Advent
Advent is the period leading up to Christmas and is the start of the church's year. It starts on the Sunday nearest to 30 November and ends on the fourth Sunday before 25 December. The word 'advent' means 'coming'. It is a time of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus.

Every year, we celebrate Advent by ensuring that the children understand the meaning and significance of waiting. Each class has an Advent wreath that they make and present at a special assembly to mark the beginning of this special season. Class worship during Advent focuses on the themes of hope, joy, love and peace. 

Each year the children from Reception and Key Stage 1 prepare and perform the Nativity, an annual highlight for parents.

Lent
Lent is the period of 40 days which comes before Easter. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, Lent is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. During Lent it is traditional to reflect on the Stations of the Cross. The Stations of the Cross tell the story of Jesus' last day on earth. On Lenten Reflection Day, our children reflect on the themes of Lent and Easter through a series of prayer stations.

Every year, a group of children will have the opportunity to observe the Stations of the Cross at Golden Acre Park, bringing prayer and reflection into nature and using the peace of the setting to enhance the experience of meeting God outdoors. The children participate in and organise fundraising activities towards the Good Shepherd Appeal. The appeal culminates in Leeds Cathedral, when representatives from the schools parent what they have raised to the Bishop.

 

Holy Week

We mark Holy Week by gathering together as a school throughout the week to remember the story of Jesus' passion, death and resurrection.