Emmanuel School Walsall

This afternoon, our Year 11 students went out for their leavers meal following their final GCSE exam yesterday. We are so proud of all their hard work and the way they have handled this period. They had a lovely time together, reminiscing on school memories. We pray that they will now be able to relax and enjoy the long summer ahead.

Mr Swain's weekly devotional:

On Tuesday, I was part of the team that accompanied Mrs Woode and Key Stage 3 on their History trip to RAF Cosford. We had a focus on the Cold War, including an hour workshop run by the Museum and also a look round the Cold War Exhibition. We considered the power and destruction of the first atomic bombs dropped in Japan that brought the second world war to a conclusion. Some may argue that this is one of the most obvious demonstrations of human power and that it has changed the world since. The workshop was all about getting the pupils to debate issues to do with the Cold War and they discussed whether countries should have nuclear warheads today. Whatever your views, it was certainly a dramatic moment that impacted the world but wars still exist, nations still want to look after their own interests and there is plenty of evidence in the world today of humanity's power to destroy.

Our Memory Passage begins by looking at a very different power. The power of the cross of Jesus Christ. To many it would be seen as weakness and defeat. And yet, here we are 2000 years later and that cross is changing the hearts and lives of millions of people right across the world. It brings a transformation that is eternal. It achieves far more than any human power will ever achieve. The verse says that this power is for "us who are being saved." Our prayer is that all of our school community will know that power in their lives.

Yesterday, we had the first of many trips for our final half term of the academic year. To support the students with their revision for the History topics studied over this year (particularly World War 1, World War 2 and the Cold War), they went to RAF Cosford. The trip included various interactive exhibitions, as well as a Cold War Workshop led by museum staff.

Our Key Stage 3 class have recently enjoyed a trip to the Wild Zoological Park. They all had a lovely time and loved seeing a variety of different animals.

Mr Swain's devotional on Year 11s final day in school:

GCSE exams are an important staging post along our lives and currently very significant for our Year 11. The results that they get will help determine their next steps in September and the options open to them later in life. I have the last of my 4 children doing A Levels this summer and making important decisions about university location and courses. Exams and big decisions are times of pressure and many can become anxious, so I wanted to share some thoughts that I hope will encourage them as they begin their exams and help us all.

1. Exam results do not define who we are. It is easy to judge people by academic results or their achievements but what matters is who we are not what we achieve. As a school, we encourage all pupils to find their identity and self-worth in Jesus Christ. His love for them will not change whatever their grades, nor is it dependent on where they end up in September. Each one of our pupils is "God's handiwork" created by Him and made equipped to do good works for God. Yes, we want our pupils to do the best they can but it is not the most important thing. A set of grade 9s does not get them into Heaven. They can shine for him wherever they are and the eternal rewards for living a life in obedience to our Saviour are far greater than any rewards a good set of grades can bring them.

2. Jeremiah 29 v 11 says '"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."' So often we try to plan our lives out in the way that we want them to go. Year 11 have their plans for September and rightly so. But God sees the bigger picture, he has promised to be with our pupils on their journey and he can work out all things for their good. It would be great to see the pupils get the grades that get them to where they want to go but changing plans are not a bad thing, especially when we trust the one who is in ultimate control.

3. John 14 v 27 says. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." This is an amazing free gift that God offers to us. I encourage Year 11 and all facing exams and big decisions to bring their concerns and anxieties to God and leave them with Him and exchange them for His peace and let that fill their hearts as they go through challenging times.

4. Finally, the joy of being part of a Christian Community is that people will be praying for our Year 11s. We will do that each day at school through their exams and when they start new ventures in September. This is such a powerful encouragement in times of stress.

Please join us in praying for our Year 11s and all those doing exams over the coming weeks and facing big changes in the next few months.

Last week, our Early Years went on a trip to Forge Mill Farm. They met lots of different animals and had a great time playing in the park. This was a lovely experience for them all as they have recently been learning about spring and how things grow.

Yesterday, the staff were treated to an afternoon tea at the end of the day which was kindly prepared by some of our pupils who do cooking as part of their 2020 activities. It was a wonderful and tasty treat and we can't wait to see what they make next!

This morning, our GCSE Geography pupils headed off to Swanage for their three day residential. Their first stop was Chesil Beach in the pouring rain! Please pray for them over this week that they will be safe and have an enjoyable time together.

Thank you to each and every one of you who has been faithfully lifting Emmanuel School up in prayer during our 30 days of prayer. We truly value your support and partnership, and we are grateful for the unity we have experienced during this special time.

Today, we would love to invite you to take part in our special Gift Day which we have prayerfully set aside as an opportunity to sow into the future of Emmanuel School.

As we reflect on God’s faithfulness over the past 30 years, we are also looking forward with hope and vision for the next 30 years. We would like to encourage everyone to consider how they might support the school in this next season. This may be through:

Giving financially, whether one-off or ongoing (our bank details are: Account Name - Emmanuel School (Walsall), Sort Code - 30-98-37, Account no. - 00048602)

Giving your time in prayer, which remains the foundation of all we do

Giving practical support, helping with tasks or activities within the school

Giving of time to share your skills and talents to help develop and strengthen different areas of school life

Giving of pre-loved items i.e. clothes, books, DVDs, CDs, used items i.e. empty ink cartridges and loose change

Every gift, whether large or small, seen or unseen, makes a real difference and is deeply appreciated.

We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all those who already give so generously to the school, and to those who contributed following our recent 30th anniversary celebration. Your kindness, faithfulness and generosity have been a great encouragement to us.

Thank you again for standing with us—through prayer, giving, and support—as we continue to serve the children and families of our community.

30 Days of Prayer for Emmanuel School – Thanking God for the Past and Trusting Him for the Future

Day 30 – Transformation of lives over the Next 30 Years

Verse: Romans 12:1

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.