The Fiveways Benefice

Meet the team

​We have recently said goodbye to  Father Paul. Together, we built links with the church,  he held weekly assemblies and attended our community events. He also led weekly happiness project for our Keystage 2 children, with Mrs Patmore. We look forward to meeting the new incumbant of the Benefice.

 

The Happiness Project

Our wonderful Father Paul delivered a Happiness Club to our children of Boddington C of E Primary Academy.

Happiness Club

 

Here's what he has to say about it: We are working in partnership with Action for Happiness, a leading not-for-profit organisation who have given us the training. Our aim is to encourage the children to become 'Happiness Detectives' who investigate some simple keys to happiness – such as doing kind things, exercising, trying out new things, finding ways to bounce back, being comfortable with who you are, etc. For further details click here: www.actionforhappiness.org/10-keys
 
So, what would a 'Happiness After-School Bubble Club’ look like? The basic pattern would be: icebreaker; then a game/activity/challenge that promoted that week’s key; and ending with an encouragement to practise this key during the week in between. It would ideally be with the same children each week; we would need 1hour for each weekly session.
 
Here is a link for our source book that we intend to use - 50 Ways to Feel Happy - to give you a feel for the type of things we hope to cover:
www.amazon.co.uk/Ways-Feel-Happy

Messy Church

We are very fortunate to be able to work with the wonderful team from Messy Church. 

They come to our school every Thursday to deliver 'Open the Book' to all our children.

Prayer Space

​Prayer Space has run on a regular basis for the last few years.

Prayer Space

 
It is being set-up and run by members of Woodford Halse and Byfield Churches Together.  Some of you will remember that we held a Prayer Space in 2019, 2021 and 2022 which was thoroughly enjoyed and received positive comments from children, staff and families.

The Prayer Space will support different aspects of the curriculum, Religious Educations and the values of the school. Practically this will involve transforming the outdoor area at the rear of the school with various resources and installing a range of activities which will be broadly Christian and will encourage the children to think and reflect on their own lives and wider world issues from a spiritual perspective in a calm environment.  A Prayer Space is suitable for people of all faiths, or none, as it gives opportunity to be quiet and think. 

All children will be encouraged to use the space in a way that best suits them, whether that is through quiet reflection or prayer. Should a child wish to simply use their time in the Prayer Space to relax and think, they will be given the room to do so.

An exciting aspect of the Prayer Space is the fact that, as time progresses, the character and appearance of the space will begin to change as the children write, draw and interact with their various reflections and prayers.