Christian Ethos
My name is Mark Pimlott and I am Chaplain to the Open Academy. I have lived in Norfolk all my life and I am married to Angie who is a primary school teacher. My wife and I have an thirteen year old daughter and a four year old son. Out of school, I am a church minister, an avid Norwich City fan and enjoy playing golf and socialising with family and friends.
My roles are varied and fluid and I am privileged to be involved in every area of school life. Roles include responsibility for upholding the Christian ethos and the Core Values of the Academy, which is something that is at the heart of who we are and of course the Education Brief. As Chaplain, I am responsible for those aspects of school life which address the Christian ethos more obviously than others. There are assemblies, Soul Christian Union, prayer and community involvement. These set the tone, and enable the Academy to promote particular core values which are very much needed in daily life. I run after school clubs and activities for students which promote teamwork and taking responsibility.
A main part of my role is providing additional pastoral support (a listening ear) for staff, students, their families and the community as a whole. Life today is very hectic and brings forth many challenges, so as a school we aim to support our local community in whatever way we can. I look forward to meeting you and providing support and encouragement along life’s journey.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you feel I can help in any way.
God bless you
Mark
The Christian ethos can be summed up in the phrase: “Behave towards others how you would like them to behave towards you.” It also echoes the words of Jesus: “love your neighbour as yourself.” This care, consideration and respect for yourself and others is at the heart of what we are trying to do at the Open Academy. In a world of ruthless competition, celebrity and greed, the Christian values of service, thankfulness and humility stand as a more humane view of the world and the place of young people in it.
The Open Academy has Christian sponsors and the Christian ethos is something that is at the heart of the Education Brief. There are certain aspects of school life which address the Christian ethos more obviously than others. There are assemblies, of course. These set the tone and enable the Academy to promote particular values.
More on values which are at the heart of the term ‘Christian ethos’
The Christian ethos is something that can easily be misunderstood and at the heart of Christianity are some surprising and positive elements.
Firstly, AMBITION. Jesus told his first disciples to leave their nets, their everyday humdrum existence, and embark on a mission to change the world. In the same way, Norfolk students need to look beyond the county border to a global workplace. It is totally in line with Christian teaching to expand our students’ horizons through things like mentoring, international links and role models.
Secondly, SERVICE is at the heart of a Christian ethos. On Jesus’ last night before his trial and crucifixion, the image he chose to leave with us was to get on his knees, take a bowl of water and wash his disciples’ feet. This ties in with successful schools today. As Steven Covey, the author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, wrote, “the spirit of the home, and also of the school, is that they prepare young people to go out and serve.”
Thirdly, accentuating the POSITIVE is at the heart of a Christian ethos. Jesus always saw the potential in people. At the heart of any school should be a relentless focus on the positive. At the Open Academy, we aim to focus as much as possible on the positive and on providing students with the opportunity to gain rewards.
Fourthly, a Christian ethos is about TRANSFORMATION. After Zacchaeus met Jesus, he was turned from a greedy financier into a model of generosity. Whatever the background of a community, record results like those our students have achieved over the last two years will make a positive difference to their lives.
So ambition, service, a positive attitude and transformation are all at the heart of a Christian ethos. But it is important to emphasise that they are not specific to Christian schools or schools with a church affiliation. These qualities can be seen in many schools. However, a school which champions such values should be the better for it - for those of all faiths and none.