ChurchschoolsEast
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Community Cohesion and church schools
Four Key Issues have been identified for ALL schools:
The school population is constantly changing and growing. In some schools there is also
increased mobility and schools need to consider how they are addressing these issues.
The organisation and work and expectations of a school are changing to meet the needs
and demands of a changing educational landscape.
With the constant changes there are issues about identity and shared values which every
school needs to address.
Schools should consider the facilities they offer to the community and liaise with other
agencies in order to provide increased support for children and their families.
Your School
Your church school could, and should, be at the heart of the community - a place where people
can meet, a place where they feel safe and secure - it is "living out the message". Three key
concepts are respect, equality and participation; they are sure to be on your school's agenda
already. This includes engagement with the local community - by providing such things asextended
services, schools are demonstrating their commitment to positive relationshiops for all.
Schools should promote shared values. Is it time that you revisited your Statement of Aims
in order to ensure that there is a clear statement of equal opportunities for all, framed by your
Christian context of course ?
In the curriculum, children should be given the opportuniies to explore, understand and
celebrate similarities and differences - and not just in RE! You may like to look at the "Who do
we think we are?" suggestions - including a week where children are challenged to find out
more about themselves in their community.
Of course, the RE syllabus promotes mutual understanding between pupils of different religious
backgrounds (or none). A programme of visits and visitors is an important contribution to community
cohesion. Why not stage an imaginative "RE Week" in order to explore the potential of your
locality thoroughly?
How are your classrooms organised? Do pupis regularly work in mixed groups (of all kinds) in
the classroom? Are pupils with English as a second language given a "buddy" to support
them with their language development? Those who are inspecting your school - whether OfSTED
or SIAS -will be listening intently to what the "pupil voice" tells them is happening in this sphere.
Implications for teaching and learning specific to your school will appear in the RAISE online
and the SEF - the way in which you address these specifc identified needs is in itself a
contribution to community cohesion.
You may like to use the linked forms below to help your school think more about community cohesion
(with thanks to the Diocese of London for making them available):
Community Cohesion Self-Evaluation Form
ChurchschoolsEast
supports Church School Improvement in the Dioceses of Ely, Norwich and St Edmundsbury & Ipswich
Copyright © ChurchschoolsEast, 2008, 2009 - Page last updated
16 December, 2009
: Web design, Chris Wall, 2008 , 2009