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Primary education

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Original poster

Bit confused as to why Dd's non religious school is starting a religious based kids club

139 replies

CrackerOfNuts · 11/04/2008 20:37

Dd2 gave me a leaflet today, all excited she was. It is for a new kids club they are going to start next week, which will run for an hour after school on a Tuesday.

Leaflet says that there will be drama, games,etc and the club will be christian themed.

Now I am not religious at all and have not brought my kids up to be either, although that said, I do not mind at all if they learn about and experiance other religions. Dd2 goes to Brownies and attends church parade, but this was our choice.

I feel a bit miffed, rightly or wrongly, that the school have decided to run this club, but make it themed, why not just make it a club ?

OP posts:
ScienceTeacher · 11/04/2008 20:39

Sounds voluntary - what is the problem?

MerlinsBeard · 11/04/2008 20:40

they don't have to go so unsure what the problem is really. Why not let your DD decide for herself? (not meaning to sound rude btw)

Hulababy · 11/04/2008 20:42

If it is a voluntary club then I can't see the problem TBH.

Are there other clubs run at the school?

OverMyDeadBody · 11/04/2008 20:43

I guess schools can start after-school clubs on anything they want really, perhaps the peopoe running it are christian?

Original poster
CrackerOfNuts · 11/04/2008 20:49

Yes it is voluntary but surley the fact that it is religious based will mean some kids won't be allowed to go because they are either not religious or practice another religion.

Just don't see why they have to theme it around religion in a non religious school thats all.

One of dd's friend is a jehovas witness and won't be able to go if it is christian themed.

Just don't see the point really.

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Original poster
CrackerOfNuts · 11/04/2008 20:50

No other general kids clubs on offer no. They do have the usual after school sports, but nothing for everyone iykwim.

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Hulababy · 11/04/2008 20:50

Are there other clubs offered by the school? Who runs the clubs?

Original poster
CrackerOfNuts · 11/04/2008 20:51

Doesn't say who it will be run by, just says it is part of the extended schools cluster.

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Hulababy · 11/04/2008 20:52

Who is running this club?

You could argue that the sprts clubs are not fair as not open to everyone either, only to those chosen for the sports team or who are sporty.

ScienceTeacher · 11/04/2008 20:52

Is the club a closed on, or is anyone invited?

The school will be happy to run it because the teachers themselves don't have to do anything.

southeastastra · 11/04/2008 20:52

they are just using the school as their setting, it's just courteous of the school to let the parent's know that it's available.

Original poster
CrackerOfNuts · 11/04/2008 20:53

You have a pint about the sports clubs I guess, but i'd expect sports clubs at any school. Didn't really expect a religious club at a non religious school.

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Blandmum · 11/04/2008 20:53

It may well be done by a teacher who is a Christian. I very much doubt that the organiser will be paid by the school. They are propably just giving up their free time and they feel that it is the right thing to do.

If you don't want your child to go, don't send her.

If you want a non religious after school class, canvas opinion and start one up

Original poster
CrackerOfNuts · 11/04/2008 20:56

The leaflet doesn't make it clear who is running it, wether it is teachers or outside staff.

I am not really against it or anything, as I prefer my kids to decide for themselves wrt religion, I just thought it a bit odd that they made it christian based, and in doing so will have made it a non starter for some pupils.

Dd2 wants to go as in her words 'i quite like god stuff'

Dd1, pulled a face similar to the face she pulls when I offer her an Aldi carier bag to carry her trainers in , so I think thats a no then.

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MadamePlatypus · 11/04/2008 20:57

I think its a little . If they want to run a religious club, it should be clearly a religious club. It sounds as though it is being sold to the children as a drama and games club with the religion slipped in at the end. I think you need to find out who is running it. It could be perfectly harmless, but from what you have said I would be a little uncomfortable.

Hulababy · 11/04/2008 20:58

Both secondary schools I worked at had Christian themed clubs, as did the one I went to.

southeastastra · 11/04/2008 20:59

i'm sure they don't all have to pray at 4 oclock or anything. alot of childcare groups and after school clubs are christian based.

MadamePlatypus · 11/04/2008 21:00

There was a Christian Union at my secondary school. They called it Christian Union though, not the drama club.

Original poster
CrackerOfNuts · 11/04/2008 21:01

It may be the heads idea, as she loves anything religious wise.

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mrz · 11/04/2008 21:05

It could be the club is being run on school premises by another group as extended schools provision which is being promoted by the government we have a number of different groups offering after school activities.

southeastastra · 11/04/2008 21:10

schools have to promote extended care, they school are probably very happy that an voluntary group have er volunteered.

Mercy · 11/04/2008 21:10

I can see both povs tbh.

But a Christian sports/games theme?! I wonder how that will work?

Are there any ohter after school clubs? (

and are you the poster formerly known as nutty - and if so I missed the update re your trip to Spain)

marina · 11/04/2008 21:18

It's probably outreach from your local church nutty
Agree with other posters tbh. These people are doing the club voluntarily and have made it clear that they are Christians. Don't feel awkward about contacting them and asking them what that means. If they are fundamentally good people they will not mind you asking about the agenda at all.
If the drama etc is going to be based around Jesus' life, and praying is another activity, then yes, you might be best not sending her.
But eg we have a "Christian" Youth Group at our church, and it's run from a sense of community involvement - ie, the teenagers don't have to drop and give the organisers ten Hail Maries before admission .
So your club could just be fun things for children to do, organised by Christians to enhance the post-school list of activities. With no evangelising involved.
I really would ask.

AbbeyA · 11/04/2008 21:18

I don't see a problem with it-it is after school and voluntary.

Original poster
CrackerOfNuts · 11/04/2008 21:28

LOL yes I am indeed the poster formerly known as nutty

Trip to Spain was fab, can't wait to go again, and will be forever glad that I went.

I have told Dd2 that once I check it out a bit more, and if I consider it suitable then she can go.

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