This week, the Diocesan Board of Education has been hosting the Year 6 Leavers' Celebration services at Manchester Cathedral. More children have taken part than ever before, with an incredible 5000 children and staff attending eight services over just four days!
This year's theme is inspired by the Olympics and informed by Hebrews 12:1-3, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Led by Bishop Mark Davies, Chair of Diocesan Board of Education, Deborah Smith, Director of Education, and supported by the entire diocesan education team, these joyful gatherings celebrate everything that children have achieved in their primary schools and look forward to their futures as they prepare for the move to secondary school.
The children have particularly enjoyed having the opportunity to lead and take part in the interactive songs that they have been practising in school. These songs and routines have been created with iSing Pop, a charity that supports schools in creating inspirational collective worship.
During the services, pupils have been asked to write a prayer on a strip of paper in one of the colours of the Olympic rings, and then create a paper chain interlocking their prayers. They have shared their hopes, dreams and expectations for the year ahead and, by joining with others, have found strength in prayer.
You can view more photos from the services over on our Flickr account.