【慈幼通訊社 ─ 2019 年 07月 15 日英國倫敦訊】 ─ 來自南華克教區的視察員，根據教育法案第48章，對巴特西聖若望鮑思高書院進行兩天的視察。在最近發表的報告書中，宣佈該書院獲得「優秀」榮譽。在這法案下，主教可對教區內學校的天主教生活、宗教教育及集體朝拜活動進行視察。
視察員看到學生都很「快樂及自信」，對他們學習的動力，以及所接觸的家長對學校的支持，留下了深刻的印象。他們對學校的慈幼精神高度評價，有著全面關顧的環境，學生都「得到溫馨的支援、稱讚與鼓勵。」
報告書提及，「在討論和課堂中，學生表達對一所慈幼學校的歸屬感」。「RUAH，即尊重（Respect）──了解（Understanding）──情感（Affection）──幽默（Humour），充滿『天主的氣息』。學校稱之為慈幼精神。他們了解到，RUAH是透過團體中各成員之間的友誼精神及互相尊重中表現出來。」
視察員對學校的專職部門尤其印象深刻。「書院對學生的關顧，反映在Devereux及沙維豪中心，對不同需要的學生，尤其自閉症譜系障礙患者，作出高效的工作。在視察期間到訪中心，看到專職部門的教師對這些學生無微不至的照料。一名家長，想及一眾家長都對學校全力的支持，表示：「這所充滿『耐心與了解』的學校，『充份貫徹每一位學生都應知道他們被愛的教育精神』。」
視察員把學生領袖評價為一份力量：「六年級學生領袖是年幼學生傑出的模範，致力有效創造一個環境，讓學生感到安全及關顧。」
他們讚揚書院校牧部的工作，為學生提供廣泛的機會，實踐他們的信仰，表示「校牧部的服務富高效率。」
家長向視察員表示，他們對高質素的牧民關顧十分讚賞，這可視作一份重大的力量，尤其對在學年中新入學者而言。「這些學生的發展及成功顯示教職員的熱誠和努力，他們對學生都一視同仁，不分能力、信仰或境況。」
慈幼會士的投入更視為一份強大的正向力量：「慈幼會司鐸及修士的影響力絕不是誇大的。職員及學生的見證，突顯了在學校團體中，對他們有個人的責任來建設天國的了解。他們的回應幾乎一面倒，表示透過祈禱及對他人的服務，建立了一所真正的慈幼會學校。」
學校的領導及管治，對其天主教的生命，有著重大的作用。「校長的專業知識與領導能力，對強化學校內的神修發展極其重要。校長受到所有教職員的支持，他們都顯示對服務的瞭解並以行動來證明。教職員都欣賞他們的身心福祉受到主任及他們的職員，也包括校牧的適切關注，他們是受過訓練的精神健康的擁護者。」
報告讚揚校內宗教教育中教學及評估的質素，表示該學科「受學生高度重視，他們真正享受他們的上課，並讚賞有廣泛機會，學習基督宗教及其他世界宗教。」
南華克教區教育主任Simon Hughes博士，致函校長恭賀這項「美滿的成果」，並感謝校內各人的努力付出，「確保聖若望鮑思高書院保持高效率，而這份效率就是植根於慈幼會的價值及精神中。」
校長Paul Dunne表示：「視察員明認到慈幼會團體及堂區，對學校成就所扮演的重要角色，我尤其感到欣慰。我作為校長，十分感謝慈幼會校董會成員，所作的強大支援。」
慈幼會英國會省向Dunne先生及聖若望鮑思高書院仝人致以祝賀，並感謝他們為提供優質慈幼教育典範所付出的一切。
報告全文刊載於學校網頁中：www.sjbc.wandsworth.sch.uk/
Praise for Salesian ethos at “Outstanding” St John Bosco College, Battersea
(ANS – Great Britain–London, 15 July 2019) – Inspectors from the Diocese of Southwark declared “St John Bosco College” in Battersea “Outstanding” in a report published recently, following a two day inspection under Section 48 of the Education Act. This provides for regular inspections by the Bishop, of the Catholic life, Religious Education and collective worship in the schools of his Diocese.
The inspectors found the students “happy and confident”, and were impressed by their motivation to learn, and by the support expressed by parents they spoke to. They commented on the strong Salesian ethos of the school, and its inclusive, caring environment, where students “spoke warmly of the support, praise and encouragement they receive.”
“In discussions and in lessons, pupils articulate their understanding of what it means to belong to a Salesian school,” the report states. “RUAH, respect-understanding-affection-humour, means the ‘breath of God’. Pupils described it as the ethos of the school. Their understanding of RUAH is demonstrated by the spirit of friendship and mutual respect between all members of the community.”
Inspectors were particularly impressed by the work being done in the specialist units at the school. “The College’s concern for all pupils is reflected in the highly effective work of the Devereux and Savio centres for pupils with a range of complex needs, particularly Autistic Spectrum Disorders. A visit to the centres during the inspection witnessed the care and intense support by specialist teachers for these pupils. A parent, reflecting the overwhelming support of parents, said it is a school with ‘patience and understanding’ that ‘deeply upholds the ethos that every child should know that they are loved’.”
Inspectors commended pupil leadership as a strength: “Sixth form pupil leaders are outstanding role models for younger pupils and contribute effectively to creating an environment in which pupils know they are secure and cared for.”
They praised the work of the College chaplaincy, which provides a rich variety of opportunities for students to develop the practice of their faith, stating that “the efficacy of chaplaincy provision is profound.”
Parents told inspectors how much they appreciated the high level of pastoral care, which was identified as a significant strength, especially for new students joining during the school year. “Their development and success demonstrate the passion and commitment of staff to all pupils regardless of ability, faith or circumstances.”
The involvement of SDBs was seen as tremendously positive: “The impact of the Salesian priests and brothers cannot be overstated. Testimony from staff and pupils emphasised an understanding of their own personal responsibility in building the Kingdom of God within the school community. They overwhelmingly respond by creating an authentic Salesian school through prayer and service to others.”
Leadership and governance in the school was credited for the success of its Catholic life. “The professional expertise and leadership of the headteacher is a significant factor in strengthening spiritual development across the school. He is supported by all staff who demonstrate their own deep understanding of service in the way they conduct themselves. Staff appreciate that their well-being is prioritised with senior leaders and staff, including the chaplain, trained as mental health champions.”
The quality of teaching and assessment in Religious Education was praised in the report, which said that the subject “is held in high regard by pupils,” who “genuinely enjoy their lessons and appreciate the range of opportunities to learn about Christianity and other world religions.”
Director of Education for the Diocese of Southwark, Dr Simon Hughes, wrote to the Headteacher to congratulate him on the “wonderful outcome”, and thanked everyone for their hard work and dedication “in ensuring that Saint John Bosco College remains an incredibly effective institution, that is completely rooted in its Salesian values and ethos.”
Headteacher Paul Dunne said, “I’m particularly pleased that the inspectors recognised the crucial role that the Salesian Community and Parish have played in making the school outstanding, and as Headteacher, I am very grateful for the excellent support that the Salesian Trustees provide for the school.”
The Salesian GBR Province sends congratulations to Mr Dunne and everyone at SJBC, and thanks them for all they do to provide an excellent model of Salesian education.
Read the report in full on the school website: www.sjbc.wandsworth.sch.uk/