Local Schools Need Our Help
There are a number of opportunities for Christians to be involved in their local schools and make a positive difference in their communities. The following are just some of the ways that you might consider becoming involved in the life of a local school:
Become a Mentor
It is possible to become a mentor for a pupil at a local school. This would involve helping and supporting them with their schoolwork and encouraging them to take responsibility within their life. This increasingly popular method of dealing with pupils, especially those with additional learning needs, is a real opportunity for Christians of all ages to make a genuine difference in young peoples' lives
· Oasis Trust has pioneered mentoring projects in schools across London. Visit www.oasistrust.org to find out how you can volunteer as mentor.
Run a Club
You could consider running before or after school clubs such as a breakfast club, homework club, a games club, football club, music workshops etc. Schools appreciate activities that add breadth to the school curriculum. It's a way of offering practical support in the community, and, although a long-term commitment, it can also be very rewarding.
· Contact your local school to discuss how your ideas fit with the requirements of the school.
Become a Classroom Assistant
Even the hardest-working teachers struggle to give each pupil the attention they require. Every school needs extra voluntary helpers in classrooms.
· Springboard for Children, based in South London, provide volunteer assistants in inner-city schools. Visit www.springboard.org.uk to find out ways that you can assist in classroom activities.
Become a School Governor
One key and strategic way of bringing a positive influence and change within a school is to become a school governor. The governing body has the responsibility to work in partnership with the head and staff to establish the aims of the school; ensure the curriculum is taught and that resources are well deployed; appoint staff; deal with complaints and disciplinary issues; and provide an environment that promotes good teaching and learning. Parent governors are nominated and elected by parents. Teacher governors are nominated and elected by teachers. Staff Governors are members of the staff who are not teachers, nominated and elected by the non-teaching staff
· Basic information about becoming a school governor can be found at www.dfes.gov.uk/governor/howtobe.htm. Alternatively visit www.care.org.uk for further resources for Christians interested in becoming school governors.
Provide Christian Teaching Resources
Churches could sponsor books on Christianity for RE lessons or provide Christian literature for inclusion in sex education classes. Contact your local school to find out what resource gap they have which you could help fill, ensuring that pupils are better informed about Christian belief and practice.
· The Spire Trust aims to provide resources for every secondary school in the country: help with assemblies, RE and PSHE lessons, seminars, visits and extra-curricular activities. Visit www.spiretrust.org.uk for more information.
· Oasis Esteem provides free training and resources for Christian volunteers to deliver sexual health and relationships education in secondary schools. Visit www.oasistrust.org/esteem to find out more.
· There are also several organisations working to equip Christian teachers working in local schools. Contact the Association of Christian Teachers by visiting www.christian-teachers.org or visit www.care.org.uk for information on other resources for Christian teachers.
Lead Lessons and Assemblies
In many places, schools are positively open to receiving sensitive offers of help for conducting assemblies and leading RE lessons. The National Curriculum requires a daily religious assembly to take place in secondary and primary schools, yet many schools struggle to meet this requirement. Schools are also eager to have members of faith communities address RE classes.
· Organisations such as Scripture Union, Youth for Christ, Viz-a-Viz, Discovery and Oasis have teams of schools workers who take assemblies and lead RE classes. Visit www.care.org.uk for a complete list of organisations working in this field.
Set Up a Prayer Group
Consider setting up a prayer group with other parents in your area, giving them an opportunity to pray for pupils and the work of local schools.
· The Schools Prayer Network aims to stimulate and encourage Christian prayer for local schools. For more information visit www.schoolsprayernetwork.org.uk
The information in this article is taken from the ‘changeactivist’ pack, a resource produced by CARE. Visit http://www.care.org.uk/changeactivist to view the pack online or, alternatively, contact CARE on 0207 233 0455.
