Christian Education Europe - Weekly Blog #education

How Much Do We Need Each Other In Christian Education?

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 13:32:57 +0000

Steve Beegoo has recently been appointed as Head of Education for Christian Concern and highlights the importance of mutual encouragement…

I was sitting at my desk when I received the email last week. “I am overwhelmed with your kindness… Thank you!”. Then a little later from someone else, “Thank you for your prayers, I really appreciate that especially as I have had a hospital procedure this week - very timely!”. My own encouragement of others comes back to encourage me!

As a trainee teacher I was overwhelmed, and almost destroyed, by the amount of criticism which was the standard vernacular of the teacher trainers. When in my early days as a teacher, the ‘robust’ criticism of Ofsted set a fear inducing atmosphere for so much of school life. Yet, there were always those who brought Christianencouragement. En- courage-ment. Putting in courage! And the value of this, is incalculable for those of us in education…

When I spoke at the Christian Education (CEE) conference two years ago, the sense of mutual encouragement around was a powerful dynamic. I find this in courageous Christian communities, and schools all around the world. The distinctive flavour of Christian encouragement, which multiplies courage, is not the bland flattery which forever shuns from facing issues, nor is it the ‘please-like-me’ platitudes given to curry favour. No. Christian encouragement is deeply real, and deeply needed. This kind of encouragement has given me courage and sustained me, in very challenging times, because it is divine. And it multiplies itself!

Paul, in Ephesians 4, explains a wide range of gifts and abilities needed in the ventures of the kingdom. In speaking about teaching, he encourages the Ephesians with this: “Speaking the truth, in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by everysupporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work” (Ephesians 4 v 15-16; NIV 1984).

We tend to understand that there are different gifts, and different parts to ‘the body’, and that they all have a part to play in our ventures for Christ. But in this passage there is also a revelation that what we say to each other, ‘speaking the truth, in love,’ as we are equipped by Christ, will have the effect of holding us together through the supporting ligaments of relationship that you and I can cultivate. Deep attachment, formed through divinely inspired encouragement. As each of us do our work in this truth-speaking in love, the body holds together and is built up. How are your supporting ligaments of love? As you bring divinely inspired encouragement to another person, so others in turn bring that to you. Are you being divinely encouraged and equipped through others?

Another equally good translation of the word ‘supporting’ is ‘supplying’. As we are connected to the Head, we supply each other through strong relationships. The gifts of skilful apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, connected to the Head, can equip us and supply us, so that through great teaching and encouragement we can all mature into all that God has for us. And as we actively seek to be encouragers, suppliers to others, so this comes back to us and we all benefit.

But even without these events, there is something we can all respond to today. Can you choose to see, what God sees, in a child, a colleague, a friend or a family member? Bring divine encouragement by simply naming it in them, thanking them and thereby honouring God for who they are, as much as for what they have done.

May your supplying ligaments strengthen you in these months ahead! May you not only ‘hold together’, but grow and be built up in love. May you receive from the great people God is giving you opportunity to connect with, so that joy-filled courage may sustain you.

The link to the ‘Further Up Further In’ conference can be found here.

Five Basics to Help in This Educational Emergency

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 18:00:10 +0000

A forty-year old family man with seven children and experience of teaching in three countries, together with responsibilities of church leadership, had his ‘eureka’ moment in educational philosophy twenty years after all his college input.

That was me forty years ago. Now, Vivienne and I have 16 grandchildren, and what I learned then has a proven track record. I founded a company that has shared these insights to impact over 20,000 children over 30 years, with a curriculum that provides character training and reasoning skills with a personalised and individualised approach.

The company is Christian Education Europe. The methodology is mastery learning, and it is effective both in schools and home situations. Some of these basic principles can be helpful to children in this global emergency. The curriculum is the ACE PACE curriculum, for which our company has the franchise for distribution in Europe. CEE has also developed nationally appropriate supplementary material.

1. Children Should Be on the Right Level of Understanding.

This is achieved by diagnostic testing to determine which material is appropriate in each subject. A prescription is made on where to start so that the work is not too easy or too difficult in any subject. Chronological age in less important.

2. Children Should Be Taught to Set Their Own Goals.

A simple notice board in front of them will include a daily goal card showing how many pages each day in each subject. This is a life-forming habit and vital at college level. Of course, this makes it individualised in certain core subjects, but not in all. Such activities as a choir, orchestra, or team activity augment the printed curriculum.

3. Children Should Be Motivated.

The feeling of success through accomplishments motivates. The parent or teacher supervising this methodology will prioritise praise and encouragement and make sure the plan is followed. Yes, it is a system… and it works -- its disciplines develop character.

4. Children's Learning Should Be Measured.

Through a system of check-ups, a self-test and a final test on each unit of work, there is a process of continuous assessment. This is carefully recorded on the student’s progress card. If necessary, the material is reworked to gain mastery. Success is dependent only if 80% is achieved! Now there is no fear of end of term exams.

5. Children's Learning Should Be Rewarded.

Whether its green stamps, extra coffee stickers, or gift cards, the concept of the benefit of rewards for accomplishments is basic. In the ACE system, the students can earn merits. Creative ideas for rewards are suggested: outings, a privilege system, even trusted free time. This enhances the motivation needed.

More could be said about the above concepts. It’s not paper-based workbooks all day. The core requirements of literacy, numeracy and etymology, together with scientific and historical data, are well served by these five principles. In addition, they have application as well as afternoon activities that may be less formal.

The Lord Jesus Christ is the master teacher. He is the source of spiritual life, so He is referenced in this educational process. I am also a preacher, as well as an educator, and I would just say, didn’t Jesus treat people as separate individuals, discerning the level of help needed? He also certainly talked about the goals we set. I like Joshua’s goal -- ‘As for me and my house we will serve the Lord' -- or Paul’s -- ‘I press toward the mark of the sake of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.’ Jesus' disciples were so named because they were motivated by love and accepted His leadership. Yes, and there are tests and rewards in life. Under God’s scrutiny, there is a continuous assessment. His measurement matters.

Finally, God rewards and disciples and punishes, and that’s life. The ultimate graduation will come. For me at eighty, it will be sooner rather than later. This Coronavirus may change the world profoundly, so let us do the very best to prepare our children for whatever is ahead.

Arthur Roderick, Founder of Christian Education Europe

Download Arthur's booklet 'Why Should a Curriculum be Christian' here

REAL LOVING

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 12:30:00 +0000

But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us... - Romans 5:8

Lovingkindness is an attribute that comes from within. It is not mechanistic or legalistic. It is not theoretical. It is not theatrical. It is real. Although the word love is ubiquitous in songs, films, adverts and relationship dramas, it is often superficial. The focus appears to be more on what you do rather than who you are. It is because God is love that God is loving. When we have God’s love within us, we cannot but be loving towards one another. John writes in his first letter that if we are not loving, then we do not know the love of God and, in fact, we are liars.

Our increasingly godless, loveless society can only pay lip service to a concept that they have not understood. How can children (or anyone) grasp loving without knowing they are made in the image of a loving creator? How can they express lovingkindness when taught that success derives from a Darwinian survival of the fittest? The spirit of anti-Christ mocks the self-sacrifice of Jesus and pursues self-aggrandisement, self-image and self-gratification. When times are good, folks say they are in love. When they get what they want, they are loving. For them, love is a feeling that goes up and down with circumstances.

Real loving is not based on things going well or being treated well. It has the higher objective of loving God through loving others. It is coupled in the Scriptures with kindness, because that is how the loving is expressed. It has compassion for those who are struggling, helps those in need. Rather than merely repaying good for good (or evil for evil), it repays good for evil. That is what God did for us. He demonstrated His love for us in that whilst we were still His enemies -- whilst we were powerless -- He poured out His love into our hearts.

Read Previous Blog Posts Here

LET'S GET TOGETHER

Fri, 21 Feb 2020 13:31:51 +0000

How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity! - Psalm 113:1

There's something energising about being in the company of people who are passionate about the same things as you are.

In fact, when like-minded individuals get together, powerful things can happen.

For ACE students much encouragement can come from opportunities that bring them together. Using an alternative curriculum has many wonderful benefits, but let's be honest, it can be isolating. By attending events students can see that they are not alone, strong friendships can be made, and they can inspire one another.

In many ways it is the same for parents and educators. Discouragement is an easy thing to fall into when you try and make it by yourselves. You can question your abilities, motives, and resources. Coming together with others who are in a similar situation to you can massively build up your confidence and reignite your vision. The support and the advice of others who are on the same path as you is a priceless thing.

In order to create opportunities for students AND educators to meet one another, Christian Education runs special events throughout the year.

Of course, there are many reasons to attend these events, but one of the big ones is to MAKE CONNECTIONS.

TEACH Camp

If you are an ACE home educator, TEACH Camp is the event for you.

It goes something like this -

Who, where, and when?

Five days in the beautiful Welsh countryside with your family.

TEACH Camp 2020 is happening from the 25th-29th of May.

Refresh and add to your knowledge

Each morning there are informative sessions and workshops designed to equip you on your homeschool journey. At the same time, the children and youth attend their own groups, in which they will take part in fun activities and presentations. These sessions are designed not only to encourage you in your home educating, but also in your Christian walk as well.

Relax in the Afternoon

Afternoon activities will be available for participation in the afternoon, and the coffee bar will be open for those who want to sit and chat.

You can either join in, take some time to chill or explore the local area with your family!

Rallying Together

Each day is topped off with an evening worship and rally that everyone can attend! Special guest speakers are present, family interviews happen, a student concert takes place, AND there is a celebration for graduates, plus much more!

After Rally Fun

There's time for tea and chats after the rally, as well as a youth club where the teens can take part in some fun challenges with the 24-7 team.

Click Here to Connect at TEACH Camp

European Student Convention

European Student Convention is specifically designed with ACE Students in mind -

Who, where, and when?

Five days in the English Cotswolds with other ACE Students! (plus sponsors)

ESC 2020 is happening from the 6th-10th July.

What's it about?

ESC is an event where ACE students come together and participate in different events under the categories - Academics, Art, Drama, Music, and Sports. Each category get's judged by experts, and in the evenings there is an awards ceremony to present the students with medals for their achievements. By participating, students have the opportunity to practice, explore, and display their skills and talents, and get constructive feedback from people who are experienced in those areas.

Group events

There are many group events that students can enter together. From 1600 meter relay, to PACE Bowl, to vocal ensemble. Students learn to work in unison in order to gain a medal! School teams come together, but if you are a home educator, TEACH holds events before ESC to get teams together and get some practice. These practices are also great opportunities to get together and meet other home educators.

Evening Rally

Each day has a big finish with the evening rally. After all the competition of the day, students congregate together to worship the Lord, celebrate each others' achievements, watch exciting command performances, and hear an uplifting and relevant message.

16+

For students who are 16 and over there are after rally events run by the 24-7 Team that give them space to chat, get to know one another, and have a laugh.

Christian Educators' Conference

Christian Educators' Conference, a place for Christian educators! -

Who, when, and where?

Two days of networking and workshops with other people who work and serve in the world of Christian education.

CEC 2020 is happening on the 4th and 5th of December at King's House Conference Centre in Northampton.

Information and Inclusion

CEC is designed to inform and update educators. Sessions cover current affairs, CPD, practical advice and more. In addition to these refreshing sessions, CEC is also a great place to connect with like-minded people who share the vision of Christian education.

Break-away

As well as attending the main sessions, you can choose a topical track that is most interesting to you. This way, you can attend workshops that are the most relevant to your need. This option also enables you meet others with similar interests, questions, and ideas.

Hot Drinks and plenty of Biscuits

There are plenty of breaks in between sessions allowing time to chat. You also have the chance to mingle during mealtimes.

Nothing brings people together like food does!

Quiz time

Last year we introduced the CEC Quiz which was great success. After the sessions of the day, you can join a team and take part in the fun, or pick a team to support and be entertained as a spectator! It's a great way to wind down and get to know people.

A L T E R N A T I V E S

Thu, 23 Jan 2020 10:26:38 +0000

It has been said that if you do what you've always done, you'll get what you always got.

Human nature tends to follow the crowd. We are afraid of change – of being different or of doing things differently. But without innovation, we wouldn’t have seat belts, the heart transplant, or the internet. Innovation can be positive, and doing things differently hugely changes not only our lives but also the world around us.

This concept applies to education, too. It’s easy to ‘go with the flow’ and send our children off to school when they are of age, entrusting them to the care of their teachers. But is this what’s best for them? Is it effectively preparing them to live and work in today’s world? Have we considered whether there is a better way?

There are alternatives that we, as parents, grandparents or carers, could – and should – consider before making a decision regarding our children’s education. Each child is an individual, and each education experience should be individualised.

So, what are the options?

1. Consider home educating

Although homeschooling sometimes gets a bad rap, many well-known people were educated at home, including Sir Winston Churchill, Thomas Edison, Tim Tebow, and Bethany Hamilton. The reasons to choose to home educate are varied and could include:

Your family values or lifestyle
A negative school experience -- e.g. bullying
Your child not making progress in a traditional school setting
Wanting to provide additional areas of study
Freedom to choose a curriculum
Living abroad
And many more

Whatever your reason, home educating is worth consideration. Weigh up the responsibilities and benefits, and if you opt for this approach, pursue it wholeheartedly and with excellence.

It also helps to connect with a home school support service and other home-educating families. To find out more about about how Christian Education can help with this click the button below.

Click Here to Find out More about Home Educating

2. Enrol in a Christian School

Independent Christian Schools provide a great alternative for families who do not feel that home educating is the best option for their children, but who are looking for an education that matches their family values. Another benefit is that many Christian schools are smaller than traditional schools, affording your child/ren more individualised attention in their learning. Research also shows that students in Christian schools are more tolerant of differences and, therefore, bullying is less prevalent.

If considering this option, research the schools available in your area. Look at the curriculum offered, the core values and ethos, and the approach to learning. Take time to meet with the head teacher (and possibly the governors) to see if the school will be a good fit for your child/ren.

Christian Education supports a number of schools around the UK and Europe. Click the button below to find a school near you.

Click Here to Find out More about Christian Schools using the ACE Curriculum

3. Start a Christian school.

No school where you are? Have you considered whether you could start a school or tuition centre in your area?

Many schools are born when parents and churches recognise a need in their area. This is a fantastic option to consider if you want to provide an alternative learning environment not only for your own children, but also for the children in your community.

While it may sound scary, it doesn’t have to be a daunting process! You could start small by running a tuition centre a couple of mornings a week and work your way up to providing a full education solution for students in your area. For more details on what is involved in this process, click the button below. Christian Education is here to help you through the process.

In conclusion:

Don’t limit yourself or your children by doing what has always been done. Take the time to seriously and prayerfully consider what the best option for your family is – and then step out in faith and dare to be different.

Check out the Curriculum Materials Available on Our Webshop!