Pioneering work in schools celebrates landmark

On 5 November – bonfire night – around 250 people from churches from across the borough of Kingston-upon-Thames gathered at the King’s Centre, Chessington to remember another significant event. This one, however, was no failed plot; it has been a remarkably fruitful endeavour.

The congregation – amassed from different partner churches – heard briefly about the formation of Insight, or as it was known when formed in 1988, RBK Schools Christian Worker Trust. They praised God together for His hand over this ministry during the past 35 years, but also looked forward eagerly to the future, hoping that those gathered would catch the vision and pick up the baton themselves.

Trevor Archer, a founding trustee of Insight, was the speaker at the evening’s event. He shared about how the founders of Insight couldn’t have imagined the cultural changes that would take place over the coming 35 years, and pressed how secular humanism has had a detrimental effect on our society. However, he reminded those gathered that the gospel won’t change and, wonderfully, is the answer that each of us, and our society as a whole, needs.

As social and cultural values have shifted, it has been encouraging that schools’ doors have opened and, generally speaking, remained open to Insight. Whilst the work of Insight began with a solitary secondary worker (Ian Fry), it now supports five workers; four in Kingston and Richmond primary schools, and one secondary teacher in Kingston. With their overview and expert knowledge of Religious Education across the boroughs, several team members serve on the local Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE). The team has led teacher-training sessions for the borough, evidencing their well-earned respect and reputation. At a time when there are fewer specialist Religious Education teachers, Insight offers expertise and first-hand experience of the Christian faith.

Current news from the Insight team is that 17 local primary schools have asked for Collective Worship sessions (assemblies in old money), 12 Bible Clubs are running with help from faithful, gifted volunteers, and 22 primary schools, so far, have contacted the team for lessons. Increased interest for more Bible Clubs has challenged the team in meeting these needs. The pandemic saw some of the secondary schools partially close their doors, but these are gradually reopening as new opportunities emerge.

(The Insight Team at their anniversary event)

At the event, attendees were given a flavour of the immersive ‘Christmas Journey’ and ‘Easter Experience’ events hosted alongside local churches for local primary classes and their teachers. These events have seen generations of children learning about the true meaning of the two main festivals in the Christian calendar. Drama, puppetry, activities and story-telling are deployed as children travel round different stations, and many schools have spoken about these visits as highlights of the year.

Throughout the whole time of Insight, God has been faithful and blessed the work. This has been wonderful to witness and Insight remains excited and eager to see what new opportunities the Lord has planned.

As the service came to an end, Trevor Archer encouraged the congregation by riffing off Magnus Magnusson’s famous line: God has started this work, and He will finish it.

Insight is aiming to raise £35,000 during this year to support the work moving forward.

Find out more about Insight, here: www.insightinkingston.com