The Diocese of Oxford has launched a brand new contemplation and reflection toolkit for school pupils and teachers and churches across the region. Space Makers, accessible to children of all faiths and worldviews, is founded on ancient pathways and practices of meditation and prayer that have resourced, benefitted and healed Christians for generations. The resource is also a great way to renew and refresh connections between parish churches and their schools.
The Space Makers Contemplative Toolkit was developed in response to the growing mental health crisis among young people as a way of encouraging a time of daily reflection away from the pressures of school and society. The toolkit is founded on ancient pathways and practices of meditation and prayer that have resourced, benefitted and healed Christians for generations.
The increase in digital screen, technology and social media use is placing young people in danger of becoming less connected with their families and communities, as well as leading to increased mental health issues as self-worth is continually measured against the popularity of online profiles. The Children’s Society recently reported 12% of children have low wellbeing and a quarter of a million were struggling to cope with changes as a result of the pandemic.
The Right Reverend Dr Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford, said:
“I am pleased that we have created a practical and easy-to-use toolkit that will enable young people in our schools to explore self-reflection and contemplation and to understand the importance of looking after their mental health.
“All children and young people should flourish mutually as God intended, know that they are loved, and have the opportunity to learn spiritual practice in a familiar and comfortable environment.
“It is our hope that schools across the diocese will adopt regular contemplation practice and encourage young people to develop healthy habits for the future to help them find peace, hope and fulfilment in life.”
The Reverend Charlie Kerr, School Chaplaincy Adviser, Diocese of Oxford:
“I am excited to see the transformation Space Makers can create for pupils and staff in our schools. The growing pressures on young people and the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of the nation demonstrate a need for better understanding of and support for mental health.
“Valuing and caring for children and young people is at the heart of Jesus’ teaching. Providing space and time for contemplation and self-reflection is just one of the many ways we can nurture the next generation.”
Ailsa Tooling, Year 6 Teacher at Goring CE Primary School, shares how Space Makers helps her pupils navigate the world around them:
“When the whole of education sometimes seems to be about targets and results and pressure, Space Makers gives students the chance just to be, rather than do.
“I feel that the children leaving Goring CE Primary School, through this experience, are more whole. We’ve given them techniques they can use for life. These children are better prepared for what’s coming next.”
Listen to Ailsa talking more about Space Makers toolkit.
Five contemplative practices
Pilots of the toolkit at several church schools in the diocese have demonstrated that including a short ten-minute period of contemplation and self-reflection into daily school life has a decidedly beneficial effect on the wellbeing, flourishing and mental health of pupils and staff.
The toolkit focuses on the five key practices, one for each day of the school week, of Stilling, Noticing, Dwelling, Mending and Blessing. These practices include the use of a simplified form of Ignatian and Examen spiritual practices and explore:
- becoming aware of one’s surroundings and oneself,
- recognising the absence and presence of faith hope and love in different moments of life,
- listening and finding meaning in the words of the Bible,
- seeking the forgiving and healing of oneself and others,
- discerning how oneself can be a blessing to others.
Space Makers complements the Prayer Spaces in Schools programme. It embeds prayer and reflection into school life for the whole year. The toolkit is designed in an easily accessible way enabling pupils to run the sessions themselves and share reflections with their peers. Each pack contains a teacher’s booklet, A4 classroom cards with detailed practice exercises, a classroom poster and sticker sheets.