Experience

The Experience Program seeks to teach and explore the four most important festivals in the Church’s calendar - Christmas, Harvest, Easter and Pentecost - with primary school children in an interactive and stimulating way.

The Program was developed within the Diocese of Gloucester to support Religious Education teaching in schools and introduced by a dedicated Lay Reader to St Michel’s Church, Kingsteignton, over ten years ago.

Year groups of children from each of the three primary schools in Kingsteignton are invited to join a committed team of Experiencers to explore and learn more about each festival. The use of age-appropriate language and activities ensures all pupils may benefit from an Experience. The various elements of each festival are depicted in different parts of the church, providing a visual reference to that part of the story. The children move round to each section, participating in relevant activities that enhance their learning. During their primary school years, the children will have the opportunity to come to each festival’s Experience.

Experience Thanks Board

The cards received from children and their teachers indicate how much they have enjoyed the Experiences and the impact on their lives. The Experience Team is humbled to have this unique opportunity to welcome 150 children and accompanying adults to each Experience: the enthusiasm for and enjoyment of the Experience Program continues to reward. It is firmly established in St. Michael’s Events’ calendar.