What is a school? Is it
like an iceberg?
If a person asks, 'Where do we find
children?' the immediate answer is usually, 'in school'. It is a place we
associate with children. The building is designed for children and the
furnishings and equipment have particular age-groups in mind.
A school is created to enable children to
learning and to be taught, but it contains people of all ages and backgrounds:
pupils, teachers, non-teaching staff, parents, governors and members of the
local community. Schools in some areas will have up to 30 languages spoken,
with members of differing economic and social backgrounds, from different
faiths and cultures. Others will have fewer than 100 pupils and be the centre
and maybe the only meeting place in the community.
Some people think of schools as being like
icebergs - huge, cold and possibly dangerous. Most schools are friendly and
welcoming communities who want to work with the local community.
Ice breakers
The last 20 years have shown increased
goodwill and openness. The spiritual dimension of education of the whole person
is recognized. The spiritual development of the school forms part of an Ofsted
inspection.
It is widely accepted that it is 'good' for
children to experience worship. RE and worship are included in the curriculum
and are also examined by Ofsted.
Most schools will have Christians in their
community as pupils, staff, parents and governors. There may be formal
relationships, for example the local vicar being a governor.
Testing the ice
Head teachers are busy people. Before
contacting a school it is wise to know why you are doing it and what you or
your church has to offer. Start with the following:
- Find out
about the present relationships. There may be more than
you realize!
- Review your resources. This will include
people and talents as well as buildings. It will look at helping the school
generally as well as with religious activities.
- Find out what the various local needs are.
Is the school able to respond to them? Could you work with the school, for
example by running a club in the school building?
- When you have done your 'homework', ask to
meet the Head. Explain the purpose of your meeting. If you know the Head
already, you could invite him / her for a drink or a meal rather than a meeting
in school time.
- In any discussion, start from where you are,
not where you think that the school is, and offer only something that you know
that you can deliver.
Getting your skates on
Maybe you have decided that you as an individual have something to
offer to the school. This could be because you are a parent or because you have
links with the school already. Your witness as a Christian helping in school is
important. If you want your church to become involved, see that you have the
support of your vicar or minister and the church council before making the
first step.
Nobody can enter a school without the permission of the Head Teacher.
Nothing can happen without his/her support and, in some cases, that of the
Governing body. The goodwill of the Head is vital.
Don't just tell the Head what you have to offer. Be prepared to ask
questions about the school and to listen
and learn. Most Heads welcome help from faith communities. Others will not
want links with local churches for a variety of reasons. If this is made clear,
remain friendly but don't hurl yourself at the barricades!
Starting Sledging
Things
the church can do anyway:
- Pray regularly for the school and all who
are part of that community.
- Include the school in any discussion about
communication with the wider community or an evangelism programme.
- Report to the PCC about the church's
relationship with the school.
- Go to school events. This is part of
supporting the school and is usually noted and appreciated.
- See if church members can offer ongoing
pastoral support or help with teaching or other assistance in the classroom. NB
This requires a long-term commitment.
Invite
the school to:
- Use the church building for RE and other
subjects when appropriate.
- Hold special services, like carol service,
leavers' service and so on, in school or church.
- Use the church for concerts or drama if the
school hall is not big enough or for a group to perform at a church event.
- Display any special artwork in the church
and make it known so that the public can come to see it.
- Publicise the various church clubs and
events for children and special services like Christingle or Mothering Sunday.
Down the Bob run -
getting moving with
Christian
teaching and worship:
- Acts of worship
- Prayer group
- Pastoral support
- Lunchtime Christian Club
- RE lessons
- Parents' group
Christian
Witness through:
- Being a school governor
- Helping with reading groups
- Offering skills like sports and music
- Assisting with class outings
- Helping: lunchtime or admin.
- Supporting at school events
Back at the hotel: Apres
Ski!
Church
in school
- Holiday club
- Midweek club
- Toddler club in hall
- Informal worship
- Church plant
School
in Church
- RE related lessons
- History and botany (graveyard)
- Plays and concerts
- Maths and physics: tower, organ!
- Taking part in services
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