ROBERT Canning states that he cannot “see why Catholic children can’t learn in non-denominational schools” (Letters, November 2). The answer is, “Of course, they can”; but this raises the question,:“What do they miss out on in comparison with attending a Catholic school?

Catholics (and adherents of other faith traditions) believe that God is not someone out there who started the world in the same way as a clockmaker, winding it up and letting it run on its own. They see God as intimately involved in the lives of all of us, a true Father who loves us unconditionally. Hence, for Catholic parents, when their children come of age to go to school, it is logical for them to choose a school which creates and sustains an atmosphere which acknowledges God’s love for all. Specifically, in a Catholic school, this will be evident in the formal classroom setting, not simply by the provision of Catholic religious education, but also by the highlighting of relevant aspects of Catholic teaching in other subjects, for example, Catholic social teaching in subjects such as English, History and Modern Studies.

Moreover – and crucially – the context for all learning and teaching in a Catholic school acknowledges and promotes Catholic Christian values, particularly in the way in which teachers view and interact with their pupils as young people of infinite value, loved by God and destined for friendship with Him. In a world where success is measured by fame and fortune – and where utilitarianism (“the greatest good for the greatest number”) is considered the highest moral value – surely such an educational context is to be valued as not just good for the individual, but also for society in general.

William Liston,

29 George Street,

Airdrie.