CHILDREN at St John's Church Of England Primary School in Midsomer Norton brought ‘World Religion Day’ to life on Monday with a vibrant day of discovery.

The event was dedicated to fostering peace and mutual understanding. Through a series of engaging and creative activities students saw their school transform into a hub of global culture and philosophical inquiry.

The day kicked off with a powerful morning worship led by the student led Ethos Committee. Following the assembly, classrooms moved beyond their usual curriculum to explore faiths and worldviews they had never encountered before. The variety of study was impressive, spanning ancient traditions to modern philosophical perspectives:

The children stepped outside their comfort zones to learn new things
The children stepped outside their comfort zones to learn new things

The youngest learners took their first steps into Islam, learning about the values of community and charity. Classrooms in Key Stage 1 and lower key stage two were filled with the serene stories of Buddhism and the balanced principles of Taoism. Year 6 dived into the intricate rituals of Shinto, while others explored Humanism, discussing how people can lead ethical lives based on reason and empathy.

The day wasn’t just about reading from textbooks. The children engaged in a whirlwind of activities, from creating intricate art pieces to participating in reflective discussions.

Mrs D West-Gaul, headteacher, said the atmosphere throughout the school was one of genuine curiosity. By stepping outside their comfort zones, the pupils at St John’s haven’t just learned about "other" religions, they’ve learned how to be better global citizens.

She added: “It has been a joy to watch our students dive into the 'big questions' of life during our World Religion Day celebrations. By exploring the traditions, stories, and philosophies of different global faiths, our children aren't just learning facts, they are developing a deeper sense of perspective on the world around them.”