One of our Year 11 (aged 15) students (Flora) writes:
This is a very special school, as I’m sure are all Sion schools around the world, and the Sion Spirit has helped my classmates and I come to realise that the limitless potential which lies within humanity is an ever-present force that can lead us to keep on growing into more thoughtful individuals and to continue the search for knowledge throughout the rest of our lives.
The powerful ethos here gives us a strong foundation on which to build and teaches each and every one of us to celebrate people’s differences and to respect others from one day to the next.
The school’s motto of “Consideration always” guides us towards thinking of others before ourselves, of altruism before egotism.
Sion has given me the chance to go out into our local community through outreach projects such as visiting elderly residents of care homes nearby – and there are quite a few of those in Worthing.
During these visits, we sing to the residents and then get the chance to chat with them and learn from their fascinating lives and experiences while we hopefully bring a fresh viewpoint on things to theirs.
Sion has also carefully nurtured my enthusiasm for learning in an environment where I feel comfortable and confident.
Not only are we in a place which inspires us to inquire further to gain ever more insights into whatever subjects we are studying as well as express our views with true freedom, but we are also encouraged to take time out of our day for reflection and contemplation – a quiet breathing space to mull over all that we have learnt, what it actually means and how it might relate to our day to day lives and interactions with other people.
The encouragement we receive here means that everyone has the space to discover their own Sion Spirit.
Overall, I truly cherish having the opportunity to learn and work in an atmosphere dedicated to and characterised by an overwhelming sense of love.
Surely, it is this focus upon dialogue that brings a real sense of hope.
Sion Schools take the time – THEY FIND TIME – to offer space to discuss what matters.
Children are encouraged to share what concerns them.
Children are encouraged to ask questions.
We are all encouraged to share what is on our hearts and then to see if we might just be the solution – or part of the solution – that the world/society/community needs.
If we truly recognise and understand the power and potential of the human spirit, when it is literally spinning with divine light and energy – there is hope!
If we truly understand that for some reason, the Divine chooses to work through our hands/feet/mouths – then we recognise the power and importance of community and love in action.
THIS IS HOPE!
Flora writes, to learn and work in an atmosphere dedicated to and characterised by an overwhelming sense of love.
If every child in this place (and ever adult working here) senses that it is a place characterised by an overwhelming sense of love – then there is hope.