Relationship in the School/Community – JSS1 Christian Religious Studies Lesson Note (Second Term)

A school is a place where organised learning takes place. It is also like a family, made up of five groups of members: the principal, the vice principal, the class teachers, the school prefects and class captains, and the students. Good relationships among students begin when they are first admitted and get to know one another.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• define school;
• mention the five groups of members in a school;
• describe how students get to know one another when they are first admitted;
• name some organisations students form in school;
• state the factors that guide us in choosing friends in school.

Who are the members of a school?

The school is like a family with different members. Generally, the school consists of five groups of members:

1. The principal
2. The vice principal (academics and admin)
3. The class teachers
4. The school prefects and class captains
5. The students

How do friendships form in school?

Good relationships among children start in school, when they are first admitted. They come from different homes and backgrounds, and most of them are seeing each other for the first time. Given some time, they come together, eat together and discuss their problems together.

They get to know one another better. They know one another’s names, family backgrounds, states, tribes and even nationalities. They also know one another’s likes and dislikes.

In school, students form organisations like Science Clubs, Debating Societies, Singing Groups, Christian Unions and Cultural Societies. They study together and play friendly matches together. After leaving school, friendships often continue into adulthood.

What factors guide us in choosing friends in school?

The following factors should guide us in choosing friends:

1. Common interest: We should choose friends who share the same interest with us, and the interest should be a positive one.
2. Age: Our friends should be people within our age group so that we can learn from and help each other.
3. Religious affiliation: Children from the same religion are likely to choose each other as friends rather than someone from a different religion.
4. Intellectual talent: Children who play the same game are likely to become friends. Those with similar intellectual abilities and interests are also likely to become friends, for example, a science student will want to be friends with another science student.
5. Sex: Students of the same sex prefer to be friends with each other instead of with the opposite sex.

Evaluation

1. Name four organisations that students form in school.
2. Describe how students who are new to a school get to know one another.
3. Explain why common interest is a factor in choosing friends.
4. Why do students of the same religion often choose each other as friends?

Assignment

1. Define school.
2. What are the factors that aid in choosing friends in school?
3. Mention the five members of the school community.