Pupils and teachers from eight Cambridgeshire and two Peterborough primary schools attended the ‘Let’s Get Together’ teambuilding day at Hinchingbrooke Country Park.

The teambuilding day was the first phase of the project. The aim was to encourage children from different backgrounds, cultures and faith to meet together and get to know one another, so that they were more confident in asking searching and challenging questions of each other. In the long term it is hoped that this would promote community cohesion and respect for the rich and diverse population in our country.

110 children were challenged throughout the day to work together in mixed groups. They participated in dance, art, outdoor teambuilding exercises and science based activities. Supported by four Advanced Skills Teachers, Stem Team and a Park Ranger, the children’s apprehension soon grew into enthusiasm and enjoyment as each activity proceeded. By lunchtime, the children were more relaxed and began to share stories of the morning’s activities.

A film crew of 9 children had prepared a set of culture related questions and conducted interviews of both the pupils and adults present. The resulting footage will be used to progress the project to its next phase and form the basis of a teaching DVD resource.

At the closing celebration pupils were asked to return to their schools and share their experiences of the day with peers at assemblies. Pupils will be encouraged to learn about forthcoming religious celebrations and prepare for school exchange visits. By using the STARZ digital brain video conferencing facility, the children will enter into further interfaith dialogue with each other and raise additional questions of each other’s culture.

The project’s overall objective is for the young people to gain positive attitudes and respect towards other people who hold different beliefs and values to their own before they have developed any sense of difference. It will also support their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and aid the promotion of community cohesion within their respective communities.

For further information, contact Sue Ward, R.E. Adviser,
Cambridgeshire Advisory Service on 01480 375881.