Primary School Says 'I Do' to Learning About Celebrations
Wrexham Class at Fochriw Primary School have been learning all about celebrations in their RE classes, so they held a very special wedding at St Tyfaelog’s Church, Pontlottyn in Taff Rhymney Ministry Area to learn all about marriage.
The Religion, Values and Ethics Curriculum says 'At the early stages of their learning journey, learners begin to be aware that they grow and change over time. They experience and compare how their own and other people’s growth is acknowledged and celebrated. They can show how their lives are connected to special times and seasons. Further along their learning journey, they can explore significant life events and rites of passage, and they can discuss the roles that these play in people’s lives by drawing on religious and non-religious insights.'
Schools are encouraged to 'engage with religious and non-religious local communities, in ways that learners will enjoy and remember, and engage in role play and participate in, or observe, activities such as celebrations or re-enactments.'
Fr Alfie helped Fr Darren to marry Peyton and Roman followed by a lovely reception in the church hall. The congregation was made up of their classmates, parents and teachers, as well as some of the congregation from St Tyfaelog’s.
Classmates were also on hand to record the happy day as official photographers and a videographer.
Members of the church community decorated the hall and provided refreshments. Everyone had a lovely time although the new groom (aged 6) expressed some concern about where he’s going to live now that he’s married.
It was wonderful to see the church and school communities coming together.
Fr Darren Lynch, curate in the Taff Rhymney Area says, "I jumped at the chance to support Fochriw Primary with their mock wedding.
We've got a great relationship with the school and we always love their visits.
It's so important to me that the children see the church as somewhere they belong, because they need to see that Jesus is out here, Jesus is with them, Jesus loves them and they can have fun with him."