"In primary schools today there's a lot of pressure on the children to achieve levels and targets. As they race through the National Curriculum there's never enough time to just stop and think and wonder.

To help with this, we decided to devote a whole day to various activities which would enable all the children from Nursery to Year 6 to reflect on their own thoughts, to think about their own spirituality and to consider others in their community and in the wider world. There was also the opportunity to ask questions and offer prayers if they wanted to.

The hall was divided into four Zones using gazebos; 'Ourselves/Belonging’, ‘The World’, ‘Saying Sorry/Forgiveness’ and ‘God/Giving Thanks’. On hand were parishioners, governors and Reverend Josephine to chat to, and listen to, the children. One of the highlights was a 7 foot bubble tube hired through York Diocese.

Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 also worked with Christian Aid volunteer teacher, Eddie James, who presented a Third World trading game linked to the zones. Lunch for the school was a picnic in the glorious sunshine. The day was rounded off with Reverend Josephine leading an outdoor Collective Worship for the children, their families and parishioners from the community.

Reverend Josephine commented; “Thank you for this wonderful idea. This school is wonderful in its ideas of celebrating the self, individuality and God”

Some of the children offered their feedback too;

“The message one is really nice, perfect, peaceful. Thank you.” Year 6 student

“It was awesome, I loved the red tent, I coloured a picture of me.” Year 2 student

“I felt joyful” Year 3 student

“It was very lovely” Reception student

The day itself went better than we could ever have imagined, a lot of hard work but well worth it! Feedback was wonderful and very positive.

Philippa Corner, teacher at Lythe C.E.V.C. Primary School

To find out more about Prayer Spaces in the area around York, and to join in with a training event/workshop nearby, please contact our good friend, Olivia Seymour (Education Adviser), on oseymour@yorkdiocese.org

Posted by Phil

Phil Togwell is preparing to move North (Whitley Bay, near Newcastle, UK) with his family (three daughters - Megan, Poppy and Angel, and one wife - Emma). Phil is learning to cook, slowly. He likes curries, mountains, lengthy late-night conversations and reading books. He dislikes cats. Phil is part of 24-7 Prayer's GB team and leads the Prayer Spaces in Schools team.