School Prospectus Our Distinctives

Consistent with our Christian philosophy we will seek to understand the unique character and gifting of each child, and seek to shape curriculum and extra-curricular experiences which will encourage children to flourish as individuals.

What are we aiming to develop in our children?

A sense of progression between infants, through juniors and into seniors.

Pupils in their Infant years

A creation based education in all areas, bringing out the awesomeness of God and what He has made. This leads to:

• An appreciation of the child's uniqueness, giving a sense of value and worth, because they are ' made in God's image'.
• Finding out their own gifts and talents, not feeling they must excel in everything.
• Training in righteousness', based on biblical truth, not morality in a vacuum.
• A response of prayer and praise to God their Maker, thankfulness for all that He has provided for us; (Being able to pray with and for the children on a daily basis is a vital privilege for staff)
• A strong foundation of Scriptural truth, brought through memory verses, songs etc. " Remember your Creator in the days of your youth". Ecclesiastes 12 v1.

Pupils in their Junior years

Concerning the devotional life of the child:

• Building on what has already been learnt, encouraging children to take responsibility for and initiative in their own relationship with God, learning to recognise God's voice, and seeing that God changes them.
• Begin to share verses with the class
• Bring prayer requests and answers to prayer, also continue to pray for each other.

Concerning the teaching of a Christian curriculum:-

• Communication, the Fall, God's plan of restoration
• Bible-based teaching, looking at God's character and His principles for life, and their application in every subject area.
• Ownership of their personal relationship with God, respect and self-discipline.

Pupils in Senior Years

As well as academic studies, we have developed initiatives to teach students the necessity and value of servant-hood in the wider context of Christian discipleship.

Interaction with Primary

Students in secondary take part in a paired reading scheme with pupils in the primary department. They also help, periodically in primary classrooms, assisting the class teacher as directed.

Service

Older students have service options on the timetable. This may involve cleaning and maintenance on the site, service to younger people (helping teachers and pupils in the primary classes) service to older people (working in aged persons homes), service to the community (on one occasion we decorated the entrance of the local community centre which we hired for sports facilities).

We have also developed voluntary projects which involve working at a local church. A typical visit might include meeting the pastor and his ministry team, hearing their vision for the work they have been given to do, praying for them, serving the church in some practical manner, also being involved in an aspect of the church's outreach programme and finally, contributing to a Church service in various ways.

Discipleship Course

Students in Years 9,10 and 11 have the option of joining a two hour after school discipleship class. There they learn and practice the principles of discipleship. The students are given opportunities for prayer, worship, Bible teaching and evangelism as well as learning practical skills such as crafts, children's games, witnessing techniques, how to teach Bible studies and many other things.

The group will have opportunities to visit other local schools to share in assemblies or RE lessons. The discipleship group are also responsible for running after school Bible clubs both for pupils from the school and children from the local area. Many of the students who attend the course will take part in our annual mission trip to Romania.

Romania

The school has been involved in a partnership with the Amadeus Foundation, a Christian charity, working amongst the poor in Mangalia, a small town on the shores of the Black Sea.

Visiting Romania has proved to be a significant expereince in the lives of many of our students over the years. Natalie Whytell, a former pupil was involved in the Romania project as a Year 11 student in the summer of 2004. Here is her report on her experiences:

'Before I went I was a bit optimistic as to what it would be like. I went because I wanted to see God's work in Romania but also to maybe learn what He wanted me to do after leaving school after my GCSE's. After a couple of days we had done two holiday clubs and I could see that God was very much a part of the lives of the Foundation leaders. The hardest part of the trip was visiting the Gypsy village. I promised myself I would not cry, but when a lady explained how she lived in one room with her neighbour and 4 children I couldn't hold back the tears. Going to Romania gave me a real boost to trust in God and to surrender fully to Him and He will use you in whatever way He has planned.'

Natalie left the UK to work in Paraguay with YWAM in the New Year of 2005.

In Romania our students help to run holiday Bible clubs for local children, participate in beach mission activities go on home visits to those with whom the Foundation works and visit children in hospital.

Barmitzvah Project

We run a programme with Year Eight called the 'Barmitzvah Project'. This is an opportunity for students to assess their lives, values and commitments on the threshold of the teenage years. This programme also involves parents coming together to discuss and be informed of the parenting issues they will face over the forthcoming years of their child's adolescence.

The school is always seeking opportunities which facilitate a growth in both servanthood and discipleship.

The School Council

Our School Council is composed of students from Year 5 - Year 11. Two students represent each class on the Council. Meetings are held with the headteacher at least once per half term. The meetings are overseen by a chairman and recorded by a secretary.

The council discuss issues relating to the site, health and safety, anti-bullying strategies, teaching and learning, before and after school, break and lunchtimes and behaviour. They make suggestions to improve the general running of the school and help to plan inter-house competitions open days non-uniform days, trips and the welcoming of new students.

In addition the school council help to select the students of the month and the 'commended students'.

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Category: School Prospectus

Author: Mr Moon