The declaration of St John Henry Newman as co-patron of Catholic education marks a historic moment in the life of the Church, and prompts us once again to ask the question: what distinguishes a Catholic school from its secular counterparts?
The ever-changing values of the world around us suggest that teaching a secular curriculum with an added Catholic “twist” is simply not enough: indeed, in November 2024 Pope Francis stressed the need for ‘a cultural vision capable of forming persons prepared to help the world change gears’.
In St Albans, Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School is responding to this question by bringing together students, families, clergy and subject experts to discuss one of today's most hotly-debated topics: the relationship between faith and science.
Part of the Diocese of Westminster Academy Trust, the school is one of nine organisations in England and the Isle of Man to have been awarded a £10,000 grant by Scientists in Congregations, an ecumenical programme run by Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science (ECLAS), to run a series of symposiums exploring the relationship between science, technology, and faith over the course of the current academic year.
The 'NBS Science and Faith Symposiums’ aim to create stronger links between home, school and parish across Hertfordshire and North London, by inviting families and their parish priests to hear from theologians, scientists, and other professionals about topics such as artificial intelligence, healthcare and the human person explained in an engaging, accessible manner.
Following these talks, attendees will gather for a meal before participating in roundtable discussions and interactive activities, with the goal of fostering conversation and community. The first symposium will take place on 24th November, with guest, Fr Toby Lees OP, covering the fundamentals of the relationship and discourse between science and faith.
Miss Marta Gallego, the school’s Second in Science and co-director of the project, explains:
Our ambition is that these symposiums will nurture and inspire a new generation of articulate Christians with a well-rounded understanding of God’s Creation, regardless of the career they pursue in the future. Alongside this, we hope to foster a deeper appreciation for intergenerational learning and highlight the importance of dialogue in the pursuit of truth and goodness.
The project has already generated engagement and enthusiasm on the part of students, many of whom have already participated by helping to create prayer cards for St Carlo Acutis, patron saint of the initiative, or entering the competition to design the project logo.
Mr Declan Linnane, Headteacher, and Miss Nicola O’Callaghan, Assistant Head for Catholic Life, commented:
This is a unique opportunity for our students and parish communities to grow through the insights shared by our speakers and the connections that will be formed. It’s an exciting time in the life of the Church and for our young people, as we engage deeply with the intersection of scientific inquiry and spiritual understanding.
Bishop Paul McAleenan has also endorsed the project, commenting:
I am delighted that Nicholas Breakspear School have secured funding for host symposiums on science, technology and our moral compass. In November 2023, Nicholas Breakspear School was graded outstanding in all key areas and in Sixth Form provision. These symposiums will now build on what has already been achieved; students will continue to be formed in faith and prepared for leadership. Furthermore, these gatherings will strengthen the relationship between families and the local community. May they bear fruit for the benefit of all.
Find out more and register for the first symposium here.
Learn more about Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School here.
Image: Miss Gallego (front, fourth from left) represented the school at the ECLAS award ceremony in Durham Cathedral