Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the questions we get asked on a regular basis (and the answers).
What will I being doing day-to-day?
You will be working in schools with your team and your team leader doing lessons, assemblies and lunch time clubs. You will do a lunch club every day. It is a fun packed and dynamic time sharing how the gospel is relevant to young people and 21st century life.You will regularly be involved on a weekly basis in helping some young people to read. Lessons and assemblies are also part of your day-to-day experience. XLP does R.E. and P.H.S.E. lessons with topics range from the life of Jesus and the Bible, to Drugs and Sex. Each team is involved in after schools clubs as well, some of which are held on the bus.
You will not only get the chance to work with young people in schools, but also in a church youth group. You will get the opportunity to work alongside an experienced youth leader. So you will be involved in Sunday mornings and youth cell etc.
When will I know which church I am placed in?
You will be allocated your placement church in the summer. This will give you time over the summer to come down and visit your new church and meet the church leader, youth leader and some of their youth.
What do the course fees cover and do I have to pay them straight away?
The course fees cover your training and accommodation plus you will receive a monthly allowance to cover the cost for food. Any travelling expenses you incur in connection with the work of XLP or your placement church can also be claimed back. The course fees are usually paid at the beginning of the course. If you cannot pay all at once, they can be paid in 3 equal instalments, one at the beginning of each term.
I understand there is a mission trip to Ghana; is that included in the course fees and if not how much extra is it?
The mission trip to Ghana usually happens over the February half term. The trip is NOT included in the course fees and so is extra. The cost is around £500.00, including flights, food, transport, visa and vaccinations.
How long is the course and do I get any holiday?
The course is 10 months long; it starts from September and ends in July. You will get 4 weeks holiday over the 10 months. As we work in schools, holidays must be taken when the schools break for their holidays. It is usual to take one week in October, another week combined with bank holidays at Christmas, one week at Easter and the final week is taken over the May half term.
Is there any written work?
Yes, there are 3 assignments over the year - one assignment also involves giving a presentation.You are given study time in your weekly timetable. As each person has different interests, you are allowed to help choose the focus of the assignment. The main thing is that it must be something you are interested in and want to find out about.