Bringing Easter to life- Palm Branches & Path of Praise!

5th May 2026Miss K. Wilkinson

Our Year 3s stepped back in time for an immersive RE workshop: Hosanna: The Entry to Jerusalem.

To kick off our journey toward Easter, we explored the sights and sounds of the very first Palm Sunday. The classroom was buzzing as we learned about the significance of Jesus entering Jerusalem and why this story is a cornerstone of Christian celebration.

What we explored:

The King on a Donkey: We discussed why Jesus chose a humble donkey instead of a grand horse, and what that tells us about his message of peace.

Shouts of “Hosanna!”: We learned that this word is both a shout of praise and a plea for help.

The Symbolism of Palms: Students looked at palm branches representing the “red carpet” welcome given to Jesus.

It was wonderful to see the children engage with themes of welcome, celebration, and leadership.

A Day of Discovery at St Nicholas Church!

19th February 2026Miss K. Wilkinson

Our Year 3 children had a fantastic time visiting St Nicholas Church this week as part of their RE topic, “What can we learn about Christian beliefs from visiting churches?” It was a busy afternoon of hands-on learning! The children:

  • Completed a fast-paced scavenger hunt around the building.

  • Captured photos of beautiful and historic objects.

  • Explored the bells, the pulpit, the altar, the organ, and the font with Reverend Paul.

A huge thank you to Reverend Paul for answering our many insightful questions, and to Brenda, who shared her wonderful stories of attending the church since she was just 11 years old!

Back in the classroom, the children have been busy comparing their findings with Boldon Independent Methodist Church, which they visited a few weeks back, and reflecting on how the church building helps people express their faith.

Well done, Year 3, for being such respectful and curious learners!

Comparing Sacred Spaces: Year 3 Visit Boldon Methodist Church

4th February 2026Miss K. Wilkinson

Year 3 had a lovely trip to visit Boldon Methodist church this morning.

As part of our RE topic, we are visiting places of worship to allow us to compare the similarities and differences.

The children learned lots about the history of the church and we took lots of photos of things we thought might be different in another church.

We had a tour, asked lots of questions and had an opportunity to see the organ and hear it being played. We had a great time and of course finished with learning a fun song and dance!

We can’t wait to visit St Nicholas’s church in a few weeks time.

RE Storyteller visit

11th April 2025Miss K. Wilkinson
We had a visit from an RE Storyteller who went through different workshops with Reception, Year 1/2, Year 3, Year 5 and Year 6 about components of the Easter story.
The children were really enjoyed the stories and asked lots of questions.

Enhancing the teaching of RE

20th March 2024Miss K. Wilkinson

We have been enhancing our RE teaching this half term through the use of stories. Some year groups have been lucky enough to have a very special visitor, Elizabeth, who came to lead a workshop with each class.

Reception have had a storyteller in to tell the story of the Three Trees for RE. This version of the folktale ‘Three Tall Trees’ sensitively introduces EYFS children to the Easter story, whilst also placing it in context with the story of Jesus. Incorporating actions and call and response, pupils were given the opportunity to reflect on the meaning of the Easter story for Christians.

Year 3 have had the opportunity to go through the story of Palm Sunday with the storyteller to look at the entrance into Jerusalem from a disciples perspective. Whereas, Year 5 have discussed the events leading to and after the Last Supper.

Christian Advent Calendars

19th December 2022Miss K. Wilkinson

This half term in RE, Year 3 have been learning about Advent and have been working towards answering the question “How and why is Advent important to Christians?”

Today they created their own Christian advent calendar using card, glue, colouring pencils and scissors. They coloured in each candle on the Advent Wreath to represent hope, peace, joy and love (remembering that the third candle for joy is pink and not purple), then drew a Christmas picture to be revealed behind each door.

They will then be able to take them home and open each door on each Sunday of Advent as they count down to Christmas. I’m sure you’ll agree, the finished results are fabulous!

Year 3's Christian Advent calendars

KS1 and 2 visit to St. Nicholas Church

19th December 2022Miss K. Wilkinson

Children from KS1 and KS2 took a wintry Christmas walk to St Nicholas’ Church this morning. Once there, the children sung some of their favourite Christmas songs in this beautiful environment and talked with Rev. Paul about how Christians celebrate Christmas.

Rev. Paul was very impressed with some of the questions relating to the church itself.

All of the children were so impeccably behaved and are a real credit to our school!

Thank you Rev Paul.

Year 3’s trip to ISKCON Hindu Temple, Newcastle

27th June 2022Miss K. Wilkinson

Today Year 3 went on their trip to the Hindu temple, which was lead by the lovely Kirtida.

We have learnt about Hinduism in the Autumn and now Summer term. Religious Education (RE) makes a major contribution to the education of our children here in West Boldon Primary. It helps pupils develop knowledge and understanding of religion and of the differing religions and non-religious beliefs represented in Great Britain today.

The children were able to show off their Hinduism knowledge so far, ask lots of questions and try on some Hindu clothing- sari, bangles, bindis and turbans. They learnt some dancing, musical instruments (Surbahar) and even how to play the Mridangam.

 

KS2 visit to St Nicholas’ Church

14th December 2021Miss K. Wilkinson

KS2 (Year 3-6) enjoyed a wonderful walk to St Nicholas Church this morning.

Once there, each year group sang a Christmas carol they had been practising over the last few weeks. Rev. Paul also told the children all about Advent and chose a lucky Year 3 child to come and light the candles on the Advent wreath.

Rev. Paul was really impressed with the children’s knowledge of Advent already and after that the children asked him such insightful questions about the church.

At the end of the service Rev. Paul blessed us all with a lovely Christmas prayer.

All of the children were beautifully behaved and represented our school incredibly! Well done KS2!

KS2 children listening to Rev. Paul

KS2 children listening to Rev. Paul
KS2 children listening to Rev. Paul Year 4 children singing
KS2 children listening to Rev. Paul
A child helping Rev. Paul light the candles A child helping Rev. Paul light the candles A child helping Rev. Paul light the candles
Year 4 children singing
KS2 children listening to Rev. Paul
KS2 children listening to Rev. Paul
KS2 children asking Rev. Paul questions KS2 children saying a prayer at the end of the service
KS2 children asking Rev. Paul questions

Christian Advent Calendars in Year 3

8th December 2021Miss K. Wilkinson

This half term in RE, Year 3 have been learning about Advent and have been working towards answering the question “How and why is Advent important to Christians?”

Today they created their own Christian advent calendar using card, glue, colouring pencils and scissors. They coloured in each candle on the Advent Wreath to represent hope, peace, joy and love (remembering that the third candle for joy is pink and not purple), then drew a Christmas picture to be revealed behind each door.

They will then be able to take them home and open each door on each Sunday of Advent as they count down to Christmas!

Year 3 children creating their beautiful Advent calendars Year 3 children creating their beautiful Advent calendars Year 3 children creating their beautiful Advent calendars Year 3 children creating their beautiful Advent calendars Year 3 children creating their beautiful Advent calendars An example of Year 3's beautiful Advent calendars (with doors open) An example of Year 3's beautiful Advent calendars (with doors closed) An selection of Year 3's beautiful Advent calendars