Last Thursday morning, Year 6 pupils stepped beyond the classroom and into the vibrant world of Hindu worship with a visit to the Gujarat Hindu Society Temple in Preston. Organised once again by our dedicated RS Coordinator, Mrs Blinston, this annual trip continues to be a highlight of the cultural calendar, and this year was no exception.
Having studied Hinduism in depth with Mrs Haworth, the children arrived brimming with enthusiasm and knowledge. They confidently identified key deities such as Vishnu, Shiva, and Lakshmi, explained the significance of festivals like Diwali and Holi and asked thoughtful questions about karma, dharma, and the cycle of samsara, all key elements of the Year 6 Religious Studies curriculum.
The temple tour offered more than just visual splendour. Pupils explored the symbolism behind the shrines, observed the rituals of Puja, and learned how Hinduism is practised in daily life today. They were especially intrigued by the concept of Darshan—the act of seeing and being seen by the divine—which gave them a deeper appreciation of the spiritual atmosphere within the temple.
This immersive experience helped pupils understand that Hinduism is not just a set of beliefs, but a living, breathing tradition rooted in community, devotion, and celebration. From the rhythmic chanting of mantras to the colourful depictions of gods and goddesses, every element of the visit reinforced the values of respect, unity, and compassion.
We are incredibly proud of how our pupils engaged with the experience — curious, respectful and reflective throughout. Their maturity and insight were noted by temple staff and teachers alike.
A heartfelt thank you to Mrs Blinston for her continued commitment to enriching our pupils’ understanding of world faiths, and to the GHS Temple for their warm welcome and generosity in sharing their sacred space. A special thank you also goes to Mrs Shakespeare, who accompanied Year 6 on the trip, caring for the children and sharing her knowledge and experiences throughout the visit.
Quotes from the children.
“It felt like stepping into a storybook—every statue and colour had a meaning.” - Josh
“I loved recognising the gods we learned about in class. I spotted Vishnu straight away!” – Sebastian.
“The temple was so peaceful. I really liked the meditation part—it made me feel calm.” - Emily
“It was amazing to see how people worship in real life, not just in pictures.” - George
“I got to ring the bell – it gave me goosebumps—it was so powerful.” Genevieve.
“I didn’t realise how much I already knew until I started answering questions!” - Harriet