CHILDREN at primary schools in Downend have learned about the spiritual and practical aspects of the traditional harvest festival with special events.
Year 2 pupils at Christ Church Infant School visited nearby Christ Church in October for an event called Experience Harvest, delivered by Rev Dan Watts with help from church staff and volunteers.
Head teacher Anna Martin said: “The event helped the children to explore the harvesting of the land and the spiritual harvest in our lives.
“It enables our children to gain a fuller understanding of the significance of nature’s cycles of growth, and to explore Christian beliefs if they wish to.
“CCI staff and children feel so lucky to be so well supported by Christ Church, as Christian celebrations such as Harvest, Christmas and Easter are really brought to life through engaging and practical activities in the beautiful setting of the church.”
At Bromley Heath Junior School, pupils came together for a celebration assembly to mark their harvest festival, with singing and donations of food for the North Bristol and South Gloucestershire Foodbank.
The school has a tradition of sharing a giant harvest festival wheat sheaf loaf, provided by Bakers Corner in Kingswood, among the children. The school’s youngest pupil in the school was given the bread ‘mouse’ that decorated the bottom of the loaf.
Head teacher Tracy Serle said: “I really love this time of year at school. It’s a great time of learning and community across the school and beyond.
“We have built some lovely traditions over the years, and it’s great to see how the children recognise and look forward to these, whether it’s sharing the harvest loaf, or bringing together our donations for the community.”