Over 630 local children will be taking part in an ‘Experience Easter’ at Bath Abbey, designed to get Key Stage 2 pupils learning and thinking about the events leading up to Easter Day.
From Monday 24th March to Friday 4th April, seven ‘Stations of the Cross’ will be set up in different parts of the Abbey with each station representing a different theme, experience and message.
Using the Easter story, as told in the Bible, the children will get the opportunity to engage in creative thinking, art evaluation and hands-on activities to enable them to explore and reflect on the events leading up to Jesus’ death.
The visiting groups of Years 5 and 6 pupils will journey around the stations, starting with ‘Hopes and Dreams’ which represents the events on Palm Sunday and ending their session at the final two stations representing ‘The Empty Tomb’ and ‘The Resurrection’.
Visitors to the Abbey will be provided with a special leaflet that they can utilise as they walk around the Abbey so they too can spend some time reflecting about the events of Easter.
All the activities are organised by the Abbey’s Visitors’ Officer and a team of over 30 volunteers from the Abbey community.
Dawn Farmer, Visitors’ Officer for Bath Abbey said: “Sometimes all it takes is a memorable visit to somewhere special like the Abbey for the real message of Easter to have full impact.
“This is a big reason why we dedicate two weeks every year to Experience Easter, to encourage children to think about the incredible events during Holy Week and Easter Day. We’re also grateful to our team of volunteers without whom the event would not be possible.”
Pete Jones, a retired school teacher who is now one of Bath Abbey’s team of volunteers, said: “I’ve been part of the ‘Experience Easter’ workshops at the Abbey for several years now and never fail to be impressed by how enthralled the children are as they find out about the inspiring events of the first Easter.
“The story is engrossing because it is about ordinary people – like you and me and like the children we are speaking to – and their response to events beyond human understanding. Each year in the Abbey, we help bring alive the events of Easter so hundreds of young people can grasp something of the wonder of the empty tomb, and so they can experience Easter for themselves.”
Anne Bull, Headteacher of Weston All Saints C of E Primary School, said: “Our pupils very much enjoy their ‘Easter Experience’. As they move round the ‘stations’ they are reminded of the Easter Story and given time to reflect on details of the time and how this might relate to their own circumstances.
“For most, this is a unique time – encouraging personal thought in a beautiful place of worship. We very much appreciate the creativity and dedication of the Abbey staff and volunteers involved. Thank you.”
To find out more or to book a visit for your school next year, go to: www.bathabbey.org or contact Dawn Farmer on 01225 303310 or email: [email protected].
