Matt Wan from Cross Connecting believes placing prayer, wisdom and grace at the centre is the key to Christian parents engaging with schools
School governors are vital for the healthy running of a school - Ruth Evans encourages Christian parents to consider offering their time and skills in this most important of roles
As a new school year begins Claire Hailwood considers the place of rules around phone use in schools
Starting university is a big step - Sarah Williams has suggestions for Christian parents wondering how to help their young people who are heading off this autumn
The very first day at school is often harder for parents than children. Claire Hailwood helps settle parental nerves
Dawn Kay suggests all families take time to review the last 12 months in preparation for the new academic year
Results day can be tough for child and parents alike, Claire Hailwood suggests some ways to prepare for the day
As the new school year approaches it’s a great opportunity to reflect on how to help youth and children engage constructively at school - Matt Wan explains how
James Mildred explains the main pros and cons of the new government legislation on sex and relationships education
Results day can be a nerve wracking experience, Nate Jones helps Christian parents think about how they can best react before, during and after the event
A Level results day is not far away - Claire Hailwood looks at some things to consider as the day approaches
Ashley Nichols suggests parents help their children to lean on God and connect with other Christians as they approach the new academic year
Revision is finished. Exams are over. Prayers have been prayed and now it’s a waiting game. The next few weeks stretch out in front of you. And you can almost forget that the 14th of August is inching closer with each day that passes. The summer after A levels always feels like it should be calm, peaceful, a time for patient waiting. In reality, if you’re sending a young adult off to university in September, your focus is probably already on exam results and where they’ll be going. After that, your mind will jump to what accommodation they’ll be in, and after that, what equipment and supplies they’ll need to take with them so they can survive on something other than pasta bake 3 times a day. And, before you know it, September will be here and you’ll be in a car piled with stuff, driving down the motorway and trying to ignore the chorus of Slipping Through my Fingers playing on repeat in your head.
When you hear the words ‘RE lesson’ what springs to mind? It may trigger memories of copying notes from a board or a book about things we didn’t really understand. It may be remembering particularly quirky teachers, or maybe you don’t remember RE lessons even happening!
Over the last few decades school life has changed along with wider culture. Whilst education used to be far more aligned with Christian teaching there is now more distance between the two. This has prompted some to home educate their children.
No parent relishes the prospect of ’The talk’ with their kids. And when it comes to the birds and the bees, Christians are no exception; talking about sex and relationships can be embarrassing for both parents and children. Uncertainty, or fear of “getting it wrong” often lead mums and dads to stay silent- even in Christian homes. My husband and I recently bit the bullet and broached the topic with our eldest son; it’s safe to say there were a few awkward giggles and some very red faces!
Over the last couple of decades, various socio-economic, political, and cultural developments have contributed to the advanced and complex world we now live in. One of the outcomes of this transformation is that the world of work has undergone a structural overhaul, emerging as a landscape that includes all kinds of new and novel professional choices and career paths. Against this backdrop, one of the colossal questions is: does school still hold the key position it once held in contemporary society? More importantly, what do we say to the significant proportion of young people who think that school is a waste of their time?
Trigger Warning: This article contains information about child sexual abuse
The summer term in schools means different things to different ages of children and young people. For some it is the term of sports day, end of year shows, outdoor PE lessons and being allowed to play on the school field. For our older ones this term brings very different events ahead; this is the term of exams, and all that they bring with them.
In Spring 2023 16-year-old Grace Keir gave a talk on the subject ‘Why there is hope’. So far so unremarkable, plenty of 16-year-olds talk on similar subjects up and down the UK every week. But this talk was recorded and sent off to the Premier Unbelievable Youth Preaching Prize (with Spring Harvest) and Grace won.
In 2024 there were 9.3 million NHS Couch to 5K runs started in the year as people sought to get healthy. I really enjoy physical activity but there are times (especially at the end of a busy day or if it is cold and dark) that dragging myself away from a comfy sofa is quite a challenge. However, one thing I do know is that being active is good for me and I always feel better having chosen to abandon the sofa for exercise.
Ashley Nichols sees parents as playing a pivotal role in helping schools provide appropriate space and time for children and young people to consider the Christian faith.
Sally Hope believes that of all people, Christians should be engaged with those in society who have had a lousy start
Did you have the opportunity to attend a faith-based school?
What helped you settle into a new place?
Do you think there’s any connection between maths and faith?
Was psychology a subject offered at your school?
Were your transitions to a new school harder for you, or for your child?
How valuable were chats with your parents on the journey to school?
How did you find ‘English’ studies?
Do you have a basic grasp of economics?
Which part of geography did you like best?
What were the faith based school options for you?
How aware are you of this issue?
Did you ‘try something’ out of curiosity?
Do you know a teen who questions the basics about Jesus?
Do you recall the views about sex from your sixth form days?
What’s your best tip for coping at exam time?
Have you ever used a private tuor?
Were you a fan of his books in your youth?
Does the word ’politics’ excite or depress you?
How did you rate history at your school?
Have you ever broken up a fight?
Are you aware of what is being taught about gender and sexuality at your children’s school?
Do you know a young person facing mental health challenges?
Do you think your parents made the right choice?
Jared Stacy warns UK Christians that the more belligerent approaches don’t work and aren’t the way of Jesus.
Would you have enjoyed home education?
How has your relationship with your children changed over time?
What helped you through your exams?
Can you recall the day you ended full-time education?
Can you remember your first day at secondary school?
Ruth Jackson reflecting on the Soul Survivor talks and seminars that really impacted her and the one that stood out most.
12-year-old Jonathan Bryan was labelled with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD). The only part of his body he has full control over is his eyes, which he uses to communicate. He shares his experience of education, faith and the need for us to create spaces for all children and young people to actively contribute
Claire Musters shares how a difficult situation with her son’s schooling has reminded her that God cares deeply for our children