RELIGIOUS STUDIES: London calling

RGS religious studies students enjoyed a fascinating tour of London, taking in the London Central Mosque, a cruise along the Thames, St Paul's Cathedral and the National Gallery - plus a West End show which delved into the complexities of good versus evil. MISS JACKSON reports

FIRST stop for the religious studies (RS) department's GCSE students' trip to London was the London Central Mosque, also known as Regent's Park Mosque. After a long bus journey and a brief rain shower, out came the sunshine for a fabulous snap of the group!

Students had a wonderful afternoon at the London Central Mosque. The visit was incredibly enriching and provided the students with a deeper understanding of Islam, which will greatly benefit the GCSE religious studies curriculum.

The students were respectful and engaged throughout the visit. They had the opportunity to observe prayer, learn about the mosque's architecture, and ask insightful questions about Islamic practices and beliefs before exploring an exhibit on the Prophet Muhammad and the history of the faith.

The next day kicked off with a picturesque river cruise along the Thames, giving the students the opportunity to soak in the scenery and marvel at London's iconic landmarks. We cruised past the historic Tower Bridge, the majestic London Eye, and the vibrant Southbank. The journey concluded at the heart of the city, offering stunning views of the Houses of Parliament and the timeless Big Ben.

Our Year 10 students also visited St Paul's Cathedral, and it was truly enlightening. Exploring its magnificent architecture and studying Christian symbolism was an invaluable experience. Terry, our guide, gave a captivating account of the cathedral's rich history, from its resilience during the Blitz to its stunning dome. His engaging stories brought the importance of this iconic London landmark to life. We concluded the visit by scaling the 259 spiralled steps up to the Whispering Gallery to experience its unique acoustics. It was a memorable day of learning and discovery.

To end our second jam-packed day, our Year 10 class has the thrilling experience of seeing Wicked, the musical. This captivating show connects with their studies of the Christian faith and moral philosophy, delving into the complexities of good versus evil. The title character Elphaba's journey from a misunderstood outcast to a symbol of hope is reminiscent of the Christian belief in the transformative power of grace, fellowship and forgiveness. At the same time, Wicked delves into the theme of power and its corrupting influence, serving as a cautionary tale.

It was certainly a 'Popular' hit with the students. The performance was so outstanding it ended with a standing ovation!

On their final morning in the capital, students visited the National Gallery to explore the influence of Christianity on culture and the arts.

Roughly one third of the gallery's collection features religious subjects (nearly all Christian) reflecting the significant influence the Christian faith had on European culture from the 13th to the 19th centuries.

Many artworks from this period were inspired by Bible stories and religious texts, though turning these stories into paintings was often challenging. Artists and their advisors had to figure out how to depict Christian mysteries, such as religious visions, miracles and the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. We explained to students how these artworks were originally made to inspire and strengthen faith not only in churches but in people's homes.

Students focused on religious symbolism, particularly depictions of the Trinity and the figure of Christ and also set the task to locate some of the gallery's most significant paintings such as The Adoration of the Name of Jesus by El Greco and Christ Contemplated by the Christian Soul by Diego Velázquez, as well as researching their own chosen artworks.

This educational visit has enriched their understanding of religious symbolism and hopefully inspired a deeper appreciation of the intersection of art and spirituality.

*See, below, some of the artwork on display in the National Gallery, which students studied, giving them the opportunity to delve into the diverse depictions of Christ throughout history