The vision of BCM’s Youth Team is to serve, support and enrich the young people of Birmingham, regardless of their gender, religion or cultural background. We aim to provide engaging, interactive and thought-provoking experiences for young people. Our ethos is driven by our Christian faith but all of our provision is open and relevant to all.
Visit the BCM Youth YouTube channel for the team’s library of digital presentations.
Our work in schools
We offer a free service to all schools in Birmingham and the wider area for Years 7 to 13. We offer:
Acts of Collective Worship (Assemblies)
‘…wholly or mainly of a Christian character but which are appropriate to the family backgrounds, ages and aptitudes of the pupils.’ Education Reform Act 1988
We can deliver assemblies on a regular basis, including the major Christian festivals of Harvest, Christmas and Easter. We also offer other topics at the request of the school. Our assemblies are multi-layered and universal in application. We offer free Gideons bibles to schools.
This short clip is from a Birmingham City Council film which exemplifies ‘good practice’ when delivering Acts of Collective Worship. Three of the presenters shown are BCM staff delivering assemblies in both primary and secondary schools.
Lessons (OCR, AQA & Edexcel Curriculum)
- RE, adhering to ‘Faith Makes a Difference’, Birmingham Agreed RE Syllabus
- Citizenship and PSHE stand-alone lessons
- Stimulating and practical off-timetable or themed days
- Q&A sessions
Extra-Curricular Activities and Clubs
- Lunchtime and after-school clubs looking at Christian values from the Bible and issues young people face.
- Charitable giving options: We collect tins and packets of food for our food bank all year round, but especially at Harvest, and toys for our Christmas project during November and December, all for families in need.
GSUS Live
This is an interactive high-tech learning experience designed to explore relevant issues from different perspectives through the stories of three teenagers. Visit gsuslive.co.uk to find out more.
Our work outside schools
Youth Camp
Open to Years 7 to 11, this is a week-long summer residential trip to an outdoor pursuits centre in Wales.
Fulfil Youth Event
This takes place each term in the city, bringing together young people for a fun evening of live entertainment, games and exploring faith.
Signposting
to other organisations, professionals and resources.
The Youth Team
John Platt completed a BA (Hons) in Theology before training as a primary school teacher (PGCE) and worked at an independent school in Worcestershire. He was a Youth & Schools Worker with Youth For Christ in South Staffordshire for three years and joined BCM in 2009 as Youth Co-ordinator. John has 13 years’ experience of youth & schools work and is married with a young family.
James Lawton trained as a secondary school science teacher after completing a MSci (Hons) in Physics and four years in applied research. He has 9 years’ teaching experience in secondary schools and over 10 years’ experience of youth work in a local church setting. James joined BCM in 2019. He lives in north Birmingham with his wife.
Peter Mallett gained a BA (Hons) in Psychology & Film Studies. He has worked with children and young people for over 10 years in varied jobs such as children’s entertainment, supply teaching and on cruise ships. He has been involved in youth projects in his local church for 12 years. Peter lives in Birmingham and works with a Baptist church in Selly Park.
Get in touch
For more information or to make a booking, email:
johnplatt@birminghamcitymission.co.uk
jameslawton@birminghamcitymission.co.uk
petermallett@birminghamcitymission.co.uk
or call 0121 766 6603
