School events

Churches and Christian groups can create opportunities to offer larger events to children in schools.

The Church Schools of Cambridge organise regular events that include reflective storytelling at different stations, prayer activities and creative response and these have been the basis for events offered to other schools.

The events are visited by classes individually and last about an hour and a half. Themes have included Easter, Advent and Saints and Pilgrims.

These events have been held in a variety of churches and in areas within the school itself. Drama and Godly Play have both been used as part of the storytelling.

As with all involvement in schools, care needs to be taken to respect the beliefs of children of all faiths and none.

Resources for events

Autumn Term

Saints and Pilgrims: Telling the stories of Julian of Norwich, Maximilian Kolbe and Francis of Assissi at different stations, with reflective questions and creative response.

Jesus the King: Stories of the Kingdom The parable of the Pearl, the Mustard Seed and the Great Banquet giving insights into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Path to the Stable: a journey through Advent: a look at the role of the prophets, John the Baptist and Mary in the Christian story

Beyond the Stable: journeying through Christmas: focusing on the powerful (Herod and the magi), the prayerful (Anna and Simeon,) and the dispossessed (the shepherds) and linking their stories to life today

Spring Term

Lent: Jesus in the Wilderness Empty or full? Fame or trust? Powerful or serving? How should we choose?

Summer Term

Wind and Flame: Pentecost The upper room, fruit of the spirit, the dove - different aspects of the story of the coming of the Holy Spirit

Throughout the year

Created World: An interactive event exploring the theme of creation

Encounters with holiness: Looking at three aspects of holiness: Holiness as glory (the story of Moses and the burning bush and on Mount Sinai); holiness as goodness (Isaiah in the temple) and holiness in action (Jesus heals the woman with bleeding).

Holy Places: What makes a holy place? We explored this by telling the story of The Ark and the Tent, the story of our local church and by climbing the steps to Jerusalem, singing Songs of Ascent. The children were then given the opportunity to create their own place of worship or a place to be quiet and reflect.