Exploring Faith and Community: Gordano Students’ Inspiring Trip to Bristol
Gordano students had their horizons broadened during a unique educational visit to places of worship in Bristol. The trip was designed to complement the Religious Education and PSHCE curriculum, support the ongoing work in our lunchtime Difference group and open up a space for exploring religion “from the inside.” The aim was to give students first-hand experience of different faith traditions, deepen their understanding of how beliefs shape lives, and encourage reflection in a spirit of curiosity and respect.
Led by School Flourish Chaplain Verity Eastwood Dewing and Inclusion Lead Mrs Curme, 15 students from Years 11–13 visited three significant sites: Easton Jamia Mosque, Easton Christian Family Centre, and the Catholic Cathedral Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Clifton. At the Christian Family Centre, students also learned about the vital work of Refugee Women of Bristol who were holding their weekly drop-in session there.
The student group represented a mix of perspectives—some students identify with a faith, others do not—but all approached the day with a wonderful openness and curiosity. They were richly rewarded; new understanding, insight and respect for both Islam and Christianity; hearing first-hand what it is like to be a refugee; recognising how differently the same faith can be lived out and expressed. Architecture, community work and theology all in one day- a very enriching trip!
Huge thanks to Imam Yasin at Easton Jamia Mosque, Rev David Moore at Easton Christian Family Centre, Ms Negat Hussein from Refugee Women of Bristol and Deacon Didier Delaplace at the Catholic Cathedral in Clifton as well as Sarah Bennett from Gordano Valley Church who accompanied the students - they were all amazingly generous with their time and knowledge showing the group around, asking questions and giving so much to think about.
This visit not only enriched students’ understanding but also fostered empathy and respect—key ingredients for building an inclusive school community. As one student reflected, “It was so interesting to see how faith shapes lives in so many different ways.”
In a world where we are so often fearful and divided by difference, this trip was a reminder of the power of meeting others with respectful, open, curiosity. Watching students engage so thoughtfully with people from diverse faith communities and ask such insightful questions was inspiring. The actual worship spaces’ architecture and design was also fantastic to experience: our hearts and minds were given space to be both stretched and stilled. Our perspective on the world got a little bigger
Verity Eastwood Dewing
School Flourish Chaplain
