Year 8 world religions visit

On Tuesday 30th November Year 8 went on an informative visit to the Brighton Al-Quds Mosque as well as the Brighton and Hove Reformed Synagogue. The trip was partly to increase childrens' awareness and experience of other religious traditions, but also in preparation for a Common Entrance project on World Religions. At the Mosque, the children learnt about the main beliefs and practices of Islam, witnessed a demonstration of Muslim Prayer and went on a tour, including the library and washrooms. They also had enlightening discussions on why women are required to wear headscarves in the Mosque, and on the equality of men and women within Islam which served to break down some prior misconceptions. At the Synagogue (with stained glass windows designed by Chagall) they also learnt more about Jewish worship and beliefs, making important connections between Islamic, Jewish and Christian beliefs in the process. Some children learnt a song, 'Alleluia', while others heard the fascinating and moving story of one man's loss of thirteen brothers and sisters to the Holocaust in Germany. This was told by his son, who was the guide at the Synagogue. The children were thoughtful and interested participants and learnt a lot from their experiences.