Have a look at some of the festivals we have have been celebrating this year. We have done some amazing things and have had so much fun!
Autumn term
Celebrating Harvest
Harvest is the most special time for Christians and as a school we have been learning what Christians believe about Harvest and how it is celebrated.
As we share and learn together, we are increasing our understanding and respect for others who may, or may not be of the same faith as ourselves.
Reception celebrated Harvest by reading the story of the Little Red Hen and then making Pizza.
Assembly
We had a special Harvest assembly and invited parents in to celebrate with us. The reading ambassadors put on a special performance helping us to share the experience. There was also lots of singing
The school worked hard to create a whole school display!
Give a little
As part of the Harvest Festival it is A Christian tradition to donate or give something to show their appreciation for the Farmers who have given us food to eat and God for helping the crops to grow. Here at Southwick we chose to donate our time. Parents came into school and helped to read with the children, play game and spend time with one another. After school more parents donated their time to help to improve our school Library and plant some bulbs and complete a little pick to help improve our outdoor area.
We want to say a massive thank you to all of you who helped to contribute.
Eid Al Fitr
Year 1 children have been learning about Eid. They learned about the traditions around this Muslim festival and how it is celebrated. They celebrated in class by making these amazing Fanous! Fanous or Fanoos are an Egyptian folk and traditional lantern used to decorate streets and homes in the month of Ramadan. With their origins in Egypt, they have since spread across the Muslim world and are a common symbol associated with the holy month. Look how lovely they are!
Sukkott
In year 3 the children leaned all about the festival of Sukkott. Sukkot is a festival celebrated by Jewish people around the world, starting on 29 September 2024, and lasting for one week (or eight days in countries outside Israel) ending on 6 October 2024.
The festival is a way to give thanks for a successful harvest, just like a Christian Harvest Festival.
People celebrate Sukkot at home and at a synagogue with family and friends, with a big meal at the end.
Year 3 took part in some of these celebrations in class and had lots of fun doing it. .
Celebrating Diwali
Year 3
In Year 3 the children have been learning about Hinduism. They have been fascinated about learning about the different culture and their beliefs. They have worked hard to progress their skills in RE and learning to compare and contrast differing faiths.
The word Diwali means ‘rows of lighted lamps’. It is celebrated by Hindu people across the world.
Diwali is known as the ‘festival of lights’ because houses, shops and public places are decorated with small oil lamps called ‘diyas’. They also love to dress in new clothing and dance to music. Year 3 enjoyed moving to some authentic India music and loved learning some new dance moves.
EYFS
Nursery and Reception also loved learning about Diwali. This is what they have been up to during this festival.
Celebrating Christmas
This Autumn term the children learn and revisit the reason Christians celebrate Jesus. These are some of the things they have been doing.
Nursery
Nursery had a visit from Church leader Jen who came in to Southwick to talk to the children and read the story of the first Christmas.
Reception and Year 1
Reception and year 1 went to visit Holy Trinity Church and took part in lots of activities after listening to the bible story retelling the birth of Jesus. The children all enjoyed acting out the story of Jesus Birth through play.
Reception
Year 1
Reception also completed some homework where they had to create a nativity scene. There were some fantastic creations for sure.
The Singing Square
This year to celebrate Christmas we took part in a Singing Square Competition. Each year group chose a famous Christmas song and spent time learning the words and a routine or actions to match. We took it in turns to sing and move to the music in the sports hall. Everyone cheered and loved watching the other perform their routines. There were some big surprises. It was a really fun way to celebrate Christmas.
Reception
Year 1
Year 2
Year 4
Year 5
Carol service
To bring a close to this term, the children this week performed a very beautiful Christmas Carol Service. They performed some classic and more modern takes on Christmas songs to the delight of the attendees. Thank you to Year 6 for your amazing readings and of course Reception for acting out our Nativity story.
Other than that, we now go into Christmas looking forward to a well earned break and time to spend with our loved ones.
We wish you all a very merry Christmas and look forward to welcoming everyone back together in the New Year.
