The instruction and education of the children at Timothy is done subject to the scrutiny of the Word of God and the doctrine of the Church (Parent Handbook, pg 3). The aim is to have children receive an education taught from a reformed Christian perspective that recognizes God in all His glory, power, dominion, and covenant love for His children.
The following statements indicate how this most basic aim is to be achieved and thus constitute the basis of the instruction which Timothy seeks to provide:
- The entire curriculum will be taught in obedience to the Holy Scriptures, the infallible Word of God, as summarized in the Three Forms of Unity (the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism, and the Canons of Dort).
- Each subject in the curriculum will have as its point of departure the cultural mandate: the command to subdue the earth as clearly stated in the book of Genesis and elaborated upon in the entire Scriptures.
- All teaching will take into account that this cultural mandate is to be exercised in a world which is lost in the misery and guilt incurred by man’s fall into sin but overcome by the work of our LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ.
It is the special task of Timothy to provide a program of instruction appropriate to the elementary level of education and, in so doing, to:
- teach the students about all aspects of God’s created order, that they may stand in awe of their Maker and praise Him;
- remind the students that their calling in this world is to know God as their Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier and to honour and serve Him;
- help the students grow into mature human beings, prepared to employ their talents in the service of God and for the benefit of their neighbours, in all areas of life;
- assist the students in recognizing their value and privileges as God’s covenant children, and remind them that they are enabled by grace to respond in obedience to the call to serve;
- help the students develop a Christian mind, so that they may discern the power and corrupting influence of secular or seemingly Christian philosophies and, in submission to the Lordship of Christ, with due humility begin to think in a Reformed way about all aspects of life;
- remind the students that, because of the redeeming work of Christ, this world has not been abandoned by God and that their work as His followers and co-workers is therefore of value for the coming restoration of God’s Kingdom on this earth;
- show the students that knowing and fearing God is essential to attaining true knowledge and wisdom, since teaching and learning are bound up with one’s relationship to God.
- challenge students to demonstrate, in daily talk and action, a Christian heart sincerely responding to the call to follow Christ.
These foundational statements are summarized by our motto, “Teaching Truth!”. All things, including the instruction of Timothy are subject to His rule and authority.