Chapel
Whilst Durham School has a strong Anglican tradition, we welcome pupils of all religions and beliefs and value the contribution their experiences and insights bring to the school.
Our beautiful chapel is both literally and figuratively at the heart of the school. The building sits at the top of the school site commanding a magnificent view of Durham Cathedral, and is where the entire school meets together four times a week. If you ask former pupils what they most miss about Durham School, the answer is frequently ‘Chapel’.
The Chapel was built in the 1920s as a memorial to the 98 Old Dunelmians who died in the First World War. During the Second World War a further 79 Old Dunelmians were killed, and the names from both wars are inscribed on the pillars inside the Chapel.
The Chaplaincy
Mrs Anna de Lange is our Chaplain. She says that one of her aims is to help pupils to think about the spiritual side of their life – the part that is not mind (which is developed in lessons) or body (developed through games). What are the rules you will live by, what will make you distinctively ‘you’? Opportunities to do this arise in several ways:
- in chapel services there is time to step aside, often with a visiting speaker (who may stay in school after the service to talk informally to pupils);
- a lunchtime discussion group called Hot Potatoes gives the chance to discuss personal or more general issues;
- the Chaplain is available to listen to any member of the school community who needs to talk about any worries they have, whether or not it is to do with school; she is also contactable by e-mail, which can be an easier first approach on a deeply personal issue;
- in confirmation preparation groups there is the opportunity to think specifically about the Christian faith.
What Happens In Chapel?
Our main chapel service is on Friday afternoons and rounds off the school week. On three other days there is a morning service. One Friday service in each half-term is Holy Communion and at least one other is planned and led by pupils. The annual Service of Remembrance, held on the Friday before Remembrance Sunday, is a particularly poignant occasion as we remember the dead and pray for peace.
Each term we hold a service in the Cathedral, and we also go there for our annual Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols. Parents and friends are welcome at these Cathedral services, in which pupils are encouraged to play an active role.
Useful Links for Prayer
Listen to Chapel Music
You can download to the following tracks in mp3 format:
- Let's Do It (1078Kb)
- The Continental (4278Kb)
- Walking in Memphis (5583Kb)
(Click the above link to listen, or right click and save the file to download it)
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Testimonials
"I would recommend Durham School Sixth Form to anyone as I I felt welcome from the day I joined and have greatly enjoyed my first year here. I've made a lot of good friends here and I feel that I have grown in confidence. The teachers are friendly and supportive and the House system is great. It's the perfect choice for anybody who wants to achieve good A-levels and have the chance to excel at music or sport. "
Liam Groves (Year 13 student)
