Pupils who profess and practise a religious faith can enrich the school community. Respecting different faith traditions and making clear that this is an integral part of the life of the school helps to promote understanding between pupils and develops community cohesion.
In schools, there are likely to be both staff and young people who identify with specific religions and who seek to practise their faith. Faith is an integral part of a person's identity and can't be left outside the school gate. Others may be exploring what it means to believe. If this relates to Christianity, it may have been sparked off by something they have learned in religious education, heard in collective worship, or thought about as a result of an encounter with a Christian, either in school or outside. A healthy culture in the school, which respects religious faith, will be a vital encouragement to pupils and staff alike.
Young people need safe places and groups where they can belong, with friends and peers, and share their needs and questions. The best way to support pupils in their religious faith or those who are exploring what it means to be a Christian may be through encouraging an extracurricular lunch-time or after-school group set up for that purpose. Such groups may be led by Christian members of staff, church members or Christian schools workers.
Churches often offer activities that are of interest to school pupils. They can be encouraged to invite pupils to age appropriate groups like Beavers, Guides, youth groups etc. or to go on Christian activity holidays to learn to sail, ski or learn drama skills. Church clubs running in the holiday are often welcomed by parents of younger children. Young people also enjoy being involved in worthwhile causes. There are plenty of ways a church can help a school to facilitate this by introducing schools to Christian relief and aid projects and community service activities. These activities also strengthen relationships between schools and churches, providing opportunities for church members and youth leaders to get alongside pupils and act as role models.