Foundation Years' "Living
and Growing Project" 2005

After growing plants ,Foundation years looked at the growth of babies with the whole Unit set up with "Baby Records", a weighing centre and talk about being baptised.

Enter Salem Church pictured above , to baptise two baby dolls and explain the ceremony of Christian Baptism.

This isn't easily done by the Minister as last year , St Mark's Church did the same thing in school and had much criticism from his parishioners suggesting that a "mock baptism of dolls in a school devalued the event"He fought his corner and won the argument. We live in a post Christian Society /multicultural society and it is important that our pupils understand the main strands of all religious faiths whatever our own respective beliefs.

Pupls were dressed for the baptismal service in role

And enjoyed the experience.

The ceremony is explained

And the baptism begins

The meaning of water and the cross on the head

Congratulations to the family of the baby being baptised

Meanwhile cakes are prepared.

Two of them!

Can I hold the baby?

And then the party that followed.

The pictures were taken by Y6 pupils who were fascinated.

On OFSTED's last visit to our school they were very critical about RE and Multicultural issues in school and made it a key issue for the school to address.

I don't think they will say the same again!

Many thanks to the Minister of Salem Church for taking part in a special afternoon in School.

Martin Tibbetts
Headteacher
Monday, 14 March 2005