Additional opportunities
At Bartley we strive to give our pupils as many different additional opportunities as possible. Some of these are based in faith or culture.
Below are just some examples of the opportunities that our children have had.
Visit from Hamza
Hamza Berat came to visit to talk to Year 6 about being a Muslim and the Islamic faith. He talked about his life in Turkey and the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) in Istanbul. Year 6 explored the similarities and differences between a mosque and a church, or their own special place. Hamza talked about why the mosque is such a sacred place and the emotional and spiritual connection that we can all feel to somewhere with special meaning.
Hamza will be returning to year 6 this term. When invited back and asked if he remembered us, he replied "Definitely, I do remember your school. The warm environment and welcoming staff with interesting conversations. Not to mention children's interaction during the sessions."
Prayer Day
This half term, we held our second Bartley prayer day. The focus of the day was to consider how we might pray in times of need or comfort, or spend some time reflecting on issues that affect the world or our more local communities. On the day, all the children in the school took part in the following activities:
Big Questions with Rev. Burnish - a chance to ask the questions we would all like to know the answers to.
Pom-Pom Prayers - creating a pom pom character with it's own unique features, celebrating the similarities and diversity of our whole school community.
Prayer Wall – Writing a prayer from the heart with Rev. Reeve
Stress Less/Sand Trays - learning to let go of the negative thoughts and stresses that get us down daily. Letting them run through our fingers like the sand.
In the past, we have also enjoyed Being Still and writing A Prayer for the World.
Visit the prayer space day website for more information and ideas:
https://prayerspacesinschools.com/prayer-spaces/what-are-prayer-spaces/
Nativity Walk
Visit from Mrs Rao
Mrs Rao, a parent from our school, came into school to talk to Year 3 about her life and faith, particularly the festival of Diwali. She talked about being a Hindu and how she celebrated through different events and festivals. Mrs Rao talked about the Hindu Festival of Inspiration in the Neasden Temple, London to commemorate the 100th birthday of Guru Pramukh Swami Maharaj. All cultures, nationalities and beliefs were welcome to attend the celebrations.
Bartley CE Junior School Peace Poles
A Peace Pole is an internationally-recognized symbol of humankind’s hopes and dreams, standing almost as a silent prayer for peace on earth. Traditionally, every Peace Pole bears the message ‘May Peace Prevail On Earth’. There are estimated to be over 250,000 peace poles in the world, dedicated as monuments to peace. They stand in every country across the globe, from the Gaza Strip to the North Pole. Peace Poles are now recognized as the most prominent international symbol and monument to peace. They remind us to think, speak and act in the spirit of peace and unity.
Our Peace Poles started their journey as a school design competition. The poles were generously donated by Soffe’s Woodyard, and throughout lockdown, a team has prepared, painted and varnished them to the children’s designs.
For more information visit: https://www.worldpeace.org/peacepoleproject
