Bishop Richard Challoner
(29th September 1691 to 12th January 1781)
MISSION STATEMENT
With Christ as our example, we seek to be formed in His image, enabling us to discover, nurture and celebrate our gifts, character, aspirations and vocation in life.
We strive to live and go out into the world as ambitious, confident, loving souls, fully alive to the promise of the Gospel and ready to serve the common good.
VISION
Forming generations, building God’s Kingdom
MOTTO
To do ordinary things extraordinarily well
ETHOS
Bishop Challoner Catholic Secondary School is a mixed 11-16 non-selective Catholic School in the Diocese of Portsmouth. The Governors and Headteacher lead the school under the authority of the Bishop. The school serves the Catholic Community of Basingstoke and the surrounding areas but also seeks to serve families who wish to educate their children in a faith school and to encourage positive relationships between all people of faith.
As Bishop Challoner Catholic community, we aim to serve all the members of our school community by offering encouragement, support and the hope of the Gospel. Throughout the school year, we help to create and nurture the Challoner Way; through prayer, worship, learning and faith in action.
As we celebrate sacramentally and spiritually, through the liturgical seasons, we aspire to be doing even the most ordinary of things extraordinarily well. (Bishop Richard Challoner, Meditations). Whether it be in Celebrations of the Word or Masses; retreats, social action or fundraising; celebrating diversity, joining a team, or peer mentoring, Jesus’ fullness of life is a tangible reality here. Our unique Challoner Way is a witness to Jesus, whose example and teachings we follow.
We recognise that Catholic Schools do not exist in a vacuum and are subject to numerous external pressures. Our students are helped to be in a position to make informed decisions, to take their place in wider society and to experience an excellent academic and vocational education. While Religious Studies, PSHE and Careers Education and Guidance will play a critical role in this, all adults who work in Bishop Challoner Catholic School have a key contribution to make to promote our Ethos. We are also aware of the target driven culture that schools now operate in, and while we will always set ourselves ambitious and challenging targets, we recognise that “success” in a Catholic School goes beyond that measured by performance tables. At Bishop Challoner School we seek to support all members of our community as they develop and deepen their relationship with God.
Our Pastoral Team are outstanding in their compassion and support of all our students and families. We currently have two counsellors, a Family Support Worker, Designated Safeguarding Lead and eight Deputies, School Matron, two Pastoral Leaders per Year Group. Our two SENDCo’s lead an incredible team of Learning Support Assistants. Bishop Challoner is a safe, compassionate and proactive environment. Year 10 Student Wellbeing Ambassadors are trained to mentor younger peers and Year 11 student leaders are crucial in enhancing the belief that all are welcome.