While pupils and staff across the Diocese of St Albans enjoy a well-deserved summer break, we take a moment to celebrate some of the inspiring stories from our church schools over the past term. From caring for God’s creation and supporting wellbeing, to exploring faith, courage and community, our church schools have continued to provide opportunities for pupils to grow academically, spiritually and personally. Here is a look back at just some of the highlights from the summer term.
Celebrating creation at Aldbury
Pupils at Aldbury Church of England Primary School took part in Churches Count on Nature, a national initiative that celebrates God’s creation while supporting conservation and local wildlife.
One class spent an afternoon exploring the grounds and churchyard of St John the Baptist Church, a much-loved part of the school community that overlooks the school and provides the familiar sound of church bells during Tuesday morning practice sessions.
Working in small groups, pupils identified and recorded a variety of flowers, grasses, insects and trees. There was particular excitement when they spotted both a Red Admiral and a Peacock butterfly. The experience inspired curiosity and reflection, with many pupils speaking about the beauty of the natural world and the importance of caring for God’s creation.
Finding peace through prayer at St Augustine’s
At St Augustine’s Academy in Dunstable, weekly lunchtime prayer meetings continue to offer pupils a valued opportunity for calm, reflection and connection.
Held in the Forest School area, the gatherings allow children to step away from the busy school day and spend time in a peaceful outdoor setting. Pupils come together to give thanks, share prayers and support one another, creating a strong sense of belonging and community.
Outdoor spiritual spaces at All Saints’, Datchworth
Building on the success of last year’s Spiritual Spaces experience, All Saints’ CE Primary School, Datchworth, took spirituality outdoors on 19 June.
Pupils across the school participated in a range of creative and reflective activities designed to deepen their connection with God, themselves, others and the wider world. Activities included blowing bubbles to symbolically “blow worries away”, spending time in stillness and wonder, planting seeds, exploring nature through the senses, researching countries taking part in the World Cup, and writing prayers and wishes for the world.
The event encouraged pupils to reflect on life’s big questions and was enjoyed throughout the school.
National recognition for wellbeing at St Michael’s
St Michael’s CE Primary School in Bishop’s Stortford is celebrating further recognition for its commitment to mental health and wellbeing.
Having received The Emotional and Mental Wellbeing in Schools Mark in 2024, the school has now achieved Advanced Practice accreditation. Assessors praised the school’s work in supporting the wellbeing of pupils, families and staff, highlighting measures that go “above and beyond”.
The achievement reflects St Michael’s commitment to ensuring that mental health and wellbeing remain central to its educational mission.
Celebrating Neurodiversity at Puller Memorial
Puller Memorial CE Primary School marked Neurodiversity Week with a vibrant celebration of difference, inclusion and individuality.
Each class took part in a creative door decorating project, transforming classroom entrances with colourful artwork and positive messages. The displays highlighted the importance of acceptance, respect and understanding while celebrating the different ways people think, learn and experience the world.
The project demonstrated pupils’ creativity and reinforced the school’s commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels valued, supported and able to thrive.
Learning from the Story of St Alban
Spiritual Ambassadors from Castle Federation led collective worship at both Victoria Infants’ School and Thomas Coram School this term, sharing the inspiring story of St Alban.
As part of their preparation, pupils visited St Peter’s Church where they worked with Fr Stuart to learn about St Alban and Amphibalus. They explored Alban’s conversion to Christianity and reflected on his courage in sacrificing his own life to protect another.
During worship, pupils considered how they might show bravery and courage in their everyday lives. The local connection made the story especially meaningful, helping pupils understand how faith and history continue to shape their community today.
Building Understanding at Wenlock CE Academy
Year 6 pupils at Wenlock CE Academy in Luton welcomed faith leaders from a range of traditions as part of a visit organised by the Luton Council of Faiths.
Representatives from Hindu, Baha’i and other faith communities spoke about their beliefs and shared how they work together to support the people of Luton. Pupils were encouraged to identify similarities and differences between faith traditions and to reflect on how people can live well together despite differing beliefs.
The discussion prompted thoughtful questions from pupils and highlighted the importance of curiosity, respect and understanding. Faith leaders shared examples of how communities across Luton work together to foster harmony and unity, helping pupils see how dialogue and cooperation can strengthen society.
Schools interested in arranging similar visits are encouraged to contact the diocesan interfaith advisers, who can help facilitate opportunities for pupils to explore different faiths and cultures, encouraging curiosity, understanding and respectful dialogue.
These stories offer just a snapshot of the inspiring work taking place across our church schools. Whether nurturing spiritual growth, promoting wellbeing, caring for creation, celebrating diversity or building understanding between communities, pupils have embraced opportunities to learn, reflect and to flourish in every aspect of school life.
Also from the Schools Team
The schools team have a podcast called Flourishing Together, full of engaging and relevant material for those working in schools and those interested in education and RE and spirituality in schools in particular, hosted by Ryan Parker, our RE and Christian Ethos Director.
