Tuesday, 2 May 2006

Our vision

Our vision as local churches is to support our community and work in partnership with Portway in order to see pupils reaching their full all round potential and become responsible, happy and helpful members of their school and community.

We seek to
"raise aspirations, unlock students' potential and work towards achieving excellence through encouraging a 'can do' culture which nurtures confident and competent people" (Steve Chalke).

Monday, 1 May 2006

How local churches support Portway

As the local churches we are establishing permanent networks of support for the school, to ensure the school is fully supported by its community. We are pleased to be working in partnership with the school and have seen some amazing developments and answers to prayer over the past year.

We have been involved in practical ministry with the school for a year. During this time we have:

• Held termly prayer meetings based on HMCI reports, to pray and increase awareness of the current issues in the school. These have been fully supported by senior management from the school.

• Established a team of mentors who support pupils on a 1:1 basis.

• Helped to lead groups on self esteem and behaviour.

• Organised a register of volunteers who have skills in certain areas who would be willing to help in various different ways.

• Regularly provided home baked cakes for staff during parents meetings and other events.

• Provided a team of workers to help staff to move into the new school building.

• Been able to provide accommodation to overseas and non local teachers and offered to act as community mentors to these.

• Supported charity events in the school.

• Provided guest speakers for lessons on topics such as drugs and art, and provided general lesson support.