worlybear Posted January 13, 2011 Posted January 13, 2011 Having just started work in a church school I am thoroughly depressed by the so-called "christian" attitude towards the children. At my previous (non-church) school, the joy of the children skipping up to assembly was a delight to behold. Everyone sang enthusiastically and joined in and there was a great feel to it all. Today at my new (thankfully temporary contract ) post- the HT blasted my class of 6 yr olds for not walking completely silently up the corridor.They were not shouting or running but apparently they're not allowed to speak at all. Very over the top. Earlier this week I witnessed a 4 yr old being made to sit with his classmates despite being very distressed and clearly unable to cope. (Apparently he is being forced to participate in the assembly because everyone else does.) TBH I was totally disgusted by both incidents- the school preaches R.E. at every turn-It has been suggested that all teachers should have a religious "shrine" in every class. (WTF for!!!!) I thought compassion,kindness,tolerance(especially of small children)is supposed to be the bedrock of christianity. This may seem to you guys to be rather a minor quibble but quite frankly this is not the 1st time I have come across this mind-set in a church school. In a previous school,when I had obvious major problems (as did my daughter who also attended the school) due to the very public break up of my marriage, not once did the team or vicar offer any support to either of us. In both schools the leadership teams would claim to be deeply christian but actions speak louder than words. Seems to me that the leadership of these "church" schools is missing the whole point of christianity- I am picking up the message loud and clear- "the nearer to church-the further from God." I have never felt further from christianity. For me personally, Buddhism seems the way to go!
TaraMaiden Posted January 13, 2011 Posted January 13, 2011 Well, I think I'm qualified to speak up here! I am Buddhist, and have been for about 20 years - but I was born, baptised, raised, educated and married as a Roman Catholic - and an Italian one too! I became a Parent-Governor at the RC Primary school both my daughters attended, And (in their wisdom!!) the parents voted me in two terms running! So I must have done something right! I'd like to reassure you that not all Church schools are like this. My time at the school was extremely happy, and my two girls thoroughly enjoyed their schooling there. The school was extremely tolerant and flexible in its approach, and also had a "Quiet Room" where children could go to sit, read, pray, or simply get away from things. It was largely unsupervised, but all the children respected this space, remarkably. And get this: This 'Quiet Room' had information, literature, illustrations and artefacts from all the major World religions: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. I really got on well with the Parish priest, and his Deacon, both of whom had a very hands-on approach, and were regular, common, welcome and popular visitors to the school. Father Eddie knew I was developing an interest in Buddhism, and never once, ever, did he object, lodge a complaint or air any doubts about my fulfilling my role as a Governor. When we left the UK to go to live in France, I was so sad to leave. It was - and still is - a lovely school, with a wonderful atmosphere. I promise Worly - they're not all like yours!
laRubiaBonita Posted January 13, 2011 Posted January 13, 2011 i went to a christian school prek-2nd grade- i loved it! the school was through a baptist church; i was baptised, confirmed and practice lutheranism. but that the school offered good before and after school care was the reasoning for my parents to send us there, until my older sis and/ or i were old enough to stay at home after school. the only big differences from this private school and public school that i remember was that we did learn about the bible stories and we did pray in school; we had some assemblies that were christian-type stuff; we had christmas parties (of course the public schools did then too); and we were taught with phonics. i remember we were supposed to be quiet in the halls in both public and private schools, so not to disturb other classrooms. i do not feel christianity was shoved down my throat- maybe because i was young and not paying that much attention, but i also think it was because the school was not of a specified denomination (like a catholic school); therefore the teachings were a little more generalized to embrace christianity at large.
Author worlybear Posted January 13, 2011 Author Posted January 13, 2011 "Life has to have some meaning to it and so does this thread." Tony. My point is, where does the spiritual side come into this ? It looks like it's being delivered in a very negative way by a HT who barks at them like a sergeant major. The kids are getting the message that the messenger from God is a short,pompous man, bristling with self importance who appears to get his religious fix by shouting at and frightening small children into silence. The whole school theme this term is "Peace." - LOL. Surely christianity needs to be taught and practised in a positive way- extolling the virtues of inherent goodness, helping others, leading by example. Haven't seen much evidence of the latter, so far. I do consider myself to be a practising christian(who knows maybe one day I'll have mastered it!) So I'll throw out a general comment and invite people to respond. Religion is personal to each individual, and, in my personal opinion, should have no prominent place in the school curriculum , unless it is taught with citizenship and community values..... Discuss!
TaraMaiden Posted January 13, 2011 Posted January 13, 2011 I think citizenship and community values should be taught, regardless of whether Religion is a focal or not. Interesting case in point: A member on another forum asked whether it was right to bring children up by teaching them Buddhism...would it not alienate other children and hold them open to possible ridicule? I happened to be first respondent. I pointed out that teaching them Buddhist ethics, morals and values could be done by substituting the word 'Buddhist', with the word 'commonplace'. There is no Godhead in Buddhism, and as such, all teachings and lessons imparted can be held and adhered to, by anyone, even if they happen to avidly, fervently and devotedly practice A.N.Other religion, as a primary calling.
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