By Mr Powell (Deputy Head Junior School)

On Wednesday, Year 6 had an amazing adventure, exploring the different religions and faiths that are right here in Bedford. We gathered ourselves together and marched through rather tempestuous weather conditions to the area of Queens park in Bedford. First, we arrived at the Jamia Masjid Gulshane Baghdad Mosque. We were invited inside and learned all about the different cultures, rituals and festivals that are involved with Islam. We learned about the importance of regular prayer and always facing Mecca. 

Next, we journeyed down the road to the All Saints Parish Church and learned from the lovely Priest all about Christianity. We learned that even within the Christian faith, different churches can focus on different aspects of the religion. We were able to get a tour round the enormous church and look at the incredible art work too. 

Finally, we moved on to visit the incredible Guru Nanak Gurdwara- what a building! We went inside, followed the customs of washing and removing our shoes and ate lunch in the langar hall. We were given a lovely tour and lesson about the different Guru's and how the Sikh faith incorporates feelings and beliefs of many other religions into its teaching. 

The girls were incredibly respectful and were able to ask some incredibly insightful questions. 

The trip really opened up our eyes to the rich cultures and different beliefs we all have and how accessible they are in Bedford. We now take our learning further by investigating the similarities and differences between many different faiths.