Top Tips!
12 Top Tips for Leading Collective Worship (Assemblies)
- Use different methods of communication: i.e. visual, interaction, participation, as well as verbal. – Not everyone learns or engages in the same way
- Arrive on time, stick to time, be well prepared and flexible! – You may not have as long as you were first told
- Remember we are visitors to the school, even if we have been there before.
- Aim for one clear idea – what is the main message you want to leave with the students and school?
- Remember it is school, not church – so do not assume belief or familiarity with Christianity or Biblical stories. Remember to avoid Christian jargon.
- Do not make negative comments about other faiths, beliefs or values.
- Make sure you do not undermine the school or staff.
- Use open language about belief statements – I believe, Christians believe, the Bible says…
- Be aware of age ranges and ensure you are relevant: start from their world before moving to any unfamiliar concepts.
- Have a good measure of control – It’s important that teachers don’t have to spend the next lesson calming children down!
- Try not to rush away: if asked, take time to have a coffee in the staff room – consider this as part of your role.
- Ask for feedback and constructive criticism – if possible, from both staff and students.
10 Top Tips for Visiting Schools
- Be on time!
- Do what you say you will do (avoid hidden agendas).
- Always look to build relationships.
- Set high standards (schools aim to!).
- Make sure there is good communication.
- Be polite and have a positive attitude.
- Sign in and out of schools unless otherwise directed.
- Think about appropriate attire (if not sure ask the school).
- Remember we are visitors to the school, even if we have been there before!
- Remember to switch mobile phones off.
- Always look to serve schools.
12 Top Tips for School Visits to Churches
- Do make sure the building is open and ready in good time.
- Do make sure the building is warm.
- Do make sure there is a good friendly welcome for staff and students.
- Do make use of your congregation’s particular skills and interests. Encourage them to see this as a positive community involvement.
- Do plan a mixed programme. Keep talking elements short. Make sure there is physical movement. Make it interactive.
- Do allow children to roam freely at some point if possible, e.g. for a church treasure hunt.
- Do make it a visual experience, by having displays, photographs, video clips etc. of activities the congregation is involved in to show that it is a ‘living community‘.
- Do aim to make it a rich experience: laughter, discovery, drama, mystery, colour, music, silence.
- Do encourage the children and staff to relax and not treat the place as a museum.
- Do think about toilets. If your building is old and does not have adequate provision, make sure the children are encouraged to go before they leave school!
- Do make sure relationships are high on the agenda even though the primary purpose is an educational visit.
- Do make refreshments available for staff and students.
20 Top Ideas to Serve Your Local Primary School
- This list is by no means extensive, but we hope it will inspire you to be creative in building positive relationships with your local primary school.
- Become a voluntary helper: i.e. listen to children read, help with school trips, school administration, gardening, join “friends of …” fundraising group.
- Support teachers and support staff in your church.
- Support year 6 students with the ‘its Your Move’ Books at the end of the school year. Link this with a lesson and/or assembly?
- Hold a special service like a Christmas, Easter or leavers’ service.
- Welcome school groups to the church building for RE and special events.
- Offer to buy resources. i.e. books, RE days.
- Become a school governor or a member of the school board.
- Pray for your local school regularly (in services and meetings or set up a parent prayer group).
- Get involved in lessons (RE, PHSE etc.).
- Support your local children/youth worker or organisation (i.e. GenR8).
- Get involved in Collective Worship (assemblies).
- Support or set up lunchtime or after-school clubs.
- Mark or notice school achievements and important school dates i.e. OFSTED inspections (for example supply cakes for the staff room).
- Provide on-going pastoral support to staff and pupils (mentoring, chaplaincy).
- Include schools in any church mission planning.
- Offer to hold plays or concerts in church, particularly if the school is short of space.
- Invite schools to display artwork, provide music, or attend specific services.
- Hold children’s activities such as holiday and midweek clubs at school.
- Encourage the congregation to support local school events.
- Regularly report on work with schools to the church council or church meeting.