At Archbishop McGrath our aim is the same as that of Jesus Christ: to lead people into a deeper and more loving relationship with God the Father and with one another. We strive to continue this aim, fulfilling the command Jesus gave to his Church: ‘Go and preach the Good News to all people.’ The catechist is an extension of Christ’s ministry as teacher. Christ is our model and the catechist attempts to mirror the example and practice of him. 

The Catholic Pupil Profile forms the foundation of our School Community. This set of important values and attributes are what we want to establish in all those who enter and work at Archbishop McGrath Catholic High School. Most importantly we want all students to feel valued, and strive to become better morally, spiritually and in their learning. 

Throughout the year there is a wide range of liturgical and para-liturgical services. These include, amongst others, a weekly Mass in school, Advent and Lent penitential services, the praying of the Rosary in October and May and morning prayer every day. There is also an emphasis on prayer in the Chapel which is available at all times for all kinds of prayer services, including in-house retreats at KS3.

During the year there are residential retreats for the pupils, they are important opportunities for spiritual growth and faith development. Various local and national organisations visit the school regularly, e.g. CAFOD, in order to discuss their work and help the children understand the meaning of Christ’s mission to those in need.

We are extremely fortunate to have a school Chaplain who comes to school every Tuesday and Friday. Local clergy also visit the school on a very regular basis, building up the link between school and parish. We work as a team, with the families of the pupils, to ensure that our young people are helped in every way to grow closer to God.

Spiritual Life

Our Curriculum

The syllabi for the teaching lessons have been designed to be a framework for the achievement of this aim, and to ensure that every student leaving this school has a firm knowledge and understanding of our faith. In Years 7 – 9 the scheme is the one developed by the Bishops’ Conference National Project on Religious Education: Icons.

This syllabus allows the catechist to explore all the main strands of our faith: the Sacraments, the Mass, Scripture, the Church, the Saints and so on.

Years 10 and 11 follow the Catholic specification of the WJEC GCSE in Religious Studies. The aim of the RE Department remains the same during these years: to lead our young people into a deeper and more loving relationship with God and with each other.

These syllabi ensure that our young people have a thorough grounding in Christian belief and practice.