Some common questions answered
As you send in more questions, we'll try to answer them...
Why France?
Quite simply, because it was the best setting we could find; and situated at the heart of Europe, we provide an ideal setting for our pupils to achieve fluency in several modern languages. At just over two hours from Paris on the train, Nantes is easily accessible to families in southern England, via Eurostar or by plane from Gatwick to Nantes airport. In fact, for pupils from southern England, traveling to a school in the north of England or in Scotland might actually take longer. Another good reason for being in France, of course, is the weather!
Are boys allowed access to the internet and email?
Yes, but all use of the internet is supervised. Boys are taught how to use this resource responsibly and in moderation, as an aid to their studies, a means of communication and as a preparation for the world of work.
Are boys allowed to watch television?
Television is a mixed blessing, as any parent well knows. Our policy is to allow viewing of a well-chosen video film once a week, and the use of television or video in conjunction with some classes in language and literature. There is no unregulated or unsupervised access to terrestrial or satellite television channels. Parents are consulted and kept informed about this.
Do the boys use mobile phones?
Currently mobile phone use is permitted at weekends. This policy is frequently reviewed.
Do the boys use laptop computers?
When there is a demonstrable academic benefit. Boys below Year 9 do not use them at all, except for reasons of learning difficulty. Laptop use is subject to scrutiny of staff, and games are not allowed during the week. This policy has been reviewed several times, and may be subject to change.
Do you have French or British food at the College?
Our chef, Fabrice, is a Frenchman, from a family of cooks. So we have plenty of delicious French cooking. Many French dishes are roughly similar to British ones, although we eat more venison, duck and rabbit than you would expect to find in a British school. There are also days when we have burgers, fish and chips, spaghetti bolognaise, and other favourites.
On Thursdays some boys have a cookery class with Fabrice, and they usually produce a home-made soup or pudding for the whole College.
In winter time we have fried breakfasts on Sundays, although on other days the breakfast is a continental one: bread, jam, juice, cereals, fruit. Also very popular is the full roast lunch on Sundays (with proper roast potatoes, and followed by pudding and custard.)
What is meant by the terms 'classical' and 'traditional' when used to describe the College's approach?
By this we mean that the subjects taught in the College tend more to reflect the approach of the old Grammar schools. We still have O-level examinations for some subjects, and in others we avoid coursework. We favour the rigorous teaching of grammar in languages. We expect boys to know their multiplication tables. We expect boys to learn poetry by heart, to be able to hold their own in a debate, to sing in tune...
With regard to the religious practice in the College it means that we believe that children ought to be taught to say their prayers, know the doctrines of their religion, frequent the sacraments, and generally live their lives in an upright and religious way, under the guidance of their schoolmasters. Attendance at daily Mass is compulsory for all boys; this is a practice that was common in many Catholic boarding schools in the past, and many independent schools in the UK still maintain some kind of daily chapel service. Boys quickly get used to it, and this daily time of reflection becomes an important part of the school day.
Another way in which the College emphasises tradition is its desire to stand in continuity with the medieval English educational foundations, where a community of teachers and scholars live a kind of common life: living eating and praying together in a collegiate setting.
Is the College part of any movement within the Catholic Church?
No, the College is an educational institution, not a pressure group or a religious order of any kind. The College has, of course, its own particular customs and identity, just as any family would have, but at the heart of the College's mission is a desire to serve the Catholic community from a standpoint of loyalty to Rome.
How is Mass celebrated at the College?
The Latin language is used extensively in the celebration of Mass at the College. Readings are always in English or French, but the rest of the Mass is mainly or entirely in Latin, except on Mondays and Tuesdays. The priest faces East in the traditional manner. Gregorian chant is sung most days. The College hymn book is The Catholic Hymnal compiled by the Fathers of the London Oratory.
The modern rite of Mass (ordinary form) is mainly used for the College's liturgy, except for Friday and Saturday, when Mass is in the tridentine rite (extraordinary form).
How much contact do boys have with the local French community?
College boys are a frequent sight at the patisserie between 10.40 and 11 o'clock each morning, so even the youngest Englishman abroad has to master a basic French shop dialogue ! (useful for GCSE!)
We have cultural and sporting exchanges with a number of local schools, and boys have opportunities to stay with French host families for occasional weekends. The many French boys in the College often invite their English-speaking classmates to visit them in their homes during short vacations or weekends.
Some older boys play for a local football team at the weekend as well as participating in College sport.
Most French lessons are given by French native speakers, and we also have several French support staff at the College.
