A new member. A Catholic school teacher.

[Mr. Moncrieff]

At least they most likely won't burn you at the stake.



(Much as they'd like to.)

It is the professional equivalent of trial by 'peers'

[FreeTony]

New lesson plan?

English lessons - Wizard of Oz
Biology lessons - Evolution of Man
History lessons - The "positive" role of the Catholic Church through history. Contributions to science, such as the use of fire and stakes.
Maths lessons - 1+1+1 is not equal to 1.
Sex eduction - What to do if you're alone with your priest - Run!

In all seriousness, I'd say maintain you integrity. Remember that believers will do whatever they can to protect their beliefs.

[Mudhammam]

Welcome to the boards. You'll find that a lot of us have come through similar journeys. Keep searching and keep questioning and never let the FEAR imposed on you by OTHERS restrict you from the truth.

[fr0d0]

People are flawed Moncrieff. You should expect that. In my experience of secular education your getting off lightly, not to say your peers are any better, I certainly would never assume that. It's a huge game if pretence that produces the very opposite of what it's intended to foster. Sad but true.

I agree with FNM. Your integrity is what counts.

[Mr. Moncrieff]

People are flawed Moncrieff. You should expect that. In my experience of secular education your getting off lightly, not to say your peers are any better, I certainly would never assume that. It's a huge game if pretence that produces the very opposite of what it's intended to foster. Sad but true.

I agree with FNM. Your integrity is what counts.

Thank you.

[Bad Writer]

What do you think troubles your peers most about your new beliefs?

[là bạn điên]

Catholic secondary schools in London have enjoyed a reputation for high academic results but the Bishops have turned it on its head by amazingly trying to lower academic standards to make the school 'more inclusive which is driving away middle class parents and Schools like Cardinal Newman, long seen as proxy grammar schools (for Americans a Grammar school is a state run school that is selective and delivers a high quality education, It is equivalents to the French Lycee or German/Dutch Gymnasium).

Many of these Catholics may well just realise they never believed anyway and were just going through the motions for their kids education so will probably dump the whole absurdity. The Church of England is definitely in crisis; It has been patronising teenagers for years producing embarrassing 'Kids centred' services which make all but the most socially inept cringe.

The whole business with Religious state schools dates back to the 1944 education reform act which provided free secondary education for all but being WW2 they didn't want a fight with the religious establishment who already had their own schools (Catholics , Anglicans and Jews) but incorporated them into the system. The Jewish schools are the best state schools in the country and people with the most obscure connections struggle to get their children in.

Frankly bringing back selective education, as they have in France, Germany and the Netherlands, for entirely secular schools would shatter much of power of religious bodies (and also reduce the power of the private schools)

[Ben Davis]

fellow Brit here. I'm sorry to read that you're finding your situation so awkward but it seems to me that you're managing it impeccably. Surely your honesty and delicacy could be a model to other teachers who may find themselves in the same situation.

Re. this:

If I give my word to act with integrity and respect, but cannot be afforded the same in kind, there exists a deeply flawed condition in that regard; an environment that is neither professionally sound nor personally trustworthy.

I am deeply unsettled by this.

How am I now expected to remain at the school and stay true to my promises to uphold the desires of the church when my own desires are so wantonly disregarded?

Because you're a better person? At very least, you know more than you did about the people with whom you've worked. All information is useful, somewhat.

[Kayenneh]

Hello Mr. Moncrieff and welcome to AF! ^_^

[Mr. Moncrieff]

fellow Brit here. I'm sorry to read that you're finding your situation so awkward but it seems to me that you're managing it impeccably. Surely your honesty and delicacy could be a model to other teachers who may find themselves in the same situation.

Re. this:

If I give my word to act with integrity and respect, but cannot be afforded the same in kind, there exists a deeply flawed condition in that regard; an environment that is neither professionally sound nor personally trustworthy.

I am deeply unsettled by this.

How am I now expected to remain at the school and stay true to my promises to uphold the desires of the church when my own desires are so wantonly disregarded?

Because you're a better person? At very least, you know more than you did about the people with whom you've worked. All information is useful, somewhat.

Basically the senior leadership team now know about my change in status. The board have requested a meeting with me on Wednesday evening and have asked for the local priest to attend.

That should be interesting.