Each student is taken through
programmes of studies, in all subjects of the National
Curriculum leading to public examinations at GCSE. Students
with learning difficulties receive appropriate help
throughout their time at De la Salle from an active Learning
Support Department. Options provide a wider curriculum as
the students approach GCSE. These options include Media
Studies, Motor Vehicle Studies, Music, Drama and a range of
options within the Design and Technology
Department.
Information Technology is a
particular strength of the school. There are now three
separate network rooms. One is based in the Design and
Technology Department and the other two (one of which is
equipped with the latest pentium PCs) are in the main
building. Again, students have access to this facility both
during lessons and in free time when it is available. All
students learn ICT skills from their entry into school in
Year
Music and Drama are studied by
all students during Key Stage Three (Years 7 to 9) and
modern facilities are available for both. The production
which takes place each year provides an opportunity for
students and staff to work together. Music Technology is a
major feature within the Music curriculum. There is an
emphasis on public performance at all levels. The school
also boasts of a Marching Band which performs at numerous
events around the county during the
summer.
A programme of Physical
Education is followed by all students but it is also
available at GCSE The school is fortunate to have extensive
playing fields adjoining the school and a large, up-to-date
Sports Hall. The students sample a wide range of sports both
in a team setting and in individual sports. There are
opportunities before school, during lunch time and after
school for students to develop particular skills. The school
also runs competitive teams in numerous sports including
Soccer, Basketball, Netball and Athletics. The proximity of
the pool at Gloucester Park is leading to more possibilities
for Swimming.
The Learning Resource Centre is
more than a Library As part of this Centre the school
possesses the first fully automated library in South Essex.
This area also contains computer aided learning facilities
on CD ROM, and audio and video equipment. All students have
access to this area by means of a personal identity card.
Students may use this facility both during their lesson and
during free time to assist their own learning and
research.
The emphasis placed on the welfare of the students is a distinctive feature of all De la Salle schools. The Manager of student welfare, Year Tutors and Form Tutors provide a comprehensive service of care for our students. There is also a School Counsellor available to all students and their families to provide confidential support.
THE SPIRITUAL LIFE OF THE SCHOOL
Being a Catholic School a programme of Religious Studies is followed by all students up to GCSE Each day there is a form of collective worship for all students. There is regular Mass in school for those who wish to attend. During the first term each year there is a set of Family Masses for each year group. The school encourages our young people to recognise God's presence in themselves and in others so that their lives and the lives of others around them may be enriched. Charity work reflects this and is a major feature of the school. In recognising the inter-dependence of all people and the need to help those most in need both at home and abroad the lives of our young people are also enriched. Each year the school has supported a clinic in Nigeria, the Lasallian Developing World Projects, and various charities associated with the De la Salle Family abroad. The school has a Prayer Room which is available for personal reflection or group prayers at certain times of the week.
SAINT JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE 1651-1719
John Baptist De la Salle was born into a world very different from our own. He was the first son of wealthy parents living in France some 300 years ago. At that time a few people lived in luxury, but most of the people were extremely, poor: peasants in the country, and slum dwellers in the towns. Only, a few could send their children to school; most children had little hope for the future. John became a priest and, at the age of 27, God led him to take responsibility, for the education of poor children, calling him to give away, his wealth to feed the poor. Thus he gave up what would have been a promising career in the Church. He gathered a group of young men around him and with their help, opened free schools for the poor. They took the name Brothers of the Christian Schools (now generally, known as the De la Salle Brothers) because they were to be brothers to the young, to Jesus and to each other. They would not become Priests but would give their whole lives to helping young people discover the Kingdom of God within themselves and to building a better future which only an education could give. Whereas pupils within a school had been taught one by one, he revolutionised schools by teaching a class at a time: all too obvious to us as was his insistence that children no longer be educated in Latin, but through their own language, namely French. John was a pioneer in founding training colleges for teachers, reform schools for delinquents, technical schools, and secondary schools for Modern Languages, Arts and Sciences. He stated that pupils should have access to a good library. His work quickly spread through France and, after his death, continued to spread across the globe. In 1900 John Baptist De la Salle was declared a Saint. In 1950, because of his life and inspirational writings, he was made Patron Saint of all those who work in the field of education. John inspired others how to teach and care for young people, how to meet failure and frailty with compassion, how to affirm, strengthen and heal. At the present time De la Salle schools may be found in 12 other places in Britain and some 80 different countries around the globe. This is our De la Salle "network" which brings a richness to our work which many other schools do not possess.