Return Cardigan Christian School
Born of a long-held vision Cardigan Christian School first
received its registration in April 2007 and, over the last two years,
it has grown to 17 full-time students and four part-time. As they
can only take a total of 22 students in their present building
enquiries for more places mean that it won't be long before they are
looking for larger premises.
Of course it did not happen overnight. About four years ago the
leadership at New Life Church was approached by three families in the
church didn't want to send their children to state school. Was this
the Lord's timing to take the vision forward?
They started to investigate and went to have a look at a Christian school in Bridgend. "We were absolutely inspired by their work, dedication and the students" said senior Pastor Janice Bell.
The Bridgend school was affiliated to Christian Education Europe so they contacted the headquarters in Swindon "And", as Janice said, "it has gone on from there."
It took about two years to put all the
paperwork and building work into place. A first inspection in March
2007 led to initial registration as a school. and a second inspection
last year confirmed the registration.
So, supported by a board of trustees of
New Life Church, Janice is now the principal of Cardigan Christian
School which aims that all students "will become successful life
long learners and leaders in a lifetime relationship with the Lord
Jesus."
Cardigan Christian School uses Accelerated Christian Education which is a Christ-centred, child-focussed programme for fostering learning. Students are prepared for the National Christian Schools' Certificate, an alternative to the usual GCSE and GCE 'A' level route. NCSC Level 1 corresponds to GCSE while Levels 2 an 3 are equivalent to GCE AS and A levels. To my knowledge NCSC has been accepted by UCAS for university entrance for at least ten years.
The continuing vision for the school is to take on a larger building and be able to offer Christian education to the community in Cardigan and district.
"Our students don't all come from Christian families but agree to all the values that we hold." writes Janice, "We see our students coming into a knowledge and relationship with Jesus that is wonderful."
And this is no private project of the leadership for she adds : "New Life Church Cardigan supports the School 100% and is instrumental in keeping it going through prayer, support and a lot of finances, we appreciate them very much and couldn't do it without them."
To find out more about Cardigan Christian School visit their website www.cardiganchristianschool.org.uk and to find out about ACE visit the Christian Education Europe site at www.christian-education.org
Ken Wilson
Posted: Sat, 06/06/09