Worship

Our Weekly Worship & RE Gallery

As we settle into the summer term, our school continues to reflect on the themes of growth and renewal. This week, we have moved from the joy of the Easter season to exploring how we can find the strength to branch out and embrace new beginnings, focusing on the Christian value of Courage.

Is it ever too late to try something new?

In our classroom collective worship, we have been exploring the story of marathon runner Eileen Hieron, who showed incredible bravery by taking up long-distance running later in life. We linked Eileen’s journey to the British value of Individual Liberty - the freedom to make our own choices - and the UN Rights of the Child, specifically the right to develop our talents and abilities to the full.

The children spent time reflecting on their own experiences of courage. We asked ourselves what it feels like to try something for the first time: the nerves beforehand, the sense of achievement afterward, and why it is so important to keep striving for personal growth. We also discussed why some people stop trying new things as they get older and how we might encourage others to stay adventurous, regardless of their age.

This was beautifully grounded in the teachings of the Bible, which tells us that like a strong, healthy tree, people can keep growing and producing "new fruit" throughout their lives. It reminds us that our lives can stay full of fresh ideas and happiness at every stage. 

Together, we realised that courage isn't just for big moments; it is the quiet strength that allows us to keep growing, learning, and trying, even when we are older. In fact, we even reflected on how some things in life actually get better when you wait until you are older to try them!

Reflecting Together at Home: Growing Together

As we think about the courage it takes to grow, you might like to explore these themes of persistence and renewal as a family:

• Talk as a family about something a grown-up in the house has tried for the first time recently. How did it feel to be a beginner again? Discuss how having the Individual Liberty to choose our own hobbies makes our lives richer.

• Inspired by the UN Rights of the Child and the importance of developing our personalities, think about an older relative or friend. What could you say to encourage them to take up a new hobby or learn a new skill?

• If you have a garden or a houseplant, take a moment to look at the new leaves or buds. Just like the image of a healthy tree, reflect on how we can keep our own minds fresh and green this term. What is one new thing you could try together this weekend?