EXPLORE Resources to support networking on the Isle of Wight Marriage and family There is no such thing as a perfect marriage. But Christian marriages are undoubtedly on the way to perfection. [Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster] The family is the best means we have yet discovered for nurturing future generations and enabling children to grow in a matrix of stability and love. [Lord Sacks, former Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth] Marriage is special. A human, committed, unfolding relationship of love over many decades, that can offer within it the security necessary for children to grow up. [Peter Lippiett, Portsmouth Diocese Adviser on Spirituality] Children with higher levels of emotional, behavioural, and social well-being, on average, have higher levels of academic achievement. [Lord Nash, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Schools] Impressions of Explore Explore is concerned with the reality of long-term relationships, and how they manage to work. No-one else appears to be looking at this. [Submission to the House of Commons Select Committee Inquiry into PSHE and SRE] Explore worked in 71 schools during the academic year 2014-2015, while just over 8,000 young people participated in Explore workshops. [Rex Chester, President, Explore] Explore brings about dialogue between a married couple and a group of teenagers in which the realities of married love and lifelong commitment are explored. This is remote marriage preparation at its best. We urgently need couples willing to volunteer to join this venture. [Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster] When we were invited to volunteer with Explore, we were flattered and terrified at the same time. Yet, with the encouragement of friends and colleagues, this is just what we are doing — and loving every moment. [A married couple from Hampshire] The fact that we could ask anything, face to face with real couples, was quite empowering and had a huge impact on my life; I would wholeheartedly recommend Explore to any student who has ever wondered about how relationships work in reality. [from a sixth former two years after a 2003 workshop at Ranelagh School, Braclknell] Papers on marriage, family and the work of Explore. (Click green links to download) Sacks text Sacks recording The speech by Lord Jonathan Sacks, former Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom, which brought the audience of 300 at the 2014 Vatican Conference to their feet. Vincent Nicholls The speech of welcome from Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, at the Vigil of Pentecost 2015 — a Mass of Thanksgiving for Matrimony — in which he enjoins willing couples to come forward as volunteers. Marriage sermon A sermon by Peter Lippiett, Portsmouth Diocese Adviser on Spirituality, extolling marriage and the work of a charity then known at Students Exploring Marriage (SEM) now better known as Explore. Lord Nash An open letter to all members of the House of Lords, recalling an in-house discussion on Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education, recognising its importance in our schools, and indicating the likely direction of future action. Select committee A submission by Crispin Drummond, Chair of Trustees for Explore, to the House of Commons Education Committee Inquiry into PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) education and SRE (Sex and Relationship Education). Portsmouth People A short article in the Portsmouth Diocesan magazine, subtitled Young people in schools learn about relationships from sessions with EXPLORE. Progress An article by Rex Chester, its co-founder and honorary president, recalling the evolution of Explore. SEM A short paper entitled The Christian Foundation of Students Exploring Marriage (SEM). One couple A newspaper article asking "Would you be prepared to reveal intimate details of your marriage and family life to a bunch of inquisitive teenagers?" and going on to give a view of Explore from the perspective of a volunteer couple. Australia An email sent on 24 September 2015 from Edmund Adamus (Director for Marriage and Family Life in the Diocese of Westminster) about a pilot project for Explore in Australia. Newsletter 2015 Newsletter telling of achievement during the past academic year: the best ever for Explore: 71 schools as well as 2 prisons were visited, with just over 8,000 young people benefitting from the The Explore Experience. Some examples of feedback received from schools where workshops have been held Sherbourne Girls Student evaluation of an Explore workshop held at Sherbourne School for Girls in November 2013. St Anne's Student evaluation of an Explore workshop held at St Anne's in October 2014. Bishop Challoner Report in The Times of 24 January 2015 about the work of Explore at Bishop Challoner Catholic Collegiate School. Bedales Detailed feedback report and correspondence with the Head of Sixth Form at Bedales, following an Explore workshop there Other resources Local Group Guideline for establishing a Local Group LDO Job description for the role of Local Development Officer Advisor Coach Job description for the role of Advisor Coach Schools Education provision on the Isle of Wight. Video Activities and achievements of Explore in schools. Website The Explore website. CTKC early 2017 Correspondence in early 2017 between Rex Chester and Pat Goodhead, Principal of Christ the King College with a follow-up email from Rex to Rosie Simpson, Development Officer for Explore . 2017 Report The Explore Autumn News Letter 2017 mentioning achievements and feedback from workshops. Link to top of this page