Welcome to our Networks, Events and Training Courses programme for the academic year 2023 – 2024. As you will see there are a wide range of support and training on offer, with a variety of courses, conferences and network meetings to support your work as Church of England schools in the Bristol Diocese. You are welcome to attend any sessions, though some will be particularly focused at particular groups, as stated in the session description. Click on the links below to book via Eventbrite.
As you know, being a CE school is something really special to hold on to. Your strong foundation influences all that happens in school and supports the growth of deep connections with your community. We love helping you to be the best school you can be, whether local authority, academy, or one of many partnered with us as a community school. Our courses and bespoke training are designed to have something for everyone wherever you are based and whether or not you are a ‘teacher’. I commend these opportunities to you for developing Christian character, RE, SIAMS, leadership, church-school-home partnership.
Whatever you need, we want you all to flourish so don’t hesitate to make contact.
Liz Townend Diocesan Director of Education
Read the latest newsletter from the Education team
As you will see there are a wide range of support and training opportunities on offer, with a variety of courses, conferences and network meetings to support your work as Church of England schools in the Bristol Diocese. You are welcome to attend any sessions, though some will be particularly focused at particular groups, as stated in the session description. Click on the links below to book via Eventbrite.
Download a list of sessions for Governors and Teachers
Find contact details for the Diocesan Education team here
Visit our Eventbrite page for all our events.
- Explore the NEW SIAMS framework and what is the same and different from previous schedules
- Identify ways in which school’s vision can underpin all SIAMS work and the life of a CofE school
- Understand possible processes of self-evaluation and summary required for schools
- Understand all SIAMS inspection processes (before, during and after the inspection day
- Explore the NEW SIAMS framework and what is the same and different from previous schedules
- Identify ways in which school’s vision can underpin all SIAMS work and the life of a CofE school
- Explore a definition of spirituality for your school and ways spiritual development can be embedded across your curriculum and community
- Understand all SIAMS inspection processes (before, during and after the inspection day)
- Understand and begin processes of self-evaluation suggested for schools • Create an action plan and select some ideas for implementation in your school
- God’s Big Story Box (This sets the scene)
- Mary’s Box
- Joseph’s Box
- The Shepherds’ Box
- The Wise Men’s Box
- The last box is where the story ends…and begins!
If you are interested in finding out more about either of these interactive resources, visit the Bristol Schools Connection website where you will find all the free, downloadable resources, and information about training.
*Bristol Schools Connection’s downloadable resources and training are free, but they do accept donations. A gift of £60 can pay for a set of resources for a class.
OUTCOMES
- an understanding of the aims, legal requirements, purposes and current context of Religion and Worldviews/RE
- a basic understanding of some central beliefs of key world faiths (and non-religious worldviews)
- awareness and knowledge of Ofsted criteria linked with RE
- know how to make positive changes – audit current provision and make a realistic action plan
Cost - £60 per delegate (and £20 for a further delegate from the same school/parish) ** Schools will be invoiced before the event. Initial registration is free
- an understanding of the aims, legal requirements, purposes and current context of Religion and Worldviews/ RE
- a basic understanding of some central beliefs of key world faiths (and non-religious worldviews)
- awareness and knowledge of Ofsted criteria linked with RE
- be able to develop realistic models for assessment and monitoring progress in RE
- know how to make positive changes – audit current provision and make a realistic action plan
- Introduction to the Understanding Christianity learning model - Text Impact Connections
- An understanding of the ‘big story’ that is central to Christian belief and practice, connecting the Bible to eight core concepts
- Ideas for creative and engaging teaching and learning activities which will support pupils in developing a coherent knowledge and understanding of Christianity
- Knowledge of how to integrate Understanding Christianity materials into planning
- Ideas for assessment and tracking of progress using Understanding Christianity in RE
be aware of and support; it is at the heart of the functioning of a church school. We encourage all new staff and volunteers to attend one of the short sessions. This training can also be offered free of charge for a full staff training as part of one of your regular INSET days, subject to availability. Please make contact if you prefer this model.
OUTCOMES
- the basics of CE education and history, nationally and locally
- examples of fabulous local practice in Bristol Diocese
- the importance of vision, values and character education being held by all in the school community
- what Christian Distinctiveness (character) and Spiritual Development means
- a quick run through of Collective Worship, SIAMS, RE, pastoral support etc
- where to go for further learning and information and networking colleagues
- no off-putting missional material for those with a differing or no faith background
This training is for all those involved with the creation, development and embedding of Church school vision – headteachers, governors, SIAMS leaders.
A strong Christian vision, well linked to your school’s unique context and community, is a powerful tool for flourishing of all. The new 2023 SIAMS framework raises the expectation for this vision to be carefully developed and impactful. In this training we explore the meaning of ‘theologically rooted’ and give practical ideas to develop a powerful vision for your school.
- An understanding of what a ‘theologically rooted Christian vision’ is, and what it might look like in your context
- Exploration of some core Christian theological ideas and how they link with the vision of school leaders
- Practical ideas for the creation, development or embedding of your Christian vision to impact pupils and adults in your school.
Tuesday 7th November – 10.00-12.00 (Hillside House)
Thursday 9th November – 18.00-20.00 (online)
Tuesday 5th March – 10.00-12.00 (Hillside House)
Thursday 7th March – 18.00-20.00 (online)
Cost – FREE
Session 1 - aims to introduce governance and the unique challenge of governance in church schools and to provide participants with practical knowledge that they can apply to their setting.
Topics covered in this session include:
- What is special about governance in church schools - the unique role of the Foundation Governor.
- Introduction to the core functions of governance – what this looks like in practice.
- Governors and why we need them – the essential role you have.
- How to remain strategic.
- Challenge – asking challenging questions.
- Governor monitoring.
- A brief introduction to the following areas in context of governance: SIAMS, Vision & ethos, The Church of England Vision for Education, Collective worship & RE.
Tuesday 5th December – 10.00-12.00 (Kingfisher Academy)
Thursday 7th December – 18.00-20.00 (online)
Tuesday 19th March – 10.00-12.00 (Kingfisher Academy)
Thursday 21st March – 18.00-20.00 (online)
Cost: FREE
Session 2 - aims to provide opportunities to ask questions, network and discuss with fellow governors, and apply church school governance to your own context. Topics covered in this session include:
- To deepen your understanding of the core role of governance in a church school
- Living out your school vision and values in your governing body
- To develop confidence in your role within your own school
- To go away with practical ways of embedding your trust or school vision
- To enhance your knowledge and understanding of all matters SIAMS
- Monitoring your school’s readiness for SIAMS
How different is a church school to a school without a ‘religious designation’?
Will my leadership journey be stunted if I’m not a Christian believer?
Will the vicar or staff or governors try to evangelise me?!
- A clearer understanding of what makes a school a ‘church’ school
- Confidence to apply for a role in a church school
- Demystify the ‘Church of England’ label and place of the diocese
There will be discussions, workshops and opportunities for reflection with colleagues. Most importantly we hope to be together face to face to rebuild and deepen our relationships and know we can act for a better world.
Our regular FREE governor forum is aimed at all those serving as governors in our church schools and academies and has been designed with a view to providing attendees with the opportunity to network, share best practice and to hear about any hot topics. Each forum will have a theme, sometimes with a guest speaker, as well as time planned in for that valuable networking opportunity.
This FREE event is a fantastic opportunity to hear more about this empowering project – offering great links with SIAMS, including spirituality and courageous advocacy in your school.
This training is for Headteachers, Clergy and anyone involved in planning or leading Collective Worship. A time to reflect and focus on Collective Worship in your own school, refresh knowledge of CofE guidance and share some practical ideas and resources.
OUTCOMES
- Space to consider your school’s priorities and key purposes for Collective Worship
- Knowledge of the Church of England guidance ‘Inclusive, invitational, inspiring’ and expectations of SIAMS 2023
- Some ideas as to how Collective Worship can ensure your school’s vision, values and sense of community
- Examples of great strategies and resources for planning and assessing the impact of worship on the life of your school
A thought provoking and inspiring day of presentations and workshops offering you a wide selection of speakers and many ideas and resources to develop powerful Religious Education in your school, from EYFS to KS4
with keynote speakers Ashish Kundi and Bolo-Alysia Ayonrinde + various workshops (full line up TBC)
With each box they handle the props, hear the script being read and perhaps act out the scene, discuss their responses, take a moment to wonder, reflect on what they’ve learned and apply it to their own lives with a fun activity. They take home the things they make in their own mini-Easter-in-a-Box.
If you are interested in finding out more about either of these interactive resources, visit the Bristol Schools Connection website where you will find all the free, downloadable resources, and information about training.
*Bristol Schools Connection’s downloadable resources and training are free, but they do accept donations. A gift of £60 can pay for a set of resources for a class
A day for new and aspiring leaders across the Diocese. This day is for headteachers newly appointed to a Church of England School who have not been ‘commissioned’ before, or those aspiring to be a Headteacher. Spend a day with colleagues, developing knowledge and understanding of Church school leadership, and then enjoy a very special service of commissioning by the Bishop to bless and inspire your work.
- connect with colleagues also new to leadership in the Diocese
- to gain greater insights into what it means to be the Headteacher of a Church of England School
- reflect on the impact of Christian Distinctiveness (character) on the core purpose of education
- know what kind of spiritual leader you are and determine how to be an authentic Head of a Church of England School
- be equipped with strategies to lead and monitor the impact of Collective Worship
- understand the rubric of the SIAMS inspection process and begin to be equipped to effectively lead your school through an inspection
This training is for anyone involved with music and worship in schools.
Through lots of singing and sharing of excellent repertoire, Claire and Kirsten will lead you through inspirational songs and hymns suitable for whole school singing, and KS1/KS2 specific songs. The training will consider how to choose repertoire that is meaningful and accessible for you and the children and will introduce different styles of song that might be relevant to different aspects of your school worship, for example Taizé chant when coming together in prayer, part singing, adding a descant or singing in canon. With tips for teaching the songs, reasons for choosing them and a wealth of easy and more challenging repertoire we hope to give you something to sing about. This training is for anyone involved with spiritual development in schools and partner churches: clergy, LLMs, church volunteers, subject leaders and teachers. We suggest delegates attend in pairs with a representative from church and school.
Cost - £50 per delegate** Schools will be invoiced before the event. Initial registration is free
- inspiration to create this spiritual development opportunity for your pupils’ learning and wellbeing
- practical knowledge you need to host your first prayer space
- clarity about the values and ethos that underpin a great prayer space
- readiness to work in partnership with your church/school
This training is for anyone involved with spiritual development in schools and partner churches: clergy, LLMs, church volunteers, subject leaders and teachers. We suggest delegates attend in pairs with a representative from church and school.
Prayer spaces are a spiritual development experience and can support learning in a range of curricular and extra-curricular areas. They provide a quiet, reflective space where children can consider how they relate to themselves, to others, to the world and to the Divine. There will be a focus on outdoor prayer spaces which also support children to connect with nature.
- inspiration to create this spiritual development opportunity for your pupils’ learning and wellbeing
- practical knowledge you need to host your first prayer space
- clarity about the values and ethos that underpin a great prayer space
- readiness to work in partnership with your church/school
£50 per delegate (£20 for second delegate from the same school) - online ** Schools will be invoiced before the event. Initial registration is free
Are you a new RE subject leader who has taken on responsibility for teaching the Understanding Christianity resource in your school? Or would you like to refresh your knowledge and get a few fresh ideas for using this resource?
This course aims to clarify the structure, pedagogy and expectations of using Understanding Christianity in your school. Recent research has shown that, when taught using its pedagogy, Understanding Christianity can really improve and build confidence amongst staff and pupils.
OUTCOMES
- Recap the key concepts underpinning Understanding Christianity
- Develop subject knowledge of teaching Christianity
- Recap the pedagogy of text, impact, connections and show real life examples of how it works in the classroom
- Clarify how it can be integrated into the curriculum
- Offer advice on planning from the units in a manageable way
- Show how it might be utilised to look at worldviews and diversity in Christianity.
- a chance to explore how your school can create a definition of Spiritual Development that will fit your context and vision
- ideas of where this can fit right across your curriculum, environment and life of the school
- practical ideas for ensuring age-appropriate questioning and activities that will deepen pupil’s spiritual development
For all governors of schools that are their own admissions authority
- Give an opportunity for quiet and theological reflection on your role and school-church partnership
- Explore and celebrate a particular aspect of Christian distinctiveness. This might be a presentation/ walk round/ reflection or resource to inspire and open us up to new ways of thinking and acting. Our meeting in October will introduce the Church and School Partnership Award with the opportunity to hear from schools who have recently achieved this.
- Provide brief essential updates and advice on Christian distinctiveness, SIAMS, any new government guidance and initiatives and training in the diocese
Bristol Schools Connection work across the Bristol Region supporting local Church and School to deepen their partnership so that together they can create space for Spiritual Development in Schools.
After an initial conversation, they can provide a twilight session for both School and Church partners to suit your context and aims.
Individual School Training - Diocesan Team
Our education adviser team are available for a wide variety of school based additional support and training. You may like to book a staff or governor training session, or an INSET session, on areas such as:
- RE
- Collective Worship
- Spiritual Development
- Church School Vision
- RSHE
- Understanding Christianity
Bespoke training on any area linked with Church School Christian Distinctiveness can be discussed. Please do contact Laura or Julia to arrange.
Training Charges
- Half day - £250
- Full day (up to 6 hours) - £350
- Twilight (up to 1.5 hours) - £125
Individual School Training & Experiences - Others
In addition to our Diocesan education team, we would like to recommend a selection of partnerships working across the area in various specialist areas.
Bristol Cathedral Education & Visits
The new education officer, Rebekah Guy, at Bristol Cathedral would love to hear from schools interested in visits to enhance their religious education curriculum, spiritual development and collective worship. The cathedral team offer a wide range of workshops and activities and can tailor sessions to link with the use of Understanding Christianity and the locally agreed syllabus for RE across the Bristol area.
In particular, KS1 teams may like to experience the new ‘Song Trail’ now being offered, where pupils can encounter the joy and spiritual experience of singing in different locations around the building, exploring different types of music and accompanied by the various amazing instruments the Cathedral has to offer.
Bristol Schools Connection
Bristol Schools Connection work across the Bristol region supporting local church and school to deepen their partnerships, so that together they can create space for spiritual development in schools. They would love to hear from any schools or parish partners who would like to deepen their partnership going forward. After an initial conversation, they can provide a twilight session for school and church partners to suit your context and aims.
Jane and Liz are also representatives of Prayer Spaces in Schools. They would be very happy to work alongside schools and their church partners to explore the spiritual development opportunities that can be offered through the use of the Prayer Spaces approach.
Kirsten Cunnigham and Claire Alsop (Horfield Primary School/Bristol Beacon)
Kirsten Cunningham is part-time Assistant Head Teacher and Music Co-ordinator at Horfield CEVC Primary School, leads training as a freelance music consultant for Bristol Beacon and works on other local and national music education projects. She conducts a school choir of 100 KS2 children and enjoys leading music as part of collective worship in school.
Claire Alsop is a Bristol based pianist, organist, composer and arranger. Claire is assistant organist at St Mary Redcliffe church, and as a freelance musician enjoys a range of music-making including teaching, accompanying and solo work. Claire is involved in a wide range of music education activities in Bristol and beyond, and currently supports Horfield CEVC Primary School as a pianist, performing arts lead and composer in residence.
Kirsten and Claire would love to offer support to any schools looking to improve their spiritual development through the use of music and song. Do contact them to discuss your needs.
Encounter Christianity
We provide free dynamic, interactive RE lessons and workshops based on Bristol’s Agreed Syllabus. We work with primary and secondary schools, providing high quality religious education in accordance with the ethos of the syllabus. We have 3 aims:
- to enrich local school pupils’ learning in RE and spirituality;
- to provide pupils with first-hand experiences of 21st century Christianity; and
- to build positive community relationships.
Visit Encounter Christianity here
Leadership Development
Note that ALL NPQs are currently offered with free course fees to ALL CE schools in the Diocese of Bristol.
This includes NPQs in Middle Leadership, Senior Leadership, Headship and Executive Leadership. The special CofE NPQ that gives a full NPQH and support for being a headteacher in a church school. As a leader of a Church of England school or somebody whose practice and leadership resonate with Christian values, we want you to experience life in all its fullness (John, 10:10) and enable your staff and children to do the same. See NPQs - Foundation For Educational Leadership (cefel.org.uk) for more details.
This is an outstanding offer and may not be repeated in future years so do contact your local provider as soon as possible.
Headship appointment
This is the most crucial appointment that any Governing Body will ever make so its important for governors to lead an excellent process and encourage a quality field to apply.
The Diocese supports with all headship appointments across the whole diocese in an advisory capacity, working closely with the school governors and local authority/ academy trust to help ensure the right process, provide sample templates and activities and ensure you appoint the best possible candidate.
A diocesan officer, usually the Director of Education, provides support at all stages and is a non voting advisory member of the appointment panel. Once the candidate is appointed, the diocese will continue to support through visits, induction activities and linking with the local church leadership if required.
Please contact the Diocese at liz.townend@bristoldiocese.org or 0117 906 0100 as soon as you know a change of headteacher is happening in order that the process can be rigorous, not rushed and dates for all parties are agreed well in advance.