Bishop Aldhelm’s C.E. Primary School enjoys very close links with the parish church of St. Aldhelm’s, Branksome. We attend the church for worship on occasions throughout the year.
Reverend Philip Martin (Fr. Pip) is the Vicar at St. Aldhelm’s Church, with Mother Robyn as our Curate.
Our children are familiar with the history of St. Aldhelm whose day, May 25th, is celebrated each year. Groups of older children enjoy a pilgrimage to St. Aldhelm’s Head on the Purbeck coastline before leaving for secondary school.
Fr. Pip and Mother Robyn regularly lead worships for school and other members of the church also visit to lead worship. There is daily worship in school either in the main hall or in classrooms led by teachers.
Parents do have the right to withdraw their children from worship by informing the Head Teacher in writing.
A Reflection is published in our Newsletters. This is another opportunity for us to pray and reflect as a community. The reflection links to our worship theme for the week.
Children are welcome at all the main church services. There is a ‘children’s area’ with books and quiet toys available. Most months (usually on the 1st Sunday) the ‘All Age Service’ is suitable for children and their families.
The church also welcomes any enquiries regarding baptism (aka ‘Christening’). We will also be pleased to receive any requests for prayer and pastoral support for children and families associated with the school.
The website for the parish church of St. Aldhelm’s Branksome is www.st-aldhelm.com and to join the church facebook site go to – St Aldhelm’s Church, Branksome. The church also produces a monthly parish magazine to which the school contributes a double page spread to share our recent activities with the wider community; copies are available either from the church or school office.