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Vinehall is first and foremost a Christian school, but one which welcomes children of different religious denominations. Religious Studies plays an important and vital part in the curriculum right through the school from Pre-Prep to Year 8.
The children are taught the most prominent Old Testament stories and the important events and teachings in the life of Jesus. However, in Years 5 and 6 the children learn about other world religions, in particular Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Judaism. A variety of teaching approaches are used and discussion of issues arising from the texts studied leads to lively debate about contemporary issues and world events. From such discussions the children learn the importance of respect for other viewpoints and tolerance of other people’s beliefs. The children are prepared for Common Entrance and Scholarships for a range of different senior schools and much of the work covered in Years 7 and 8 is defined by the ISEB syllabus, which allows for the development of children’s moral awareness and sense of duty and responsibility to the world around them.
Assemblies provide a good opportunity to reinforce the children’s awareness of Christian beliefs and they play an important part in the life of the school. They are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with a longer assembly on Saturday morning, when a visiting preacher will often be invited to speak to the school. The boarders have a family service on Sundays in the school chapel. From September 2005 the school has appointed a chaplain who will oversee the spiritual life of the school.
Within the Prep school there are a number of Catholic children who receive regular instruction. Boarders are taken to Mass on Sundays and a Mass is held at the school once a term. Children are prepared for and make their First Communion in the summer term.
Through the programme of Religious Studies offered at Vinehall, it is hoped that the children will have developed a set of moral values to use positively in the life ahead of them.
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