Monday 13 September 2021
Dear Parents/Carers,
‘Light and Life’ – Ethos & Personal Development Programmes
I am pleased to communicate information regarding our ethos and personal development programmes. The personal development of our students is of paramount importance to us. Grace College’s Christian ethos is distinct in that it asserts that we are all, ‘made in the image of God’.
The Emmanuel Schools Foundation has three words to highlight our ethos:
‘Valued, Challenged Inspired’
Valued, because we believe our students are infinitely precious; challenged, because we believe they are morally responsible; inspired, because of our belief that they are gifted for a purpose. Grace College is committed to providing a knowledge-rich curriculum both in an out of the classroom which we believe equips our students to make wise choices and achieve their personal best.
Many of you will be aware that our school’s motto is ‘Light and Life’. We have taken this as the inspiration for two new programmes, ‘Light and Life’, to support the personal development of our students.
I am delighted to announce that Mr Mair (Assistant Vice Principal) will be leading this aspect of our school curriculum. Personal development is key to a holistic education! We want the programmes of input to include external specialists so it would be helpful if we can extend our network opening dialogue with individuals who could contribute. If parents have any suggested contacts who might be interested, then please be in touch.
The Light Programme
The Light Programme delivers our Christian ethos and character education through the weekly assembly programme. Students attend two assemblies each week, either in person or by joining via livestream in their tutor rooms. Monday assembly is led by the Principal and will be attended virtually or in person by the whole College. Later in the week students also attend, in person, a House assembly led by their Head of House. As we return from COVID control measures our assembly programme will once again return to a regular recognition of student achievement. This will include music and drama performances, periodically feature guest speakers as well as incorporating a range of other elements designed to celebrate the achievement and endeavours of students.
The Life Programme
The Life Programme delivers the non-examined personal development curriculum. This is often known in many schools as PSHE. The Life Programme consists of five strands which will be explored both in tutor time and in periodic drop-down lessons. The strands are: Health and Wellbeing (including Mental Health), Rights and Responsibilities (including British Values and Citizenship), Relationships and RSHE (Relationships and Sexual Health Education), Futures (Careers Education) and Character (cultivating virtues). In addition to utilising expertise from within our staff, we look forward to welcoming guests who are specialists in their respective field to speak into this programme. Students have been issued with a ‘Life’ journal which will be used for completing tasks set for this programme.
We trust that the ‘Light and Life Programme’ will provide students with opportunities to think about how they develop their character as they grow up. It is our hope that every student will grow in character, developing into well-rounded young people who have the knowledge and skills to make wise choices to live safe, happy and successful lives.
Thank you for your time in considering this letter. If you require any further information, please contact Mr Mair via enquiries@gracecollege.org.uk or phoning 0191 442 2000.
Yours faithfully,
Mr M Hall Mr A Mair
Principal Assistant Vice Principal (Personal Development)