Year 1 visit the Church of St Peter and St Paul, Great Missenden

We have enjoyed our RE topic ‘Naming Ceremonies’ this half term, where we have learnt about both Christian and Hindu ceremonies. Last week we walked up to the Church of St Peter and St Paul in Great Missenden. The vicar Carolyn talked to us about how she baptises a baby using holy water from the new glass font. The old font leaks if they put water in it. At the Sunday service, the Godparents promise to help the parents look after the baby and the baby is named. We learnt that they sing hymns and have a party after the service, and everyone enjoys eating the Christening cake.

Miss Sonam, our student teacher, talked to us about a Hindu naming ceremony called Nankaran. The priest gives the parents the initial letter for the baby’s name and the grandmother helps to choose the name. The name is whispered in the baby’s right ear. Some water is sprinkled on the baby’s head and some sweetened water may be placed on the baby’s lips to wish them a sweet life. We looked at pictures of the family dressed in their best clothes, the ladies wore colourful saris. At the ceremony special songs are sung. Afterwards there is a big feast for all the guests.

We found out that both Baptism and Nankaran ceremonies use special water, that all the family and friends attend the ceremony and that afterwards there is a party to celebrate the naming of the baby.

Next week we will look forward to seeing parents at the Parental Guidance evening at 1900 on Monday 13th. Teachers will be demonstrating how we teach maths, guided reading, spelling and writing.