Church in Wales Education Review
Bryan Witt, Diocesan Director of Education, summarises the review’s findings
The introduction to the Church in Wales Education Review begins, “To be involved in education is to work within an environment where the sense of tradition is strong, but the need for change is a recurring theme’. Here in St Davids we are aware of the strong tradition. I am Rector of Llanddowror where Griffith Jones, as rector, set up Circulating Schools and made such an impact on education in the 18th century. It is within this tradition that we, as a diocese, celebrate the good work that is being achieved in our 9 VA and 24 VC schools.
However we are not complacent.
Togetherness
The review highlights the need for the school, parish and community to work together and this is important not only for our church schools but for all schools in the diocese. There is a need for parishes to be aware of the contribution that the staff make to the life of each community. There is also the recommendation that we look at our schools from a deanery prospective - this is particularly relevant for secondary schools and sharing talent for the primary sector.
The need is also obvious for support of chaplaincy provision in Further and Higher Education. Throughout Wales 260,000 students are enrolled in FE courses and 123,000 in higher education - pastoral care is an issue given such large numbers.
The review rightly sees the need for nurturing of vocation to teaching and the role of the local church in supporting Christian teachers in all schools. Recommendation 6.7 challenges every PCC of every parish in Wales to review the pastoral care and support it offers to its members who work in schools, as well as the staff of schools in the parish? When did your school last appear on your PCC agenda?
Concern
There has long been a concern for training in the purpose and delivery of collective worship (assembly) in schools for all clergy in the Church in Wales. All of us have a school in our parish, whether church school or not, and it is right that we use this opportunity of getting to know our children as professionally as possible.
This is but a brief résumé of what is a very important challenge to our diocese at this time. Let us have the courage to ensure that the good practice presently in our schools is maintained and built upon for the future of our young people.