Upper VI R.E. research

Posted: 14th September 2020

Science and Religion: the Big Bang Theory.

As part of their core R.E. programme this term, Mrs McDermott (Head of R.E.) is leading Upper VI in their investigations into the relationship between science and religion.  The origins of the universe have intrigued and fascinated people for millennia and here Naomi Jeffries writes about Mgr. Georges Lemaître, who formulated the Big Bang Theory in the late 1920s.

‘Georges Lemaître (1894 – 1966) was a Belgian astronomer and cosmologist who formulated the modern big-bang theory, which says that the universe began in a cataclysmic explosion of a small, primeval “super-atom.” Lemaître also conducted research on cosmic rays and on the three-body problem, which concerns the mathematical description of the motion of three mutually attracting bodies in space.

Mgr Georges Lemaître

However, Lemaître was also a Monsignor in the Catholic Church and through his life he showed that religion and science did not have to be incompatible. In the course of carrying out his research, he confronted illogical thinking that pitted science against the Church.

It was shocking to many that a man who would think of a great scientific theory, could also be a Catholic priest. Lemaître managed to bring together the science of creation and the religious views of God’s creation, which forever changed the future landscape of both science and religion, and their connection with each other.’

Categories: Sixth Form Whole School
Strengthening Our Community: The Return of Boys to our Preps and Pre-Preps

We are excited to share that, from September 2026, boys will begin moving up from our Nursery into Reception, marking the gradual reintroduction of boys into our Prep and Pre-Prep School.

This step reflects growing interest from families who value our strong holistic ethos and unique grounds and setting and would like their sons and daughters to share their educational journey together.

At St Augustine’s, our strong sense of community, academic excellence, and deep care for each individual child remain at the heart of everything we do. This is a natural evolution of our school rather than a change to who we are, building on our strengths and allowing us to offer the same joyful, inspiring education to even more children.