Attentive pupils from Rogiet Primary School listen to the Jewish faith representative
Monmouthshire focussed on religious education in February as Year Six pupils from across the county were given the opportunity to receive hands-on religious education at their feeder comprehensive schools.
All primary schools were invited to four special RE days at Abergavenny, Caldicot, Chepstow and Monmouth where they were introduced to the world’s major religions of Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Sikhism and the Jewish, Baha’i and Hindu faiths. Faith representatives engaged pupils with educational activities which gave an insight into their faith, answered questions and explained the significance of particular artefacts. In addition, Monmouthshire’s Schools Literacy and Resource Centre provided exciting quizzes and word searches which gave pupils opportunity to make use of its comprehensive collection of books on religion together with religious artefacts which are available for loan to all schools in the county.
The four days provided valuable opportunities to raise awareness of the prominent role religious education has in drawing communities together and allowed those taking part to understand its impact locally, regionally and nationally. The events were also a chance for Monmouthshire’s year six pupils to visit the secondary establishments they are likely to attend this September.
Children thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and were totally absorbed in the activities provided. One youngster said: “The best thing today was learning about all the different religions” while another declared: “I have learnt that everyone’s committed to their own faith but they understand each other’s as well”.
County Councillor Liz Hacket Pain, Monmouthshire’s cabinet member for Schools and Learning said: “It is wonderful to see so how many young people involved in this project. They have participated with such enthusiasm to all aspects of these special days. They have had fun with time to reflect on the meaning of faith.”
Religious Education consultant Gill Vaisey who organised the four events added:
“The response from each and every pupil has shown what a huge success the events have been and what an incredibly valuable experience it has proved to be for our Year 6 pupils across Monmouthshire.
We are so grateful to all our faith representatives and workshop providers who have given so freely and generously of their time to work with the pupils. This has been a wonderful opportunity for pupils and they have experienced how exciting and valuable it can be to learn about different beliefs and practices whilst enabling them to become better equipped to live in a mutually understanding and respectful society.”
