Collective Worship with Rev Ben
Today, Rev Ben began worship by talking to the children about what they had done over the summer holidays. He asked them to think about the different experiences they had enjoyed, such as going on holiday, horse riding, swimming, enjoying the hot weather, watching football and going on a boat trip. Rev Ben then introduced the Bible story about the journey of Abraham. The children joined in by explaining that Abraham trusted God and that this was one of the most important things Abraham did. Rev Ben talked about how Abraham trusted God to give him a child, even when this seemed difficult to believe. God promised Abraham that his descendants would be as many as the stars in the sky. The children were then encouraged to think about how they could make the most of the new school year. They discussed the importance of having fun, living life in all its fullness, being themselves and following the 4B's. Rev Ben reminded the children that, just as Abraham trusted God, they can trust God to help and guide them throughout the school year. The worship ended with a prayer asking God to help us trust in Him during the school year and to guide us through the year ahead. Rev Ben also reminded the children about the Summer Weekend taking place at St Barnabas Church this weekend and the Youth Group for Year 6 and above, where children can learn more about God and Jesus. The children finished worship by singing a new song called “Every Beat of My Heart.”
Year 4 RE - Rosh Hashana
In our RE lesson this week we looked at how Jesus was Jewish and so would have celebrated Jewish festivals to honour God. We paid particular focus to Rosh Hashana which is the Jewish New Year. The children looked at how they eat apples dipped in honey for a sweet year and then created prayers focusing on their wishes for this new school year and what they’d like to leave behind. We finished by eating apples dipped in honey to celebrate all things sweet.
Year 6 - Life is a journey
Today, Year 6 began their new RE unit, ‘Life is a Journey’, with a reflective walk along Jacks Key. As we explored the surroundings, the children were encouraged to think about spirituality and the different journeys we take through life. We discussed how the paths we walk can represent the guidance we receive, with some paths being smooth and others rough, reflecting the challenges and struggles we may face along the way. The children also considered how gateways can act as guardians, representing opportunities that are sometimes open to us and other times closed. We explored how trees can symbolise lasting life and growth, while bridges can represent the helping hands and support we need to keep us on the right path.
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Year 4 - RE: Church in the Park
To complete our RE unit on places of worship, the Year 4 children learned about Peter ‘The Rock’ and how he started the Christian Church. They explored statements about the Church and decided which they thought were the most important. The children learned that the term ‘Church’ has become synonymous with the place of worship, but that most importantly, the Church is the people gathering together to worship God and Jesus. With this in mind, we decided to take our ‘Church’ to Whitehall Park. We created a short service led by the children and decided on the essentials we would need in order to deliver the service. The children enjoyed creating crosses using natural materials, listening to Bible stories, hearing sermons and saying prayers linked to these. There was a bit of time left at the end for us to enjoy the playground too.
RE - Buddhism - How other faiths pray
Today we looked at how other faiths pray and specifically Buddhism. We then watched how the Buddhist monks chant their prayers and meditate to seek enlightenment. Then we all had a go at meditation together.
Year 2 - St. Barnabas Church Visit
Year 2 visited St. Barnabas Church and Rev Ben told us all about the special items that are found in churches. He also explained that the church is not just the building but also the people who are part of the church family.
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Year 4 - RE: Visit to Spring Vale
The Year 4 class went on a walk to Spring Vale Methodist Church to explore symbols of Christianity. After an informative introduction to Methodism from David, the children were given the opportunity to explore the church. They then shared the similarities and differences they’d spotted in comparison with St Barnabas Church. The children were also treated to a drink and a cake before they headed back to school.
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Reception-RE- Jonah and the Whale
In our RE lesson we learnt the bible story ‘Jonah and the Whale’. We listened to the story and discussed the meaning of the story together and spoke about forgiveness and why it is important to forgive others who sometimes do wrong. We then acted the the story out in class.
Year 4 - Mosque Visit
Whilst we were visiting St Matthew’s, we had the opportunity to enhance our RE unit on places of worship by visiting the mosque next door. We had a tour of the main hall and the washroom and learned about some religious artefacts and practices that are customary to Islam. It was great for the children to see these features in real life so that they could make comparisons with the other places of worship we’ve studied this term. The imam arranged a special surprise as well, allowing all the children to choose a drink, some crisps and a chocolate bar, followed by treating them all to an ice cream from the ice cream van. All in all, I think they had a fantastic day.
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Reception - RE - Ways to talk to God
In today’s lesson we talked about prayers being a way we send messages and talk to God. The children then came up with their own ways we could send messages to him including, writing letters, phoning him, sending messages in a kiss, sending messages in bubbles and by helicopter. We then went onto the yard to send some messages by bubble prayers.
Whole School Worship with Rev Ben
Today we started our Whole School Celebration Worship by recognising the fact that it is St Barnabas Day! Rev. Ben then told us that this half term our Worships will focus on truth. We played the true or false game where the children had to decide if the images on screen were true or false. We had a range of questions on geography, science and maths. Some things are obviously true, but sometimes it’s hard to decide. In the Bible reading that was shared Jesus said: I am the way, the truth and the life. In life we sometimes aren’t sure about which way to go. Christian’s believe that knowing the truth is ultimately about knowing a person - Jesus. Our time to think was : How did Jesus describe himself in the Bible today? How might following Jesus help you if you aren’t sure what’s true? The children had some lovely ideas which included: Jesus is the way , the truth and the light . He can guide us like a compass. If we want to lead truthful lives then we need to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.
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Reception - RE
This week we learnt about Psalms and how we can sing prayers to God. We read the Clever Cub story ‘Sing to God’ and the children drew pictures of things they would like to sing about as a way to say thank you to God and what we are thankful for.