There's a lot to learn when it comes to working in schools.  Knowing the Bible and being passionate about sharing the gospel is a great place to start, but the more skills we can develop as educators, the better we can engage learners with the material we deliver, and the more likely they are to develop their own understanding of God's plan for His world and for them individually.  Using a variety of teaching and learning approaches is vital for effective work to take place.

If you'd like to read about we're applying some of our learning in this area from the Enable BTEC course, read on below.......
 (check our Internship Programme for more info on Enable...)

<<<<<<It's true isn't it?! I can't believe it!  It's gone so fast! I now only have 3 days left! I've had a great year, but it seems to have flown by. I've now already had some of my last visits into a few of the schools. My enable coursework is just about all finished! Yay!! :D with our deadline in 2 weeks. Everything is starting to wind down ready for the summer holidays, although many of the schools still want us in for our usual assemblies on the last week, which is such a privilege! (Hannah)

Arawn has just got new projectiles for the office, meaning he had to test them out, by firing one at my head, one at my laptop and one at Wendy! I've had to take special measures, to defend myself, the hood has come up!!! At least I will be out of the firing line soon! :P The office once again returns to war zone status. (Hannah)

"I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.  I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings." 1 Corinthians 9:22-23

Hannah and I travelled down to Luton on Monday, ready for our fifth training day as part of the Enable BTEC course in Schoolswork.  We've really been getting a lot out of training - even though I've been working in schools for over 5 years I'm learning new strategies and skills, as well as a much deeper understanding of the Education System in England and Wales.
There's a lot of self-guided learning between the training days, and the assignments are challenging but very relevant to our work.  It's been good to exercise the ol' grey matter, though homework deadlines are no more enjoyable than they were many moons ago when I was last in formal education!
We've heard from sector leaders in Christian work, as well as great insights from experienced teachers.  
This course is the first vocational qualification for workers who visit schools; in the ever-changing world of Education training and accreditation is increasingly important and gives schools increased confidence in the work and support churches and organisations can offer.
So, cheesy hotels, long journeys, homework...all are worth it to help equip us to share the Good News of Jesus and demonstrate the Kingdom of God in our local schools.

Hello there friends! If you don't know who I am, and If you're currently a bit gutted that this is not Wendy. Smile and move on, there are far more important things to worry about. For example how to pronounce my name.  Just say Around with out the 'd'. There you go, you've learned a handy new thing today. It has been a great day. 

While I'm currently writing this, I'm doing Wendy's work for her. The first thing I need is to send Hannah to get Judith's ruler. 'GO HANNAH'
(this is actually happening - Live Blog guys)
..........
Some time passed - 'Thank you Hannah'

Right, I'm sitting in front of two pieces of cardboard ready to do sign posts for our Easter Event in the Welsh schools next week. 
'Jerwsalem' and 'Gardd Gethsemane' will be written on the cardboard. 

The first thing is to get your ready prepared before this blog pieces of card board at the ready with a pencil in hand. 
Then try and remember how a sign looks. When that is done - your ready to start. 

 First make sure that you've consider the length of your words on the cardboards. Then you're ok to start painting white on. Then wait to dry (ideally when you're away doing an after school club)

Then start with your permanent marker, block out the letters. remember that it is permanent  Maybe using a pencil first would be ideal, but If you're short with time just go for it! Colour in. then cut them out using scissors (be very careful when doing this - ask an intern) 

I think if it looks good, you're finished. If it look rubbish then I recommend starting again. Poor quality signs means you get lost. And being lost is not good.

Thanks for reading! 

Arawn

Wendy's been crying in the office as I worked out I'm already over half way through my year and two thirds of the way through in two weeks time! I can't believe how quickly time has gone, I guess time flies when your having fun! We're always busy too, so I'm sure that contributes! :P It's been really good getting involved in the great variety of work here at Agathos! From lunch time clubs, to after school clubs, assemblies and a youth club! Oh and even the odd lesson thrown in there! 

Wendy - 
I've been unwell for a few weeks with viral labrynthitis, which has left me dizzy and disoriented (nothing new there, many would say!) To my great frustration I had to take a week off last week.

It's such a relief to be able to rest and get better knowing that Arawn and Hannah are keeping things running smoothly in the local schools. Our resourceful intern Hannah Stephens has stepped up to the challenge and with minimal input from me, she's made sure all of the resources have been ready for our regular assemblies, which she has delivered with either our Welsh language Children's, Youth and Community worker Arawn Glyn or with trustee Olive Peters.

Our regular work in the secondary schools has continued too, with Arawn and Hannah keeping the two Welsh clubs going at Ysgol Maes Garmon, and Ben Evans intern with King's Christian Centre, helping out in the Alun. I'm hoping to get back into school myself this week, your prayers would be greatly appreciated. At the moment loud noises and large crowds are rather overwhelming, so I might have to be back-seat driver for a while longer.