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EDUCATION

National event aims to support Christian school leadership

Amid the Government’s drive for ‘radical reform’ of school leadership and union concerns over an alleged headteacher ‘exodus’, Christian ministries are joining forces to support believers in this pressured profession.

The Association of Christian Teachers, CARE for Education, The Stapleford Centre and TISCA (The Independent Schools Christian Alliance) are supporting a national conference to encourage headteachers and others in school leadership groups.

Organised by an independent group of serving Christian headteachers, the central theme of the National Christian Headteachers' Conference is Walking The Waves: Heading For Excellence In School Leadership.

The theme draws on the imagery of Peter walking on the water - and needing to keep his eyes fixed on Jesus despite the storm around him.

The organisers of the conference said: "Christian headteachers face their own virtual cyclone of conflicts and challenges – particularly with the drive for excellence in schools. The conference aims to build them up and envision them for the journey ahead."

It was just earlier this year that the National Association of Head Teachers expressed concern about the number of people leaving the profession. So it’s a timely conference.

Heads, deputies and other members of school leadership teams are expected to converge on the Britannia Hotel, Coventry, for the event – which runs from 3-5 February and which boasts an impressive line-up of speakers.

Founder of Oasis Trust and Faithworks Rev Steve Chalke MBE - himself involved in plans to set up a City Academy - will apply the theme of ‘shalom’ to ‘walking on the waves’ as a leader.

Former headteacher Sir John Rowling, now an education consultant and author of books on related issues, will be leading sessions on what it really means to head towards excellence. Delegates will also hear from Northern Ireland school principal Dr Robert Jennings, who was winner of the 2002 Teaching Award For Leadership In A Secondary School.

In addition, Dean of Coventry Cathedral Very Rev John Irvine will draw on the Cathedral’s work on reconciliation issues to help headteachers see themselves as reconcilers in their schools.

Other items on the programme include a ‘public conversation’ between an established headteacher and a newcomer to that role – and a multimedia presentation on ‘Christ In Unexpected Places’.

Mike Simmonds, Head of CARE for Education and one of the organisers of the conference, said: "Together, we will explore a biblical perspective on school practice and education issues – both the requirements being imposed nationally as well as the challenges that headteachers have to face locally."

Cost of the weekend is £215-225 per person, depending on single or double room occupancy. There are limited spaces, so people are being urged to book as soon as possible (e-mail conferences@stapleford-centre.org; tel 0115 939 6270).

© Christian Family Network
is run by CPO, supported by
Care for the Family, Marriage Resource, Positive Parenting,
Care, Women Alive, Christian Herald and many others.


		EDUCATION National event aims to support Christian school leadership Amid the Government’s drive for ‘radical reform’ of school leadership and union concerns over an alleged headteacher ‘exodus’, Christian ministries are joining forces to support believers in this pressured profession. The Association of Christian Teachers, CARE for Education, The Stapleford Centre and TISCA (The Independent Schools Christian Alliance) are supporting a national conference to encourage headteachers and others in school leadership groups. Organised by an independent group of serving Christian headteachers, the central theme of the National Christian Headteachers' Conference is Walking The Waves: Heading For Excellence In School Leadership. The theme draws on the imagery of Peter walking on the water - and needing to keep his eyes fixed on Jesus despite the storm around him. The organisers of the conference said: "Christian headteachers face their own virtual cyclone of conflicts and challenges – particularly with the drive for excellence in schools. The conference aims to build them up and envision them for the journey ahead." It was just earlier this year that the National Association of Head Teachers expressed concern about the number of people leaving the profession. So it’s a timely conference. Heads, deputies and other members of school leadership teams are expected to converge on the Britannia Hotel, Coventry, for the event – which runs from 3-5 February and which boasts an impressive line-up of speakers. Founder of Oasis Trust and Faithworks Rev Steve Chalke MBE - himself involved in plans to set up a City Academy - will apply the theme of ‘shalom’ to ‘walking on the waves’ as a leader. Former headteacher Sir John Rowling, now an education consultant and author of books on related issues, will be leading sessions on what it really means to head towards excellence. Delegates will also hear from Northern Ireland school principal Dr Robert Jennings, who was winner of the 2002 Teaching Award For Leadership In A Secondary School. In addition, Dean of Coventry Cathedral Very Rev John Irvine will draw on the Cathedral’s work on reconciliation issues to help headteachers see themselves as reconcilers in their schools. Other items on the programme include a ‘public conversation’ between an established headteacher and a newcomer to that role – and a multimedia presentation on ‘Christ In Unexpected Places’. Mike Simmonds, Head of CARE for Education and one of the organisers of the conference, said: "Together, we will explore a biblical perspective on school practice and education issues – both the requirements being imposed nationally as well as the challenges that headteachers have to face locally." Cost of the weekend is £215-225 per person, depending on single or double room occupancy. There are limited spaces, so people are being urged to book as soon as possible (e-mail conferences@stapleford-centre.org; tel 0115 939 6270). © Christian Family Network is run by CPO, supported by Care for the Family, Marriage Resource, Positive Parenting, Care, Women Alive, Christian Herald and many others.