What is a School?
A school is a community of people of all
ages and backgrounds. It is a place that we automatically associate with
children, but many adults besides the teachers are a part of that community:
teachers' assistants, administrative staff, caterers, cleaners and a managers,
parents and volunteers, including the governing body, all make up this complex
society.
The school exists for the children; it is a
place of education - teaching and learning. The building and equipment are
designed for children and to help them to learn in a pleasant environment.
Other local groups, like children's clubs and uniformed organizations, use
schools. Adults will sometimes use the sports facilities or the hall. It may be
used as a Polling station and be the only public building in the locality.
Therefore it makes sense for any church to
forge links with its local schools.
Opportunities that are there already
- Goodwill: Schools are showing increasing goodwill and
openness towards members of faith communities working with them. The spiritual
dimension of education is widely accepted, and this includes the idea that it
is good for children to experience worship and attend services.
- Place of religion: RE is a foundation subject on the
curriculum and every school is expected to hold an act of collective worship,
which is either broadly Christian or reflecting the religious nature of the
school. Both of these form part of OFSTED inspections.
- People: Most congregations will have somebody who
has a link with the local school, whether as a pupil, working there, providing
voluntary help or as a parent or relation of someone who attends or works
there.
- 'Cure of souls': England is divided into parishes. This
means that every school is within an Anglican parish where the priest has
responsibility for its 'cure of souls'. This is an enormous privilege. At the
same time, Christians of other traditions may be able to offer more effective
links with a school, so it is best to work in co-operation whenever possible.
We serve first - Jesus' love is unconditional
- Prayer: Pray regularly for the school: at the
beginning of term, on Education Sunday, during public exams, OFSTED inspections
and at any time of need or major decision making. You might like to send a card
to the school so it knows that you are aware of a particular situation and are
praying for it.
- Outreach: When discussing anything to do with working
in the wider community, always include the school.
- Welcome: Invite the school or a class to use the
church for lessons or to hold a carol or leavers' service. If the school is
strong in music, invite the choir or instrumentalists to play during a Sunday
service; offer to display artwork, or ask the head to speak on Education
Sunday. Other suggestions are given under 'School in Church' (see below).
- Support: Mention school events on the weekly service
sheet and urge people to go along. Consider offering voluntary help. There are
suggestions in 'What can a church offer?' (see below).
Approaching the school
Gaining the goodwill of the Head Teacher is
vital. You need his/her permission to enter the school and he/she may wish to
consult the Governors before giving permission for an activity. See that you
know something about the school, its strengths and its needs. Know what skills
and time your church can offer before asking if you can be of help.
Forging links with a local school can take
time. (A curate spent over two years coaching football before he gained enough
confidence from the staff to take an act of worship). Let the school set the
pace. If the Head clearly does not want your church to be involved, don't hurl
yourself at the barricades, but use your time and energy elsewhere.
What can a church offer? (Not all at once!)
Christian
teaching:
- Acts of worship
- Special services
- RE lessons
- Pastoral support
- Lunchtime Club
- Prayer group
Christian
Witness:
- Reading groups
- Skills: sports, music
- Help with class outings
- Lunch time or admin help
- School events
- Governor
Church
in school:
- Holiday or midweek club
- Toddler group
- Chaplain / pastoral support
- Informal worship
- Church plant
School
in Church:
- RE related lessons
- History; Botany (churchyard)
- Maths and physics
- Holding plays and concerts
- Taking part in services
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