Holy Trinity and St Matthew Church in Ronkswood, Worcester has an excellent relationship with its local community Primary School, Perry Wood. They recently arranged for iSingPop to come into the school to work with the children, culminating in two concerts for the families.
Suzanne Beston, Head of Perry Wood Primary said: “As part of the Griffin School Trust we have an emphasis on wide horizons and so try to provide children with a range of extra curricula experiences that they wouldn’t normally have. Working with iSingPop gave parents an opportunity to see their children performing and the children themselves have absolutely loved it!”
iSingPop came into the school to teach the children the songs, which are interspersed with bible teaching. The class teachers then practiced the songs with the children ahead of the concerts.
“Our parents have said that the children have gone home full of the experience. There has been lots of enthusiasm from everyone in school and it’s brilliant to see so many people come to listen to the concerts,” said Suzanne.
The Revd Rob Farmer regularly goes into school to lead assemblies and teach religious studies and Holy Trinity and St Matthew also provides easter eggs and leavers gifts for the different year groups.
Rob said: “We have a great relationship with school, and I wanted to find a way to build on that and look to develop a new worshipping community with them. I suggested iSingPop to the school as it’s a really accessible way for the children to learn more about Christianity and enjoy themselves as well!”
iSingPop works mainly with church schools but are always very happy to come into community schools. The set of songs are the same, but they tailor the bible teaching differently depending on the context.
Sandy has worked with Perry Wood Primary. He said: “It’s important to us that the Christian message is obvious in all the songs, but with Perry Wood, we’ve looked at how the different faiths are affected by the values as well as explaining what Christians believe and how it applies to life today. It has been a lot of fun coming into the school – they have been so welcoming, friendly and enthusiastic and you can really see the good relationship between the school and church.”
Rob is now looking to use the iSingPop materials to begin to develop a New Worshipping Community in the school from September. “We want to do something that is aimed at adults as well as children and which involves hospitality. We are looking forward to working with the diocesan New Worshipping Communities Enabler, Kim Brown and our recently appointed Children and Families Worker to decide what will work best in our context.”
