Media release: Which way now?

The third Thursday in August sees ecstatic 16-year-olds jumping for joy at their successful results, while the nation moans about exams getting easier. It is such a familiar story, that it is easy to forget that Year 11 is a pivotal point in the lives of young people, presenting many changes, challenges and opportunities. Young people have to make major life choices about their future – about if, what and where to study next year; about jobs, relationships, values and identity. Without realising it, they are choosing the sort of people they’re going to be. That’s quite a lot to have to think about when you’re only 16!

Last year, Christian charity Scripture Union and churches across the country set up a way to help future Year-11s through this important time of transition thanks to a book called Life, actually and 5,000 of this year’s GCSE students received the book.

Author Jenny Baker believes the book can help even more young people with the life choices that lie ahead: ‘There is so much in it! There’s credible advice, facts and real-life stories on everything from exams, relationships, money, stress, parties and dealing with parents,’ says Jenny.

Many churches across the UK got on board the initiative by buying Life, actually and donating them to Year-11 students in their local schools. As well as helping young people by giving them each a copy of the book, it helps churches form an on-going relationship with their local school, and wider community. Schools worker Richard Shaw organised for local churches in north Romford, Havering to join together and donate books to the local secondary school. ‘It’s important that churches are seen to be relevant in today’s society and giving Life, actually to schools certainly helps. We had some very positive comments from both the teachers and young people.’

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Notes to Newsdesk:

For more information, or to arrange an interview with the author or someone involved in the Life, actually schools project, please contact Scripture Union’s Communications Manager Adam Petrie on 01908 856030 or email adamp@scriptureunion.org.uk 

Scripture Union is an international mission movement working with churches and individuals in more than 140 countries through schools work, holidays and missions, published materials and community projects.