Writes Richard Waddington, Head of TPRE
Having previously explored a Mosque in Year 3, Year 5 visited St Luke’s Church, Watford in Cassiobury as part of their TPRE studies. Our visit supported the boys’ study of baptism as part of the birth unit in Religion, and their understanding of the Creation and Fall narratives in Theology.
One reason why we visit is that St Luke’s Church building is a relatively new build (only 20 years old), and it challenges the pupils’ expectations of what a Church is and looks like.
After a warm welcome in the sanctuary by Bekki Hadley, Children & Families Team Leader, the boys began exploring different aspects of the Christian experience.
Neil Brookes, Youth Director & Ordinand, took the boys through both infant baptism and baptism by immersion, which are different ways the Church welcomes new members.
Jeremy Cooke, Music Director, used the stained-glass window to explore the teaching of the Church, and the boys coloured in their own windows.
Stephanie, a volunteer, talked about prayer in its various forms: saying sorry, asking for help, and saying thank you.
After a break in the welcome area, the boys explored the communion table, and the meanings of the bread and wine that Christians consume during Holy Communion with Neil.
Jeremy talked to the boys about the Holy Spirit (often represented by a dove), whom Christians believe is one of the three persons of their trinitarian God. The boys used their origami skills to make doves of their own.
Finally, the boys experienced a modern worship song (complete with actions).
Thank you so much to Bekki and her team, and for all the time and effort they spent to get everything ready for us.
