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| Ethos
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Students come to St. Dominic's from across North West London including more than 80 schools and many different faith backgrounds. The College's reputation also ensures a healthy number of overseas applications each year. This diverse community of young people working together to achieve high academic standards ensures that St. Dominic's is the very best environment in which to mature and study.
St. Dominic's fosters interaction between young people. The atmosphere is one of focused study but with a healthy social dimension. We maintain this environment by the use of clear guidelines for conduct including a zero tolerance policy towards violence and drugs. There is no hesitation to use the disciplinary code should there be any question of harming the College's excellent reputation. Our friendly, but firm premises team ensure that a secure environment is maintained. The pastoral team is available to help and advise students who experience difficulties and effectively follows up any cases of non-compliance.
At St. Dominic's we expect young people to develop a deeper understanding of religious faith. We foster this through the College's programme of Religious Education as well as the activities organised and encouraged outside the curriculum. The Chapel and Chaplaincy team are at the heart of the College. The Chapel provides a place of quiet reflection and prayer throughout the day. There is morning prayer each day and a celebration of mass on Thursday morning. Each tutor group in turn participates in the preparations for the liturgy.
Each week there are dedicated lessons in which students will consider issues such as prayer, justice and peace, and the celebration of diversity. Many second year students develop expertise in teaching others by delivering aspects of this programme to first year students.
Voluntary work lends itself to development of the individual. Many students arrange voluntary work outside the College, which is recognised through the College's own Community Volunteering Programme. Applications for higher education are greatly enhanced when students are able to demonstrate participation in the community on a voluntary basis. The College also organises opportunities for students to help younger children at local primary schools. Each year the Mayor of Harrow visits the College to present certificates to students who have provided outstanding voluntary service to the local community.
There is a comprehensive weekly activities programme. This allows the College's teams to participate in competitive sports and others to make use of the excellent facilities in the immediate area. Others will follow one of the many courses on offer including driving theory, meditation, netball, art, modern dancing and photography.
"There is an outstanding commitment to the Catholic mission and ethos, which supports a culture of care and respect for others." (OFSTED, November 2004)
"The College has a strong commitment to the promotion and celebration of equality and diversity." (OFSTED, November 2004)
"The atmosphere is harmonious and co-operative and discipline is enforced." (Good Schools Guide, 2006)
"Everyone in this very ethnically mixed college looked happily integrated." (Good Schools Guide 2006) |
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