The Branch Christian School Prospectus
part of Branch Christian Ministries
The Branch Christian School Prospectus |
| part of Branch Christian Ministries |
The Branch Christian School: Prospectus
Academic Year: 2006 / 2007
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Proverbs 22:6 (NKJ)
The above scripture is God’s promise to those who will take seriously the training of children, in accordance with divine principles as recorded in the Bible. Thus proper development will ensure that a child will stay committed to God. The Branch Christian School was God’s initiative. The vision for the school was given to the Dewsbury Gospel Church. However, the vision came about through the prayers and concerns of Christian parents of various denominations in respect of the education of their children. These parents over the years shared their concerns with the staff at The Branch Christian Books.
Out of this came the development of The Branch Christian School to “reach out” to the Christian community and beyond with an alternative in education. In early 1994 the Holy Spirit began to prompt the church to pray specifically into the area of Christian education. By the summer it was evident that God’s intention was for a Christian school to be established.
In order to share the vision of the school with the Christian community, all the churches in the locality were invited to attend a special meeting. Mr. Arthur Roderick, the National Co-ordinator for Christian Education Europe was the invited speaker when some sixty plus people attended with at least ten different churches represented. The meeting was very positive and encouragement from parents and churches prompted the call to commence the opening of the school before the end of the year. Further confirmation came through finances being provided, and families being willing to count the cost of enrolling their children in the school.
The school opened on Wednesday, November 2nd, 1994, with eight pupils and four staff - who had caught the vision and given up their jobs to work in the school. In the course of its first year the school had grown to fifteen pupils ranging from 3-16 years. God has graciously provided for the needs of the school every step of the way even as he has promised to do. We believe that The Branch Christian School has been raised up for such a time as this. We trust you will be encouraged and inspired by the things God is bringing about through Christian education. Our desire is that we may prayerfully work with others in order that children may be brought up in the nurture and love of God. Not just producing academically sound students, but those who will be fitted for the Master’s use.
The Branch Christian School is now situated at 8 - 10 Thomas Street, Heckmondwike having moved from Church premises, owing to the increase in numbers of pupils attending. The Branch Christian School is not conventional in its approach, as it places the emphasis on individual learning rather than classroom teaching, and therefore much is done in the way of recognition and motivation of the individual student. As God has given responsibility primarily to parents in respect of the training and education of their children, the school seeks a very close co-operation with parents. The most important desire of the school is that each pupil has a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus and grows up in the grace and knowledge of Him.
Therefore, much of Scripture has been given as instruction in respect of the education of our children.
“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children.”
Deuteronomy 6:6-7a
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.”
Proverbs 1:7
“Bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.”
Ephesians 6:4b
· To provide an environment of love and security whereby children of Christian parents may receive a Bible-based education promoting spiritual welfare and academic advancement.
· To emphasise the importance and individuality of each student, and their need of a proper response to themselves, each other, and to God as their Creator.
· The development and use of God given talents and creative abilities to the Glory of God.
· To enable students to set goals, to analyse, to communicate well, to achieve academically and to understand the principles of success.
· To promote self-discipline by training students to be relevant, consistent, appreciative, responsible in attitude, character and actions.
· To compensate for inadequate educational backgrounds.
· To assist each child in seeking after God’s plan for their life.
All the above objectives of the school receive regular prayer support by the staff of the school and also, most importantly, that (1) each student might have a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, (2) that they might grow in grace achieving a higher level of maturity, (3) each one might become an effective witness for the Lord.
The Principal assesses each case on merit but these are our guide-lines:
· Entrance is not based upon IQ or achievement. A prospective student must, however, not be a social or moral liability to other children.
· An interview between the Principal and prospective students and their parents is mandatory prior to admission.
· Parents and students must accept the school’s Conduct and Discipline policies as outlined in the relevant section of this Prospectus and as enlarged upon by the Principal during the Admission interview.
· All children who are admitted must attend a day of academic diagnostic testing where the appropriate level of curriculum for each child may be assessed. (The fee for diagnostic testing is £25.00 (as at 1 September 2006)
· Twice yearly, parents are asked to visit the school to discuss their child’s progress and future studies. In this way, parents are encouraged to take an active part in monitoring the child’s progress in conjunction with the school’s experienced and fully trained School of Tomorrow staff who will report on the child’s achievements and perceived learning potential.
· A video presentation of the School of Tomorrow system is required viewing, and may be seen at the school or loaned for personal viewing.
Discipline plays an important part in the school life of any child and it is a condition of admission that parents guarantee to support the staff in enforcing school rules and procedures. Absence, except for illness, is not permitted without previous permission from the Principal in response to written application.
A child’s attitudes, conversation and behaviour are to be in harmony with the high standards of Christian conduct that are expected of children at The Branch Christian School. Rules and policies of the school will reflect Christian standards in courtesy, respect, kindness, morality, honesty, dress and general demeanour. Consistency in Christ-honouring behaviour and attitudes is seen as basic in the child’s walk before the Lord in all realms of activity, home, church and community.
When a person assumes a greater responsibility in life he or she earns greater privileges. This principle is taught through the School of Tomorrow graduated incentive system. Rewarding achievement is a sound principle and encourages children to press on for greater achievement. Privileges are awarded according to scale of industry and good behaviour.
From time to time children need discipline. By nature, every child rebels against parental and school controls that suppress his passions and self-will. Unchecked by discipline, these desires lead to a life of “pleasurable” behaviour, but not productive achievements. The system of demerits leading to detention, helps the staff to control and train each child.
Behavioural problems and discipline procedures will be considered within the context of the Parent Orientation session.
Parents wishing to enrol their children in The Branch Christian School should complete the Application Form (see Page 14) and return it to the school office. Arrangements will be made for the Principal to interview the parents and child together.
Once the child is accepted it will be necessary for the school to arrange for “Diagnostic Tests”.
Pupils accepted from conventional schools are not assigned work on the basis of the form level from which they have come nor on their chronological age. Instead, they are prescribed curriculum on the basis of the results of the diagnostic testing which is a measurement of their current abilities.
During the course of the year pupils are given an independent Achievement Test to assess their academic progress.
The Branch Christian School is committed to the belief that learning rather than teaching is the vital issue in education and that learning must be based on scriptural rather than secular principles.
Because biblical truths permeate the Accelerated Christian Education (UK) curriculum used, pupils benefit both in terms of academic training and character development.
Another advantage to pupils using the A.C.E. curriculum is that the material is not bound in large textbooks. Instead, each subject is presented in small booklets called PACEs enabling each pupil to master the material for themselves at their own personal working pace.
The knowledge in a PACE follows upon what the child has learned in the previous PACEs. In this way he or she is constantly adding to a store of knowledge. PACEs allow children to progress steadily through the curriculum, building a firm base of understanding. Advancement to new material is not permitted until testing demonstrates that the pupils have thoroughly comprehended all material contained in a previous PACE.
Capable children may advance without being held back by those who need more time to learn.
The staff are released by our method to devote more time to each child. In a conventional classroom, teachers instruct the entire class at one time, which necessarily limits the attention they can give to each child. In our Learning Centre, pupils are busy working at their own speed on PACEs at the right level for their ability.
If a child is unable to solve a problem he can call on the teacher for help. The teacher then works carefully with the child, helping him to find the answer to his problem. Since such instruction is private, the pupil is encouraged to ask questions which he might find embarrassing to ask in front of a class. There is therefore a free exchange of ideas between teacher and pupil. The student then really learns!
The basic curriculum, which all pupils are required to study, has five core subjects: Mathematics, English Grammar/Literature, General Science, Social Studies and Word Building.
At The Branch Christian School, we believe that the expanded curriculum subject matter has a very important part to play in the overall development of the student. In order to give the student a well-rounded education, we offer a wide variety of subjects in the afternoons especially designed to complement the PACE material. Of course, we recognise the importance of keeping all learning materials in accordance with the Word of God and we strive to achieve the highest standard of excellence possible with the resources that God has provided.
We believe that these extra subjects will allow the student to develop important skills such as; note-taking, essay writing, imaginative writing, practical skills in maths and science, musical and dramatic skills. As well as this, these lessons provide time for discussion, group interaction, project work and research.
Generally two subjects are taken in the afternoons.
Subjects already covered: Art, Drama, Movement, Biology, Domestic Science, British History, Geography, Creative Writing, Music, Crafts, Practical Maths, Practical Science, Information Technology, Design and Technology, English Literature, French and Health Education. Sport is also emphasised within the curriculum. Each year students are taken to a local swimming baths for a six week course in swimming. Many team games are taught and played, along with athletics. Opportunity is given to compete against other schools at the Annual Christian School’s Convention.
(incorporating the National Christian Schools Certificate)
In 2000, the Government announced a new framework that would include all qualifications issued by awarding bodies in the UK. The National Framework for Qualifications (NFQ) includes National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ), General National Vocational Qualifications (GNVQ), the General Certificate of Secondary Educational (GCSE), the Advanced Subsidiary qualification (AS), Advanced Level (A2), the Advanced Extension Award (AEA) and many other awards.
The NFQ has six levels, encompassing all levels from very basic entry level to higher degrees.
Level of Qualification
| General | Vocational | Occupational | ICCE |
Level 5 | Higher Degrees | Higher Degrees | NVQ Level 5 |
|
Level 4 | First Degrees | First Degrees | NVQ Level 4 |
|
Level 3 (Advanced) | AS/A2 | GNVQ (Advanced) | NVQ Level 3 | Advanced Intermediate |
Level 2 (Intermediate) | GSCE (A*-C) | GNVQ (Intermediate) | NVQ Level 2 | General |
Level 1 (Foundation) | GSCE (D-G) | GNVQ (Foundation) | NVQ Level 1 |
|
Entry Level | Certificate of Achievement | Certificate of Achievement |
| Basic |
The Basic Certificate (Replaces the NCSC Foundation Certificate)
This course is only for pupils with special educational needs. It covers the basic curriculum including English, mathematics, science, history, geography, information technology and Bible study. It is a record of all the work achieved by the pupils, regardless of level and replaces the ‘Leaving Certificate’ previously offered by CEE Ltd. An Achievement Certificate may still be obtained from the School or TEACH.
The General Certificate (Replaces the NCSC Level 1 Certificate)
The General Certificate is a NFQ Level 2 qualification. It was originally designed for those who expect to leave school at 16. However, experience has shown that many pupils joining the ACE programme late in their educational career, often with significant educational deficiencies. As a consequence, the General Certificate is often awarded to pupils who are 17 or older. It should be noted that the ICCE programme is based on the completion of the course, not the age of the pupil.
The Intermediate Certificate (Replaces the NCSC Level 2 Certificate)
The Intermediate Certificate is a NFQ Level 3 qualification and requires a standard of work similar to AS Level. It is intended for those who wish to follow further education or professional courses. The Nursing and Midwifery Admissions Service (NMAS) has accepted the NCSC Level 2 certificate for entry to pre-registration courses. It has also been accepted by the armed forces for entry on officer training courses.
The Advanced Certificate (Replaces the NCSC Level 3 Certificate)
The Advanced Certificate is a NFQ Level 3 qualification and is similar to A2 Level. It is intended for those who wish to go into higher education or study professional courses at Christian or secular colleges and universities.
Many parents have chosen Christian education because they recognise that they have a responsibility under God to ensure that their child fulfils his or her destiny and calling. They want to ensure that their children have a Christian world view and a personal understanding of Biblical morality. The ICCE Board has been set up to assist in these responsibilities.
Please note that none of the ICCE Certificates are age related and are awarded only when a pupil has completed all elements of the course.
(for Children of all Abilities)
1. It is Academically Sound
· Individualised
Each child has had unique experiences, has capabilities, interests and current needs. The School of Tomorrow programme is designed to facilitate learning through self-instructional materials enabling a pupil with varied abilities to advance academically in all subjects. He will then realise his highest potential.
· Achievement Orientated
People thrive on achievement. It is a vital, motivating factor. You can teach facts and give information but learning involves a desire for knowledge. The programme rewards success in academic achievement. No fast pupil is held back and no slow pupil is compelled to keep up with children his own age. Both can succeed!
· Provides Motivation
Goal Charts combine to build both self-discipline and success-consciousness. Class rules and earned privileges combine to minimise problems and promote respect for authority. The teacher as a counsellor, supervisor and friend is present to stimulate cooperation, to inspire and motivate maximum learning and to encourage respect for leadership.
2. It is Christian
· Bible Centred
Education is “Life” and the Bible is the Book of Life providing the framework to all human relationships and principles of teaching. It is the basis of our curriculum. School of Tomorrow presents a learning and social profile that is totally Christian. Humanism and the “new morality” along with such “situation ethics” are refuted and replaced with the absolute standards of right and wrong based upon scriptural principles.
· Christian Curriculum
Christian educators and classroom teachers with advanced degrees in education and wide classroom experience have produced the A.C.E. curriculum. The principle of A.C.E. is that if a school is Christian based, the curriculum is Christian based. The materials are in harmony with the Bible. Christian teachers using the curriculum with scriptural methods in a Christian school will produce Christian results.
3. It is Success Orientated
· Learning, not failure
Children do not come to school as failures. They may go home as “failures”. If a child is placed in an academic situation beyond his or her capability there is a real danger of becoming failure orientated, leading to frustrations that prompt him or her to act irresponsibly. Most delinquents are school dropouts!
Discipline problems in the classroom and a high rate of absenteeism result from frustrations that lead to failure. Our system minimises academic failures and boredom by eliminating unhelpful competition and limitations to progress that accompany grouping by age. Achievable objectives provide a breakthrough for the less capable and a challenge for the more able.
· Success
Real success is fulfilling God’s will and purpose for one’s life. Academic learning and a high sense of Christian values can be attained through Christian education. The Branch Christian School provides an academic training in a Christian atmosphere that enriches lives, builds character and self-discipline, and encourages full-time Christian living and service.
The Branch Christian School starts each day at 8:30am and ends at 3:30pm except for Wednesday when it ends at 1:30pm. During the day there are several planned breaks. As the school is currently unable to provide refreshments, children are required to bring a packed lunch with them.
Please see Appendix A for scale of fees for the current academic year.
Fees are payable on the first day of each term. Fees may be paid on a ten monthly basis - payable the first day of each month. A school account will be issued and all accounts need to be settled promptly. This will help us in continuing to keep excellence in all that we do.
The fee structure is set to enable as many students as possible to enter Christian education and therefore we, like you, have to trust in the Lord’s provision.
We are grateful to those who have given gifts and invested time and resources to help in the future progress of the school. One full term’s notice in writing is required of intention to withdraw a child.
The School uniform is to be worn by all students - details of the school uniform can be downloaded here. Pre-school children have a different uniform to children in the Main Learning Centre. The school colours are blue and white - grey for skirts and trousers. Sweaters, cardigans and P.E. sweatshirts all carry the school logo.
You will be asked to clearly label all items of clothing with your child’s name. An old shirt, overall or apron is required for the protection of clothing during art and craft lessons.
Student appearance is a vital part of the witness of the school and therefore it is important that school uniform be kept clean and that each student’s general appearance is neat and tidy. Hair should be natural colour and tidy at all times.
This is the school uniform policy and should be followed at all times. The school expects that all students are clean and well presented for school each day. All uniform must be in good condition, clean and pressed.
Hair
Jewellery
Non-uniform day
Pre-School and ABC’s
Summer
P.E. Kit
Uniform List
Main Learning Centre
Summer
Girls aged 12—16
Senior Students aged 16+
Boys
Girls
P.E. Kit
Safety of the children is of paramount importance. Safety checks are made on a regular basis, with fire drills, and supervision of outdoor playtimes and other outdoor activities.
Once a week staff and students gather together to participate in chapel. From time to time special speakers are included in the chapel time.
Four times a week, special time is given to Bible reading and discussion. Here emphasis is on character traits to encourage growth in a student’s personal faith and walk in Jesus Christ. Students are also encouraged in prayer, witness and the memorisation of scripture.
· The sovereignty and grace of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit in creation, providence, revelation, redemption and final judgement.
· The divine inspiration of the Holy Scripture and its consequent entire trustworthiness and supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.
· The universal sinfulness and guilt of fallen man, making him subject to God’s wrath and condemnation.
· The substitutionary sacrifice of the incarnate Son of God as the sole and all sufficient ground of redemption from the guilt and power of sin and from its eternal consequences.
· The justification of the sinner solely by the grace of God through faith in Christ crucified and risen from the dead.
· The illuminating, regenerating, indwelling and sanctifying work of God the Holy Spirit.
· The priesthood of all believers, who form the universal Church, the Body of which Christ is the Head and which is committed by His command to the proclamation of the Gospel throughout the world.
· The expectation of the personal, visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ in power and glory.
Children will be accepted into the Pre-School after their third birthday on a suitably agreed date.
The Pre-School day is 8:30am - 1:00pm. Monday to Friday, except Wednesday when they finish at 1:30pm. As the school is currently unable to provide refreshments, children are required to bring a packed lunch with them. The Pre-School children have their own uniform which complements the uniform of the main learning centre.
They will start on the ‘Pre-School With Ace and Christi’, Reading Readiness course which is a 36 week programme learning the 35 phonetic sounds of the alphabet. The course is complemented by a comprehensive and varied range of learning activities.
This leads on to a 12-15 week course called ‘The ABC Learning to read’. When this is successfully completed the student will be ideally prepared for acceptance into the ACE Junior Learning Centre - which requires the ability to read.
Since September 1999 it has been illegal for schools to carry out corporal punishment. However, the school still holds to the Biblical principal of corporal correction, and any infringement of school rules that could warrant such correction will be reported to parents.
All the full time staff and many of the part time staff have attended and successfully completed a training programme at CEE (Christian Education Europe), Swindon.
School Principal Pastor Bob Ward
Supervisors Mrs. Jill Holt (BSc (Hons) PGCE)
Mrs. Gwen Taylor
Mrs. Heather Ward
Miss. Jill Bailey (BA Mus Ed)
Mrs. Anne Firth (NNEB)
Monitor Mrs. Lesley Cox (NNEB) (RGN) (SCM)
Monitor/
Administrator Mrs. Janet Sutcliffe
Supervisor Mrs. Sally Childs
A number of parents and friends of the school also assist in the teaching of and training in expanded curriculum subjects. There are also a number of professional teachers who teach and advise on their subject areas. These are:
Mr. Jon Holt (BSc, Cert Ed) Design Tech./I.T
Mrs. Esther Ward (HND Surface Pattern & Design) Art/Drama
Mr. Jeremy Childs (BSc) (MAAT) Design Tech
If you require any further information about the school, please contact the School Principal (Pastor Bob Ward) or the School Administrator (Mrs Janet Sutcliffe) – at:
Address: The Branch Christian School, 8-10 Thomas Street, Heckmondwike,
West Yorkshire, WF16 0NW
Telephone: 01924 235637 (Fax: 01924 454750)
Principal – 01924 455773.
Fees are due on the first day of term and are payable:-
(a) One payment for the year
(b) Termly in advance
(c) Ten monthly payments - by the first of each month
The fees for the Junior and Main Learning Centre are as follows:
| FIRST CHILD | SECOND CHILD | THIRD CHILD | FOURTH CHILD
|
Yearly | £2160.00 | £1710.00 | £1360.00 | £1020.00
|
Termly | £720.00 | £570.00 | £453.00 | £340.00
|
Ten Monthly | £216.00 | £171.00 | £136.00 | £102.00
|
The fees for Pre-School are:
| PER CHILD
|
Yearly
| £1340.00 |
Termly
| £446.00 |
Ten Monthly
| £134.00 |
All accounts should be settled promptly. You will be aware from the fee structure that we, like you, have to trust in the Lord’s provision.
If a parent has to withdraw his/her child from the school, one full term’s notice is required in writing, along with one term’s fees.
Please complete this form and forward it to the School Principal with the Registration and Testing Fee of £25 – please see page 12 for address and telephone number details. Cheque to be made payable to ‘The Branch Christian School’.
Please note that an interview with the parents and prospective student(s) will be required before final acceptance.
STUDENT INFORMATION
Name _________________________________________________________
Address _________________________________________________________
Town _________________________________ Postcode _____________
Telephone (Landline) __________________ (Mobile) ______________________
Date of birth _________________ Age ____ Gender Male/Female _________
Name and address of previous school ______________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
FAMILY INFORMATION
Father’s name ___________________________________________________
Father’s employment _______________________ Position ____________________
Employers name _________________________
Employers telephone number ___________________
Mother’s name ___________________________________________________
Mother’s employment _______________________ Position ____________________
Employers name _________________________
Employers telephone number ___________________
Marital Status (Delete as applicable) Married Widowed Divorced Single
Children in family of school age not included in this application:
Name ________________________________ Age _______
Name ________________________________ Age _______
Reason not included ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
CHURCH AFFILIATIONS
Church attending ____________________________________________
Pastor / Minister _____________________________
Number of years at this church __________
Personal Faith Details
(Delete as applicable)
Father Christian? Yes / No
Mother Christian? Yes / No
Has the student ever made a profession of faith in Christ Jesus? Yes / No
MEDICAL INFORMATION
Name of family doctor ______________________
Telephone number ______________________
Does your child have any medical conditions of which the school should be aware? Yes / No
If “Yes”, please give details __________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Has your child had all the necessary immunisations? Yes / No
SCHOLASTIC INFORMATION
Has your child ever had disciplinary difficulties? Yes / No
If “Yes”, please give details __________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Has your child ever been suspended? Yes / No
If “Yes”, please give details __________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
How would you describe your child’s academic progress to date?
Poor / Average / Good / Excellent
If “Poor”, please give details _________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
GENERAL INFORMATION
How did you hear about this school? ___________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Reason for selecting this school? _______________________________________
__________________________________________________________________