CCS Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join?
You do not have to have any educational qualifications, though some basic understanding of the Christian faith and the Bible will be helpful.
You do not have to belong to the Church of England or any other church:
- But you do need to be sixteen or over.
- You need to be willing to participate in a supportive group.
- You need to be willing to contribute to the group from your own experience.
- You need to be willing to do some thinking, reading and written work!
- You need to be willing to engage with and explore the Christian faith.
Who will I meet?
Students come from all sorts of ages, backgrounds and church affiliations. If you enrol, you will belong to a local group, which may have from 6 to 20 members. At the beginning and end of the Course and for the quiet days students from all Centres meet together.
Teaching is led by voluntary tutors, who are chosen by the Director of the Course for their enthusiasm and communication skills as well as knowledge of their subject areas. A senior tutor is responsible for the management of each centre.
What happens?
Each centre meets weekly, roughly during school terms: most meet in the evening, but some in the morning. Each unit of study lasts for five weeks.
A different subject is introduced each week. With the help of special worksheets (and for some units carefully selected text-books) members do some study at home in preparation for discussion in the group the following week. The amount of "homework" varies between units, but on average occupies about three hours a week. Each meeting also includes time for prayer and a break for refreshments.
What about assessment?
How much written work each member produces depends on his or her circumstances. But over two years everyone builds up a file of notes, reflections, and the results of personal and group study. There are also four written projects, which involve personal research as well as two group projects.
From time to time tutors look at students' files to give guidance and to grade work. Tutors keep a record of each student's work and progress, which can be seen at any time.
Where does it lead?
At the end of the second year there is a special service at Chelmsford Cathedral, when the Bishop presents certificates to all who have completed the course satisfactorily.
During the course members can be given advice on further educational and vocational opportunities. Members are also very welcome to join future optional modules run as the diocesan Lent and Eastertide Schools
.
What does it cost?
Annual fees are £120. Some members' local churches pay all or part of the fee. Financial assistance is available. For further details please contact the Course Administrator, Mrs Liz Watson, at the address below.
For application forms, details about Centre locations and any other information, please contact:
Mrs Liz Watson Course in Christian Studies Diocesan Office 53 New Street Chelmsford CM1 1AT Telephone: 01245 294449 email: courses@chelmsford.anglican.org
Print this page
Bookmark this pageFeedback on this page: contact Webmaster