The initiative gave Academy students preparing for their Religious Education GCSE the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with experienced local faith leaders. It also provided prospective Year 9 students considering GCSE RE as an option with a chance to immerse themselves in the subject beyond the classroom.

Students developed a set of questions covering a diverse array of life topics and social issues, seeking insights from representatives of various faiths to gather their perspectives and teachings.

The discussions were most enlightening for our students, as not only did they gain a perspective on different religions, but they were also able to appreciate the common beliefs shared between Christianity and Islam.

The event was organised by head of RE, Mrs Halawani-Jackson, who told us: “Organising the interfaith Q&A panel as a new member of the school community was a truly rewarding experience. I am incredibly grateful to our panellists for giving up their time and for speaking so openly and candidly about their beliefs and lived experiences. Their honesty created a meaningful and engaging discussion for everyone involved."

"I would also like to commend our students, who represented the Academy exceptionally well. Their questions were thoughtful, mature, and appropriately challenging, contributing to a respectful and insightful dialogue throughout the event,” she added. 

This initiative not only enhances the students' academic curriculum but also fosters an environment of understanding and respect among different faith communities. The Academy continues to prioritise such interactions, recognising the importance of interfaith dialogue in today’s multicultural society.