The Ambrose Way by St. Ambrose Barlow RC High School

St Ambrose Barlow RC High School A National School of Creativity

the ambrose way Name: Aspiration/ Personal Goal or Ambition:

Form:

Faith in you

Unique together

Love in learning

Inspiring experiences

Hope in better

creativity everywhere

You are Ambrose. Made in Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

We are Ambrose. Like our

This is Ambrose. Space for the

image with special gifts and

patron Saint we learn and lead

talents. Unique together. Here

with joy and humility. Inspiring

imagination. Sparks of creativity

everywhere: a divine energy. We

the seeds that will one day grow,

extraordinary in the ordinary.

of God, to look for connections, to

water the seeds already planted.

We can all change and grow.

break new ground.

we learn to be ourselves: plant

everybody matters

experiences nurture the

Courageous Curiosity

were born to create in the image

widest horizons

A family of faith where everybody

There is no fear in being who

This is learning for ourselves

God meant us to be. We are

and for others. We are open to

here, cared for and loved as we

adventurers. We are alive with

the widest horizons, staying on

matters. Everyone is welcome

grow in dignity. Each of us shows

courageous curiosity. We

course as seekers of truth with

respect for others in imitation of

explore and question seeking

the guidance of home, school

Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perfect love.

inspiration and truth.

and parish.

embrace excellence

you, fulfilled

Everything you do is important.

Each minute is a precious gift.

Take care of the details to

Each lesson, each day, a fresh

embrace excellence, to be fully

start. To be you, fulfilled, through

human. Proceed as though the

learning, faith and love. To be the

limits of your ability do not exist.

best version of ourselves we can be.

change makers This is stewardship and faith in action, seeking justice for the vulnerable. We offer what we are, not just what we have. A community of servant leaders and change makers. This is Ambrose. Pass it on.

This is ambrose... One body | Head | Heart | Hand

the ambrose way

when i am ambrose, we all flourish You are Ambrose. You are unique, the result of a thought of God. As Pope Benedict said you are ‘willed, loved and necessary’ there has never been anyone like before in the whole of human history and there will never be anyone like you again. Blessed John Henry Newman, a Cardinal, observed that, ‘God knows me and calls me by my name... God has created me to do Him some definite service; he has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission - I never may know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next.’ At this school through study, relationships and opportunities we aim to help you find your mission, to ensure you are fulfilled to go out into the world and change it for the better. You are part of our school community, not just a ‘pupil’ or a name on a register, but a vital, essential part of what makes up our school. The most important thing about our school is that it is Catholic: our faith comes first. It is this faith that gives us our mission and our mission that defines The Ambrose Way. Every community has a ‘way’. At St. Ambrose Barlow RC High School we have our own ways of being, ways of speaking, ways of listening, ways of doing. These might be how we learn about a particular subject or how we worship or they might be as simple as how we queue for lunch. These ‘ways’ include our uniform, our expectations, our policies and the systems we have to ensure the school is safe, happy and calm. We expect everyone to buy into The Ambrose Way, to live it, to be it and to do it. The word ‘way’ suggests a travelling or moving forward. During your education here you will move through year groups, progress through studies. Each lesson, each day, every term you will undertake small journeys that make up one large one. Each of us is on a pilgrimage, a journey that sees us grow in wisdom, faith and learning. Some parts of the journey will be hard, it will be difficult to navigate, you may even lose your way, but we will be here to help you, to try to keep you on the right path. We believe that everyone can be successful, resourceful and hopeful, that we all do our best, but sometimes make mistakes. In this booklet, which you must have with you at all times and must update regularly, we

have described The Ambrose Way so it is clear what is expected of you as we journey together. Our mission statement helps us to understand this journey as it applies to several aspects of school life. The Ambrose Way explains the virtues, characteristics, behaviours and skills that each of us is expected to display and work towards. These virtues, characteristics, behaviours and skills will be noticed by staff and celebrated and recognised in a variety of ways throughout the year. When we are all walking together, pilgrims following The Ambrose Way, we can cope with anything that comes our way. Each of us has a duty to follow the Ambrose Way, to strive to be the things our faith and our mission ask us to be. Remember, when I Am Ambrose, We All Flourish.

using

the ambrose way Used properly The Ambrose Way should guide you in what you do

in school and out. It should influence your attitude to learning, your

relationships with others and your thoughts about yourself. It is not a a set of rules, but a way of being.

You will use The Ambrose Way at least once each week in form time and

there will be a weekly theme that is explored in form and through assemblies. Each half-term you will write a short reflection on The Ambrose Way, showing how you have responded to it. You will also work through a celebration and recognition scheme that is linked to The Ambrose Way and includes house points. This way you will be able to see your progress and the impact of the Way on your learning and life. This booklet includes some ideas about how you might do this. At the end of the year you will write a short claim where you show how you have put The Ambrose Way into practice. This claim will determine the level of recognition you receive: Keeper of The Ambrose Way (Roots) Disciple of The Ambrose Way (Wings) Servant Leader of The Ambrose Way (Compass) Change Maker (Goldfinch) This is important for many reasons, not least your wellbeing. Studies show that people who can describe their character strengths have better wellbeing in later life.

the ambrose way I am Ambrose when I am

Habits for learning & life

The Way in Action

Unique Together

I am myself and I let others be

Grateful for my own gifts, for the gift of other people, and for the blessings of each day; and generous with my gifts, becoming a man or woman for others.

themselves, moving gently and

Listening showing confidence, acceptance, loyalty, gratitude, generosity, kindness

quietly around the school, being safe and treating everyone respectfully and equally recognising that we are created in God’s image instead of discriminating, criticising or

Inspiring Experiences

Embrace Excellence

Everybody Matters

humiliating others for who they are.

Compassionate towards others, near and far, especially the less fortunate; and loving by my just actions and forgiving words.

Collaborating showing respect, compassion, love, empathy, forgiveness, selfawareness, trustworthiness

Reflecting Attentive to my experience and to my vocation; and discerning showing determination, reliability, self-discipline, self-awareness, about the choices I make and the dedication effects of those choices

Learned, finding God in all things; and wise in the ways I use my learning for the common good.

Connecting showing focus, resilience

Using Christ as my role model, I show through kind and respectful words and co-operative actions and through understanding other people’s views that everybody matters in our Catholic community instead of answering back, acting unkindly, disrespecting or hurting others. Seeing myself as part of God’s Creation, I take pride in keeping the school clean and tidy, being ready for learning, correctly dressed and equipped instead of arriving without the correct uniform, kit or equipment. I am always focussed on my work using my gifts from God, working appropriately with others so that learning is an inspiring experience, where everyone can learn and the teacher can teach instead of being off-task, distracting others, disrupting their learning or ignoring them.

Change makers

Widest Horizons

Creativity Everywhere

You, fulfilled

Courageous Curiosity

I am Ambrose when I am

Curious about everything; and active in my engagement with the world, changing what I can for the better.

Eloquent and truthful in what I say of myself, the relations between people, and the world.

Learned, finding God in all things; and wise in the ways I use my learning for the common good.

Faith-filled in their beliefs and hopeful for the future.

Intentional in the way I live and use the resources of the earth, guided by conscience; and prophetic in the example I set to others.

Habits for learning & life

The Way in Action

Inquiring showing courage, questioning, researching, debating

Appreciating the wonder of God I am always curious and questioning, fully involved in my learning, showing courageous curiosity instead of avoiding participation or engagement.

Communicating Showing oracy, presenting & public speaking skills

I aim to make the most of each moment for learning, meet deadlines and do my work with care instead of arriving late, wasting time, truanting, missing

deadlines or doing less than my best.

Creating showing creativity, resourcefulness, adaptability, imagination

I am open to new ideas and try to be creative by using my imagination to make beautiful work instead of dismissing new ideas, criticising others for working hard, dominating a group or damaging the work of others.

Exploring showing ambition, commitment

Recognising I am part of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan, I am outward looking and have a sense of purpose about my learning instead of avoiding opportunities to challenge myself or stretch my learning.

Leading showing generosity, duty, leadership, service

I always put others first and show that I am a servant leader as Christ was, by representing the school well and striving for a more just world for all instead of placing my needs before those of others or assuming I am better than others.

faith in you

Unique Together: Grateful & generous

A St. Ambrose Barlow pupil is grateful for their own gifts, for the gift of other people, and for the blessings of each day; and generous with their gifts, becoming a man and woman for others.

I am Ambrose when... I am myself and I let others be themselves, moving gently and quietly around the school, being safe and treating everyone respectfully and equally recognising that we are created in God’s image instead of discriminating, criticising or humiliating others for who they are.

I can expect... to be recognised and

and pastimes, the love of God in Jesus Christ,

safe and happy.

noticed, bring joy to life.

Gratitude and generosity are the virtues which

As we become more practised at being

celebrated for the unique person I am; to be

underlie an attitude to life that is outward looking, regards other people as precious gifts, and encourages young people to grow to be

and all the small daily blessings that, when

grateful, we realise just how gifted and blessed we are, often without really deserving it. Out of this growing realization comes a powerful

men and women for others.

desire to be generous, “to give and not to

Before we reflect or pray, discern or make

consequence of the practice of gratitude.

a decision, begin a new day, or embark on anything important, we should remember everything that we have to be grateful for. If you are attentive to your own responses to what happens in your daily life, you will probably notice that a lot of it is down to a feeling of entitlement – a feeling that I am due certain things, courtesies, privileges, comforts, rewards, breaks. Try to think and feel in a different way. Instead of insisting on your entitlements, consider rather what has already been gifted to you: your health and family, shelter and security, enough to eat, plentiful clean water, friends, freedom, the rights and protection of the law, your education, talents

count the cost.” Generosity is the inevitable Generosity will show itself better in the things we do for others than in what we say. More often than not, it is the small acts of daily kindness and generosity, putting others before ourselves. People who lack generosity are often fearful that they will lose something by giving and be diminished. But those who have experienced the freedom of being generous discover that the opposite is true. The more you give, the more will be given you (Luke 6:38). Archbishop Fulton Sheen said, “Never measure your generosity by what you give, but rather by what you have left.” This is what it means to be big-hearted and truly generous.

Habits for learning and life:

Listening, showing confidence, acceptance, loyalty, gratitude, generosity, kindness

reflection Date:

Unique Together: Grateful & Generous

Reflection: How am I proceeding along the Ambrose Way? Am I achieving my goals?

House Points:

Parent/ Carer Signature

faith in you

Everybody Matters: Compassionate & loving

A St. Ambrose Barlow pupil is compassionate towards others, near and far, especially the less fortunate; and loving by their just actions and forgiving words.

I am Ambrose when... Using Christ as my role model, I show through kind and respectful words and co-operative actions and through understanding other people’s views that everybody matters in our Catholic community instead of answering back, acting unkindly, disrespecting or hurting others.

I can expect... to be known, included, loved

and nurtured; to have my rights promoted and respected. To be compassionate is to experience suffering or change alongside someone else – to listen to their cares and concerns and to share their joys and sorrows, to see the world through their

of being loving through our just and merciful actions and forgiving words. Jesus’ great commandment is “Love one another.” (John 13:34) The more we love others, the more we are truly human and most truly ourselves. Love is something that is learned not by being taught but by having first

eyes, to step into their shoes, to empathise.

experienced it for ourselves. Parents are the

Being able to empathise is a virtue very

do. The most important lesson they teach their

necessary for being a good human being. To live successfully in a family, or a school community, or workplace, or in wider society, means being able to see, understand and feel things from other points of view, even ones to which I may not be particularly sympathetic. In the Christian tradition, it is never enough simply to be attentive: we must allow ourselves to be moved by what we see, especially by the plight of those who suffer or are less fortunate than we are. Ultimately, it is what makes us kind and, at a deeper level, opens up the possibility

first and best teachers by what they say and children is love. It is by being loved that we learn to love. Of course, it is easy to love those who love us. In speaking about love, Jesus throws out the challenge to take love deeper: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.’” (Matthew 5:43-44) This is where love becomes challenging. To love in this way is to love as God loves.

Habits for learning and life:

Collaborating, showing respect, compassion, love, empathy, forgiveness, self-awareness, trustworthiness

reflection Date:

Everybody Matters: Compassionate & Loving

Reflection: How am I proceeding along the Ambrose Way? Am I achieving my goals?

House Points:

Parent/ Carer Signature

faith in you

Embrace Excellence: Attentive & discerning

A St. Ambrose Barlow pupil is growing to be attentive to their experience and to their

vocation; and discerning about the choices they make and the effects of those choices.

I am Ambrose when... Seeing myself as part of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Creation, I take pride in keeping the school clean and tidy, being ready for learning, correctly dressed and equipped instead of arriving without the correct uniform, kit or equipment.

I can expect... to be set high standards and

Once we develop the habit of being attentive,

supported to achieve these.

we can begin to discern what is good for us

Sometimes, we wake up and wonder where the

and to do (our vocation). Being attentive brings

years have gone and whether we have made the most of our lives. We ask whether we have made the best choices and given time and energy to the people and things that matter. Being attentive takes practice. It is much easier to allow ourselves to be swept along in the tide of everyday life, from one thing to the next,

and what is not; and what God calls us to be, the possibility of taking back control of our own lives. How do you know the right thing to do? How do you know the good thing to do? Sometimes it is obvious, but often it is not. Discernment is a way of approaching decisions by being

taking little time to notice anything.

attentive to my lived experience, by noticing

We should take time to notice the big and the

and others, and then seeking the better way

small things of each day; we need to be aware of and understand the responses of other people; we need to be attentive to the stirrings in our hearts and to the preoccupations that thread their way through our lives. In this way, we become much more sure-footed in coping

the impact my past choices have had on me forward. Discernment is about choosing the better over the good. In this way we can embrace excellence by being attentive to our lives and experiences, by focusing on getting the details right and by discerning what is best for us.

with the things that life and other people throw at us.

Habits for learning and life:

Reflecting, showing determination, reliability, self-discipline, self-awareness, dedication

reflection Date:

Embrace Excellence: Attentive & Discerning

Reflection: How am I proceeding along the Ambrose Way? Am I achieving my goals?

House Points:

Parent/ Carer Signature

LOVE IN LEARNING

Inspiring Experiences: Learned and wise

A St. Ambrose Barlow pupil is learned, finding God in all things; and wise in the ways I use my learning for the common good.

I am Ambrose when... I am always focussed on my work using my gifts from God, working appropriately with others so that learning is an inspiring experience, where everyone can learn and the teacher can teach instead of being off-task, distracting others, disrupting their learning or ignoring them.

I can expect... to experience learning that is

Out of this learning comes action. Education

the classroom.

common good – doing something here and

inspiring, exciting and challenging in and out of

Education is a way of becoming more human. The aim of your education is to be a learned person, able to make a difference in society for the common good. At St. Ambrose Barlow we make sure that each pupil is engaged, stretched and inspired to excel by excellent teaching and by offering the broadest possible curriculum, supplemented by a wide range of

always has a purpose which is about the now which, little by little, transforms the world. For knowledge and learning to be put to best effect, it is necessary also to be wise. Wisdom is the gift of knowing when and how to apply one’s learning; it is the ability to evaluate relative goods and competing values; it is to be able to discern what is important and what is not. Wisdom is founded in the idea of knowing

extra-curricular activities.

yourself well – your weaknesses, prejudices

Our school develops the qualities of mind and

talents, and enthusiasms.

and blindspots as well as your strengths,

heart that will enable pupils to work with others for the good of all in the service of the Kingdom of God. Our teaching begins by being attentive to the experience a pupil already has of whatever is to be learned. Reflection then builds on that experience, extending and deepening it by what is taught and learned.

Habits for learning and life:

Connecting, showing focus, resilience

reflection Date:

Inspiring Experiences: Learned and Wise

Reflection: How am I proceeding along the Ambrose Way? Am I achieving my goals?

House Points:

Parent/ Carer Signature

LOVE IN LEARNING

Courageous Curiosity: Curious and active

A St. Ambrose Barlow pupil is curious about everything; and active in my engagement with the world, changing what I can for the better.

I am Ambrose when... Appreciating the wonder of God I am always curious and questioning, fully involved in my learning, showing courageous curiosity instead of avoiding participation or engagement.

I can expect... to be given opportunities

the truth is plain – it is to think for oneself

independence.

learner. It is not often that schoolchildren get

All things are worthy of our attention, curiosity

school challenges them to ‘think globally and

to learn and grow through inquiry and

and study because in each one of them there is the possibility of finding God; and not only God but God doing something for me. Curiosity is needed to sustain learning. It is what keeps us going through the difficult stuff; it is what opens up new horizons and allows the possibility of ‘finding God in all things.’ Curiosity is key to our method of education. Learning is something

and to become an independent and lifelong the opportunity to change the world but our act locally’, to get involved, changing what they can for the time being, using what they have learned to make small differences, so that they are ready for the day when they can make a big difference. As St Ignatius said, “Go, set the world ablaze!” This is what we hope for our pupils as they step out into adult life, active and curious.

to be actively engaged in by probing, seeking, asking, challenging, and questioning until

Habits for learning and life:

Inquiring, showing courage, questioning, researching, debating

reflection Date:

Courageous Curiosity: Curious and Active

Reflection: How am I proceeding along the Ambrose Way? Am I achieving my goals?

House Points:

Parent/ Carer Signature

LOVE IN LEARNING

You, Fulfilled: Eloquent and truthful

A St. Ambrose Barlow pupil is eloquent and truthful in what I say of myself, the relations between people, and the world.

I am Ambrose when... I aim to make the most of each moment for learning, meet deadlines and do my work with care instead of arriving late, wasting time, truanting, missing deadlines or doing less than my best.

I can expect... to be challenged to achieve

the world, and about God. Education is the

staff.

what we discover. As Jesus tells us, “The truth

brilliance by committed, engaging and skilled

Eloquence is at the heart of our educational mission – to make sure young people have the language to ask questions, express emotions, speak beliefs, talk about matters of faith and hope, debate points of view, and engage in conversation. Your ability to speak competently your own language, and the languages of others, is fundamental to your growth and

search for truth and the eloquent articulation of will set you free.” (John 8:32) Knowing the truth about some thing or situation or person is what sets you free to see clearly and know surely. It is what allows us to grow as individuals and as a society. This is not simply about teaching children not to lie, important though that is, it is about teaching them to seek the deeper truth, the more nuanced expression,

confidence as a social human being.

the better account of something.

Eloquence is not confined to speaking – it finds

Our contemporary culture seems obsessed

expression in writing, music, drama, dance, the creative arts, design, film, digital media, and sport. All of these are important because they encourage children to express their identity as well as their talents. However, being able to speak well is not much use if what you speak is not worth saying. Eloquence must be used in a truthful way – to speak truth about myself and

with the quick and easy, the instant sound bite; there is a temptation to settle for the trite and superficial. The virtue of being truthful seeks, in contrast, to speak the truth in all its depth, complexity, messiness, and uncertainty. The aim is that, as they leave our schools, pupils can speak well and move and persuade others by their eloquence and truth.

others, about relations between people, about

Habits for learning and life:

Communicating, using oracy, presenting, public speaking

reflection Date:

You, Fulfilled: Eloquent and Truthful

Reflection: How am I proceeding along the Ambrose Way? Am I achieving my goals?

House Points:

Parent/ Carer Signature

HOPE IN BETTER

Creativity Everywhere: Learned and wise

A St. Ambrose Barlow pupil is learned, finding God in all things; and wise in the ways I use my learning for the common good.

I am Ambrose when... I am open to new ideas and try to be creative by using my imagination to make beautiful work instead of dismissing new ideas, criticising others for working hard, dominating a group or damaging the work of others.

I can expect... to learn creatively in new ways

then builds on that experience, extending and

my expectations of myself.

Out of this learning comes action. Education

Education is a way of becoming more human.

common good – doing something here and

that produce work that is sometimes beyond

The aim of your education is to be a learned person, able to make a difference in society for the common good. At St. Ambrose Barlow we make sure that each pupil is engaged, stretched and inspired to excel by excellent teaching and by offering the broadest possible curriculum, supplemented by a wide range of

deepening it by what is taught and learned. always has a purpose which is about the now which, little by little, transforms the world. For knowledge and learning to be put to best effect, it is necessary also to be wise. Wisdom is the gift of knowing when and how to apply one’s learning; it is the ability to evaluate relative goods and competing values; it is to be

extra-curricular activities.

able to discern what is important and what is

Our school develops the qualities of mind and

yourself well – your weaknesses, prejudices

heart that will enable pupils to work with others for the good of all in the service of the Kingdom

not. Wisdom is founded in the idea of knowing and blindspots as well as your strengths, talents, and enthusiasms.

of God. Our teaching begins by being attentive to the experience a pupil already has of whatever is to be learned. Reflection

Habits for learning and life:

Creating, showing creativity, resourcefulness, adaptability, imagination

reflection Date:

Creativity Everywhere: Learned and Wise

Reflection: How am I proceeding along the Ambrose Way? Am I achieving my goals?

House Points:

Parent/ Carer Signature

HOPE IN BETTER

Widest Horizons: Faith-filled and hopeful

A St. Ambrose Barlow pupil is growing to be faith-filled in their beliefs and hopeful for the future.

I am Ambrose when... Recognising I am part of God’s plan, I am outward looking and have a sense of purpose about my learning instead of avoiding opportunities to challenge myself or stretch my learning.

I can expect... to be encouraged to aspire and have

in prayer, by trying to live out the gospel values, and by

ambition; to make progress each day that meets or

being part of a community of faith. Teachers in a Catholic

exceeds my targets in school and in life.

school have the responsibility of passing on the living faith story of Christianity handed down in the collective memory

Faith, hope and love are known to the Christian tradition

of God’s people.

as the three theological virtues. They underpin our whole understanding of what it is to be human and the nature of

To be faith-filled is crucial to human wellbeing – faith in

our relationship with God.

myself, my emotions and judgements; faith in others and their faith in me; faith in my family and the communities to

We have faith in those who are closest to us – our family

which I belong; and, ultimately, faith in God. Faith cannot

and friends. This faith grows and deepens over time and

be taken for granted; it has to be revisited constantly and

as our relationships are tested, sometimes knocked and

built up day by day.

rebuilt with forgiveness, so they become stronger and more resilient.

Hope is perhaps the most elusive of virtues. It grows out of faith and love – the stronger faith and love are, the

We need to have faith in ourselves – that appropriate self-

stronger our hope will be. When we have strong faith and

confidence and modest self-esteem which reflect a realistic

love today, we have hope for tomorrow. Hope enables us

self-knowledge of the good and not-so-good in us. Faith in

to trust ourselves and those around us with the decisions

ourselves is about integrity.

that will shape our future. Without hope we become insular, lacking in love, and ultimately despairing. Christianity

We should also have faith in the communities to which we

teaches that God is a God of hope: his Christ walks before

belong – our neighbourhood, parish, school, wider society,

us, giving us the gifts (the graces) and courage we need

our country and the international family of all humanity. This

to follow.

faith grows only to the extent to which we engage in and contribute to the common good. It is about having a wider

Children learn to hope by seeing and hearing hope-filled

perspective than the just the narrow concerns of our daily

adults. They learn not to be frightened to step out into

lives.

the darkness of the unknown but to draw on their own character strengths, and of those around them, to face

God invites us to have faith in him and in his son, Jesus Christ. This faith grows if we work at a relationship with God

challenges with courage and resolve.

Habits for learning and life:

Exploring, showing ambition, commitment

reflection Date:

Widest Horizons: Faith-filled and Hopeful

Reflection: How am I proceeding along the Ambrose Way? Am I achieving my goals?

House Points:

Parent/ Carer Signature

HOPE IN BETTER

Change Makers: Intentional and prophetic

A St. Ambrose Barlow pupil is growing to be intentional in the way they live and use the resources of the earth, guided by conscience; and prophetic in the example they set to others.

I am Ambrose when... I always put others first and show that I am a servant leader as Christ was, by representing the school well and striving for a more just world for all instead of placing my needs before those of others or assuming I am better than others.

I can expect... through transformational learning

and what you want to spend your time and energies

experiences to be given opportunities to lead, to

doing. Living intentionally can only happen if one is

make a difference to the community and to put my

attentive to one’s experience, noticing the influences

learning and faith into action in the service of others.

which drive us along and discerning which are good and which not so good, guided by conscience. It

An intentional person is someone who lives

means living ethically, with a set of values.

deliberately; someone who builds up their own worldview and then tries to live by it. To live

Jesus Christ was a person who lived intentionally

intentionally is to march to the beat of a different

and is a model of a good human life. (CJE n.61) His

drummer.

words, actions and example reflect his values.

The busy-ness of life can sometimes feel

Intentional living is about the choices I make and the

overwhelming. It is no different for young people:

ethical code I live by. But this can have a positive

demands made by schoolwork and examinations,

impact on others if I share it. Being prophetic is

the many activities to which their parents ferry them,

about being seen to do good and about speaking

peer pressure and social media, and just growing up

out for what is right. Good news is only good news if

and finding their place in an increasingly complex

it is announced.

and fractured world. Of course there is excitement and often fulfilment in all this. But the pressure to

Being prophetic isn’t about telling the future; it is

conform and go along with what everyone else

about living out God’s future for me today. However

thinks and says and does is immense. The effect is

much the values of the world, the assumptions

to lose control – a feeling that this whirl of activity is

and prejudices of those around us, seem to be

not allowing me to be me.

unassailable, Christ calls us in a different direction to a life characterized by compassion, faith, hope and,

Living intentionally is not about stepping away from

above all, love. Trying to live in an intentional and

the world but is rather about trying to achieve a

prophetic way is what ultimately makes us human.

balance where you know what is important for you

Habits for learning and life:

Leading, showing generosity, duty, leadership, service

reflection Date:

Change Makers: Intentional and Prophetic

Reflection: How am I proceeding along the Ambrose Way? Am I achieving my goals?

House Points:

Parent/ Carer Signature

End of Year Reflection and Claim your reflection Reflection: Did I achieving my goals?

Date:

a fellow pupilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comments

Date:

form tutor comment

Date:

parent/ carer comments

Date:

St Ambrose Barlow RC High School A National School of Creativity