Purpose Statement
To bring glory to God, by assisting parents to equip their children to live a Christ-centred life.
Philosophy of Christian Education
God, as
the creator and sustainer/maintainer of the universe, has absolute
authority and power in all things (Colossians 1:16-17). His
prerogative extends to all of life including man's responsibility to
live in the world that He has created.
The purpose for the life that God has given to all man is to know, enjoy and serve Him. God has revealed His perfect/complete will and purpose for man in His infallible Word - the Bible (II Peter 1:3), which is the final rule and authority for life.
God's word is absolute truth (John 17:17) and the authority of the scripture is relevant to every sphere of life (II Timothy 3:16-17).
God established the blueprint for society when he created the family unit, consisting of husband and wife, which is extended by the children God gives (Genesis 2:24, 1:28). This is the basic building block of society.
God has established the authority structure of the family. The husband is the head of the wife and together God has entrusted to parents the upbringing of children (Ephesians 6:4). God specifically assigns this process of education to the parents (Proverbs 22:6). It is imperative, in fulfilling this responsibility that parents show their children the relevance of God through His Word in all life experiences (Deuteronomy 6:7).
The essence of the education of a child is to impart to them their responsibility to live all of life to the glory of God. This is in complete contrast to our sinful nature, which we inherited through Adam (Romans 5:12), and renders us incapable of pleasing God or earning his favour. However, God has provided the only means, through the life, death and resurrection of Christ, that we may be reconciled to Him (I Peter 3:18, I John 2:2). So true education of a child cannot be accomplished without that child being brought to a personal experience of salvation, by faith in Christ.
The believing child must then be taught to grow to maturity in reliance upon the Holy Spirit, the ultimate goal being to live a Christ-centred life. Such an individual will display the characteristics described as the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23.
Tyndale Park Christian School exists to help parents in their endeavour to fulfil God's mandate to educate their children. This process of education also involves the equipping of children in the knowledge and understanding of God's world. In order to fulfil this the child will require a broad input of knowledge, and it is here, in particular, that the School is able to provide specialist input in areas to complement the work of parents.
How Tyndale Park Christian School fulfils its purpose and implements its philosophy
How does Tyndale Park Christian School fulfil its purpose/implement its philosophy?
Relationship with Parents
Tyndale Park Christian School acknowledges that parents have the prime responsibility for educating children (Deuteronomy 11:18-19). This is recognised by the ongoing dialogue of the School with parents. This occurs both at teacher and management level. The presence of parents in the classroom is actively encouraged and welcomed. It is the School's intention to promote the closest possible co-operation with parents in all aspects of their children's education. For this relationship to be effective, it is imperative that there be a consistent approach to education in the Home and in the School. The aim of this relationship is to strengthen and broaden the foundation of Christian teaching already laid by home and church, through a God-centred curriculum. To foster this relationship the School endeavours to keep the parents fully informed of all relevant matters.
Distinctive Curriculum
Tyndale Park Christian School does not simply provide a moral and Christian context in which neutral facts are imparted, but provides a Christian curriculum that views all disciplines of learning within a Biblical, God centred framework. God's infallible Word provides the foundation, and reference, for all knowledge and truth (Colossians 2:3). In implementing a Christian curriculum the School seeks to show children how distinctive Christian principles and practices apply in all subjects. These principles provide a God-centred foundation for the proper understanding and appreciation of the universe (Colossians 1:16-17).
Committed Teachers
Tyndale Park Christian School provides teachers who are convinced Christians and seek to present a Christ-like example and godly environment in which learning can occur. By conforming all knowledge to a biblical perspective, teachers seek to bear a faithful witness to children so that by the example of their lives and the teaching of the scriptures, God may bring the children to a saving faith in Christ. Prayer, spiritual fellowship and the teaching of scripture are an integral part of the teacher's testimony. While these are the most important qualifications for a Christian teacher, they must also possess the appropriate skills and ability to impart knowledge to children. The School encourages a high standard of academic training and excellence in achievement. Tyndale Park Christian School believes that children must be taught and not merely experience in order to learn (Proverbs 22:6).
Character Development
Tyndale Park Christian School encourages the development of Christian character and attributes in the life of the children as they learn to relate to the world in which they live. Children will be equipped with a basis of evaluating right and wrong based on the teaching of the Bible. Children will be taught to observe all things that God says in His word and prepared to stand as Christians in this present world, recognising that the honouring and fear of God is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7,9&10). The School will teach children that as God's custodians of the world mankind is to have a proper concern for and use of God's creation (Genesis 1:28).
Management
The management of Tyndale Park Christian School is the responsibility of an independent self-perpetuating Trust Board, allowing for an ongoing consistency of approach. As a provider of Christian education to a wide range of families it is essential that the board seek to provide a structure that is accessible to and conscious of parents. The Trust Board oversees the implementation of the Philosophy directly and through the Principal/School Manager and Senior Teachers.