The diverse cultural backgrounds of families currently in the school enrich community life and show the variety of God's design and purposes for people. All people are of inestimable and equal worth to God.
CFS provides an opportunity for children to learn both by experience and instruction that:
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Differences between people are something to celebrate and enjoy.
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We also need to address realistically the ignorance and prejudice that people may encounter in society.
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Maintaining and restoring good relationships require such qualities as humility, empathy and forgiveness.
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Understanding other people helps us put our own culture in perspective.
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The context of the Bible is eastern, not western, culture.
The range of national and cultural identities represented in school include:
- Nigerian
- Kenyan
- Hungarian
- Chinese
- South African
- Georgian
- Bolivian
- Italian
- Indian
- Scottish
- English
- Iranian
- Ukrainian
- Israeli
- Colombian
- Zimbabwean
- West Indian
There is some cultural diversity amongst the staff and governors. Several have also worked for sustained periods outside of the UK e.g. in Nigeria and China and they provide positive insights.
We are committed to finding curriculum materials that represent a diverse United Kingdom and prevent stereotyping.
Our study of people and places within the Geography curriculum encourages direct contact with families and communities known to the school e.g. in Zimbabwe, the Andaman Islands, Bhutan, Australia and China.
Children are encouraged to take a prayerful interest and to support others practically if needed e.g. Operation Christmas Child, Africa Mercy Ships and tsunami relief work.
Our Technology curriculum gives attention to traditional textile, clay and wood-crafts in addition to electronics. This is partly to encourage skills useful to any young people who eventually work in developing countries.
Students visit France to practise the language and study history. During 2006-7, CFS will have a cultural exchange visit with a school in the Netherlands. In the context of church life, pupils are supported in gap year enterprises that involve voluntary work in developing countries.
As a Christ centred school we value any opportunity to recognise God's love for the world and our responsibilities as part of a global community.
