School Leavers - Moving On 2019

More than 3600 children and staff from 97 schools, together with over 600 parents took part in the celebratory services to mark Year 6 pupils preparing to move from primary schools to their secondary schools.

The theme for this year was ‘Moving on: Trusting in God’. For three days this week, the Cathedral was transformed into a set for spies exploring Canaan (to the Mission Impossible theme tune), and for Joshua and his soldiers to see the walls of Jericho come crashing down. Woven through the dramatic and energetic action, were focussed reflections and prayers, including videos of school children across the Diocese saying thank you to God for their years at primary school, giving examples of times they have trusted God, as well as prayerfully asking him to guide and support them as they make their transition to their new schools.  

It was the brainchild of Annie Spiers, from 'In Another Place', who worked with the Education Department and Cathedral events team to produce an exciting and interactive worship experience. Rev. Paul Robinson used the story to help pupils reflect on their time in primary school and to assure them that “Unlike fads, God is always with us and that we can always trust in him." Action worship songs were led by YKids and theatrical scenes and actors were from ‘In Another Place’.

Each service opened with the procession of school banners with traditional organ music resounding through the Cathedral and school choirs performing their chosen hymns beautifully. This year the schools were invited to support a local charity of their choice, and once again parents and pupils donated very generously to their chosen cause. In preparation for the service, education packs were sent to each school in advance, enabling them to explore the Story of Rahab and the spies and Joshua and the walls of Jericho.

Fr Richard Peers, Diocesan Director of Education, said “These services give us the collective opportunity to celebrate in worship and give prayerful thanks for the children as their time at primary school ends, and they prepare for moving on to secondary school. It is wonderful to witness Jesus at the heart of our schools and in our shared worship acknowledge the love Jesus has for each and every one of his children.”