Gap Year
What is it?
GAP YEAR is a practical course in nurturing disciples which runs for one year (September-August) based at Coleg y Bala, the Children and Youth Centre of the Presbyterian Church of Wales.
Aims
The aims of the GAP YEAR are:
- to encourage personal and spiritual development
- to strive to an increasingly Christ-like character
- to help each student to recognise his or her talents and potential
- to develop effective leadership, communication and team-building skills
- to help and enable each student to comprehend his or her future contribution to the Church.
Responsibilities
Students have opportunities to experience and get involved with the various activities related to work at Coleg y Bala.
This includes:
- preparing and presenting Christianity to children and young people in a relevant and contemporary way on weekend, summer and mid-week courses.
- attending team meeting: participating and occasionally leading the Centre's daily service
- assisting with the administrative work at the Centre as required.
There are also opportunities for the student to partake in youth and children's activities outside Coleg y Bala: those run by other employees of the Presbyterian Church of Wales. This includes preparing and partaking in the following activities:
- Youth and children's clubs
- Souled Out central groups
- Services in churches
- Local mission
- Sunday schools
- Morning services in primary and secondary schools
- Christian unions
The student will have regular meetings with a permanent member of staff in order to examine the diary and organise a suitable programme of work.
Experience of working in other areas
During the year, the student will have an opportunity to work with church leaders or workers in other areas. Dependent on the location, the student can have various experiences of working with children and youth, schools, adults and families, as well as the chance to develop his or her understanding of some aspects of pastoral and leadership work.
Biblical and theological teaching
In order to deepen his or her biblical awareness and understanding, each student will spend time every week studying the Bible and theology. The programme covers topics such as Bible Overview, Biblical Interpretation, Doctrine and Church History. The student will be regularly assessed throughout the year.
Counselling
Each student will receive individual counselling during the GAP YEAR. The aim of this process is to support each student's personal piety and Christian character.
