Places of Worship - Further Recommendations
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Don't stereotype. Your visit to 'a' Hindu temple will give the pupils a flavour of a Hindu temple. There is a huge variety of temples and wide variation of practices and beliefs within every religion. If you visit the Jamyang Tibetan Buddhist Centre in Kennington and the Japanese Nipponzan Buddhist Temple in Battersea Park, you'll find that there are differences, just as you will find differences if you visit St. Leonard's C. of E. and Lewin Road Baptist churches in Streatham. Never say "All Hindus believe . . ." or "All Christians do . . ."!
Titles.Do ask your contacts how they like to be addressed (by you and by the pupils) - Mr, Mrs, Reverend, Father, Imam, Brother, Sister, Bishop or first name.
Photography. Ask beforehand about taking photographs.
Double check. Phone the day before to confirm the visit. Occasionally events such as a funeral will mean that a visit has to be rescheduled.
Preparation and follow-up. Think about preparation lessons - what vocabulary would help the pupils understand features of the building, basic beliefs and worship practices. You might make an exploration sheet for the children to complete. Or take sketching paper and pencils (ask first).
Think about AT1 (knowledge about religion) and AT2 (learning from religion- personal responses to eg atmosphere, symbolic meanings). Consider suitable follow-up work.
Donations. A donation should be made (not less than £1 a head is suggested). People are very generous about giving up their time (eg a guide at one place of worship is a cab driver, so he is losing his fares) to welcome schools and there's the cost of heating and lighting and refreshments may be offered. A bunch of flowers is a nice gesture. At a Sikh gurdwara, a bag of sugar or flour or pasta for the langar is appreciated.
Prepare parents. Encourage parents to accompany you on the visit. It is of great benefit if they are able to discuss the visit with their child afterwards. If there are children in the class of the faith community to be visited, consider asking their parents or grandparents to come in to school and help with preparatory lessons and follow-up. Remember, parents do have the right to withdraw their children from Religious Educational visits, but often they can be reassured, if the purpose and programme is carefully explained.
Opportunities. Be prepared to 'go with' the unexpected! If the opportunity suddenly arises to observe prayer or meet a group . . .
T: 020 792 69689
F: 020 7926 9362
International House
Canterbury Crescent
Brixton SW9 7QE
