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Developing the Church of England's Schools – A View From the Centre Rob Gwynne

The verb ‘to helicopt’…

• This presentation takes you for a journey in my helicopter.

• It starts at high altitude, then comes lower to sweep across a number of fields.

• Enjoy …

• …or, if all else fails, count down to coffee in an hour’s time.

• There are 12 more slides…(slight yawn allowed)“It’s all a question of perspective”

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Developing the Church of England's Schools – A View From the Centre Rob Gwynne

The high altitude view (1) Some key facts

• Approximately 1 million children attend our schools

• About 15 million people alive today went to one

• 25% (4605) of all primary and middle schools are C of E

• 236 (6.25%) secondary schools are C of E

• 28 open academies in September – we are the biggest ‘provider’

• 564 independent schools declare themselves to be C of E

A point to ponder: did you realise the size of our family?

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Developing the Church of England's Schools – A View From the Centre Rob Gwynne

The high altitude view (2) The Context in which we work

• The National Society – a remarkable charity

• The forthcoming bi-centenary

• The challenges for Archbishops’ Council – a church in flux

• The current political landscape

• The impact of Dearing – ‘The Way Ahead’ - 2002

• The key partnerships – particularly with dioceses

A point to ponder: the significance of the church’s ‘gift to the nation

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Developing the Church of England's Schools – A View From the Centre Rob Gwynne

The high altitude view (3) Over the horizon

• A new political landscape

• Continuing to grow and transform: strategic v opportunistic

• Changing primary landscape

• Building Christian distinctiveness within an inclusive setting

• Leadership and talent management –we must be the best

• Securing high achievement and attainment

A point to ponder: what do we want for the future of our schools?

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Developing the Church of England's Schools – A View From the Centre Rob Gwynne

The high altitude view (4) The new strategic overview

The Education Division and National Society’s strategic overview for the next few years will land on your desks in a few week’s time

It focuses on four areas for development:

• Influencing government and national agencies

• Developing the church’s mission through education

• Professional support and development

• Research, development and evaluation

A point to ponder: What can we most usefully do for you?

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Developing the Church of England's Schools – A View From the Centre Rob Gwynne

Polystyrene, ice and lead

Schools can be like:

• Polystyrene which floats on water and drifts, susceptible to ripples and wind

• Ice which floats with 10% visible, underpinned by what’s below the water line

• Lead which sinks when put in water, it’s just too dense to float or be visible

A point to ponder: which is your school most akin to?

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Developing the Church of England's Schools – A View From the Centre Rob Gwynne

What’s the difference between a good community school and a good C of E school?

A point to ponder: could I spot the difference in your school – what is it?

Both are rooted in worthy human, social and educational values, but the C of E school will be based on:

Spiritual matters

- Open and confident expression of a creator and loving God

- The Bible

- The Creeds

- The worship traditions

Practical matters

- Signs and emblems

- Collective worship and RE/SMSC

- Use of prayer

- Involvement with parishes

- The Eucharist

- Stewardship of God given environment

- Evidence of a servant leader approach

- etc

‘Be still for the presence of the Lord is moving in this place’

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Developing the Church of England's Schools – A View From the Centre Rob Gwynne

Our Schools as Transforming Communities

The Rt Revd John Pritchard, Bishop of Oxford (in a talk to AASSH in 2008):

• Values and ethos are based on a well-known religious narrative

• A spiritual core –shaped and formed by God’s love and God’s promise

• A passion for justice- ‘something must be done’

• Christianity is inherently radical – ‘setting people free’

• ‘Perseverance beyond the pain barrier’ – out of the comfort zone

• Living as closely as possible in the likeness of Christ

A point to ponder: in what sense, if at all, does your school ‘set people free’?

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Developing the Church of England's Schools – A View From the Centre Rob Gwynne

15 Christian Values for Schools

For each value there is: a theological background, a cameo, ideas for collective worship, impact on school ethos, issues about leadership and curriculum ideas.

Forgiveness Justice Peace

Thankfulness Friendship Reverence

Koinonia Humility Wisdom

Creation Endurance Trust

Hope Compassion Service

The web site: christianvalues4schools.co.uk

A point to ponder: how does your school rate on these?

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Developing the Church of England's Schools – A View From the Centre Rob Gwynne

SIAS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican Schools) Framework

• How well does the school, through its distinctive Christian character, meet the needs of all learners?

• What is the impact of collective worship on the school community?

• How effective is the Religious Education? (VA schools only)

• How effective are the leadership and management of the school as a church school?

A point to ponder: What do you need to do to ‘move up a notch’?

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Developing the Church of England's Schools – A View From the Centre Rob Gwynne

What are Church schools for?

• To stand at the centre of the Church’s mission to the nation

• To serve young people and their communities

• To nurture human wholeness

• To include all children

• To be distinctively Christian

A point to ponder: is your school part of the Church’s mission to the nation?

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Developing the Church of England's Schools – A View From the Centre Rob Gwynne

Leadership…

A point to ponder: polystyrene, ice or lead?

Below the waterline:

- ignite passions in people- inspire people to do their best and to achieve their goals.- work through, understand and support our emotions. - create resonant relationships

- secure moral purpose- create and share new knowledge- make things coherent and connected

(adapted from the words of Goleman and Fullan)

Above the waterline:

- distinctive schools, where ordinary young people are encouraged to do extraordinary things

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Developing the Church of England's Schools – A View From the Centre Rob Gwynne

The helicopter has landed

‘For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but rather a spirit of love and self discipline’

2 Timothy 1:7

That’s what developing our schools is all about!

God has freed us from fear, given us courage and resolution to do what needs to be done in his name, with confidence and yet serenely