Koru Gap Year Programme
We are thrilled that you are interested in joining our varied, challenging, exciting and unique Koru Gap Year Programme. Read on to find out more.
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Why Koru?
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Who is the Koru programme for?
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How do I join the Koru Programme?
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What will I be doing?
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How many hours will I be expected to work on the Koru programme?
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Where will I be based?
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What does CRiBS provide for their Koru students?
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How much does it cost?
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What do I do next?
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Are there other ways to get involved with CRiBS?
Why Koru?
The koru (Māori for 'loop' or 'coil') is a spiral shape used in Māori art which is based on the appearance of a new unfurling silver fern frond native to New Zealand. It symbolises new life, growth, strength and peace. The fern fronds are tightly curled when they are young and slowly unfurl.
We hope, through our Koru programme, to create the conditions for unfurling to take place in our students; to make space for God to develop you to your full potential. If you have a heart to serve children and young people, enjoy working as part of a team want grow in confidence and mature spiritually, then the Koru programme could be what you’re looking for.
Who is the Koru programme for?
"The whole year has been very positive for me and helped me to grow in many different areas. I feel really inspired now!" - Koru Student
The Koru programme is for any young person aged 18-25, who would like to spend a year serving God, working with children and young people in South East London and North Kent.
How do I join the Koru programme?
There are two routes to joining our Koru programme. If you are from Germany, we work closely with GVS, usually with students taking a year out between school and University. Young people from the UK, or other countries, can apply directly to us. There are a few differences between the structure of the year, these will be discussed in more detail below. Whichever route you take to join us, the next steps are initially the same.
What will I be doing?
All Koru students work as part of the CRiBS team, supporting their work in multiple different and diverse schools. Korus support the delivery of:
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RE Lessons
Teaching children about Christian belief and practice -
'Unlimited' intervention work
Working with small groups of primary school aged children, supporting them in developing confidence, resilience and self-regulation skills -
Mini-Explorers
Exploring Christian belief with preschool children, through storytelling -
Workshops
Including Moving Up, helping children move from Primary to Secondary school smoothly and successfully and CAP Money which gives children a basic introduction to money management skills. -
Seasonal Productions
A personal favourite of many of our Korus – you’ll get to take an active role in our Seasonal Productions at Christmas and Easter. As part of a team, Koru help to produce, rehearse and tour our plays around approximately 50 different schools in the space of just 2 weeks!
The Local Church
All Korus are placed in a local church and will also take an active role in supporting the children and youth work there. What this will involved will vary depending on your placement, but CRiBS are there to ensure you are properly supported. Korus joining us independently of GVS will also be involved in the Clocktower Project, looking to build relationships with young people after school in our local town centre.
How many hours will I be expected to work on the Koru programme?
"I learned to take over responsibility; got challenged in areas that were a bit out of my normal comfort zone; it helped me grow in confidence" - Koru Student
All Korus spend the equivalent of five days a week, 9am-4pm, term time only, working with CRiBS, with one weekday as a personal development day. Church commitments are in addition to this. Occasionally you may be asked to work additional hours, with extra time off given to compensate.
Where will I be based?
CRiBS started and is still based in the London Borough of Bexley. You'll be living and working in this area, with some work in North-West Kent. It's an exciting place to live. You are well placed to explore London . Bexleyheath to London Bridge is just 29 minutes on the train, and Abbey Wood to Liverpool Street is 21 minutes via the newly opened Elizabeth Line. The Kent countryside is just a short journey away. Many previous Korus have also found plenty of opportunities to explore the UK as we are close to many transport routes. Being based in an urban area, services such as doctors, dentists, hospitals, pharmacists and opticians are all readily available.
What does CRiBS provide for their Koru students?
All Korus receive full training and support for their role in schools. Korus are always accompanied by a CRiBS team member in schools, and while you will be encouraged to take a more active role as you gain experience, we will be guided by your level of confidence. We will look to discuss with you what you feel your particular areas of strength are, and help you find opportunities to use this in your work with us. All Korus will complete a discipleship programme, and we endeavour to provide you with spiritual encouragement and guidance during your time with us. We also provide you with accommodation (if necessary) in a family home where all meals are provided. Koru students joining from Germany also receive a programme of seminars and support via GVS.
How much does it cost?
Costs vary based on the route you apply to us and your particular requirements. If you are interested in joining us, we wouldn’t want finances to be a barrier, and we can advise you on fundraising.
What do I do next?
We would advise that you pray and ask others to pray for you – and then fill in this initial application form telling us a little bit more about you. We'll be in touch soon with your next steps.
Are there other ways to get involved with CRiBS?
We welcome everyone who believes and follows Jesus, of all ages, to come and join our team in the role that’s right for them. We have many opportunities to volunteer across all the work of the team. See the "Join with us" section of our website for more.