The Journey of an SJL Student

The Journey of an SJL Student

We took some time as a team recently to reflect on the different sessions that we run in our schools, what has worked well and what areas of the work could be done better. As part of this, I reflected on the journey a student might take with Step throughout their time at school and what they learn about God. It is amazing to see the opportunities we get to share Jesus, consistently with them. Each school looks different but here is the example of an SJL students’ journey with Step:

Year 7:
I am Connected – We meet them first in Life skills – a session to help them creatively think about their new classmates, help them recognise their similarities and how important the connections we have and make are. This introduces God as relational.

Who is Jesus/Parables – They then get to have two of our core Jesus Curriculum lessons. Learning all about Who Jesus is and what He achieved. They are also offered a gift of a Youth Testament from Good News for Everyone.

Culture Day – The last time we see them in Year 7 is on our Culture Day! A day full of fun, helping them recognise that differences are to be celebrated. Showing them that God cares deeply for each person.

Haven – Some students come on the Haven Hope course, and we have 6 weeks of encouraging and supporting them. This course has a liturgy at the end of each session, bringing God into the centre of our wellbeing.

Lunch club – We currently have around 8 regular year 7 students coming to our lunch club (mostly those with no faith and some Muslim students too).

Year 8:
Walk through the Bible – They get to start the year off with another fun session – a chance to act and see the bigger picture of the Bible. They see God as creator with a plan and a purpose.

Prejudice – A chance to look outwardly and be challenged to love our neighbours. Showing God as someone who cares deeply for humanity.

Year 9: 
Ultimate questions – Is God real? How was the universe created? What is the purpose of life? Is there an afterlife? Some huge questions and brilliant conversations happen, challenging the young people to have a reason for their beliefs.

Christianity through Art – An opportunity to reflect on how art and culture around us can be a way to worship God.

Year 10:
Church Visit – The students have now chosen to study RS and get to come for a day at Verso church. They are shocked at the start of the day with Secret church, recognising that people die for believing in Jesus and then throughout the day learn what it is people are so passionate about. This day helps students see God as present, not just stuck in an old building but relatable to them today.

Christian worship – We help them take Worship out of its box! Broadening their view of what it means to worship God with our whole lives.

Stress – The students are given a session to wind down and find ways to manage their stress. This reveals God as someone who cares for them in their lowest moments and provides comfort.

Forgiveness – A challenging lesson to help them think through what forgiveness means. They get to see God as just, fair and forgiving.

Year 11:
Identity – We help the students engage inwardly, recognising and learning more about who they are. This shows God as creator, caring deeply for each person.

Grill a Christian – This session helps them see how much God is relevant and alive for Christians today!

Year 12:
Job – They experience a session on suffering, grappling with these questions and seeing God as someone who is judge but ultimately has a plan for the world.

Year 13:
Grill a Christian – We finish with the students with another grilling. We show that God can handle their doubts and questions, that this is a good thing and He wants them to understand Him more.

Ultimately, a young person’s journey with Step introduces them to a picture of God that is loving, kind, just, relational and revealing Him as someone trustworthy, logical and who cares deeply for every single one of us.