St. Matthias - working alongside our schools
Helen Baker, our Youth, Children and Families Worker, oversees the work we do with our schools
Collective Worship:
St Matthias has a team of people who visit Ilsham, Warberry and Ellacombe Academies to take acts of worship once a week. As Ellacombe is in a shared parish area, St Mary Magdalene also contribute to this activity. Bible stories are told using the “Open the Book' materials as this ensures uniformity of the subject although each one of the team has a different approach. Every term the schools focus on one of their values and this is incorporated into the presentation and prayers. Our schools are welcoming and appreciative the of the input St. Matthias gives.
Other Activities:
In the past the church has worked alongside the schools and organised various spiritual experiences for the children. This has taken place both in the church and in other locations. Kent's Cavern was used to explore the significance of light both in prehistoric times and in Christianity:
An 'Easter Experience' was set up in the church where children visited different scenes and settings linked to the Easter Story.
Both Ilsham and Warberry Academies use the church for end of term and celebratory services to which parents, grandparents and friends are invited.
The church has offered help and assistance during SIAMS inspections and have a strong connection in support in the subject of Religious Education.
Members of the church sit on various governing committees of all of the academy schools.
We are building links with SPIRES school through their Christian Union.