School Alpha
School Alpha is a condensed version of the Youth Alpha Course and it is run in schools either as part of the extra -curricular activity (in schools where the Christian Fellowship is allowed to be run) or in small groups where students meet at their own convenience. All students are welcome on a School Alpha Course and students have a wide variety of reasons for attending.
Some want to investigate whether God exists and if there is any point to life; others are concerned about what happens after death; still others may have attended church on and off all their lives but feel they have never really understood the basics of the Christian faith.
Students come from many different backgrounds, holding many different viewpoints – but all come with the same objective: to establish whether Jesus Christ has any real relevance for their lives.
“What I like most about the School Alpha is the time we spend preparing for the sessions. We meet to discuss the ice-breakers and discussions. Then I also enjoy the snacks and mingle time as it makes us feel relaxed after a long week in school.” - Alistair Ong, 17 years old
“I like School Alpha because it is different and we are all allowed to share our stories with one another in our group. I have learnt so much from these.” - Ng Tsae Yuan, 19 years old
What is Alpha?
Developed at Holy Trinity Brompton church in London, Alpha is a ten week opportunity to explore the validity and relevance of the Christian faith for our lives today. It is a practical introduction to the basics of Christianity with lots of opportunity for debate and discussion.
The style of Alpha is informal, friendly and non-pressurizing. It is enjoyed and appreciated as much by those who have never set foot in a church as it is by those who once attended and also by the regular churchgoer.
“I enjoy School Alpha very much because it is interesting and really fun. My friends really enjoy it too.” - Jayne Chong, 15 years old
“The group discussions are really good because we get a chance to hear each others’ stories. The relaxed atmosphere is so good for us to bring our friends along. I still miss the singing though.” - Wong Li Xin, 17 years old
Who is Alpha for?
• Those wanting to investigate Christianity
• Those who are curious about Christianity
• Those who feel that they have never really got going as a Christian
• Christians who want to brush-up on the basics
How is it run?
The Alpha course begins with snacks, followed by a talk. Students are then divided into smaller groups to discuss any questions raised from the talk. This is a typical School Alpha meeting. Then there is also an opportunity to go on a weekend away. This has been a key part of the course and a great success in helping people get to know each other and God.
| Activity | Time | |
| 1. | Snacks & Ice Breaker | 15 min |
| 2. | Talk – Point 1 | 10 min |
| 3. | Group Discussion – Point 1 | 5 min |
| 4. | Talk – Point 2 | 10 min |
| 5. | Group Discussion – Point 2 | 5 min |
| 6. | Talk – Point 3 & Summarise The Talk | 15 min |
| 7. | Prayer ( when it is the right time to do so) | 5 min |
Stories from Students
“I joined the Christian Fellowship in school since I was in Form 1 and I’ve learnt a lot from it. I gave my life to Christ in one of the meetings and since then, my life has transformed tremendously. I have learnt to serve in different ways such as in sharing testimonies, leading small groups, encouraging others and making good friends.
Currently, we are running the School Alpha course which is a great tool to reach out to friends. We enjoy discussing together. I am always happy when friends turn up for the School Alpha. Age is not a limit in serving God’s Kingdom. We can serve with a cheerful and young heart.” - Vera Li
Note: Vera is currently serving as the President of her school’s Christian Fellowship.
“In my 3 years with the CF, I have learnt many different things and shared many experiences. The CF helped me in my walk with Jesus. One thing I struggled with was inviting my friends for CF meetings. Several times when I asked a few of my friends to come they wouldturn me down and I felt disappointed but as I kept on trying, a few of them started to come.
Seeing them wanting to learn more about Jesus and giving their lives to Christ made me even happier. I also help to run the different programmes and activities like School Alpha. I truly believe that God is working in the life of the students and the CF is an amazing avenue for students to gather and learn more about God and at the same time fellowship with one another.” - James Raj
Note: James Raj sits for his PMR at the end of 2009 and serves actively as an Alpha Leader in his school and in his church.
“School Alpha is an excellent way to get to know Christianity and discover truths about Jesus, faith, prayer and the Bible. It has also been so much of fun and I am able to fellowship with so many others during the meetings. The greatest impact to me has been the discussion times where we are able to share and learn from one another.” - Dexter Chong
Note: Dexter will be sitting for his SPM at the end of 2009 and actively serves as a School Alpha leader in his school.
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