Church Schools

A holistic approach to education

Each school recognises that alongside academic and emotional intelligence, human beings also possess spiritual intelligence. The spiritual aspects of life are recognized and nurtured alongside academic and emotional needs, creating a holistic approach to education that prepares children for life in all its fullness.

Spirituality forms a major focus within our schools, dealing with seeking purpose in life, hope and beliefs, meaning and purpose, and the relationship between a person and God. Our purpose is to offer a spiritual dimension to young people's lives within Church in Wales traditions in an increasingly secular world.

At the heart of our communities

Church schools are the heart of their communities, playing a central role in how cities, towns and villages flourish. The diocese emphasises communities flourishing together, rooted in Christian values as demonstrated in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

This commitment is powerfully demonstrated by several schools achieving Schools of Sanctuary status, welcoming and including all members of their communities. Schools demonstrate their Christian distinctiveness through their school mottos and lived values, many based on John 10:10: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full," ensuring pupils are happy and confident while demonstrating core Christian values.

Distinctive strengths

Recent school inspection reports highlight the distinctive strengths of our diocesan schools:

• At Llangattock Church in Wales Primary School, the school aims to "shine God's love in all we do," with Christian values holistically woven into every aspect of school life
• St Mary's VA Church in Wales Primary School in Brynmawr demonstrates an inclusive, intergenerational culture through initiatives like the Brynmawr Intergenerational Choir, enriching community relationships
• Schools create reflective spaces such as Spiritual Gardens, designed collaboratively with learners, providing calm environments for prayer and reflection

Innovative educational initiatives

Under diocesan leadership, our schools have embraced innovative programmes that bring Christian values to life in dynamic ways. Project Touchline, introduced to schools across the diocese, seamlessly integrates Christian values into physical education through collective worship, effectively supporting spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development.

Schools like Clyro Church in Wales Primary participated in a six-week Project Touchline programme, allowing all pupils to explore and put Christian values into practice through PE and collective worship.

The initiative has also established voluntary lunchtime prayer clubs across Church schools, fostering spiritual growth and deepening discipleship. These prayer clubs link together the local church, homes and school in meaningful new ways, with children choosing to attend and developing their personal relationship with God.

John Meredith

Diocesan Director of Education

Email: dde.Swanbrec@cinw.org.uk

John Meredith serves as the Diocesan Director of Education for the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon, bringing over 20 years of experience in education across both England and Wales.

His extensive career has included roles as a teacher, Deputy Headteacher, Acting Headteacher, Diocesan Schools Consultant, RE Consultant, SMSC Quality Mark assessor, Schools Advisor for Christian Aid Wales and Global Neighbours Assessor, and Farmington Scholar, Tutor and Welsh Coordinator. John is also a member of a number of advisory boards and worked extensively with universities, as well as being nominated for a Diversity Award.

John is responsible for 13 Church Schools in the Diocese, developing links with community schools, working with clergy and parishes, and managing the diocese's education social media presence. His role bridges the worlds of education and the church, ensuring that schools within the diocese not only provide excellent academic instruction but also nurture the spiritual development of young people.

He is member of the Religious Education Council for Wales and serves on three SACRE (Standing Advisory Councils on Religious Education) committees in Blaenau Gwent, Powys, and Swansea. His commitment to education and social justice has been recognized with a Christian Aid Diamond Award for his work as a school innovator.

John's leadership has brought lasting impact to diocesan schools through the introduction of transformative initiatives like Project Touchline, which has enriched the spiritual life of schools across the diocese. Education Days provide a focus for professional learning, bringing diocesan schools together with community schools and organizations, featuring high-profile speakers including the Wales Education Minister and representatives from the Children's Commissioner for Wales and Future Generations Commissioner.

Beyond his educational responsibilities, John demonstrates a deep commitment to community service and supporting vulnerable young people. His coordination of the Christmas Gift Collection for care leavers in Abergavenny, in partnership with Monmouthshire Social Services, reflects his dedication to ensuring that faith is lived out in practical, compassionate action.

John continues to study and develop his theological understanding, recently obtaining a Theology degree, 'Theology for Life' with St Padarn's Institute, exemplifying the commitment to lifelong learning that characterizes diocesan education leadership.