Catholic Life of the School

Welcome

Hello, and welcome to Broughton Hall Catholic High School. It is a privilege as Headteacher to lead such a vibrant and caring community, where every student is supported to grow, achieve, and flourish.

Our school was founded by the Sisters of Mercy, inspired by the vision of Catherine McAuley, and her legacy continues to shape everything we do today. Her commitment to compassion, service, and education is reflected in our daily life and in the strong sense of community we foster here at Broughton Hall.

At the heart of our school is our mission: to empower our Catholic family to flourish through faith, hope and love. This mission guides our actions, relationships, and aspirations, ensuring that we recognise, nurture, and celebrate the potential of each individual within our community.

Our Catholic Life is rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and we strive to ensure that every student knows they are valued, supported, and loved. This is beautifully expressed in Psalm 139:

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful."

This message lies at the centre of our mission. We want every young person at Broughton Hall to understand their unique worth and dignity, and to grow in confidence, resilience, and faith. Through our Mercy Values-such as service, forgiveness, generosity, and acceptance-we encourage our students to live out this belief in their daily lives, contributing positively to our school and the wider world.

I am proud to welcome you to Broughton Hall, where faith and learning go hand in hand, and where each individual is truly known, valued, and inspired to succeed.

Mrs Sarah O'Rourke
Headteacher

Catherine McAuley

Catherine McAuley was born in North Dublin in 1778. Following the death of her father in 1783, life for her became difficult both economically and socially. As a teenager she nursed her mother through a prolonged illness until she died. After that, economic circumstances necessitated moving from one relative to another in order to have a roof over her head. Sometimes this meant being separated from her brother and sister.

In 1803, Mr and Mrs William Callaghan, a wealthy childless couple, adopted her. She moved with them to live in Coolock in the outskirts of Dublin. While she was living with them, she commenced her mission of mercy to the neighbouring poor and sick. In 1831 Catherine founded the Sisters of Mercy, a Religious Congregation largely involved in the care of the poor, the sick and educationally disadvantaged. In the early days, her work was mostly among the people of Dublin, but in time the Congregation spread and became one of the largest Congregations of women, not alone in Ireland, but in the world.


Catherine McAuley was a woman of great vision. She was an innovator in what she did, but also in how she did things. The care of the sick was always close to her heart and so in 1832, when an outbreak of cholera in Dublin was claiming hundreds of lives, with people fleeing in fear of succumbing to the disease, she organised a team of Sisters to care for the sick at an improvised hospital in Townsend Street.

Catherine's life as a Sister of Mercy only spanned ten years. In that time, she worked tirelessly to respond to the need of the poor and sick. She set up a number of foundations for this purpose both in Ireland and England. She was about to make her first foundation in Newfoundland when illness overtook her. She died on 11th November 1841

Catherine was a woman of prayer and of deep faith. Her philosophy was "Let us take one day only in the hands at a time, merely making a resolve for tomorrow. Thus we may hope to go on, taking short, careful steps, not great strides ... Each day is a step we take towards Eternity ... The final step will bring us into the presence of God".

Mission Statement

School Motto and Charism

Our Gospel and Mercy values are underpinned by our school motto:

'One Heart, One Mind in Faith, Hope and Love'

This reflects the charism from the Holy Spirit and incorporates the gifts of Faith, Hope and Love.

Our Mission is rooted in the Word of God and expresses our Mercy values and reflects the Charism of Mercy we share.

Each form class in school is named after a Saint which represent our Mercy Charism of; forgiveness, wisdom, environment, tolerance, strength, resilience, generosity, knowledge, charity and acceptance.

Mercy Values

The Saints of our School

Our current Section 48 Report

Inspection Date: Wednesday 28 November 2018

Inspectors: Deacon Paul Mannings and Mrs Elizabeth Dolan

This inspection was carried out under Section 48 of the Education Acts 2005 and 2011

The report of the inspection is produced for the Archbishop of Liverpool (Code of Canon Law 804 and 806) and for the governors of the school.

The inspectors are members of the Christian Education Department and their associates approved by the Archbishop of Liverpool for this purpose.

• Section 48 Report

Our School Prayer

Calendar for our Liturgy

Examples of our Celebration of the Word

Examples of our Collective Worship

Coming soon

Religious Education in Broughton Hall

Having faith does not mean having no difficulties, but having the strength to face them, knowing we are not alone.

As a Catholic school, our aim is that every child achieves their full potential as an individual made in the image and likeness of God. This encompasses every dimension of the pupil: spiritual, moral, social, academic, physical and artistic. Our vision is that young people will learn to be good citizens of the world, enriching society through a positive contribution to their community and beyond. Our curriculum is the vehicle through which we support and nurture our young people to achieve this potential. We believe that knowledge empowers and enables our pupils to feel and be successful, and that this is the entitlement of every child.

In RE students learn about and from religions and worldviews in local, national, and global contexts, to discover, explore and consider different answers to ethical and philosophical questions. They learn to weigh up the value of wisdom from different sources, to develop and express their insight in response, and to agree or disagree respectfully.

Through teaching, students will be equipped with systematic knowledge and an understanding of a range of religions and worldviews, enabling them to develop their ideas, values and identities. It will enable students with an aptitude for dialogue so that they can participate positively in our society with all its diversity.

Staff

Religious Education at Broughton Hall has been recognised for its quality of teaching and learning of RE by the Quality Mark award, when it received Gold. The Religious Studies Department is dedicated to the most basic of subject objectives, and seeks to explore the religious dimension of life and to give pupils a chance to be aware of the nature and effect of religious experience. We are a thriving successful department, and our teaching conforms to the doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church. In the light of our mission statement we endeavour to interpret human knowledge and experience in the light of Gospel values.

The department is a hard working forward thinking team. Our success as a department is rooted in good challenging person centred relationships between staff and students, as well as our determination to continually incorporate and develop new techniques to enhance our work. The department is situated in the C block, and all of this building houses RE. It has well equipped classrooms, and is excellently resourced with textbooks, artefacts, videos and computer software, and has 6 subject-specialist teachers.

Programme of Study KS3

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Key Stage 4 Religious Education

For the Eduqas GCSE Religious Studies Route B course of study, the topics are organised into three components: two on Catholic Christianity and one on Judaism. We begin with Judaism to give students the historical context of Christianity and encounter a new faith as they begin their GCSE studies .This Curriculum design allows us to draw on previous Catholic education to provide a foundation for informed comparison and contrast with Catholic Christianity components later in the course.

Excellence in Catholic GCSE Formation

Transform Your Understanding of Faith, Ethics, and Human Experience
Why GCSE Religious Education at Broughton Hall?
Our GCSE Religious Studies programme isn't just about passing an exam - it's about developing the critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and cultural understanding that will serve you throughout life. Following the prestigious Eduqas Route B pathway, this course combines rigorous academic theology with real-world application, preparing you for success in higher education and beyond.

What makes our programme exceptional?

• Academic Excellence: Building on our outstanding KS3 foundation with specialist Catholic theology
• Cultural Intelligence: Deep interfaith understanding through comprehensive Judaism study
• Critical Thinking: Advanced analytical skills that transfer across all subjects
• Ethical Leadership: Moral reasoning abilities essential for modern careers

Course Structure Overview

Eduqas Route B - The Catholic Specialist Pathway
• 75% Catholic Christianity: (Components 1 & 2) - Deep theological exploration
• 25% Judaism: (Component 3) - Comprehensive interfaith study
• Expert Exam Preparation - Carefully designed exam-focused techniques taught throughout

Two-Year Pathway

Year 10 Journey ( Academic Year 2025 onwards)
Autumn: Component 3 - Judaism (beliefs, practices, festivals)
Spring: Component 1 - Catholic foundations (creation, good/evil)
Summer: Mock Exam - skills, confidence and consolidation

Year 11 Journey ( Academic Year 2026 onwards)
Autumn: Component 2 - Applied Catholic theology (life/death, sin/forgiveness)
Spring: Intensive revision and exam preparation
Summer: GCSE examinations

Assessment Structure

Journey Through the Components

Component 1: Foundational Catholic Theology
Where we explore the big questions...

Dive deep into Catholic teaching on creation, science and faith, and the fundamental nature of good and evil. You'll engage with Augustine's sophisticated theology, examine how Catholic teaching responds to modern challenges like evolution and human dignity, and analyze sacred art from Michelangelo to contemporary expressions of faith.

Component 2: Applied Catholic Theology Where faith meets real-world ethics...

Tackle the most challenging questions of our time: What does it mean to live and die well? How do we balance justice with mercy? Explore Catholic perspectives on euthanasia, capital punishment, salvation, and the Church's mission in the modern world. This is theology in action - faith responding to contemporary ethical dilemmas.

Component 3: Study of Judaism Where we build bridges of understanding...

Immerse yourself in Jewish faith, culture, and practice. From ancient covenant relationships to modern Orthodox and Reform communities, you'll develop crucial interfaith literacy. Explore Jewish festivals, lifecycle events, and the rich tradition of Torah study that has shaped Western civilization.

Career Pathways: Where GCSE Religious Education Takes You

The skills you develop in Religious Education are among the most sought-after in today's economy:

Where we explore the big questions...

Dive deep into Catholic teaching on creation, science and faith, and the fundamental nature of good and evil. You'll engage with Augustine's sophisticated theology, examine how Catholic teaching responds to modern challenges like evolution and human dignity, and analyze sacred art from Michelangelo to contemporary expressions of faith.

Media & Communications
Your deep understanding of cultural sensitivity, belief systems, and ethical frameworks makes you invaluable in journalism, broadcasting, public relations, and digital media. You'll communicate with nuance and respect across diverse communities.

Law & Justice
The analytical thinking, ethical reasoning, and understanding of moral philosophy you develop provides excellent preparation for legal careers. Many top barristers and judges have Religious Studies backgrounds - you'll understand both the letter and spirit of justice.

Healthcare & Medicine
Your knowledge of ethics, life and death issues, and cultural beliefs is essential in modern healthcare. From medical ethics committees to patient care in diverse communities, you'll bring crucial sensitivity and moral reasoning to healing professions.

Business & Economics
Corporate social responsibility, ethical leadership, and cultural intelligence are now essential business skills. Your understanding of moral frameworks complements economics perfectly - you'll shape ethical business practices in our globalized world.

Politics & Public Policy
Your ability to analyze complex ethical issues, understand diverse communities, and think critically about justice and society provides excellent preparation for careers in politics, civil service, NGOs, and international relations.

Creative Industries
From acting and drama to creative writing and film-making, your deep understanding of human motivation, moral complexity, and cultural narratives enriches artistic expression. Many successful actors and writers credit Religious Studies with developing their understanding of character and motivation.

Education & Training
Beyond teaching Religious Education itself, your communication skills, cultural understanding, and ability to discuss sensitive topics respectfully prepare you for educational leadership, training roles, and human resources careers.

Social Work & Counselling
Your understanding of diverse belief systems, ethical frameworks, and human dignity provides essential foundations for caring professions, community work, and therapeutic roles.

Why Students Choose This Course

"The skills I developed in RE helped me excel in my law degree - the ethical reasoning and analytical thinking were invaluable."

"Understanding different faiths and cultures gave me a huge advantage in international business."

"The course didn't just prepare me for university - it prepared me for life."

Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Contact: downhamc@broughtonhall.com | 01524 734350

Core Religious Education for Sixth Form

The Core RE programme follows the liturgical year, guiding students through a journey of faith, reflection, and personal growth. Each week explores a key theme rooted in Gospel values and Catholic tradition, encouraging students to deepen their understanding of faith in everyday life.

The 2026 programme begins by focusing on identity and belonging, reminding students that they are known, valued, and part of a caring community. As the term progresses, themes such as unity, justice and compassion help students to live out their faith through kindness and respect.

During Lent, the emphasis shifts to reflection and service. Encouraging students to make thoughtful choices, seek what truly fulfils them, and live out faith through actions. The Easter season then highlights hope and peace helping students to recognise their gifts, stay connected to their values, and trust in their journey.

In the final term, themes focus on resilience, leadership, and wellbeing, supporting students as they face exams and future decisions with confidence and faith. The programme concludes by encouraging students to recognise God's presence in everyday life and understand how small, positive choices shape who they become.

Overall, the course nurtures spiritual development, personal responsibility, and a strong sense of community, preparing students to live with purpose and integrity.