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Churches & Schools Working Together Margaret Nicholson Churches & Schools Working Together September 2009 Slide 2 We will .. Recap national policy & review progress Consider context Share some examples Consider some issues Share information about some new resources Ask questions 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 Slide 3 National Policy: The Dearing Report 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 As a general theme throughout our report, we urge all elements in the church community to look afresh at how they work together, for in a community of purpose the work of the church will be enhanced. We have in mind in particular the relationship between the parish and the Church school. (Exec Summary) Slide 4 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 NATIONAL DIOCESAN DEANERY churchschool colleges Slide 5 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 ChurchSchool Incumbent School viewed as an add-on Slide 6 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 Church School Incumbent The Church school at the heart of the life of the parish, integral to the life and ministry of the local church.. Church schools should see themselves as a living, collaborating part of the church community, each knowing that it is supported by the prayers and ministry of the other. (7.4) Slide 7 Chapter 4 The distinctive identity of a Church school is enhanced by its relationship with a parish church (or churches). . a partnership between a Church school and a parish church has much to offer both. 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 Slide 8 The relationship is at its best when: Incumbent and other members of the church are a welcome and familiar presence, The school seeks to involve itself in the worship in the church from time to time: - festivals, end of school year, welcome a new headteacher. Parishoners pray for their school regularly 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 Slide 9 Chapter 7 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 Relationships between school & parish Church schools are not an add-on, but integral to the life and ministry of the local church. (7.4) churchschool incumbent Slide 10 The contribution of the clergy Incumbent & headteacher discuss possibilities, e.g. Pastor to staff, pupils and families Ex-officio governor Leader of collective worship Consultant over collective worship & RE Chaplain & (voluntary) teacher (7.9) 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 Slide 11 The training of clergy Clergy should be equipped for their ministry in schools.... in pre and post ordination training. 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 Slide 12 All clergy... will want to demonstrate their loving care for their Church school.... developing the framework of ongoing relationships between church and school . (7.6) 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 Slide 13 Worship & spiritual growth Churches should provide opportunities for the worshipping life of the school to be shared within the church congregation .. & vica versa Church & school should work together to bring life, colour, vigour and rigour to the gospel.. Children in Church schools . should have access to the special way of relating to God & Jesus provided by the Eucharist. (7.12) 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 Slide 14 will be a special occasion for the church community when the presence of a Church school in the parish is celebrated, & its place in the life of the parish recognized and promoted. (7.6) Church schools will want to provide an education in which children see the Church as a familiar and friendly place. (7.7) 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 Slide 15 Recommendations: All parishes and all Church schools to reflect on their relationship Deaneries actively fostering this relationship... Parishes & schools pray regularly for each other Job descriptions for clergy making responsibilities towards the Church school clear Appointments/welcome/induction of staff 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 Slide 16 Progress report The close links with the local Church is one way in which spiritual development is enhanced. One parent said I am not a church goer but I go because of school, I love hearing children sing. Parents are supportive and enjoy attending class worship and the festival times. The school is actively engaged in the life of the wider community, and well supported by the parish. Close links with the parish church are highly valued and children confidently and ably lead acts of worship in church on occasions such as Education Sunday, Easter and Christingle. 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 Slide 17 Progress report cont There are valued and effective links between the parish church and the head teacher is a member of the PCC. Links with the church are very strong staff are considered an extension of the church family. The children visit the church and are invited to a variety of church celebrations and festivals. The headteacher is a member of the PCC and is welcomed to meetings to ensure church and school work together and that school is seen as part of the fellowship of church. The local vicar other ministers and visitors regularly lead collective worship. 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 Slide 18 Faith in the System highlights the importance of understanding the contribution faith communities and their schools make to education young people in England and to fostering understanding, integration and community cohesion. 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 Slide 19 Context In the summer of 2001: Dearing report published in June Race riots in northern towns in July/August Stand off at Holy Cross Primary in Belfast September 11 th Backlash against faith. 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 Slide 20 Slide 21 Schools are being encouraged to collaborate Collaboration Other Schools Private sector LSC NCSL NetworksFederationsPartnershipsFE & HESurestart LA DEB 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 School Collaboration National Policies Extended Schools DCSF The Way Ahead National Society Protocols & Agreements Slide 22 Churches are being encouraged to collaborate Church Social & Justice Local groups Other Churches Other agencies Mission partners Deanery & Diocese 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 Mission Shaped Church Mission shaped children Ecumenical Inter-faith Rural Affairs Social Cohesion Dearing Report Slide 23 In Church Schools The relationship between the school and the church is a given. encourage one another & build each other up, (1 Thes. 5:11) It does need to be nurtured. 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 Slide 24 Statutory Inspection of Anglican Schools A framework for inspection and self-evaluation of Church of England, Methodist and Ecumenical schools Revised April 2009 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 Slide 25 Both exist to serve the community & collaboration should be mutually beneficial & win /win 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 Slide 26 A Church of England School ofsted Every child matters Parental expectations SIAS league tables Church expectations extended services 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 DCSF agenda Slide 27 An Anglican Church 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 evangelism mission fellowship nurture worship care ministry service Slide 28 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 Supporting outstanding collective worship Slide 29 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 In religious education (RE) pupils should be taught about Christianity as a world-wide, multicultural, living faith that is relevant to 21st century life. Slide 30 Other Examples 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 Slide 31 Holiday & after school clubs 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 Slide 32 More Examples Joint sports teams Social events Voluntary helpers Fundraising Provide Bibles for one age group Out of school clubs Offer a gift Use the church building as a resource Holiday club Play piano for collective worship Prayer Pupils take part in church services Welcome of new head/clergy Contribute to RE lessons Gardening Club Education Sunday School & parish newsletter Chaplain Prayer Quest Club School Choir Celebration of paintings Experiential learning 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 Slide 33 Sally Lamb 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 Slide 34 Slide 35 Some issues STRUCTURES ------------------------------ RELATIONSHIPS 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 policies procedures plans Slide 36 Who are the key players? 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 The church's relationships with the headteacher need to be friendly and professional and based on mutual support and a shared understanding of both parties' commitment to serving the local community. (National Society website) Slide 37 Church & school should work together to bring life, colour, vigour and rigour to the gospel .. 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 Slide 38 Education for ? Tests? An outstanding ofsted? Qualifications? A good job and material well-being? 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 Slide 39 That they may have life, life in all its fullness (John 10:10) The reason the Church of England is knee- deep in education is because it is committed to helping human beings live full and flourishing lives. (Jan Ainsworth, Guardian article May 09) reading, writing, arithmetic are important only if they serve to make our children more human. (a holocaust survivor) 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 Slide 40 For the whole child Providing an education which stretches the mind, strengthens the body, enriches the imagination, nourishes the spirit, encourages the will to do good and opens the heart to others. 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 Slide 41 The story of the rich fool .. Luke 12 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 me, me, me the eternal perspective Slide 42 Faith schools Serve the people of their faith RC, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh etc BUT most C of E schools serve the community in which they are placed. NB The maintained education system in this country began as church provision. RE and CW are statutory because of our Christian roots. 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 Slide 43 Let the children come to me and do not hinder them for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it (Mark 10:14 & 15) Church & school should work together to bring life, colour, vigour and rigour to the gospel.. The children and young people can bring colour and energy to the church and their way of learning about and relating to God can enrich and enliven church life. Intergenerational relationships can nurture and affirm old and young alike. 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 Slide 44 Some Resources Values for Schools www.christianvalues4schools.co.uk Jan Ainsworth "....... the information should help explain how the C of E name on the sign outside a school translates into a difference in the classroom, and the playground Schools can choose from 15 values to help them delve deeper into their distinctive character as church schools. This, in turn will enable schools to reflect upon how these values challenge the prevailing culture in society. 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 Slide 45 actionpact Slide 46 Youth for Christ Over the past year, YFC has launched two exciting schools resources which are now in use in hundreds of schools across the country. 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 Slide 47 Supporting Christian groups in schools with exciting Bible based resources for children and young people. Slide 48 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 A community resource for churches and schools geared for boys and girls of all ages www.highersports.org New 2009/10 Slide 49 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 www.christmasjourney.org.uk Helping churches make positive links with local primary schools by presenting a Christmas experience for year 2 children. New 2009 Slide 50 The Clergy and RE website http://www.culham.ac.uk/care/index.php is designed for clergy who go into schools. You will find lots of useful information together with a collection of video clips from a wide range of people already engaged in this work. http://www.culham.ac.uk/care/index.php Clergy could encourage school staff and governors to access this useful resource as a starting point for developing successful partnerships. 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 Slide 51 Parish Resources 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 A host of practical suggestions for how churches can become more involved, both directly and through encouraging and supporting the many Christians who work in education in so many different roles. Slide 52 2011 200 th anniversary of the National Society 10 years since the Dearing Report became national C of E policy Another national census ? 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009 Slide 53 By working together the church and the church school can be salt and light, bringing out the God colours & the God flavours, in this important part of our local & national life. 'Churches & Schools Working Together' September 2009