This looks a really amazing piece of work - where do we get the details of how Jason used it? (not buying Youthwork enough, me) I think the idea of identity (in all the RE syllabuses of course) is a great one - working with this concept, faith becomes relevant to everyone, and 11-16s are spending their daily time thinking and acting out their answers to ‘who am I?’ questions. Jesus asked: ‘who do other people say that I am?’
In the run up to half term we ran a prayer room in one of the high schools I regularly work in in Leeds. We ran lessons for RE looking at prayer and spirituality and I was constantly overwelmed by the depth pupils were willing to share in front of a class of peers. Both staff and students commented on how much pupils had to deal with, having read their shared prayers. Their desire, a desperation even, for someone to be listening. I used the resources I found on schoolswork.co.uk with those in the 24-7 pack, which made the bringing together of activites much easier. God was in it all otherwise it just wouldn’t have happened, and I look forward to hearing the stories of answered prayer as I return to school this term. If you’re thinking of running a room, push some doors, talk to some people, visit a running prayer room in school, these guys at schoolswork and 24-7 are great support and there might even be someone doing the same local to you too!
What a great poem - James has summed up the feeling i know so well as somebody who has spent years doing Christian assemblies in both primary and secondary school…
“Well Done James”
Please don’t let your ink become dry as i am sure there are many more great odes in you that need to be put onto paper.
Rev Richard Pidgley
Discovery Church - Swindon
i work in a primary school as a TA, often there is conflict.
so my comment would be one aimed at children taking responsibility for their own actions-because it’s always someone elses fault.
“what could you do different towards someone that might prevent a falling out?”
“what good, kind or nice thing have you done today that has helped someone else?”
I never got a valentines card when I went to school. It didn’t bother me. I say its just harmless fun.
great encouragement in christian schools work. just shows how effective we can be without realising it !!!!
Sounds great. Nice one!
Amy your short course on assemblies was brilliant! My fav was the Russian doll assembly, its such a good idea
Thanks for letting us know Becky, sounds like a significant week for the school and makes all the prep you put in worthwhile! Look forward to hearing what happens from here!
I used this brilliant resource last year in the end of term services for several different year groups. I was able to use all of the resources (slightly adapted) and they provided a powerful and engaging framework for sharing the message of Easter. Thank you so much for producing this resource and the excellent value it represents. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this to anyone else.
How to blog
First, some explanation about how membership works on schoolswork.co.uk.
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To submit a blog entry click on ‘post to blog’, and to comment on an existing blog post simply scroll down to the bottom of the post and fill in your comment in the box.
Happy blogging!
Safe and Sound
Need some suggestions of good Child Protection and First Aid courses for staff who’ll be working with young people.
Bible in Literacy
If you work in primary schools, here’s a great interactive resource you can use to engage children in learning about the Bible. http://www.bibleinliteracy.org/.
Playing the Part
I’m currently watching Playing the Part on iplayer. Denise Welch spends most of her time acting as a teacher on Waterloo Road. Here she tries it out for real, and takes on the role of an English teacher. It’s an insight into the relentless, stressful, diverse and exciting world of teaching. I’m having a few flashbacks, both good and bad, from my first year of teaching back in 2001…Interesting days! I love the bit where Denise realises that she wants to speak to the kids like they’ve got something interesting to say…‘they’ve all got something interesting to say’ she says. So true. And so often we don’t listen or give them space to say it.
Kick starting community action
Volunteering projects to get young people involved in creating media as a catalyst for change in their communities.
A parent’s mission field
We’re all used to hearing about workers going into schools - and we know the fantastic work they do. but spare a thought for the parents who stand daily on the school gate - there’s a mission field there too!
Assembly Commandments?
I’ve really got into the TED talks recently, and love the creativity, inspiration and quality of these 10-15 minute talks. Really do recommend checking them out if you haven’t done so before. Came across the TED commandments this morning thanks to Jonny and presumably thanks to the wider blogosphere for communicating this stuff…have included them here, I love the fun way they have been written, but I also think each of of these things are great ideas to apply to leading an assembly. I’ve also included a written version if you continue reading.
Cardboard creations
I’ve entered a world of cardboard recently (in part due to having lots of empty cardboard boxes left over from my new kitchen). Not wanting to see good materials go to waste, I set about finding a good use for all this cardboard and found one! If you’ve never seen the cardboard testimony idea, it’s worth checking out…it’s such a simple but powerful idea. Not quite sure how this links to schoolswork, but I used this the other day with the schools team here in Luton, in helping us reflect on the journey we’re on with God, and the transformation we’ve seen in our lives because of Him.
Also, continuing the cardboard theme, just came across 10 cheap but great cardboard creations!
Happy cardboarding!
Assembly Ideas
Hello all I have assemblies next week with my collegue and we are struggling with ideas on what to do. Any inspiration would be greatly appreciated
susan boyle
I found this article about Susan Boyle, and it totally sums up what I think about the whole thing, anyway thought I’d share with you as I am planning on using it for assembly/lunchclub material…. although I’m sure you guys are one step ahead already!! lol
STREAM Conference
If you’re in London or the South East, look out for the next STREAM conference on Friday 22nd May at London City Mission.
