What should characterise an ideal Anglican school? Many of its qualities of course, will be shared with good schools everywhere, whether run by the state or by denominational churches.
An ideal school would evidence a commitment to learning, to justice, to individual achievement and to wholeness. Anglican schools will naturally value these qualities.
This document seeks to define the normative features of an ideal Anglican school. In defining this distinctive ethos, the starting point has been the nature of the mother church itself on the simple assumption that Anglican schools will be like the Anglican Church.
Anglican schools are firstly Christian schools
In their day to day life Anglican schools should live out their faith in a creating and redeeming God. They should vivify the Gospel message of forgiveness, reconciliation, mission and loving service to God and our neighbour. The experience of sharing in the life of this community is itself and important part of the Christian education quite apart from the formal content learned in the classroom.
Anglican schools should be characterised by tolerance and a respect for difference
The Anglican Church in its long history has come to value tolerance as a positive good and a distinguishing feature of a civilised community. Anglican schools should vivify such tolerance and acceptance and the care ethic implicit in this respect for others.
Anglican schools should be characterised by a high respect for intellectual endeavour
The teaching / learning ethic will show itself in hard work, intellectual rigour and an openness to ideas and debate.
Anglican schools celebrate the contribution of the mother church to the wider political, social, economic and artistic life of our culture
The Anglican Church of Australia has grown out of the Church of England. As such, it has a long tradition of working within the heart of western culture in the broadest and most comprehensive sense. Our schools will be at the centre and not at the fringe of our culture.
Anglican schools should be characterised by a commitment to tradition and dignity within school worship
The Anglican tradition of renewing ancient forms and sacraments to meet modern needs will be evident in the way the school community worships.
Anglican schools should be characterised by a commitment to tradition and dignity within school life
Anglican schools will use the richness of symbol, story and ceremony to promote their values and order their lives.
Anglican schools should be characterised by a sense of social responsibility
The service ethic and a commitment to social justice will be seen in the willingness of Anglican school communities to offer themselves to serve God and His people in the wider community as critical participants.