."
The Diocese of Arundel & Brighton Section 48 Report
"The quality of the religious education curriculum is outstanding".
The Diocese of Arundel & Brighton Section 48 Report
"Students' personal development and well being is strongly linked to the culture and ethos of the school and is outstanding."
Ofsted
"This is a school that aims to encourage personal growth; socially, spiritually and morally through to adulthood."
Student to Ofsted
"The sense of community is felt by all, both within the school and in its reach beyond the school."
Ofsted
St Peter's provides a complete education for students, rich in opportunity, challenge and support. This is a vibrant and successful school with excellent pastoral care and very good facilities. Our students are thoughtful and responsible with a clear sense of purpose and direction. We know and value them as individuals and provide important foundations for their lifelong adventure in learning and personal development. We celebrate achievement, build confidence and promote excellence.
Students achieve best when they are happy and we recognise that successful learning grows out of positive relationships. Our school is large enough to provide an exceptional range of opportunities, yet small enough for individuals to feel known and valued. We emphasise constantly that St Peter's is a warm and welcoming community. St Peter's was awarded outstanding in the 2008 Ofsted inspection for its pastoral care.
The School operates a House system with each student assigned to one of six Houses upon entry. The Houses compete against each other in all aspects of school life, encouraging healthy competition and a sense of team spirit within the students and pride in their House.
The timeless values of integrity, loyalty, responsibility, courtesy and consideration underpins life at St Peter's. Awareness and concern for the needs of others are paramount. This concern is reflected through both small, everyday gestures and large scale local and global projects, a concern that extends well beyond school life.
Anticipating clearly the challenges that the future will bring is part of preparing our students for tomorrow's world. At St Peter's we truly believe that our objective is not just to prepare students for examinations but to prepare them for life.
"St Peter's is a lovely caring community, I feel my children are valued, encouraged and well known by all their teachers. We are fortunate to have such a great school."
Parent to Ofsted 2008
"The school is very inclusive and it provides a safe environment for students, in which their care and guidance is outstanding."
Ofsted 2008
We have another busy year ahead of us. In all our activities and efforts we are constantly aware, however, as a school that we whatever we do it is always firmly rooted in the love of Christ.
