World Religion Day falls on the third Sunday in January each year. The day is an opportunity to promote understanding and peace between all religions. As a way of celebrating the day, the boys and girls at Harlow Green have all been learning about the Sikh faith. Throughout the school, there was a lovely atmosphere as children participated in a range of activities to develop their knowledge and understanding of Sikhi.
In Early Years, the children listened to a story about Guru Har Rai that teaches about looking after plants and animals and having respect for nature. They planted flowers, painted pictures of flowers and made bird seed cakes/feeders.
Key Stage One spent time learning about the Gurdwara – the Sikh place of worship. Year 1 created Nishaan Sahib flags which are flown outside Gurdwaras and Year 2 visited a Gurdwara in Newcastle. They had a tour of the rooms inside and listened to some Sikh music.
In Key Stage 2, children explored the main beliefs and the 5Ks. They learned about the 10 Gurus and the festival of Vaisakhi which marks the beginning of the Sikh community known as the Khalsa. Children in Year 5 and 6 learned a dance from northern India where Sikhism was founded while Year 3 and 4 had a visitor from the Gurdwara. As part of this session, they had a go at meditation which they all found very relaxing.
Article 13: We all have the right to share what we learn, think and feel with others.
Article 14: We all have the right to follow our own religion.
