Inter Faith Week: Meet KES Group Chaplain Oliver Rokison
With Inter Faith Week beginning on Sunday, we are shining a spotlight on KES Group Chaplain, Oliver Rokison, who began his chaplaincy role at the start of this academic year.
Already a familiar face within the King Edward's community through his previous teaching and digital strategy responsibilities, Oliver now combines chaplaincy with teaching while working across King Edward VI School, KES Prep and Prince's Mead.
At Prince's Mead, Oliver plays an important role in supporting pupils, staff and families of all faiths and backgrounds, while creating opportunities for reflection, discussion and exploration of life's bigger questions.
"My main aim is to ensure that all those from any faith community feel that they have a place at King Edward's," says Oliver. "Not just that they are accepted here but that they are a really valued part of our community."
Creating a Welcoming Space for All
A key part of Oliver's work is helping to foster an inclusive environment where people of all faiths, beliefs and backgrounds feel welcome.
"In a multi-faith setting like this one, it's really important to recognise the diversity of faith backgrounds within our student body," he explains.
Oliver's approach focuses on ensuring that everyone feels respected, represented and able to engage with opportunities for reflection in a way that feels meaningful to them.
"It's really important to me that all faiths feel included and valued," says Oliver.
Encouraging Reflection
While chaplaincy naturally supports members of faith communities, Oliver is keen to emphasise that it is equally relevant to those who have no religious belief.
Speaking about the chapel at King Edward VI School, Oliver says: "The chapel is absolutely a place for those who are questioning as well as those who already have a faith. If you are not part of a faith community, this is still a room for you. It's a room where you can come and be quiet and contemplate the bigger things in life."
This message feels particularly fitting during Inter Faith Week, which celebrates understanding, respect and dialogue between people of different faiths and beliefs.
Working Across the KES Group
One of the aspects of the role Oliver has enjoyed most is the opportunity to work with younger pupils across the KES Group. He recently led the Harvest Festival service for Prince's Mead pupils and has enjoyed building relationships with children across the school.
"It's a real joy for me to see the enthusiasm of our younger members of our school community," he says.
Building Community
For Oliver, chaplaincy is ultimately about helping people feel accepted, valued and able to be themselves.
Reflecting on the best advice he received during his own school days, he recalls being encouraged by his housemaster to simply be himself.
"That's really in my heart here," he says. "Everyone within our community, of any faith or none, should feel encouraged to be truly themselves."
Looking ahead, Oliver is particularly excited about the school's Christmas Carol Service in December, describing it as one of the highlights of the chaplaincy calendar.
As we mark Inter Faith Week, Oliver's work serves as a reminder of the importance of belonging, understanding and respect, ensuring that people of all faiths and beliefs feel valued within the King Edward's community.
