Youth Alpha series in Year 8
The Youth Alpha series is one of the most Christian distinctive things we do at Ripley and a highlight of the worshipping life of the school!
Each year we run a 6-week series of this introduction to the Christian faith for every Year 8 form group, covering topics such as:
Life: is this it?
Jesus: who is He?
Cross: why did Jesus die?
Faith: how can I have faith?
Prayer: why and how do you pray? and
Bible: why is it important and how do you read it?
On Tuesday 25 March the course culminated with a special Youth Alpha Day. Approximately 270 pupils plus staff headed offsite with half going to St Tees and half to Hope Church in Lancaster. Thanks to these churches and a small army of volunteers from churches all over the area, the pupils were fully engaged throughout the day in an array of activities, videos, discussions, music, testimonies and short talks, to learn more about the Christian faith and the Holy Spirit.
The pupils and staff were hosted superbly for the day and it has been an incredible opportunity to encourage the young people to think about what they believe and develop themselves spiritually, in line with our school’s vision and values.
One pupil wrote, “Thank you for the Youth Alpha day. It helped me understand God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit in a whole different perspective. It was one of the best PSHE days ever. I would love to do it again!”
Another pupil wrote, “Thank you very much for having me and my Year 8 friends at your church today. I liked discussing about God and all the great things He does. I also really liked how you incorporated games and biscuits into the activities. I enjoyed my time very much.”
Rev Matt Guilder helped lead at St Tees and said, “It’s brilliant to see a school offering a space for students to explore faith in Jesus together. The Alpha Course has helped millions worldwide investigate Christianity and so it’s great to see Ripley engaging in this way. I love that two brilliant local churches host and are supported by many local Christians who give their time to support and share faith experiences.”
Anna Watson (Alpha Youth Relationship Manager for NW) said, “Being part of the Alpha Youth Day with the year 8s at Ripley was incredible. In my role at Alpha UK, I have the joy of journeying with over a thousand Alpha Youth courses, but there hasn’t been anything I have seen like Ripley; it is unique, distinctive and sure to inspire other Church of England schools around the region, if not the country. Ripley uses the Alpha Youth Course in an open and accessible way for young people to explore faith, life and purpose, which supports their flourishing as young people. I was amazed by the respect and curiosity the young people had for each other’s views and personal experiences. My hope would be for more schools to use Alpha Youth like Ripley does.”
Blackburn Diocesan Board of Education
