It’s Interfaith Week and Years 7-9 had the chance to learn more about different religions and the positive impact of faith with a host of visitors to school. 

Pupils and staff from Blessed Trinity led a variety of workshops. 

Mrs Scott and the Eco group used recycled objects to improve the school environment, Mr Shahid and pupils who meet for Jummah prayer spoke about the Five Pillars and Miss Seymour, who runs the Equalities Club, taught pupils how and why religions are connected to protected characteristics.

Mr Chohan helped pupils learn about Divali while other staff led lessons on Hanukkah. 
In Food Technology, the pupils followed instructions from Mrs Lebbon to make food eaten at a Jewish Shabbat Meal including Challah Bread, while also being educated about the story behind it. 

Building Bridges in Burnley also worked with Blessed Trinity to provide workshops such as Bollywood Dancing with Neetah Parekh from Lancashire County Council, a drumming session which was popular, Arabic calligraphy and a Quaker who spoke about his spiritual journey. 

‘New Neighbours’ are refugees who have been rehomed and they talked about their experiences, while a couple from the Baha’i Faith spoke to pupils about the value of all religions.

Pastor Mick, from the Church on the Street, moved some pupils to tears as he talked to them about a life of addiction before he found God.  

“I come here every year talking about how I wasn’t the best behaved at school but how I turned my life around. The pupils have been very attentive.” 

In another session, Father David introduced pupils to Jesuit prayer.  

Pupils also experienced Buddhist meditation, explored Sikhism with speakers from Preston and Islam with students from Lancaster University. 

Dominic Aunger from Cafod spoke about how Catholic Social Teaching impacts on life, Faith Friends shared their stories of how, despite being different religions, they move forward together and Youth Work Lecturer Bren Cook led communication games and a discussion about the importance of communication to reduce conflict.

Bea Foster shared her experience of working with The Tent of Nations in Palestine who bring together people of all faiths saying, "We refused to be enemies". 

Minna Moffat-Feldman and Caritas director Kath Ansley helped pupils look at the importance of inclusion and pupils learned about lip reading and sign language, while Bob Turner educated pupils about the prevention of plastic pollution and the centrality of faith in his work in Cambodia. 

Associate Assistant Head Mrs Thompson said: “Inter Faith Day is important at Blessed Trinity. While pupils may not have their usual lessons, they learn valuable life lessons, celebrating the many different faiths in the UK and the impact faith has on our communities.  It’s so important to have knowledge of other beliefs and cultures and be respectful of them.”