Chavagnes has a long and interesting history. Once the site of an important Roman villa, the land on which the College now stands was donated to the Church by a local noble family of English origin in the thirteenth century. For several hundred years it was the site of a Benedictine monastery dedicated to St Anthony of Egypt. After the French Revolution it was for two hund- red years one of France’s most distinguished seats of Catholic learning, educating thousands of boys who went on to become priests, bishops, doctors, poets and leaders throughout France. Since 2002 this hallowed ground has been the home of an international Catholic college, offering an individualised, classical education to boys from around the English-speaking world. Our alumni, after study at the best universities in the UK, France, Spain and the USA have gone into a wide variety of careers, including the law, business, journalism, the Church, the Arts and university teaching. In a spirit of fidelity to the Church, we see our task at Chavagnes as the formation of the leaders of the future: young men with a profound knowledge and love of Christ and the Church, and a sense of duty and responsibility. Ferdi McDermott, MA, PGCE, MEd, MCIL, FCollT, FRSA. Principal www.chavagnes.org
Transcript
Chavagnes has a long and interesting history.Once the site of an important Roman villa, theland on which the College now stands was donated to the Church by a local noble family ofEnglish origin in the thirteenth century. For several hundred years it was the site of aBenedictine monastery dedicated to St Anthonyof Egypt.
After the French Revolution it was for two hund-red years one of France’s most distinguishedseats of Catholic learning, educating thousandsof boys who went on to become priests, bishops,doctors, poets and leaders throughout France.
Since 2002 this hallowed ground has been thehome of an international Catholic college,offering an individualised, classical education toboys from around the English-speaking world.Our alumni, after study at the best universities inthe UK, France, Spain and the USA have goneinto a wide variety of careers, including the law,business, journalism, the Church, the Arts anduniversity teaching.
In a spirit of fidelity to the Church, we see ourtask at Chavagnes as the formation of the leadersof the future: young men with a profoundknowledge and love of Christ and the Church, anda sense of duty and responsibility.
An international Catholic communityChavagnes International College exists for the Catholic education of boys agedbetween 9 and 18. We welcome boys from Britain and from the English-spea-king world, as well as those from other countries, seeking an internationallyoriented education in the British tradition. All pupils must be English-speaking,although extra language provision can be made for those whose English is lessthan fluent. The main languages of the College are English and French. All clas-ses taught in English, with the exception of French for native speakers.
The Administration of the College
The day-to-day business of the College is administered by the Principal whoreports to the Board of Governors, of which the local bishop is a member.
The College’s Principal’s responsibilities include strategic planning, developmentand external relations as well as the daily management of the College. He worksclosely with the Chaplain, Senior Master, Head of Junior School, Heads ofDepartment and all other staff to ensure that the College achieves high acade-mic standards, remains faithful to its Catholic ideals and successfully caters forthe needs of individual pupils.
The responsibilities and duties of all staff members are set out in written guide-lines provided to them by the Board of Governors. All teachers strongly supportthe Catholic ethos of the College and are selected and appointed in accordancewith standard good practice.
Aims and Objectives
The ultimate goal of our College is to form young men for eternity, by helpingthem to grow in holiness. Our immediate goal, as a Catholic academic institu-tion, is the formation of the complete person, both spiritually and intellectually.Our belief is that such a rounded formation is the key to a deeper and livelierfaith. It will equip the boys "for every good work" (cf 2 Tim 3:17) and enablethem, when they leave us, to be witnesses of the Faith, men who can "give anaccount of the hope that is in [them]" (1 Peter 3:15).
Chavagnes is a school in the great tradition of liberal education as understoodby the wise men of pagan antiquity, the Fathers and Doctors of the Church, aswell as by more recent authorities in the matter, such as Cardinal Newman. Weseek to challenge modern theory and practice which tends to reduce educationto job training. We strive for that shaping of the mind in which the young per-son can more readily apprehend truth, seek the good and aspire after beauty.
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We seek to guide our pupils away from that disordered pursuit of knowledgewhich St Thomas Aquinas called "curiosity" and towards the beautiful virtue ofstudiousness, the humble quest for truth and heartfelt love of wisdom.
Because our academic programme is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence, ourpupils are encouraged to fulfil their potential in everything they do at theCollege. A particular concern of the College is to avoid polarization between artsand sciences, or between sporting and cultural activities. We aim to enableevery child to gain genuine enjoyment from all aspects of the curriculum hereand to have a chance to become a good all-rounder.
We want our pupils to leave us as cultured and confident young men with astrong Catholic faith: examples of integrity and responsibility. We pray that thestudents of Chavagnes today will tomorrow become leaders in their own com-munities, leading by example in the family, in the workplace, in public life, in aspirit of service to God and their fellow men.
Life at the College
Boys at Chavagnes are expected to make the most of their time at the College.By this we mean that they should try to learn as much as they can from everyaspect of school life. The classroom is not the only educational setting here: theschool day is full of opportunities for learning.
In the liturgy a boy finds a school for the soul, an arena where he will learn tofeel and think as a true son of the Church. On the sports-field he learns loyaltyand teamwork even when he is under pressure and in keeping fit and strong healso ensures that his brain will be working at its best.
In his life with his fellow pupils - whom he should consider as brothers - helearns an important lesson in the school of community: how to live at peace withhis fellow men.
Spiritual development
As a Catholic college, we expect all our pupils to participate in the liturgical lifeof the College community. The celebration of daily Mass is the source and sum-mit of the Church's prayer, and so it is at the centre of our life as a school. Weencourage each boy to regard those other times of prayer left optional, as pri-vileged opportunities rather than as convenient escapes.
Regular visits to the local shrines of Our Lady in Chavagnes, as well as toLourdes and further afield reinforce spiritual activities within the school. Boysparticipate in the annual 100 km traditional pilgrimage from Paris to Chartreswith thousands of young French boys and girls over the weekend of Pentecost.
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With personal prayer, as with Confession, pupils are expected to exercise a cer-tain level of maturity. All boys are encouraged to go to Confession regularly,especially before major feasts.
Guidance and counselling
Of course, in adolescence, many young people experience a time of questioningand difficulty. In a supportive and loving school environment, these difficultiesare faced squarely on an individual level, in a spirit of compassion and unders-tanding. A resident priest is available to speak to boys, and at least one othernominated member of staff with counselling qualifications is available for advi-ce and help.
Boys maintain a close relationship with their House Master and are encouragedto confide in him if there is anything worrying them. For the younger boys, espe-cially, the school's Matron is also an important source of help and support, espe-cially during the occasional bout of homesickness.
In addition, each pupil is assigned a personal tutor who will meet with him on aregular basis to assess his academic work and to offer support and advice withregard to the curriculum.
The Careers Master has specific responsibility for careers guidance, and will pro-vide pupils with full information about university and vocational courses andassist them in preparing for interviews. The College has a good track record foradmissions to universities, including Oxford and Cambridge.
Religious Education
The Religious Education programme at the College is based on the Faith and LifeSeries, approved by the then Cardinal Ratzinger.
The early years are dedicated to a basic sacramental formation and a thoroughstudy of Sacred Scripture and salvation history. At the upper end of the agerange, the course broadens to take in apologetics, basic theology and the studyof the place of Christianity in culture at large. Older pupils refer frequently tothe Catechism of the Catholic Church, Sheehan's Apologetics and CatholicDoctrine (2001 edition), various documents of the Church and writings of thesaints.
In Year 11 boys sit a GCSE examination in Religious Studies from the AQA exa-mination board. This examination deals with Catholic doctrine and moral tea-ching. Religious Studies is also an option at A-level. Pupils in the A-level classcontinue to attend a weekly religion class whether or not they are not ReligiousStudies as an option.
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The CurriculumChavagnes International College, within the context of a rounded education,places a primary emphasis on academic studies. Students need to be at least ofaverage academic ability.
Chavagnes is a Cambridge school, and generally follows the examinations ofCambridge University International Examinations , approved by the UK govern-ment. The curriculum at Chavagnes leads to British IGCSE/GCSE, AS and A-level examinations. It is possible for foreign students to have their British exa-minations validated by their local Ministry of Education as having equivalentvalue to examinations in their own country.
UK Years 7-9
In the Junior School boys aged approximately between 11 and 14 are given abasic grounding in the arts and sciences and begin an intensive study of Latinand French. Boys are also taught Spanish, with Ancient Greek and German asoptions. The Cambridge Lower Secondary syllabus is followed in Mathematics,Science and English.
UK Years 9-11
In the Senior School, boys aged approximately between 13 and 16 are prepa-red for IGCSEs/GCSEs, which are offered in traditional subjects.
Boys in Year 10 may take the French state examination Brevet des collèges.
Most pupils who join the school at an early age will take several GCSE exami-nations ahead of time. Small class sizes and streaming allow us to tailor the tea-ching programme to the strengths of the individual boy. This means that someboys will already have taken one or two AS level examinations before they reach16.
UK Years 12-13
In the Sixth Form, boys specialise in a smaller number of subjects, and begin tomake choices about university and careers. At AS-level, pupils usually sit exa-minations in three or four subjects, reducing to three at A-level. Beginning inSeptember 2012 Chavagnes will be phasing in the new élite Cambridge Pre-Uqualification for more academically gifted students.
The College has an excellent record of university entrance in Britain as well asat top-level institutions in France and the United States. Destinations have sofar included the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, UniversityCollege Lampeter, Aberdeen University, Edinburgh University, BirminghamUniversity, Buckingham University, the Pontifical University of Navarre andThomas Aquinas College (USA).
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Openness to French life, language and culture
The College welcomes a large number of French boys as students and givesthem a thorough grounding in English, as well as in their own language and cul-ture. All English-speakers are given intensive French tuition at the College andmay also enjoy regular stays with French host families. Many boys take FrenchGCSE and A-level examinations ahead of time.
Sporting and cultural contacts with the local community afford regular opportu-nities for engagement with French culture and people and the friendships forgedwithin in the College ensure that all Chavagnes pupils develop and maintainstrong links with families from France and around the world.
As part of its drama programme the College stages French theatre plays as wellas English ones. Previous performances have included a Molière play and aChristmas nativity play in French. Boys also regularly attend concerts and playsin the loca area.
In addition to the usual British public examinations in French, pupils may opt tosit French state qualifications in French as a Foreign Language, the DELF and theDALF.
Travel within France
Frequent opportunities exist to explore France and French culture during a boy’stime at Chavagnes. The College regularly organises trips to Nantes, Angers,Saumur and Paris as well as pilgrimages to Lourdes and Chartres.
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Games
Sport is an important and integral part of the formation provided at Chavagnes.Team games provide a natural forum to develop team spirit and to experiencehealthy physical exertion. Games offer a necessary counterbalance to spiritual,cultural and academic activities, and play a key role in the growth of the wholeperson.
In addition to the afternoon sports activities, gymnastics is part of theCurriculum for years 6 - 9. A cross-country programme operates throughout theyear and our boys always do well in local 2km and 10km races at Ascensiontide.All boys are given the chance to take regular riding lessons. Older boys haveopportunities to practise weight-training and rowing. The College’s fencing mas-ter introduces all boys to fencing and many boys take weekly riding lessons.
The games programme is designed to provide each student with:
(1) An experience of major sports so that at the very least he can become an informed spectator.
(2) Teams that will play against other schools in a variety of sports.
(3) A sense of sportsmanship.
(4) A taste for sport and an ability to enjoy it, even for those who find itdifficult.
(5) An understanding of the value of being physically fit so as to be mentally more efficient.
The sporting calendar includes:
In the first and second terms, rugby and soccer matches against other schools;Cross Country within the College and against other schools;
In the summer term, inter-house cricket, athletic sports day, swimming gala,inter-house basketball; matches against other schools in basketball and soccer.
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The House system
All boys are assigned to a house on admission to the College. Our four housesare named after generals of the Armée Royale et Catholique of the Vendée wars:Charette, Rochejacquelein, Cathelineau and Suzannet. The house system formsthe basis of intra-mural competitive sport, debating and other activities. Eachhouse has a House Captain (a Sixth Form boy) and a House Master. The HouseMaster is responsible for the welfare and progress of the boys in his house.Regular house meetings reinforce the team spirit of the house and encourageboys to aspire to knightly virtues.
Clubs and societiesOutside lessons, pupils need the chance to unwind, but leisure is not aboutdoing nothing. As the philosopher Josef Pieper has reminded us, leisure - in thesense of a space for contemplation - is the very basis of culture. In the Book ofGenesis we learn of God's rest on the seventh day. It is from this that we takeour philosophy of leisure. The Creator looked at what He had made and saw thatit was good.
In the same way, leisure time at Chavagnes will not be a break from the rest ofschool life, but complementary to it. It enables the student to enjoyconstructive activities of his own choice, helping him to see the bigger picture,without having to worry about exams or deadlines.
Extra-curricular activities include: chess, fishing, bridge, gardening, chambermusic groups, drama, public speaking, computer skills, riding, table tennis,rowing, pool, war-gaming.
These aspects of College life give scope to the students to develop their ownparticular interests together with members of the teaching staff.
ChoirMusic is a human activity that transcends national and cultural barriers, and itis therefore a particularly appropriate focus for an international school. AsCatholics, we have the additional privilege of being able, through our worship,to participate in the prayer of the whole Church, in which choral music hastraditionally played an important part. It is the role of the Choir to enrich anddeepen our participation in the Sacred Mysteries through its performance of thebest choral music it can offer, drawn from the Church's rich, cultural patrimony.
In singing the praise of God, the Choir can be a genuine channel of graces forthe school community. It also helps to form all pupils and staff in the "school ofthe liturgy", helping them to live the joyful message of the Mass and of theDivine Office - a message of sacrifice and praise that enlightens all parts of ourlife.
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In relation to academic work, singing in choir also has a special role to play: itenriches our study of music, it introduces us to Latin and other languages, itdevelops mathematical ability and it improves our concentration. It is also anexercise in teamwork.
Admissions
Chavagnes International College is a school for boys aged 9 to 18.
As well as completing an admission form, which gives procedural details, youare asked to submit samples of work, a teacher's report, a reference from apriest and a covering letter. The College may also ask a candidate to sit a shortentrance examination, administered locally or at the College. Prospective pupilsare normally required to attend an interview at the College.
Fees must be paid in full a term in advance, at the start of each term and arenon-refundable.
Current fees
For information on current fees, see the Appendix. Please consult our websitefor the most up to date information.
Fees should be paid in euros, unless alternative arrangements have been made.We welcome payment by debit or credit card. It is possible for parents to makean arrangement for staged payment.
Certain activities, such as, riding lessons and instrumental tuition, are not inclu-ded in the fees. Boys are also expected to provide their own writing materialsand exercise books, which are available cheaply from the College stationerystore. Purchases from the stationery store or from the clothing store may besettled in cash or added to the termly bill sent to parents. Additional costs inclu-de occasional optional trips that involve extensive travel and overnight staysaway from the College, for which a charge is made.
Scholarships, bursaries and choral awards are available, as are sibling dis-counts.
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How to find us
By road
Leave Nantes towards Bordeaux-Clisson-Vertou - Take the A801, then the A83leading to Bordeaux - Toll (1.60 euros) - Exit number 4 leading to Sables-d'Olonnes - Take the D1763 up to crossroads then turn right taking the N137 -On the right, the D62 will lead you to Chavagnes-en-Paillers. ChavagnesInternational College faces the parish church in the centre of the village.Chavagnes is 40 mins from Nantes by road.
By air
Nantes International Airport is 40 minutes drive from the College.
Ryanair now operates cheap flights every day from several airports in UK andEire to Nantes (NTE), just 40 minutes’ drive from the College. There are alsoflights from FlyBe and Air France.
By train
From Nantes Gare SNCF. 40 mns.From Paris-Montparnasse to Nantes 2 hours.
The College can arrange for boys to be collected from the airport at Nantes orthe SNCF railway stations at Nantes or Montaigu (called ‘Montaigu Vendée’ onthe SNCF website). There is a modest charge for this service.
Time of arrival should be planned in consultation with the College. Collectionfrom other locations (such as airports in Paris) may be possible by arrangement.
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Visiting the College
Interested families wishing to visit the College with their sons are encouragedto do so during term time by prior arrangement.
Some visitors plan their visit to coincide with a major event such as a sportsday, concert or theatre production, but you are equally welcome at any timeduring the academic year.
Accommodation is not normally available in the College, although we can arrange for hotel reservations to be made for you. The typical cost of anovernight stay is about 35 Euros for one person, or 45 Euros for two peoplesharing.
Appendix
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Fees
Fees are payable termly, in advance.
The rates for 2013/2014 are as follows (prices in Euros).
Tuition
Years 7 & 8 (11-13 yrs approx.) : 4.000 Euros
Years 9,10,11 (13-16 yrs approx.) : 7.500 Euros
VIth Form (A-levels) (16-18 yrs approx.) : 9.000 Euros
Full board accommodation: 7.500 Euros per year.
Fees must be paid in Euros, unless alternative arrangements have been made.We welcome payment by debit or credit card. It is possible for parents to makean arrangement for staged payment: for example by monthly standing order insterling, or by a monthly debit to a charge card.
Scholarships and bursaries are available, at the discretion of the College’s Boardof Governors, in cases of financial hardship and/or particular intellectual ability.Special choral awards are available. Lower fees apply to families with more thanone son at the College.
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Clothing and Equipment list
Standard uniform2 Grey v-necked pullovers/jumpers 2 Navy blue blazer2 Charcoal grey trousers5 Long-sleeved white shirts2 Short sleeved white shirts may be useful in warmer weather5 pairs of grey socks.1 Black leather school shoes – plain1 leather belt
Games1 Navy blue swimming trunks(Note: Most French swimming pools only permit 'Speedo' style, not shorts.)2 Plain white polo shirts with College badge1 Navy blue rugby shorts1 White tennis shorts4 pairs of white tennis socks2 pairs of training shoes/ plimsolls1 Warm navy blue tracksuit 1 pair of football boots1 pair of shin pads2 Navy blue rugby jerseys with College badge2 pairs of red rugby/football stockings1 table tennis bat (optional)1 sports mouth guard
Field gear (For boarders who will be involved in scouting, hiking, etc) 1 navy blue corduroy shorts 1 Walking boots 3 pairs of thick white socks 1 bedroll 1 sleeping bag
Boarding1 Dressing gown2 Pyjamas6 Underpants6 Plain white vests (no patterns) 4 Handkerchiefs (white)1 Indoor slippers1 Sponge bag2 face flannels, with loops Hairbrush, comb, toothbrush – all marked with name.Soap, toothpaste, shampoo.1 Nail scissors 1 Navy blue scarf
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1 Navy blue gloves 1 Navy blue woollen hat or beret 1 Shoe cleaning kit and black polish 2 sets of casual clothes (jumpers, trousers, shirts shorts)Overcoat and/or waterproof jacket should be navy and plain. 2 Small towels with loops 2 large towels with loops 1 sun hat or cap
10 spare name tapes!
For classes1 briefcase or similar for carrying books between classes. 1 pencil case containing ink pen, refills, grey and colour pencils, sharpener, rub-ber, ruler, scissors, glue stick.Tippex – Years 10 and above only, if you really need it.Geometry set for MathematicsScientific Calculators – Year 8 and above only.
Notes:1. Most items of clothing are available from www.johnlewis.com; Name tapesavailable from Cash’s, www.jjcash.co.uk. You can also try Marks and Spencer orLittlewoods Europe.
2. Name tapes. All items must be marked with sewn-in name tapes. Iron-onlabels and “marker-pen” labels are not acceptable. Unmarked items will beremoved from use.
3. Extra clothing. Please do not send your son with non-essential clothing notmentioned on this list.
4. The College supplies all linen, pillows, blankets, etc.
5. A supply of secondhand uniform items is available at the College. Do not hes-itate to enquire.
The College tie is supplied at a cost of 10 euros.
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Rules and RegulationsIntroduction
Like any family, a school must have rules. Because of our legal responsibilitythey are necessarily long and detailed. But the bottom line is simply this: putGod first, work hard, play hard, try to love and respect each other. If you canmanage this, you will do well.
In accepting a place at the College for their son, parents agree that he and theyare bound by the College’s regulations. In coming to live and work here, a boyalso accepts to be bound by them (as do the members of staff).
A. Operation of the School Programme
1. Orderly atmosphere conducive to learning:Any behaviour of boys or groups of boys that detracts from the orderlyatmosphere of the school is prohibited. Any act which is reasonably cal-culated to or reasonably expected to disrupt or tend to disrupt theorderly, peaceful, normal or efficient conduct of any school activity (orany act which violates school rules) is prohibited. Such disorderlybehaviour includes, but is not limited to:
a. Insubordination. By this is meant open defiance of authority, or failingto obey the instructions of any member of the College staff or any per-son delegated with the authority of the College, or failure to comply withany school policy, contract, rule, term or condition;
b. Shouting, loud talking, or making any other noise, or indulging in anykind of behaviour that constitutes an interference, disturbance or dis-ruption of any class or activity of the College;
c. Wearing clothes (or jewellery and similar items) that are not part of theuniform, or wearing the uniform in such a way that demeans theCollege, is disrespectful or is in any way slovenly and untidy. Failing topresent a clean and neat personal appearance, with uniform in a goodstate of repair, or being unshaven or violating haircut regulations;
d. Forgetting or failing to bring, when required, books or other materialsrequired by teachers, supervisors or coaches.
2. Attendance obligations
It is important that pupils are on time for classes and that they partici-pate in all compulsory College activities. Daily Mass, other specifiedCollege religious services, mealtimes, sport lessons, music lessons,music practice and timetabled academic lessons are all important partsof our life of the College.
The following constitute violations of attendance obligations:a. Being absent from school without appropriate permission; (On all occa-
sions where it is anticipated that a pupil will miss school, arrive late atthe start of term, or leave before the end of term, then a written request
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must be presented to the Principal for his prior approval. This is so asnot disrupt the College’s teaching.)
b. Being absent from a class or compulsory College activity without theappropriate consent;
c. Arriving late for a class or compulsory College activity;d. Loitering between classes;e. Being in a prohibited area (eg. unused parts of the building, staff
accommodation, dangerous areas) without a member of staff present,or leaving the College premises without permission; (This is essential,as we are responsible for the welfare of our pupils, so that even if theyare not on site, we must know where they are and when they can beexpected to return.)
f. Leaving a class or other compulsory activity without asking the appro-priate permission.
B. Social and moral behaviour
1. Offences against personsAny behaviour which is or threatens to be an actual detriment to thehealth, safety or well-being of other members of the College (pupils andstaff) is prohibited. Such behaviour includes, but is not limited to:
a. fighting; assault; throwing objects that may cause harm;b. Threatening to do physical harm;c. Possession of any dangerous object or implement that could cause
harm;d. Being in possession of or under the influence of illegal drugs;e. Being in possession of, or under the influence of alcoholic beverages
(including evidence that a pupil has recently consumed an alcoholic bev-erage);
f. Being in possession of, or using, cigarettes or other forms of tobacco;g. The use of profane or obscene language, orally or in writing, or the use
of words, phrases or gestures that are generally considered to be social-ly unacceptable or offensive; being in possession of indecent or porno-graphic material;
h. Speaking or conducting oneself in any manner that shows blatant dis-respect of staff or other pupils, i.e. in a manner which is calculated to,or does, bully, harass, degrade, humiliate a person or group of persons;
i. Cheating;j. Lying;k. Bringing the name of the College into disrepute, on or off the College
premises, by any behaviour that fails to show due respect or restraint.
2. Offences against propertyCollege property belongs to the College as an institution and is held not only forthe benefit of current pupils, but for those who will come to Chavagnes in the
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future. It must be protected from careless as well as intentional abuse or dam-age.
The same respect should be shown to the property of staff, other pupils, orindeed anyone else. The reimbursement for such damage is a minimum require-ment. If an accident occurs and there is some damage to property, it must bereported as soon as possible if the imputation of willful damage is to be avoid-ed.
a. Any behaviour which results in the abuse, loss, destruction of, or dam-age to, College grounds, buildings, furnishings, materials or equipmentis forbidden (this includes writing or scratching graffiti on walls, desks,etc.) For this reason, ball games are only to be played in designatedareas.
b. Any behaviour which results in the loss, abuse, destruction of, or dam-age to, any other individual’s property is likewise prohibited.
c. The obtaining of money or other property under threat of harm or byforce is prohibited.
d. The loss of books or equipment entrusted to a pupil by the College willbe calculated on replacement value. Books must be returned at therequest of staff.
e. Unauthorised borrowing is considered as theft.f. The lending or borrowing of property between pupils is at their own risk,
and the College takes no responsibility should damage or loss ensue.g. Pupils are forbidden to bring to school miscellaneous items not required
for school activities that may distract the pupils from their studies. ThePrincipal may from time to time publish on the school noticeboard listsof further prohibited items. All such items, if brought to school, areliable to temporary, or in certain cases, permanent confiscation.
h. Pupils are responsible for all property under their care and are requiredto exercise due care in this responsibility.
i. All property and items of clothing should be clearly marked with theowner’s name. Sewn-in name-tapes are required for clothing. All otheritems should be indelibly marked in some other way.
j. The littering of buildings or grounds with discarded papers or othermaterials is a serious offence.
C. Withholding information:You are your brother’s keeper
Pupils are expected to distinguish between serious moral offences and ‘techni-cal’ offences. If any person withholds information on a matter of serious moralconcern, such a person is morally and legally considered to be an abettor, andmay be disciplined for his silence.
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D. Notes on personal appearance
All boys at the College should take pride in their appearance for its own sake,but also as representatives of the College.
Hair must be above the eyebrows, above the ears, above the collar. If a boywishes to have very short hair it should be in a military crew-cut style, other-wise the rule is ‘not too short, not too long.’
Pupils who need to shave are expected to do so as often as is necessary toremain tidy and clean-shaven.
Ties must be worn properly, not back-to-front or upside down or otherwiseskewed, as is the fashion in some circles.
The top button must be done up on the shirt, except when the summer dresscode is in force.
There will be occasions when pupils are permitted to change into informalclothes, but the decision to allow this is that of the staff, not of the pupils.
E. Sanctions and appeals
In our pastoral care for students, we hold to the philosophy of St John Boscothat love and prevention are better motives to good behaviour than fear andpunishment. In most cases, boys will cooperate with each other and their teach-ers out of friendship and respect. Inevitably, however, the College may fromtime to time be called upon to enforce its moral and administrative authority byresorting to punishments. In a Christian community this is a particularly deli-cate area. Sanctions are not applied in a spirit of vengeance. They are intend-ed to inspire a change in behaviour.
We will not use corporal punishment of any kind; if a boy’s conduct cannot becontrolled without recourse to force, then we are not able to provide for his carehere.
The following sanctions exist:
Daily detention, conducted in silence. This is during the students’ free time.Deprivation of privileges.Lines or punishment essays.Manual work.Punishment runs.
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If a pupil feels that he is faced with an unjust punishment he may appeal in writ-ing to the Principal. If his complaint is against the Principal he may write to theBoard of Governors. In practical terms such appeals will not have the effect ofdelaying his punishment.
Sometimes, in the case of serious offences, there might be a need to demon-strate to the College at large that a particular episode of misconduct is at vari-ance with the whole philosophy and spirit of Chavagnes, and that the perpetra-tor has forfeited his right to membership of the College family. We hope thatsuch an occurrence would be extremely rare, but for the good of the wholeCollege, we reserve the right to expel or suspend pupils in the case of truly seri-ous misconduct.
F. Prohibited items:
Category 1: Video cassettes and video equipment are expressly forbidden, asare all personal tape-recorders, portable computer games, CD-players, musiccassettes and CDs and mobile telephones.
Category 2: Fireworks (even bangers), knives, catapults, and other danger-ous items.
Experience has proved that the negative attributes of chewing gum and bub-ble gum far outweigh any benefits that children may claim are associated withtheir use. Anything that might be construed as chewing or bubble gum istherefore not allowed at the College, under this same category.
Category 3: Any item that may be considered indecent, dangerous or inappro-priate by the Principal.
It should be noted that pupils will have regular opportunities to watch filmsand listen to music under staff guidance.
As a special privilege, which may be withdrawn at any time, pupils may beallowed to use items in Category 1 at certain times, provided - in the judge-ment of the College authorities - such use does not interfere with their studiesor the studies of other pupils.
The Principal reserves the right to confiscate any musical cassette, CD orother similar item whose content he considers inappropriate or likely to con-tribute to foster an uncivilised atmosphere in the College.
The College reserves the right to conduct searches of pupils’ belongings if it issuspected that pupils may be in possession of prohibited items.
End of regulations.Published by authority of the Board (Conseil d’Administration) of the College.
Ferdi McDermott founded Chavagnes International Collegein 2002 after several years in publishing and journalism. Amodern languages graduate of the University of Edinburghhe gained his Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE)and Masters in Educational Leadership from the Universityof Buckingham. He is a Member of the Chartered Instituteof Linguists and Fellow of both the Royal Society of Artsand the College of Teachers. Mr McDermott teaches
French, English, Religion and Latin and is Principal of the College.
Father Bede Rowe, MA(Oxon), MLitt.
Father Bede Rowe is a Theology graduate of the Universityof Oxford. He also holds an MLitt degree from theUniversity of Bristol where he was formerly on the teachingstaff of the Department of Religious Studies. He is a priestof the Diocese of Clifton in the UK. Prior to taking up thepost of chaplain at Chavagnes he was parish priest for fiveyears in Warminster and chaplain to the Army. Fr Rowe haswritten several books on Scripture, liturgy and religiouseducation. He teaches Religious Education andMathematics and is Head of Religious Education andPhilosophy.
Gareth Usher, BEd, Dip. Ed. Man., MRAeS.
Gareth Usher is a graduate in Sports Science from theUniversity of Liverpool and holds a Diploma in EducationManagement from the University of Ulster. He is a Memberof the Royal Aeronautical Society. After five years service-with the Royal Airforce and four years with the police forcein Hampshire, Mr Usher moved into teaching. Since 1982he has taught continuously in private and state schools inEngland and Northern Ireland and was until recently Headof Science and the Private American School of Paphos,
Cyprus. A former hockey and rugby international at student level, and formercountry cricketer, Mr Usher coaches the senior rugby team. He is Head ofScience and Senior Master, with responsibility for staff training and for theacademic and disciplinary aspects of the Senior School. He lives nearby theCollege with his wife and family.
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Teaching Staff
Michael Leach, BSc (Hons), Dip. Couns, MBPsS.
Michael Leach holds a Bachelor of Science (Psychology andSport) degree from the University of Leeds. He is a mem-ber of the British Psychological Society. After several yearscoaching sports and working with disadvantaged childrenfor a leading Children's charity, he moved into teaching in1997. He has taught English, RS, Psychology, KS3 Spanishand Sport in the UK state sector and prior to coming toChavagnes was Head of Boys’ Sport and a Faculty Co-ordi-nator for Physical Education, Music, Art and ICT, at a pri-
vate international school in Marbella, Spain. Mr Leach, is Head of the JuniorSchool and Head of Sport. He teaches Sport, English, Biology and Spanish atChavagnes. He resides at the school.
Sebastian Crawford, MA (Cantab), PGCE.
Sebastian Crawford is a history graduate of the Universityof Cambridge and holds a PGCE from the University ofBuckingham. He has taught History, Latin, Maths, Religionand English at the College since 2009. He is Head ofHistory and Assistant Principal.
Charles Tyldesley, BA (Hons), PGCE.
Charles Tyldesley is a Classics graduate from the Universityof Exeter and joined the staff in January 2011. MrTyldesley teaches Art, Latin, Greek, English and Music andis Head of Classics and English. He heads the College'sScout Troop, coaches soccer, teaches the flute and isAssistant Choir Master. He is pursuing a Masters inEducation in Educational Leadership with the University ofBuckingham.
David Senosiain, Diploma de Maestro.
David Senosiain holds a teaching dploma from thePontifical University of Navarre. He has began teachingSpanish at the College in 2007. He is assistant ScoutMaster of the College Troop.
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Philip Gonzales, BA, MA, MPhil (Louvain)and Sara Gonzales, MA
Philip Gonzales teaches Philosophy,Classical Civilisation and English. Heholds his MA from Ave Maria Universityand his MPhil from the PontificalUniversity of Louvain, Belgium and cameto Chavagnes in 2010. He is currentlypursuing a doctorate in Philosophy andregularly contributes to philosophical
conferences and journals. He lives at the College with his wife Sara and twoyoung children. His wife, who also holds a Masters degree from Ave MariaUniversity, assists with pastoral care and with teaching of English as a foreignlanguage.
John Hayes, MA (Oxon), MSc, PGCE
John Hayes graduated from the University of Oxford andcontinued there for his research degree. He worked for ayear in industry before returning to Oxford for histeacher training, then worked for 14 years at the DeLasalle College, Jersey. He has also taught in Spain andspeaks Spanish and German. He has specialised inMathematics and Science at Chavagnes since January2003. Mr Hayes also coaches cricket and Cross Countryat the College.
Nicholas Lloyd, MA (Cantab), PGCE,LTCM and Christine Lloyd, MRCVS.
Nicholas Lloyd graduated in the NaturalSciences from Trinity College,Cambridge. He was a senior engineer atBritish Aerospace for several yearsbefore moving into teaching. He holds aPGCE from the University of Buckinghamand has taught at the College sinceEaster 2003. Mr Lloyd holds a Licentiate in Piano teaching from the TrinityCollege of Music. He directs the College Choir and teaches junior science,German and piano. His wife Christine is a veterinary surgeon who works local-ly. Over the years she has helped at the College with theatrical productionsand some teaching, including German. They have four children, two of whomwere educated at the College and are now at University.
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Jonathan Battye, MA (Oxon), MA (Dunelm)
Jonathan Battye read Literae Humaniores ('Greats') atOxford, before completing a postgraduate degree atDurham in Ancient Philosophy. He is a qualified trainerin First Aid and long-serving of member of St JohnAmbulance. He also enjoys rowing and walking. He ismarried with three children and lives in the College withhis family. He teaches Junior Science and Classics whilststudying for the Buckingham University PGCE (2012-2013 academic year).
Thomas Conlon, BSc, MSc, PhD
Dr Thomas Conlon holds degrees from Queen'sUniversity, Belfast and the University of Bristol. He hastaught Mathematics, Physics and Latin at the Collegesince 2003 after a career in the telecommunicationsindustry. After serving as Head Master from 2004-2006,he now continues to teach A-level classes part time. Hewrites regulary on scientific, historical and literarythemes and recently published a book on the history ofscience: Thinking about Nothing: Otto von Guericke andthe Magdeburg Expermients on the Vacuum. He is mar-ried with three adult sons.
Joan McDermott, Cert. Ed.
Mrs Joan McDermott is a retired teacher resident at theCollege. She holds a Certificate of Education from theUniversity of Southampton (LSU). She assists with thepastoral care of boys and often helps with additionaltutoring in English or Mathematics. She was a founding
member of the College in 2002.
Martin Gardey de Soos, M. ès Lettres
Martin Gardey de Soos, a graduate in Political Sciencesof the Insitut Catholique d’Etudes Supérieures, havingpreviously taught in the French system, joined theCollege in 2013. He teaches French thoughout theschool for French pupils. He is also a qualified table tennis coach.
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Christophe Kocsan, M ès Lettres
Christophe Kocsan is an experienced 'Professeur certifié' in the French nationalsystem with two degrees in History. He has been with us since 2011 andteaches History to our older French pupils preparing for public examinations.
Emmanuel Tang, BSc, MSc
Mr Tang, a graduate in International Relations, has recently joined the staff toteach History, English and Chinese. He is also our Maître d'Armes and teachesfencing at the College to Masters and boys.
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The College complies with French employment legislation and the "ConventionCollective de l'Enseignement Privé Hors Contrat".
The College is an institutional member of the College of Teachers (London),the world's oldest professional body in education. We abide by their Code ofPractice.
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Pourquoi Chavagnes? Un guide pour les familles françaises
Chavagnes International College est un internat Catholique pour garçons de11 à 18 ans, implanté à Chavagnes-en-Paillers (en Vendée). S'inspirant de latradition scolaire britannique qui vise surtout l'épanouissement intellectuel etspirituel de chaque enfant, notre corps professoral, dispense un enseignementbilingue qui prépare les diplômes français et anglais.
En 1802 le Vénérable Louis-Marie Baudouin créa le Séminaire de Chavagnes-en-Paillers. C’est dans ces locaux que s’est installé en Septembre 2002, notreinstitution catholique internationale.
Dans un magnifique édifice du début XIXème, avec sa majestueuse chapellenéo-gothique, notre collège propose a chacun de ses pensionnaires unenseignement de choix, dans un environnement propice à l'approfondissementde la foi catholique, dans un esprit d'aventure, de prière et de respect de latradition.
Avec des équipements modernes (ordinateurs en réseau, pianos, gymnase,terrains de sports, billard, babyfoot, théâtre ...) et une équipe de professeurscatholiques, sortis des meilleures universités d’Angleterre, d’Irlande, des EtatsUnis, du Canada et de la France,
Une école anglaise adaptée aux français
Devinir bilingue, voire trilingue, est souvent un des premiers buts de nosélèves, souvent non-natifs en ce qui concerne l’anglais. Nous en avons l’habi-tude et nous mettons en place la formations nécessaires pour aider vosenfants à se sébrouiller rapidement dans la langue de Shakespeare.
De la 6ème à la 4ème, tous nos élèves suivent un programme de langueanglaise approfondi, et assistent à la plupart de leurs cours en anglais. À l’ex-ception sont les cours de français, dispensé par des enseignants français etsupplémentés par un club de soutien.
Ces trois ans servent à jeter les bases d’une poursuite intéllectuelle, tout enprévoyant un soutien plus suivi là où l’élève manque en confiance ou encapacité. Objectif: le pousser plus loin que prévoit le système publique où ilpourrait se trouver entravé. Tout s'effectue dans le cadre privilégié de classelimitées à une dizaine de garçons, sous l’œil de professeurs experts etdévoués.
En 3ème, nos élèves français préparent le Diplôme Nationale du Brevet.
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À partir de la 2nde, trois choix se présentent pour nos élèves: premièrement,poursuivre le programme français en préparant un Bac L ou ES; deuxièment,se lancer dans l’option britannique et préparer les «GCSEs» et puis les «A lev-els» reconnus par les universités et les entreprises à travers le monde;troisièment, effectuer une combinaison des deux systèmes.
Sports
« Mens sana in corpore sano ». Les sports ont une grande importance auCollège International, et une partie de chaque journée scolaire y est con-sacrée. Les élèves pratiquent environ 10 heures de sport par semaine, etjouent contre d’autres établissements dans le cadre de UGSEL, la fédérationsportive de l’Enseignement catholique.
En dehors des cours de sports de l’après-midi, nos élèves ont aussi un choixde sports facultatifs, souvent pour animer le temps libre du soir.
Obligatoires: Rugby, Football, Hockey sur gazon, Course à pied, Cricket,Athletisme, Basket.
En dehors des cours, nos élèves ont besoin de se détendre; mais le loisir neconsiste pas à simplement rien faire. Comme le philosophe Josef Pieper nousa enseigné, le loisir – dans le sens d’une éspace pour la contemplation –représente la base même de la culture. Dans le livre de Genèse nous lisons durepos de Dieu le septième jour. C’est de ceci que nous tirons notre philosophiedu loisir. Le Créateur regarda ce qu’il avait créé et il voyait que c’était bon.Ainsi notre temps de loisir ne sera pas en rupture totale ave le reste de notrevie d’école; plutôt, il nous permettra d’apprécier d’autant plus nos matièresscolaires, en nous donnant un aperçu de l’ensemble du grand tableau qu'estl’existence, sans l’obligation de se soucier d’examens ou d’autres pressionssimilaires.
A ce jour nous avons pu développer les activités suivantes au sein du College:les échecs ; les cartes; un club des langues modernes; la pêche; le club lit-téraire; des ensembles musicaux; des groupes de théâtre; des débats; laboxe …
A Chavagnes un effort particulier est consacré à veiller à ce qu’il n’y ait pas decontradiction entre des choix artistiques et sportifs, pour éviter la polarisationmalsaine entre musiciens et sportifs. A Chavagnes il est possible d’être un‘good all-rounder’ (quelqu’un d’équilibré en ce qui concerne la vie d’école). Enfait, cela a toujours été l’idéale de la philosophie anglaise en matière d’en-seignement et de la formation du caractère.
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Programmes et matières
Les études de 3ème aboutissent au Diplôme National du Brevet.
À la fin de la 2nde, les élèves ayant choisi le programme britanniqueacquièrent les IGCSEs. Ils peuvent ensuite continuer dans le système britan-nique pour terminer leur scolarité avec les A levels, ou reprendre le pro-gramme français pour passer le Bac L ou ES, eventuellement combiné avec 2à 3 A-levels, ainsi diplômés des deux systèmes.
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ClassesSection ‘Collège’
Obligatoires: Facultatifs:
6ème - 4ème Anglais, Français,Espagnol, Latin, Histoire,Sciences,Mathématiques, Religion,Musique, Arts plastiques.
Allemand.
3ème Anglais, Français,Espagnol, Latin, Histoire,Sciences,Mathématiques, Religion,Musique, Arts plastiques.
