Religious Life
Religious Life at Whittlebury Primary School
‘All things are possible to one who believes ‘Mark 9: v23'
At Whittlebury Primary School, Religious Education is far more than just an academic subject. In keeping with our mission statement, everyone is valued as an individual and helped to develop and progress in their own unique way within a Christian environment. Our vision ‘Small enough to care, Large enough to inspire, Valuing All God’s children’ is at the core of everything we do.
Through explicit teaching about Jesus and the Church, and the development of prayer and worship in school, we provide daily experiences where children live the gospel values; have respect for the opinions and beliefs of others, and grow in their own faith. We see this as our core purpose, and alongside their formation as children of God, we strive to ensure that each child fulfils their God-given potential -academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.
We are lucky to have very close links with our Parish Church which is only a short walk away. The children regularly attend St Mary’s Church, at least once each half-term, as well as celebrating together at significant liturgical moments in the year. Cannon Paul McLeod is a regular visitor to our school, supporting in classes and delivering a whole school assembly every month.
Charity Support
Participating in fund raising for charities is an important part of the life in the Federation. Pupils learn to take responsibility through the organisation of events to raise money for our wider school community. We have taken part in local and national fund raising events such as Macmillan Coffee Morning, Royal Legion Poppy Appeal, Race for life, Willen Hospice (Milton Keynes), British Heart foundation, Mad Hair day for a local boy and many more. The school community always responds generously to global disasters, such as recently raising money for the Australia Red Cross bush fires, instilling in the children responsibility for others and the importance of giving.
Church Services
Harvest
During our Harvest worship, we say thank you to the farmers for the wonderful crops that are being harvested and we also say thank you to God for everything he provides for us. As a federation we join together to share the Harvest worship across the four churches, St John the Baptist's Church Tiffield, St Mary the Virgin Church Stoke Bruerne, St Mary's Church Gayton and St Mary's Church Whittlebury.
Christmas Nativity
A Christmas nativity is probably one of the most recognisable symbols of the Christmas season. The Nativity recreates the scene of Jesus' Birth and tells of how Mary and Joseph were visited by the Shepherds and Wise Men. During Advent we light a candle each week to observe the time of waiting and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus at Christmas.
Christingle
During our Christingle service we celebrate Jesus as the 'Light of the World' during Advent, Christmas and the Epiphany.