Christian Focus Weeks

SU Scotland - Education and Schools - SU In Your Schools - Christian Focus Weeks

Introduction

A Christian Focus Week (CFW) is a programme offered to secondary schools that contributes to a schools programme in terms of

  • Religious observance (RO)
  • Religious and moral education (RME)
  • Health and Wellbeing

SU Scotland works in partnership with a creative arts agency and local churches to provide a team of professional musicians, actors, youthworkers and church-based volunteers who will lead assemblies and classroom content alongside lunchtime and after-school events during a high profile week in the school. A typical programme may include a live chat show on teenage anger; comedy sketches which provoke questions about self-worth; or a music workshop with songs which explore issues of identity, the possibility of a spiritual reality, the meaning of freedom, etc.

This programme of rock music, drama presentations and small group discussion has a proven track record of engaging with pupils, stimulating them to think through and "check out" a range of issues. We aim to help pupils:

  • gain confidence in expressing their own beliefs and values;
  • understand aspects of what Christians believe;
  • develop informed choices about their own values and beliefs and to consider how these affect their behaviour and attitudes;
  • contribute to the life of the school community by being involved in the planning and delivery of the programme.

CFWs relate closely to many of the key outcomes of Curriculum for Excellence and our teams seek to use a range of learning and teaching styles which actively encourage pupil participation. CFWs often take a theme which is then explored through different subject areas. Themes may coincide with local, national or international events and have given rise to such titles as "Freedom Week", "Peace Week" or "Passion Week".

Individual lessons, or longer thematic sessions for whole year groups, may include plays and sketches, music or drama workshops or live performances. Pupils participation is strongly encouraged and aids in the exploration of a wide variety of issues related to Social Studies, Citizenship, Health & Wellbeing and Expressive Arts, as well as RME and Religious Observance.

To discuss an opportunity for a CFW in a secondary School near you, please contact your local Regional or Associate Worker.