Chester Bishops’ Bluecoat CE High : Transforming the Prayer Space

by new Chaplain Rev Hana Amner

It has been a tremendous joy to become a part of the Bishops’ Blue Coat High School community. The staff and students here welcomed me warmly, making my transition into this new role smooth.

My focus and prayer as a new chaplain is to seek to be a blessing to the whole school community and to explore new creative and accessible ways to encourage the schools Christian vision.

My first project in July involved revitalising the Prayer Space. I collaborated with students from various year groups to reflect on Jesus' words: 'I have come to give you life and life in all its fullness.' We began brainstorming and exploring imagery associated with these words.

Then, I provided them with aprons, paints, and brushes, encouraging them to let their creativity flow freely. The freedom they had to express themselves and the responsibility entrusted to them were incredibly impactful and served as a valuable lesson for me as an artist. It taught me to allow the space for it not to look exactly as planned, But honestly, it exceeded my expectations. During this time, we engaged in numerous conversations about life and faith, fostering unity and encouragement among a group who may not have intentionally spent time together before.

During the summer holidays, I completed the room in preparation for the students' return. When they visited, they were immensely proud of their work. One student even brought other staff members to admire what he and others had accomplished.

They had fulfilled the specifications, capturing the essence of life in all its fullness with shapes, movement, and colour! This room has now become a special place for the students, something they feel ownership of, and it has been an immense joy to welcome those who hadn't used the prayer space before."

Alongside this project, I collaborated with a talented student to create a communion table. With a knack for graffiti art, he spray-painted the base of my communion table, which I then illustrated to depict the story of the Last Supper.

I aspire to continue this collaboration, working with both staff and students to witness the school flourishing, rooted in its Christian values. We aim to explore new and creative ways to welcome everyone on their journey and invite them to experience something of the Christian faith each day.