The Chapel, which was completed in 1878, is central both
physically and spiritually to the life of the school.
Shells arrive at the beginning of their school career
to a service of welcome and Leavers are sent on their
way at the end of their school career in a Leavers’
Service called ‘Ad Itinerarium’.
On a Sunday the majority of boarders attend a Chapel
Service at 9.30am in the morning. This is usually Holy
Communion, which has a warm and welcoming atmosphere,
and which is accompanied by our excellent school choir
consisting of up to 100 pupils. We alternate between
High Communion Services with processions and vestments,
and a more informal style of Low Communion, with less
traditional music and a more relaxed ambience. We are
also having more evening services which are usually
either Sung Evensong, or Candlelit Compline (Night
Prayer) and an occasional Evangelical Worship Service.
A secular alternative is also offered on a Sunday morning;
this is called ‘Theme’ and is presented
by a different member of staff each week. Its subject
matter is determined by the wide range of interests and
expertise that the individual masters bring to it, and
no two weeks are ever the same.
During the week all pupils go to one chapel service in
the morning; houses in the main Quad attend on a Wednesday,
the houses on the other side of the Woodstock Road –
known as Field Houses – attend on a Thursday morning.
These services are short and hopefully thought-provoking,
but aim also to create space and time for reflection at
the start of a busy day.
Confirmation is offered to all pupils in all year groups
at the school, and the take up is usually very positive.
Two Confirmation Services happen each year, for which
the candidates receive a set of lessons. They will usually
attend a retreat day close to their confirmation when
they will have a chance to prepare themselves and consider
the commitment they are soon to make.
Other highlights of the Chapel year mirror the seasons
of the Church Calendar, with numerous carol services at
Christmas, and special services for All Saints Day, Ash
Wednesday and Ascension.
Outwith the more formal structures of Chapel, the chaplaincy
offers a number of other opportunities:
Bible Basement (our School Christian Union) meets on a
Wednesday evening, at the home of
two of the teachers, for a time of friendship and fellowship,
bible study and prayer. This is informal and welcoming
in nature for people of mature faith or for the interested
inquirer.
More Tea Vicar is an opportunity to relax and discuss
in the other Chaplain’s home whatever people wish
to talk about on a Wednesday evening after prep. It is
also an opportunity to taste a wide range of excellent
teas which are offered!
This year the pupils have initiated and run, with the
support of the chaplaincy, the popular Alpha Course.
Each week up to 50 pupils have enjoyed a pleasant candlelit
meal, while listening to a speaker expound on a subject.
This is followed by group discussion and questions to
the speaker and has proved to be an enjoyable and stimulating
experience.
The Gospel Choir, under the baton of the Chaplain,
also performs from time to time in chapel to add to the
variety of worship available, and this has proved quite
popular with both singers and congregation alike.
Every two or three weeks the houses also enjoy a ‘Chapel
on the Road’; a small service is laid on in a
Common Room within the house, and all are welcome. These
are often very intimate and special occasions.
Parents, friends and visitors are, of course, welcome
to join the school for worship on a Sunday at 9.30am and
OSEs are most welcome to contact the school with regard
to Baptisms, Weddings and Services of Thanksgiving. If
you have any further questions please do not hesitate
to contact one of the chaplains via the school’s
contact details.
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