CAPTION: Bishop Mike visited St Luke's Church of England School to meet the students and staff
The Bishop of Exeter visits Secondary School that is Inspiring Students to ‘Live Life to the Full’
The Bishop of Exeter, the Rt. Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison, visited a school in Exeter that is striving to become an ambitious and inclusive school, by helping students to ‘live life to the full’.
St Luke’s Church of England School, Exeter, is part of the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust, which looks after 16 schools.
Bishop Mike met a number of students to discuss school life
Bishop Mike visited the secondary school on Tuesday 25 February. During his visit, he met with students to hear about their school life and what they are learning.
He also opened the opportunity to discuss what they enjoy at their school, and what changes they would like to see.
Bishop Mike then met with the CEO of Ted Wragg Trust, Moira Marder, Headteacher of St Luke’s Church of England School, Harrison Littler, and Assistant Headteacher, Joe Greenhalgh, to hear about how the school has upheld its Christian vision to ‘live life to the full’.
One of the ways that St Luke’s Church of England School students are supported is by mentoring sessions. These are run by volunteer chaplains from local churches, who meet with students to give them support. Rev’d Dan O’Hara, a Curate at St Boniface Church in Whipton, has been a key part of this work.
During Bishop Mike’s visit, the team praised the work of it’s proactive governance. Rev’d Matt Clayton, who is the vicar of Unlimited Church, is a Foundation Governor at St Luke’s Church of England School. Matt is involved in running Collective Worship sessions for students at the school, and has previously organised a Christmas service for their families.
Each Friday, the schools work charity Exeter ICE Trust run an ICE Cafe at St Luke’s. The ICE Cafe is for year 7 students, and it is designed to be a safe space for them to meet with others and support them through the transition period from primary to secondary school. St Luke’s hopes that they can run something similar to Youth Alpha in these sessions, giving students an opportunity to grow deeper and explore faith in their own way.
Twice a week in their tutorial sessions, students participate in a ‘Mindful Moment’. This is an activity which is focused around a weekly theme. The themes vary, and have previously included racial equality, climate change and the meaning of Easter. In the sessions students might watch a video, have a discussion, or take a moment to reflect in silence. Mindful Moment sessions gives the students an opportunity to explore some of life’s big questions, discuss topical issues, and be inspired.
Joe Greenhalgh, Assistant Headteacher (Ethos & Character Development) for St Luke’s Church of England School, said, “We want students to explore faith, and develop their own worldview.”
The school is also looking at how they can grow a sense of belonging in students, and instill in them the importance of recognising the value in every person.
Bishop Mike was also given a tour of the school during his visit, where he got to see what student life is like.
The Bishop of Exeter, the Rt. Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison, said, “I’m very impressed with St Luke’s Church of England School.”
“I had lively conversations with pupils and staff, and I saw that the school is striving for ‘life in it’s fullness’ (John 10:10) in Christian ethos, values and behaviour, as well as in pursing academic excellence and rigour.”
Harrison Littler, the Headteacher at St Luke’s Church of England School, said, “It was a pleasure to meet with Bishop Mike today and showcase all the great work of students and staff here at St Luke’s.”
“It was also a great opportunity to recognise the incredible contribution that various church groups and individuals make to our school community. From our team of volunteer chaplains and mentors, to the team that run the ICE café for students, to the fantastic Foundation Governors who support the strategic direction of the school, we are so grateful to them all.”
