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Community Cohesion -Examples for Church Schools

For some real life examples of community cohesion in action, see the Diocese of Worcester's "Every Faith Matters" website.  Are similar things happening in East Anglian Church Schools which should figure on this website?  Let us know!

What might community cohesion actually look like in a Church School?  There are a wealth of possible answers to this question, some of which are:

  • There is evidence that every pupil is equal in the eyes of God.  They are respected for who they are, and are fairly included in teams, lessons, grouping and support, school council and after school clubs.  Pupils of all faiths feel confident, encouraged and valued.
  • Quiet areas or spaces contain not only Christian faith symbols, but also symbols and quotations from other faiths represented in the local community.  As well as the displays celebrating and emphasising the church status of the school, other displays recognise and celebrate other faiths and cultures.
  • Recognition of the importance of religion and faith in everyday life.
  • The school uses the SHAP calendar, or similar, to remain alert to key dates for all faith groups.
  • Texts in other languages represented in the school are used in collective worship e.g. learn the Lord's Prayer in Urdu.
  • Whilst not compromising the Christian worship of the school, believers from other faith communities are encouraged to reflect on themes of worship in the context of their own faith.
  • Support for national and local charities covers a wide spectrum of different groupings: disaster relief, elderly, medical, poverty.
  • Those teaching RE have an accurate and detailed knowledge of the faith they are teaching, in order that no faith is mis-represented.
  • Governors and leadership actively promote inclusive recruitment, so that the school reflects the community it serves.  Non-Christian teachers and governors are able to speak positively about the school's faith base - and their contribution to it.
 
 
 
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