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Wow - we have had such a variety of teaching at Form in the first term and it hasn't just involved sitting in a room listening to someone!  We have had speakers cover deep subjects one week, to creative writing sessions another week and then a further week a mixture of discipleship teaching and practical outreach combined!   This variety and flexibility allows all the students to ‘experience’ something different and to be challenged and encouraged in areas they may have never considered.  Each week, a subject is presented by a speaker in the morning followed by discipleship teaching in the afternoon.  This seems to have worked very well, providing a balance of biblical learning but then also bringing in personal application.

During the second term at Form, we will be encouraging the student’s to lead afternoon sessions, in order to build their confidence in the area of ‘leadership’.  Some students have volunteered to faciitate a discussion session and others have asked if they could lead a teaching session on a subject that they are interested in or passionate about.   It is really important that we encourage and learn from each other as each of us have different gifts and skills to offer.

With regard to ministry development within the life of the church (which of course is a very key part of the Form gap year course) we understand that the Form+ students are all at different stages in their lives; some have family and work commitments, whilst others have fewer commitments.  At Form, we aim to help the students balance their lives between the ‘Up’, ‘In’ and ‘Out’ relationships (Lifeshapes Triangle).  Different ideas have already come out of the monthly huddle meetings, where students are thinking of ways to witness God’s love in their families, their work, the church and the community.

What about fun at Form?  The students enjoy a good laugh and after a term together we hope that they can relax and be themselves.  The Form Christmas social was quite an eye opener, as we witnessed Dave Gardner's rather competitive nature at playing Secret Santa!    It was great fun and was lovely to spend time chilling out together and enjoying a superb meal prepared by Noelle.

We look forward to another great term at Form and Happy Christmas to everyone!

Tracey