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School Ventures

What are School Ventures?

School Ventures are two-night residentials for clusters of Church of England schools* and their supporting churches.

They aim to help Year 4/5 pupils investigate the core concepts of the Christian faith, explore their own personal response and, should they wish, connect with a suitable local church children’s programme.

In this way, School Ventures help meet some of the more challenging aspects of SIAMS, enhance pupils’ RE experience, contribute to Church of England schools’ Christian ethos, draw schools and their local church(es) into closer partnership; and build confidence, resilience and independence amongst pupils, all within the context of a fun and safe residential. Pupils take part in two outdoor pursuits, plus a variety of games, crafts and challenges.

These residentials are massively subsidised (2023 price is £79/pupil), running at a nearby activity centre, with approximately 10-15 pupils and one to two staff from each participating school.

CPAS is a Church of England charity running 100 holidays with 3,000 volunteers for 4,000 children annually, including School Ventures in 10 dioceses across the country.

*Community Schools are also welcome to attend - please contact ashaw@cpas.org.uk for a conversation about this.

The School Ventures Offer

In order to participate, most of the heavy-lifting for the weekend will be taken on by CPAS and the Overall Leader, leaving participating churches free to enjoy supporting pupils from their local school. 

For the church:

-School and church will benefit most where the church is able to send several volunteers. We encourage all churches to bring two volunteers as a minimum (three is ideal).

-NB: Several churches on other School Ventures have older members who get involved but who appreciate returning home to their own beds at night to sleep.

-The church volunteers will need to be DBS checked and complete references for our safer recruitment processes.

For the school:

-Minimum of 10 pupil places for children from either Y4 and/or Y5 (there may be more places available nearer the time once other schools have confirmed their attendance and we know our volunteer leader recruitment situation).

-These places are all subsidised and cost the school £79 per pupil place. Schools can choose how to finance this. Some pass the full cost to families, some part-fund it (many use Pupil Premium money), some gain bursaries elsewhere, some have support from their local church.

-NB: In order to participate, schools need to send at least one member of staff with the pupils attending (this can be TA, office staff or SLT, it does not have to be the class teacher).

CPAS and the Overall Leaders pick up the load for everything else and ensure that the teaching programme is high quality, activities are well run and risk-assessed, the bookings are managed for you, the programme flows smoothly, communications are timely and helpful etc. All the church needs to do is send its volunteers to the Briefing Meeting (which is followed by a free pub meal so that the team can bond and feel appreciated) and then come and enjoy being with the pupils on the residential itself, joining in with the activities and teaching programme.

 

What's the next step?

To explore School Ventures further or get involved, please contact Anna Shaw, the School Ventures Development Officer.

Please note: Due to churches and schools having different priorities, we have a separate video, flyer and email for headteachers - do contact Anna in order to get hold of these resources before having a conversation with your school.

ashaw@cpas.org.uk 

07579775546