This research reports an exploratory study of the use of song in religious education and worship (REW) with pupils aged 7–11. The study examined the use of three aspects of song pertaining to composition, understanding and prayer, and how these could be impactful in pupils’ spiritual development and wellbeing (SDW). This case study research was undertaken in two Catholic primary schools in London with pupils and teachers from all key stage two (KS2) classes. In total, 17 individual and group semi-structured interviews were conducted with 54 participants and this data was combined with that from 207 surveys. The literature review looks at the benefits of music on the individual and school community and then explores spirituality so that a conceptual framework is created. Research indicated that song was effective in developing pupils’ SDW as it enhanced connectivity with God, Others, Self, Cosmos and Social Action. The findings of the research offer possible ways forward for the use of song in RE for the promotion of spiritual growth as well as the Catholic life and mission of the school.
In the context of present epochal change, growing secularisation and marketisation have a detrimental effect on specific values and a social consensus, causing these to gradually lose their validity. Catholic-school principals are extraordinarily pressured by dilemmas regarding the Catholicity of their school projects. In accordance with Ricoeur's notion of narrative identity that distinguishes what remains – Identity as Idem and what changes with the passing of time – Identity as Ipse, our study analyses principals’ perceptions about the identity and mission of Catholic schools in the current secular environment. We acknowledge the significant gap between the principals’ viewpoint and their perception regarding families’ reasons to choose Catholic schools. Finally, we reflect on the necessary journey Catholic schools are called to pursue, in order to avoid a fortress model or, the dilution of their Catholic identity.
This paper reports on a study that explored the servant leadership of principals and its influence on school culture and community engagement in selected South African Catholic schools. The researcher employed a qualitative phenomenological approach, conducting in-depth interviews with six purposively selected Catholic school principals. Catholic schools in South Africa occupy a unique place in the country’s educational landscape, combining academic achievement with a mission rooted in faith, service and social justice. These schools have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of sociopolitical challenges, continuing to serve diverse, often under resourced communities while navigating the pressures of secularisation, accountability and limited resources. Leadership, once predominantly in the hands of clergy, has increasingly shifted to lay professionals, who now shoulder the responsibility of maintaining Catholic identity while responding to contemporary educational demands. In this study, the researcher examined how servant leadership – characterised by humility, stewardship, empathy and community building – shaped school culture and fostered community involvement in Catholic schools. The findings revealed that principals view leadership as an act of service and empowerment, placing faith and relationships at the heart of school culture while making collaboration a cornerstone of community engagement. Servant leadership not only promotes trust, inclusivity and shared responsibility but also resonates deeply with the Gospel values that underpin Catholic education. This study contributes valuable insights into the relatively underexplored field of Catholic school leadership in South Africa, offering perspectives on leadership practices that are contextually relevant, spiritually informed and socially transformative.
For 250 years, the United States of America has been propelled by a sense of its exceptional nature and mission. For the past 80 years, much of the world has been structured around the order Washington built out of the ashes of the Second World War. But for many Americans and observers of America, the second administration of President Donald Trump has been deeply disquieting, with widespread concerns that his presidency will undermine much of what has made America exceptional and successful at home and abroad. In this Adelphi book, Kori Schake argues that the US truly is exceptional – politically, economically, culturally and in the international order it constructed. She also argues that, while deep-seated American advantages and resilience may still contribute to more benevolent outcomes, we face a serious risk of dramatic disruption to American power and international security.
For 250 years, the United States of America has been propelled by a sense of its exceptional nature and mission. For the past 80 years, much of the world has been structured around the order Washington built out of the ashes of the Second World War. But for many Americans and observers of America, the second administration of President Donald Trump has been deeply disquieting, with widespread concerns that his presidency will undermine much of what has made America exceptional and successful at home and abroad. In this Adelphi book, Kori Schake argues that the US truly is exceptional – politically, economically, culturally and in the international order it constructed. She also argues that, while deep-seated American advantages and resilience may still contribute to more benevolent outcomes, we face a serious risk of dramatic disruption to American power and international security.
For 250 years, the United States of America has been propelled by a sense of its exceptional nature and mission. For the past 80 years, much of the world has been structured around the order Washington built out of the ashes of the Second World War. But for many Americans and observers of America, the second administration of President Donald Trump has been deeply disquieting, with widespread concerns that his presidency will undermine much of what has made America exceptional and successful at home and abroad. In this Adelphi book, Kori Schake argues that the US truly is exceptional – politically, economically, culturally and in the international order it constructed. She also argues that, while deep-seated American advantages and resilience may still contribute to more benevolent outcomes, we face a serious risk of dramatic disruption to American power and international security.
For 250 years, the United States of America has been propelled by a sense of its exceptional nature and mission. For the past 80 years, much of the world has been structured around the order Washington built out of the ashes of the Second World War. But for many Americans and observers of America, the second administration of President Donald Trump has been deeply disquieting, with widespread concerns that his presidency will undermine much of what has made America exceptional and successful at home and abroad. In this Adelphi book, Kori Schake argues that the US truly is exceptional – politically, economically, culturally and in the international order it constructed. She also argues that, while deep-seated American advantages and resilience may still contribute to more benevolent outcomes, we face a serious risk of dramatic disruption to American power and international security.
For 250 years, the United States of America has been propelled by a sense of its exceptional nature and mission. For the past 80 years, much of the world has been structured around the order Washington built out of the ashes of the Second World War. But for many Americans and observers of America, the second administration of President Donald Trump has been deeply disquieting, with widespread concerns that his presidency will undermine much of what has made America exceptional and successful at home and abroad. In this Adelphi book, Kori Schake argues that the US truly is exceptional – politically, economically, culturally and in the international order it constructed. She also argues that, while deep-seated American advantages and resilience may still contribute to more benevolent outcomes, we face a serious risk of dramatic disruption to American power and international security.
For 250 years, the United States of America has been propelled by a sense of its exceptional nature and mission. For the past 80 years, much of the world has been structured around the order Washington built out of the ashes of the Second World War. But for many Americans and observers of America, the second administration of President Donald Trump has been deeply disquieting, with widespread concerns that his presidency will undermine much of what has made America exceptional and successful at home and abroad. In this Adelphi book, Kori Schake argues that the US truly is exceptional – politically, economically, culturally and in the international order it constructed. She also argues that, while deep-seated American advantages and resilience may still contribute to more benevolent outcomes, we face a serious risk of dramatic disruption to American power and international security.